The Foraker Group

Barrow At the end of whaling season the residents of Barrow celebrate their bounty. It’s called Nalukataq. The successful crews who work together to harvest this important and meaningful subsistence food now share with the entire community. Elders sit around the perimeter of the activity to observe and assure all is well while children run freely in the excitement of the moment. The traditional blanket toss, first used as a technique to spot whales, is a highlight for all adding to the high energy and celebration. Today’s smidgen of insight is that community and celebration are intertwined. We need each other and having predictable ways of expressing this connectedness is important. Dennis… Read more »

Each year the Rasmuson Foundation generously offers sabbaticals to nonprofit leaders, allowing them to take time away from the office to refresh and energize. Learn more about the program and how you can apply by clicking here…. Read more »

Just a reminder — the deadline for applying for this year’s Foraker Certificate program is June 28. Click here for more information…. Read more »

Have you checked out our Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence program? We’re taking appllications right now. Click here to learn more…. Read more »

Are you interested in a program for nonprofit leaders who are ready to explore their path, energize, envision their next steps, and enhance what they have to offer? Check out our Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence program. Click here. Deadline for application is July 27. Our graduates from last year tell us it was a “powerful experience” that helped them clarify their leadership style and the way they engage in their lives. Please note that the dates for the opening sessions in September have changed slightly since our earlier post…. Read more »

Are you interested in a program for nonprofit leaders who are ready to explore their path, energize, envision their next steps, and enhance what they have to offer? Check out our Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence program. Click here. Deadline for application is July 27. Our graduates from last year tell us it was a “powerful experience” that helped them clarify their leadership style and the way they engage in their lives…. Read more »

We offer our certificate program in partnership with the University of Alaska. It’s a great way to learn new management skills from some of the top people in the state — and you’ll build a network of colleagues to help support you in your work. Deadline to apply for the fall 2012 cohort is June 28. Click here for details and an application form…. Read more »

Hello from the sunny capital of Alaska – Juneau. This trip began yesterday in Cordova, which was finally snow free. The Prince William Sound Science Center was celebrating with their dignitary-filled event, the Copper River Nouveau. From there I arrived in Juneau to visit with a nonprofit about CEO transition, another about a capital project, and a third about their sustainability. I leave tomorrow for Kodiak to meet with the senior staff of a significant organization, then back to Anchorage Monday night to catch a 6:30 AM train to Seward on Tuesday for strategic planning with another board. The snow is gone!!!! (At least at sea level) And the cruise ships have arrived. Today three boats were in Juneau increasing the population by almost 20%!! On their busiest days they… Read more »

You can add board members and staff to your Partner account. It’s an easy way to be sure everyone stays up to date on trends in the sector and has access to the latest Foraker news. It’s an easy process. Click on “my account” under Quick Links on the home page. Enter the email and password for the primary contact for your organization. Click on “manage additional accounts” and add the name and email of each board member and staff. Need help? Contact Andrew Cutting at 907-743-1221…. Read more »

Greetings from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge where we met with community leaders, did basic finance training and had opportunities to help connect people to resources available to their community. For people who never leave their western, urban core community, it’s hard to understand the sense of community within and the isolation from outside of communities like in Kaktovik. I wish every Alaskan, everybody, could have the experience I feel so fortunate to regularly experience in my job. That leads to today’s smidgen of insight. Life is neither more ideal nor tragic in small communities. In smaller communities there are a few people engaged enough to make a difference and from time to time those who are engaged have conflicting opinions about what should be done. The only difference is… Read more »