“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito.” This African proverb resonates with anyone involved in grassroots activism. Time and again, citizens have demonstrated the immense power of organizing and stepping up when needed. Heidi Balderree’s journey exemplifies this phenomenon.
Heidi, a resident of Saratoga Springs, Utah, could not have imagined how much her life would change. In 2014, she was drawn into a local policy battle that threatened her town's safety and security. She began organizing with other concerned citizens, creating a grassroots presence in the state. Reflecting on those early days, Heidi said, “There were lots of concerned citizens, but there just wasn’t one particular location where people could band together and have all the types of resources. It was very, very authentically, organically grassroots. I thought that’s about where it would end. And boy, was I wrong.”
Heidi initially aimed to protect her community without realizing she would become a pivotal figure in grassroots organizing in Utah. At that time, the state lacked resources for change-makers, stunting activists' impact and leaving them feeling powerless.
The turning point came in 2015 when Americans for Prosperity (AFP) launched their Utah chapter. AFP brought experts in grassroots organizing, sophisticated data intelligence, cutting-edge technology, formal training sessions, and connections with lawmakers and key stakeholders. Heather Andrews, then Director of Field Operations for Utah at AFP, recognized Heidi’s passion and suggested she join the AFP Foundation’s Grassroots Leadership Academy training in Utah.
“They just provide so many resources that were beyond what I could do as an individual,” Heidi remarked. She felt aligned with AFP's values and mission to elevate citizen voices. Over ten years, Heidi transitioned from AFP volunteer to employee while honing her advocacy skills. She played significant roles in tax reform bills and opposed efforts to expand Medicaid to able-bodied adults.
In 2023, Utah State Senator Jake Anderegg announced his resignation from his post, leaving the District 22 Senate seat vacant. Text messages flooded Heidi’s phone urging her to run for office.
“There was no shortage of people raising their hands and eager to help her get involved and advocate for her on whatever level she needed,” Heather noted.
With less than a month to campaign, Heidi leveraged her grassroots experience by organizing and canvassing tirelessly. Despite facing well-connected opponents with extensive political networks, she won the election and was sworn into the state senate in October 2023.
Once in office, Heidi quickly made her mark by spearheading successful bills such as SB 0047 Local Government Business License Amendments and SB 0100 Local Referenda Amendments—initiatives stemming directly from relationships forged through her grassroots efforts.
Heidi remains an ally of AFP in the statehouse while empowering individuals and challenging big government policies in Utah.
Heidi Balderree’s story illustrates the power of grassroots organizing—from kitchen meetings to the state senate—showing that even small voices can make monumental differences.
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