Earlier this month, a group of Murdock Trust staff and I had the opportunity to visit Anchorage for a series of gatherings with Alaskan nonprofits and partners. We collaborated with the Foraker Group’s Leadership Summit to host a reception celebrating the good work being done across the state of Alaska. The next morning, we hosted a listening session where we sought to learn what was top of mind for these nonprofits. Given some of the recent impactful changes in the nonprofit sector, we were grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from those on the front lines of service regarding the challenges and opportunities facing these organizations.
Each area in our region is unique. Amongst Alaskans, there is a palpable sense of rugged independence and interdependence. Despite their diverse perspectives, they come together, understanding the importance of community and collaboration. As shared during the visit, there is a common sentiment that you might need to help someone out of the ditch or receive help yourself. This spirit of "better together" was echoed throughout the Foraker conference.
Moreover, the discussions about the current landscape were particularly significant. While anchored around the major issues like decreases in funding, changing regulations, and operational shifts, the conversations also delved into the human impacts. Participants discussed their emotions, addressing both fear and concern, as well as hope and courage. These reflections brought a deeper, more personal dimension to the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of connecting on a human level in the face of challenges.
For five decades, the Trust has sought to remain closely connected to the nonprofits with which we work. One of our core values is being relational, and a key way that comes to life is through prioritizing being with nonprofit partners and those they support. Our values come from our benefactor, Jack Murdock, who in his kind, quiet way instilled these priorities into everything he did at Tektronix. Jack understood that no matter how technology allowed us to connect at a distance, being physically present was a critical element in establishing and nurturing relationships over time. In our work today, our commitment to this practice takes many forms, including in-person site visits, attending opening ceremonies of completed facilities, and joining panels and conversations relevant to our work. It is always our goal to listen well, see the people behind the projects, and create spaces of community-building whenever and wherever we can.Â
This year, as part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we look forward to connecting with nonprofits across all five states we support – on the ground, in person, just as we had the chance to do in Alaska. In the meantime, a heartfelt thank you to everyone we connected with in Anchorage from all over Alaska. Your warm hospitality and unwavering dedication to the common good shine through in everything you do. We look forward to seeing this work continue to thrive in new ways across your glorious state!