Center for Expanding Compassion

Act Local Community Night
2025-03-10 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Bright Building, 25 W 400 S, Provo, Utah, 84601, United States
A night to connect face to face with local community members and organizations. We will have booths from hobby groups, volunteer opportunities, and more. Come find your people!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or discouraged with the state of the world, you are not alone. We’ve been feeling the same way. Inspired by Mr. Rogers’ mother’s advice–to “look for the helpers,” we are gathering helpers and other community minded people. If we want change, let’s start by building the strongest community we can. Come be inspired and see what this might look like for you.

Community Home Evening - How to Have Better Conversations
2025-09-15 19:00 - 20:30
All ages are welcome at our Community Home Evenings! While adults join in the main activity, kids of all ages will have engaging, age-appropriate activities with on-site volunteers.

This month, we’ll explore how to have better conversations. We all have conversations we wish could go differently, or people we wish we could connect with more easily. The good news is—it’s easier than you think! Join us for an evening of learning and practice where we’ll focus on building meaningful connection through:

Listening for meaning and feeling

Replacing judgement with curiosity

Finding shared values

Come practice these skills in a supportive setting and discover how better conversations can bring more connection into your life and community.

Utah State Hospital Chapel – 1300 E. Center St., Provo

Community Home Evening
2025-10-13 19:00 - 20:30
This month at Community Home Evening, we’ll focus on civic engagement-how each of us can get more involved in local politics and community matters. Together, we’ll also continue practicing the art of civil conversations, building skills for listening, understanding, and connecting across differences.

All ages are welcome at our Community Home Evenings! While adults join in the main activity, kids of all ages will have engaging, age-appropriate activities with on-site volunteers. If you plan to bring children under age 16, please RSVP by emailing expandingcompassion@gmail.com. Tell us how many kids will be coming and what their ages are.

Location: Utah State Hospital Chapel – 1300 East Center St. in Provo

Community Home Evening
2025-11-03 19:00 - 20:30
This month we’ll hear from Professor Ben Gibbs, who will explore how our natural desire for belonging can sometimes be diverted by “counterfeit” versions of community—spaces or systems that promise connection but leave us feeling more isolated. Drawing on sociological insight, he’ll help us identify what makes community genuine and share practical ways we can foster true belonging in our lives.

All ages are welcome at our Community Home Evenings! While adults join in the main activity, kids of all ages will have engaging, age-appropriate activities with on-site volunteers.

If you plan to bring children under 16, please RSVP by emailing expandingcompassion@gmail.com. Tell us how many kids will be coming and what their ages are.

Community Home Evening
2025-12-01 19:00 - 20:30
Come learn the powerful communication habit that diffuses tension! Our minds are quick to judge and label—whether it’s people who see the world differently, family members we struggle to understand, or even ourselves. This reflex can create division and shut down curiosity.

At this Community Home Evening, we’ll explore the essential skills of nonjudgmental thinking and communication and practice them together. These simple but powerful habits promote self-compassion, foster connection, strengthen civil discourse, and help us build a more peaceful world.

All ages are welcome at our Community Home Evenings! While adults join in the main activity, kids of all ages will have engaging, age-appropriate activities with on-site volunteers.

If you plan to bring children under 16, please RSVP by emailing expandingcompassion@gmail.com. Tell us how many kids will be coming and what their ages are.

We meet at the Utah State Hospital Chapel, 1300 E. Center Street in Provo.

Join or Die film screening
2026-02-09 19:00 - 21:00
Join Center for Expanding Compassion at the Provo Library Bullock Room (#309) for a free community screening of Join or Die, a documentary exploring the importance of social connection, civic participation, and community life in America. It follows the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary “Bowling Alone” research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis.

Following the film, there will be time for reflection and discussion about how strengthening local relationships can support a healthier, more connected society. This event is free and open to the public.

View trailer HERE

Act Local Community Night
2026-03-12 18:30 - 21:00
Act Local Community Night is a free, open-house event designed to help you discover ways to get involved and engaged in your community.

Whether you’re interested in volunteering, joining a hobby or social group, participating in local government, or supporting a cause you care about, this evening brings together a wide range of local organizations in one welcoming space. Walk around, meet organizers, ask questions, and explore opportunities at your own pace.

This event will be held in the Provo City Library Ballroom (550 N. University Ave.) and is sponsored by Center for Expanding Compassion and Engage: A Forum for Civic Renewal.
