Why we Need Advocates
Advocates throughout Alaska work year-round to educate local lawmakers and community members about the challenges faced by individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These efforts are essential to driving positive change and ensuring that the voices of those with disabilities are heard and valued.
Hope is actively engaged in Alaska's primary advocacy coalitions for disability and mental health. Michele Girault, Hope’s Executive Director, serves as the President of the Board of the Key Coalition of Alaska. This organization unites primary stakeholders, their families, Care Coordinators, provider agencies, and support staff to collaborate and advocate for policy and practice changes that enhance the lives of Alaskans experiencing disabilities.
We invite all community members to join our advocacy efforts. Your support and participation will make our voices louder, helping to advance our mission and create lasting positive change. Whether you are a family member, service provider, community member, or concerned citizen, your voice is important! Stand with us as we advocate for the rights and well-being of Alaskans with disabilities.
Key Campaign
The Key Coalition of Alaska is a leading advocate for disability services in the state. Comprised of Peer Power Alaska, families and supporters, Alaska Association of Developmental Disabilities, and the Alaska Alliance of Direct Support Professionals, the coalition works to address the needs, gaps, and barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Each year, the Key Coalition hosts the 'Key Campaign,' an impactful event where advocates from across Alaska converge on the state capitol to present their priorities to legislators. During the Key Campaign, participants share their personal stories and highlight the critical issues affecting their lives, striving to influence legislative decisions and promote positive change.
The Key Campaign, held every year in February or March, is a major advocacy event in Alaska. This campaign brings families, advocates, and supporters together to make their voices heard in the state legislature. The campaign includes:
- Meetings with Legislators: Advocates have the opportunity to meet with state legislators to discuss their priorities and advocate for policies that support people with disabilities.
- Public Opinion Messages (POM): Participants can complete POMs to communicate their concerns and suggestions directly to lawmakers.
- Key Chapter Rallies: These rallies are open to the public and provide a platform for supporters to show their commitment to disability services, register to vote, and connect with other advocates.
To participate in the Key Campaign or learn more about how you can get involved, visit the Key Coalition of Alaska's website or follow the Key Coalition of Alaska on Facebook.
Get Involved
Your advocacy can make a significant difference in the lives of the people who choose Hope's services. By joining advocacy efforts, attending events, and engaging with policymakers, you help ensure that their needs and rights are prioritized and addressed. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for all Alaskans.
For more information on how to become an advocate or to get involved with our advocacy initiatives, please send a message to a member of Hope's leadership team.
Other Ways you can Support Hope
Make a Donation
Make a one-time or monthly donation to Hope. With our community's support, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people and families who choose our services. Hope provides programs and services that are essential for leading a full, meaningful life—programs that often are not covered by Medicaid. Your generosity helps us bridge this gap and ensures that everyone receives the support they need.
Donate In-Kind Gifts
Consider donating products or services that Hope can use for specific purposes. Prior to dropping off an in-kind gift, we kindly ask that you email our Public Relations team to confirm that Hope can accept and utilize the item as intended. Your generosity in providing in-kind gifts directly contributes to our ability to fulfill the needs of those we serve.
Participate in Hope's Events
Hope hosts many events throughout the year that rely on the active participation and support of businesses and community members to be successful. These events are not only a great way to engage with our mission but also provide valuable opportunities for networking, community building, and making a tangible impact. Our events range from fundraising galas and community festivals to awareness campaigns and volunteer days. Each event is designed to bring people together, raise vital funds, and celebrate the incredible achievements of the individuals we support.
Pledge through Pick.Click.Give.
Alaska residents can support Hope by pledging a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) through the Pick.Click.Give. program. When filing your PFD application, simply select 'Hope Community Resources' as your chosen charity, and your donation will be directed towards our mission. Every dollar donated through Pick Click Give helps us continue providing essential services and support to individuals in need. Between April 1 and August 31, you can add or change your pledge by visiting pfd.alaska.gov and selecting the green ‘Add or change your Pick.Click.Give. donation’ button.
Participate in a Community Giving Program
Join Fred Meyer Community Rewards and select Hope Community Resources as your charity of choice. Simply sign up for the program, and every time you make a purchase at Fred Meyer using your rewards card, Hope will receive donations based on your total spending. Your everyday purchases can make a meaningful difference in supporting our mission.
Shop or Donate Items to Fashion Pact
Visit FashionPact and shop from their selection of items priced at $5 each. When you choose Hope during your shopping or donation process, FashionPact generously donates 30% of each item's price to support Hope and other local non-profits. Shop at one of their two locations in Anchorage — 221 E Dimond Blvd and 2520 E 68th Ave — or on their online store.
Make a Planned Gift
Donors can leave a lasting legacy by making a planned gift to Hope Community Resources. Planned giving options include bequests through wills, annuities and trusts, retirement plans, and life insurance plans.
- A bequest through your will: With this approach, you can designate assets such as stocks, bonds, or real estate to Hope through your will or a revocable trust. You can donate a specific asset, a certain dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or any assets remaining in your estate after your loved ones receive their share.
- Designate Hope as your life insurance beneficiary: You can choose Hope to be a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary of your life insurance policy. Doing so could lower the value of your estate, which may reduce estate taxes. Complete the beneficiary forms for the particular asset of which you wish to list Hope as a beneficiary. (First, ensure your insurance policy allows you to designate a charity as your beneficiary, as some insurers prohibit this.)
- Designate Hope as a beneficiary for your retirement account(s): With an IRA or qualified retirement account, you can designate Hope as the beneficiary. Another option is to donate your retirement proceeds via a donor-advised fund, an account created specifically for donations to charity.
