DWS News

February 09, 2010

Marriage Commission Celebrates Marriage Week USA

Salt Lake City - The Utah Commission on Marriage encourages all to reflect on and celebrate the value of a healthy marriage. The purpose of Marriage Week USA is to celebrate the importance of a healthy marriage in our communities. Marriage Week USA has been an annual event since 2002. It is celebrated to coincide with Valentine’s Day as it falls on February 7 to February 14 every year.

Utah taxpayers spend upwards of $276 million per year on the effects of divorce and out-of-wedlock pregnancy. The U.S. spends upwards of $112 billion per year on family fragmentation. "Helping those who wish to marry prepare for and sustain a healthy relationship may reduce the need for costly social programs," says Melanie Reese, Coordinator of the Department of Workforce Services' Healthy Marriage Initiative.

This year’s main event will be a training seminar for therapists, professional and faith-based counselors, family life educators and all who counsel with couples. This will be held on Friday, Feb 12th at the Salt Palace Convention Center and features Dr. John Gottman. John Gottman is a Psychologist known for his work on marital stability and relationship analysis through scientific direct observations. In his book, The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work, Gottman discusses behaviors he has observed that are successful and those that are detrimental to marriage based on his research. He has developed seven principles that will reinforce the positive aspects of a relationship and help marriages endure during the rough moments. The event is sold out with 1,600 registered participants.

Other public events around the state can be found by logging onto utahmarriage.org and clicking on the events tab. For more information on Marriage Week USA, contact Melanie Reese, Program Coordinator at 801-468-0043.

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Curt Stewart
Public Information Officer
Utah Department of Workforce Services
801-526-4315