Posted by Sharity Sommer, Communications Intern

Today is my last day as the Communications Intern at Rasmuson Foundation. The Foundation has participated in the First Alaskans Institute summer internship program for several years and it was through this program we met. Throughout my internship I have primarily planned events, researched the Foundation’s initiatives, and wrote pieces on the works-in-progress and accomplishments of our partners. On a daily basis, I have heard and read of organizations implementing positive changes in their community.

It is humbling each day to see Foundation initiatives take shape and gain ground through partnerships throughout Alaska. The Pick. Click. Give. program, for example, which allows Alaskans who apply for their dividend online to donate to eligible nonprofits, has just concluded its first year. It is a partnership between the State of Alaska, The Foraker Group, United Way of Anchorage, and Rasmuson Foundation. Despite its launch during a time of economic uncertainty, 5,100 Alaskans donated over $500,000 to their favorite Alaska nonprofits.

One particular grant that resonated with me personally is a 2006 grant of $499,000 to Louden Tribal Council for the Yukon-Koyukuk Elder Assisted Living Facility in Galena. I am from Galena. The facility will allow elders of Ruby, Koyukuk, Nulato, Kaltag, and Galena to remain where they feel at home, along the Yukon River. The Foundation’s reach across Alaska gained relevance as I learned of its impact to my home.

To say the least, working at Rasmuson Foundation is uplifting and an enjoyable way to spend a workday. Furthermore, it has been a wonderful introduction to the nonprofit and grantmaking world.

In two days I leave for Barcelona, Spain. I have hope that the Spanish I’ve learned throughout college will make a quick return to the forefront of my consciousness. Hopefully I’ll pick up a few more words too. After a week there, I will be flying to Kenya, where I’ll work as a volunteer, building houses with Habitat for Humanity on a Global Village (GV) team. GV is a program that provides opportunities for groups to volunteer with Habitat affiliates throughout the world. The team of 12 will be building for two weeks with two families, one currently living in a rental and the other in a mud-walled home.

At the end of January, I will begin volunteering at the Amy Biehl Foundation (ABF) in South Africa. It is a nonprofit organization committed to providing educational opportunities to children living in impoverished South African townships. The inspiration for the Amy Biehl Foundation came from Amy Biehl, a Fullbright Fellow, committed to human rights and a democratic South Africa. Amy Biehl’s life was tragically cut short in an act of political mob violence in a township in 1993. It is the belief of ABF that by aiding in the development and empowerment of youth it is possible to “weave a barrier against violence” (ABF’s mission).

Since before I can remember, I have wanted to commit a part of my life to helping others. Yet, the enormous needs and issues can be a little deterring. Rasmuson Foundation and its partners have solidified my belief that, with perseverance and a goal in mind, the limits are boundless. And, I am grateful for that.
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Tags: Amy Biehl Foundation, First Alaskans Institute, Habitat for Humanity Anchorage

This entry was posted on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 6:18 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.