Update on Mat-Su Agency Partnership

To the editor:

Two major items were accomplished at the November Mat-Su Agency Partnership meeting.

1. Ballots were submitted and collected for 2013 MAP board leadership. Next meeting will inform our membership of the new board.

2. Today’s topic was “Funders’ Forum,” moderated by Dennis McMillan. More than 70 participants enjoyed a wonderful lunch during the presentation. I sure did. The key information provided by the panel of guests representing foundations and government agencies providing nonprofit support in their endeavors was both enlightening and shocking.

The statement was made: “Hope is based on faith while optimism is based on facts.” Previous major donors to capital projects were federal government agencies in various capacities. This funding stream is ending as budgets lessen dramatically. The mindset among this panel stressed the need for our Alaska government to consider fewer funding projects but larger resources to ensure success for sustainable models.

Various projects were highlighted for our understanding and consideration for future results.

The conclusion is communication. Talk to and meet with these various groups and organizations and develop relationships. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and directions to assist you. I have discovered the agencies almost always answer within two rings of the phone. I don’t even answer my phone as rapidly. Get to know our elected officials on the community, borough and state levels.

I am concluding my term as vice chair with this election. It has been a great and high honor to serve the Mat-Su Agency Partnership. I surround myself with greatness and choose to continue to be a part of MAP. I am renewing my membership and stress our importance of working together. The insight gained by networking and attending our meetings is a tipping point for progress. Never prouder, your collective passions of vision with dedication to missions are more than remarkable! It is world changing! I desire to see each of us succeed, and we can! I am fully hopeful and eternally optimistic that together we will prevail against the challenges before us to provide real solutions to make the Mat-Su Valley the best borough for health!

One final suggestion to ponder — Toastmasters. I spoke and met recently with many organizations, including our panel today. My survey reveals all funders and providers agree that folks with passion need to communicate their vision, mission and purpose concisely. A Toastmaster helps!

Never prouder to be a resident and serve in the Valley!

Patrick Brown

Proud Mat-Su Agency Partnership member