This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Recently I took seven colleagues who came to Utah for a meeting of the Advisory Council of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to Moab to hike Delicate Arch. As a group of professionals who work every day to end sexual violence, we noticed that the culture of Arches National Park reflected the values we want to see in the world.
As we hiked up the trail we were constantly given encouragement that we could make it to the top and that the end would be worth the struggle. People stopped and offered a steadying hand to get over rough spots on the trail. At the Arch, people patiently waited not only to have their pictures taken, but also offered to take pictures for individuals and families who wanted to preserve that cherished moment. One man offered his umbrella to provide much needed shade.
How people were treated on the trail was not based on age, ability or where they were from. On a hot day in Utah friends and strangers shared what is best about America, the ability to overcome a challenge and to give everyone a feeling of accomplishment. I cannot live in a national park, but I will try to use the lessons learned every day.
Susan Chasson
Provo