We know our readers care about getting involved in their communities, so this section, Arizona, Activated, lets you know about upcoming opportunities. 

Here’s one event to consider this week:

Crochet Sleeping Mats for Folks Sleeping Outdoors

When: Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. to noon

Where: 627 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa

Description: “It takes 500-700 plastic bags to complete a sleeping mat that measures 6 feet by 2.5 feet. These are very useful items for people who must sleep on the ground … Families are encouraged to attend! Children can contribute to the project by learning and working as a team with their grownups. The completed mats and other projects, along with hygiene items and needed essentials, are donated to the Human Services Campus every month.”

Want more? We post weekly roundups of ways to get involved. Our friends at Collective Phoenix also keep a running list of events related to civics, advocacy, and volunteerism. You can follow them on Instagram for updates. 

Share yours: What’s something you’ve done so far this year to better your community? Let me know!

Here’s what reader Luanne W. is doing:

💬 “I do landscape work around our community. Planting, weeding, cleaning and taking care of plants. Removing trash and debris, disposing of both properly. Rearranging blocks used as borders.” 

The ground floor of the Phoenix tower will include a 1,300-square-foot grocer, café and wine bar called Del Ray.

From news on foreclosures in Maricopa County to tips on using unusual items for storage, here’s a quick recap of helpful links for Phoenix renters.

From gay bars to drag bingo and more, check out these colorful Pride Month events across Arizona to get involved and feel uplifted—no parade required.

Sen. Mark Kelly made an appearance at Arizona State University on Sunday afternoon, as part of the “Kick Out Corruption Tour” organized by the groups End Citizens United and Stand Up America. The national tour is focused on making the connection between rising costs and corruption in Washington, and elevating solutions.

Arizona’s senator was the headliner for the tour’s kickoff event. Afterwards, he sat down for a 1:1 with Copper Courier reporter Rob Gundran to talk about how the US Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision changed American democracy. 

“[Citizens United] has resulted in a government that is not working for the American people, and a government that is mostly working for the billionaires and millionaires,” Kelly said. 

“Since 2010 you have seen an enormous portion of this country’s wealth move from hard-working people from the middle class into the pockets of people like Donald Trump and his family.” 

Check out our coverage of the event and Rob’s interview on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and read national correspondent Camaron Stevenson’s article on the tour at couriernewsroom.com.