The Foraker Group

December can be a mad dash – a frenzy to the finish line of the year. The intensity of holiday pressures to buy, consume, and engage are often compounded by the daily routines and year-end work pressures that for many already feel overwhelming. So rather than reminding you of your to-do list and encouraging the rush to the end of the year, I thought we could all use a reminder of what the quieter side of leadership looks like. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to stop – slow down – and reflect. I am also inspired by this idea because we are nearing the eve of 2020 – the year of hindsight and insight. Seriously, how many times have you said, “hindsight is 2020?” The… Read more »

As a nonprofit leader, you can play a big role as a census champion for Alaska.  Building trust, getting the word out to your network, talking about why it is important, and celebrating the fundamental pieces of our democracy are all part of the fun.  Join us for an engaging hour of conversation and exploration into how you can be part of a statewide education campaign — Alaska Counts — and do your part to make sure every Alaskan is counted in the 2020 Census. In this session, you’ll learn: Why being a census champion is important to Alaska and your network The timeline and when to engage in the 2020 Census in Alaska (hint…Now) How to use the Alaska Counts Nonprofit Toolkit to activate and engage those around you… Read more »

ELI — Mentoring and community for executive directors in their first three years of leadership. We believe successful leaders are supported leaders. With the Executive Leadership Intensive, you’ll find safe space where you can access tools and resources to help you grow into your role as executive director. During this program, you will strengthen your board relationship, explore management and planning strategies with an experienced mentor, and learn from a network of peers. Applications are due December 6. The program starts January 22. Apply here. Why participate in the ELI? Community: You will meet fellow executive directors who are committed to creating a supportive environment as you all focus on organizational culture, your board relationship, and the day-to-day operations of running a successful nonprofit. Board Support: Your relationship with the board is critical to a… Read more »

As a benefit to Partners, we offer free half-hour phone consultations on a variety of topics. This quarter the topic is about preparing for the 2020 legislative session. The session will be held on Wednesday, December 11. Is your organization considering advocating on the state budget? Or maybe you already have an advocacy program in place. Many nonprofits were involved over the summer in advocacy related to the budget vetoes – and our sector was heard!  In this session of Ask the Expert, we will focus on the state budget and how to plan for the 2020 legislative session that begins in January. Dr. Mike Walsh, Foraker’s Vice President for Public Policy, will be on the line to check in with board chairs, board members, and CEOs, providing insight and… Read more »

It is necessary for us to reschedule this session. Please watch this blog and our class calendar for the new date and time. Support comes in many forms, both formal and informal. Come share and learn ways we can help one another as CEOs.  Maybe you are looking for specific connections to help move a project forward, or to navigate the political or economic climate. Maybe you are new to the field, or to your role. Maybe you just need a boost. Whatever the reason, we will explore the options together. Serving as a CEO doesn’t have to be lonely. Let’s connect and move ahead — supporting one another. CEO Connect — Supporting One Another will be held on Friday, November 22, 12:00 pm at the Foraker office, 161 Klevin St., Suite 101,… Read more »

This is a critical time for nonprofit leaders — staff and board members — to comment on Governor Dunleavy’s FY2019 proposed budget. This budget will have a long-lasting impact on virtually all nonprofits and their ability to carry out missions. December 15 is the deadline for comment. During this webinar, Foraker’s VP and Director of Public Policy Mike Walsh will provide an update on the budget, offer suggestions for ways to make your voice heard, and take any questions you may have on the budget process and how to be involved. This is an important session for you and your board members. Advocacy in Action will take place Thursday, November 14, 9:00-10:30 am. Details on the webinar and a link to register are available here…. Read more »

I am reminded fairly regularly that nonprofit folks are not very good at celebrating. The reputation of our sector is to reach a milestone, then put our heads back down and get right back to work. The norm of celebrating small wins or even big wins is lost on too many of us. A handful of years ago, I was reminded that even among members of the Foraker team, pausing to celebrate needed to become more a part of our culture. With a never-ending list of ideas, and a sector always hungry for more, along with my own desire to get to results, I had to make celebration a conscious and authentic part of our work life. It is not uncommon now to see us do a happy dance in… Read more »

Starting January 1, 2020, the federal rules change for determining which employees are entitled to overtime pay and which can be treated as exempt white-collar workers. To learn if you need to adjust your pay practices to ensure you are fully complying with the law, we invite you to join a webinar on Tuesday, November 5, at 11:00 am Alaska time. Details and registration are available here. In late August, the U.S. Department of Labor issued its Overtime Final Rule that raises the minimum salary threshold that white-collar employees must be paid to remain exempt from overtime. Effective at the start of 2020, the rule raises the salary threshold from $455 per week ($23,660 per year) to $684 per week ($35,568 per year). The new rule also raises the threshold… Read more »

Foraker is hiring for three positions! We’re seeking a Director of Leadership Transition, a Leadership Transition Coordinator, and a Lead Capacity Builder. Join our dynamic team! Learn more here…. Read more »

When I was a kid, I didn’t like candy very much, but I sure loved Halloween. I loved the creativity of a handmade costume and the bonus of Alaska Halloweens that required an indoor version and an outdoor version that could accommodate my snow pants and Moonboots. I lived on a dirt road with few neighbors, so I also loved the thrill of going to the neighborhoods of friends and feeling that sense of community that neighbors bring. But truly, the best part was sitting “crisscross applesauce” in a circle at the end of the night with my friends and trading for the candy my mom loved the most. She always seemed so surprised and pleased at the same time – relishing the treats she loved but would never just… Read more »