U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement today after voting for a short-term government funding bill that averts a government shutdown.
I supported this short-term funding bill to avoid a government shutdown and give the House and Senate another 45 days to negotiate a longer-term, more substantive funding agreement. Importantly, today’s vote means our troops will continue to get paid as they defend our country—a priority I’ve been fighting for in spite of consistent opposition from Democratic leadership in the Senate. I’ll continue working, during these next 45 days, to ensure we have serious measures to secure our southern border in the wake of President Biden’s total dereliction of duty, and necessary funding to address the myriad of national security threats our country faces in this new era of authoritarian aggression.
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan
Washington, D.C.
10th Annual AFN Tribal Conference
AFN is proud to announce that the 10th Annual AFN Tribal Conference, Protecting Our Ways of Life, will take place on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska at the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The conference invites tribal leaders, tribal administrators, tribal court judges, tribal court administrators, and tribal members to participate, learn, and share their experiences on federal, state, and local issues important to Alaska Native tribes, including subsistence.
A draft agenda will be circulated next week.
For more information, please contact Nicole Borromeo at [email protected].
Alaska Federation of Natives
Anchorage, AK
How to help natural disaster communities on the road to recovery
Natural disasters like the Maui Wildfires remind us how one event can impact lives, homes, and local economies. In events such as this one, it becomes crucial for individuals and organizations to step forward and provide support to those impacted.
As an organization that supports trust and integrity in our business communities, Better Business Bureau recognizes how we can all play a critical role in the recovery process. Times of crisis are opportunities to embrace and embody the values that make our communities strong, values like trust, honesty, integrity, and responsiveness.
For these communities, healing is most effective when we can all lend assistance with honesty, compassion, and integrity. Here are some ideas on how you can support a community in need.
Support the local economy.
Patronizing local businesses, whether online or in person, brings revenue to the area. With the case of the Maui fires, people can’t travel to Lahaina; however, they still can visit the other sites of Maui, bringing in much-needed revenue. A solid economic Maui community will be needed to help with Lahaina’s recovery.
Tell a friend.
Use your social media platforms to encourage people to support the local community. Sharing your experiences via photos and stories can inspire others to visit and contribute to the recovery.
Volunteer
During a disaster, many organizations need volunteers. By signing up, you can directly impact the affected area. Many different skill sets are required, so find an organization that would benefit from your talents.
Donations
Monetary donations are needed during a crisis. When donating to an organization, consider the following:
A. The organization’s purpose in the recovery. Will your donation have a direct impact on the community?
B. Do you want to support an organization dealing with the immediate crisis versus an organization that comes in during the rebuilding phase? Both types of support are needed.
C. Is it a legitimate organization? Crises bring out the best and worst in people, so make sure your money will help those in distress and not criminals. Verify the charity at BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance website – give.org.
D. To receive the tax deduction for a donation, the organization must be a 501c3 charity.
Supplies and resources
Supplies and Resources are required in the hours, days and weeks after the initial crisis. Work with an experienced organization to organize and get supplies to impacted areas.
Fundraising Efforts
Organize a fundraiser to support an organization or individual. However, check with your local laws about fundraising. If you collect funds for a specific person, ensure you have the family’s permission.
Housing support
Offer temporary shelter to an individual or family left without a home. Whether using a spare room or other properties, it will impact those who have lost their home.
Emotion support
A natural disaster takes an emotional toll on those impacted. Be there to listen, help organize a support group or connect survivors to counselors.
For those impacted, the support they receive will help them in the days, weeks, and months after the initial event. However, the recovery process will continue after the headlines subside and those impacted will still need financial, economic and emotional support.
Roseann Freitas
Better Business Bureau
Great West & Pacific
