ALASKA HUMANITIES FORUM ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
Serving Alaska, Connecting Alaskans THE ALASKA HUMANITIES FORUM serves as Alaska’s state humanities council—one of 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils across the country. Each functions as an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization to support the unique interests and needs within its state; collectively, the state councils work to “transform lives, connect communities, and enrich the nation.” Here in Alaska, the Alaska Humanities Forum develops, leads, and works through community partners to provide cultural immersions and exchanges, workshops and trainings, conversation programs, and grant funding.
Through our work, we seek to: • Preserve, share, and amplify Alaskan stories– particularly those that are not well-documented or known broadly; • Strengthen community through face-to-face conversations that encourage compassion, belonging, and connection across difference; • Engage people in dialogue around timely questions and themes that impact our lives and the shared human experience: our humanity.
GRANTS
The Forum invests in Alaska artists, writers, historians, filmmakers, and community conveners. This funding fuels creative projects that share and preserve the stories of people across the state and explore what it means to be Alaskan. FY19: 14 grants, $100,000
CROSS-CULTURAL IMMERSIONS FOR EDUCATORS AND YOUTH
The Forum’s programming for educators and youth uses cultural immersion, reflective learning, and exploration to better prepare and connect educators and youth in rural and urban communities across Alaska. Sister School Exchange, Educator Cross-Cultural Immersion, Creating Cultural Competence, Take Wing Alaska, AK | Next, Alaska History Day FY19: 1,031 students served, 42 communities
PUBLIC PROGRAMMING
The Forum leads, hosts, and funds public events, programs, and community discussions that bring people together to share their stories, ideas, and experiences so they may better understand themselves, one another, and the human experience. Kindling Conversation, Facilitation Training, Culture Shift, Community Conversations FY19: 1,165 people, 44 gatherings, 7 communities
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Forum’s leadership programs build capacity across industries and sectors, backgrounds, and experiences. We emphasize equity, critical thinking, and collaboration in addressing the complex economic, social, and political issues across Alaska’s communities. FY19: Leadership Anchorage: 22 leaders, 4 community impact projects FY19: Alaska Salmon Fellows: 32 fellows, 19 communities
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