The Foraker Group

Originally scheduled for tomorrow, Nov. 10, in Fairbanks, the Foraker briefing on “The Nonprofit Sector: A Voice for Fiscal Stability,” has moved to Nov. 17. Fairbanks will be the fourth conversation following sessions held in Anchorage and Juneau, and a statewide webinar.

Foraker President Laurie Wolf said Governor Walker has asked that his team members postpone their public conversations on the fiscal plan as they update their information now that the special session has concluded. In addition to representatives from the state and Foraker, First Alaskans Institute and Rasmuson Foundation have been part of the conversations.

“We understand and appreciate the time and energy the state has provided to us in our efforts to engage nonprofit leaders throughout Alaska in this important conversation,” Wolf said. “Holding these conversations with nonprofit board members and executive leaders across the state is important to all of us at Foraker, especially as Alaska and our sector continue to talk about a more sustainable fiscal future. We remain committed to making sure that our sector is at the table when policy makers are considering that future.”

The nonprofit sector in Alaska has a significant demonstrated impact on the state’s economy – billions of dollars in expenditures, billions in revenue and over 60,000 jobs. We are an important part of Alaska’s economy, along with the resource industry, tourism and others. As a sector we have an important “voice” that policy makers need to hear as they consider a wide array of revenue and spending options focused on a sustainable fiscal future.

In addition, Wolf encouraged nonprofit leaders to start conversations in their own own board rooms on the importance of building a sustainable fiscal future for all Alaska and in particular for the state’s nonprofit sector.

“We also encourage your boards to let policy makers know that having an open and honest conversation about the state’s fiscal future is essential,” she said. “Here at Foraker we are not taking a position on any particular revenue or spending option – it’s the conversation that’s important. As a sector we have a voice – let’s use it.”

Information on the time and location for the Fairbanks meeting will be posted on the blog and Foraker’s Facebook page when it becomes available.

In a related development, the briefing scheduled for Nov. 17 in Bethel has been postponed because of the fire at the Bethel School.