Get Out the Native Vote

Get Out the Native Vote is a nonpartisan organization representing all Alaska Natives. The organization encourages Native representation at the polls during elections. GOTNV is tasked with providing information about candidates running for office and how they feel about issues important to Alaska Natives. The information provided by GOTNV helps Alaska Natives make an informed choice when voting and makes a difference in the lives of all Alaska Natives.

This year's slogan, "VOTE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!" summarizes why voting is important.

"The lives of all Alaskans depend on whether our voice is heard. Legislators make life-altering changes that affect the lives of Alaska Natives. GOTNV ensures that both rural and urban elected officials understand Alaska Natives' concerns as they relate to various issues including subsistence, education, and local control," said Cindy Allred, Get Out The Native Vote coordinator.

Visit www.aknativevote.com for information about voting and news about Native issues in Juneau and Washington, D.C. Interested individuals may also volunteer to help get the word out about GOTNV and issues in government. Alaska Natives can make changes for a better future by being involved in government. GOTNV's message phone is (907) 265-4519.

Alaska Children's Trust Keeps Kids Safe

The Alaska Children's Trust (ACT) was first funded in 1996 to help prevent child abuse and neglect in Alaska. Each year, a portion of the Trust's interest earnings are granted out to community-initiated prevention projects that strengthen families and keep kids safe.

To date, ACT has awarded over $1.5 million to more than 40 grantees across the state. The types of projects funded include parenting and education support, community awareness, mentoring, and school-based prevention.

Friends of the Alaska Children's Trust (FACT) works to increase ACT's grant-giving ability through annual regional fundraisers, and promotion of ACT merchandise. Products that benefit the Trust include a special "KID" license plate issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles and Heirloom Marriage and Birth Certificates, available through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

For more information about ACT-sponsored projects or about the grant application process, contact Shari Paul in the ACT office at (800) 643-KIDS. To find out more about fundraising efforts, contact Shannon Earl in the FACT office at (907) 248-7676 or visit www.friendsofact.org.

CIRI Hosts Clark Middle School Students

Clark Middle School Students with CIRI staff at the YWCA’s Women of Achievement luncheon in December

As part of CIRI’s Native Pride program, seven Clark Middle School Indian Education Program students joined CIRI staff at the BP/YWCA Women of Achievement luncheon in December 2001. The BP/YWCA Women of Achievement Awards are given based on the recipients' excellence in their chosen fields and community involvement. This was the 12th year that the YWCA program recognized women of achievement in the Anchorage community.

"The girls were thrilled to be a part of this, and to have the opportunity to talk with each of you about your careers. This is such an impressionable age for these young women," said Sharon L. Herrell Clark Middle School's C.A.S.T.L.E.S. coordinator.

CIRI invited Clark Middle School students “because CIRI’s Native Pride program targets middle school students, as this is an age critical in their development. Clark has a higher percentage of Alaska Native students, and CIRI wanted to provide an opportunity for the students to meet and be exposed to women leaders in the community,” said Dawn Dinwoodie, CIRI community relations specialist.

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