For 55 years, the Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP) has been empowering low-income Alaskans through advocacy, education, affordable housing, and direct services that respect our unique values and cultures. Thank you for making these 55 years possible!
In celebration of our anniversary, we have identified 55 ways you can connect with our community during this #SeasonofGiving, and we will be highlighting a number on Facebook and Twitter. We are asking you, our biggest supporters, to comment on our social media posts with a photo of your COVID-safe community service and #UnSelfie, to be entered into a drawing for RurAL CAP swag (like a mask or vest)!
Join us in connecting with our Alaskan community today:
- Help those experiencing homelessness by donating winter clothing, sleeping bags, or travel size hygiene items to the Anchorage Public Library on November 22 or by donating to similar drives in your community.
- Protect the environmental health of Alaska picking up trash, recycling, and/or by donating to Alaska Community Action on Toxics.
- Donate to the Alaska Children’s Trust and their mission to prevent child abuse and neglect throughout the state.
- Set up an AmazonSmile account and donate a portion of your purchase proceeds to a charity of your choice.
- Donate extra leaves to Alaska Seeds of Change for their compost.
- Write a positive review for your favorite small business and support the local economy.
- Learn about philanthropic opportunities in your community through the Alaska Community Foundation.
- Give to your family. Elders, parents, children, siblings, friends, etc. are the first line of support for most.
- Help the teachers in your community get the resources they need.
- Tell a friend that the Alaska Native Justice Center offers services in education, restorative justice, victim advocacy, and legal support and representation.
- Speak out against domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence of any kind, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault is available to help.
- Read about your local & statewide history to help shape the future.
- Volunteer for the Imagination Library, a program that sends new books to children monthly.
- Order a “Party-In-Place” box and support the Boys and Girls Club Alaska.
- Enjoy the outdoors, spending time with nature and/or share that experience with children by donating to Camp Fire Alaska.
- Support the education of Alaska youth by donating clothing to the families at our Child Development Center.
- Call family member or friend, supporting their mental, social, and emotional health.
- Be a good example. Give our youth positive role models so that we build strong future leaders across Alaska.
- Give time and/or food to your local Food Bank.
- Volunteer for a hospital or a healthcare organization like Help Me Grow Alaska near you.
- Offer encouragement and support to a friend experiencing parenthood for the first time and consider connecting them with Thread.
- Have a conversation with a person of opposing views in order to gain perspective.
- Give a friend or family member a night to relax by babysitting for them.
- Check in on someone battling addiction and let them know they are not alone by sharing Recover Alaska’s services.
- Cook a meal for a friend.
- Participate in our Season of Giving Gift Donations and share the holiday spirit with residents at our Supportive Housing facilities.
- Stand with STAR (Standing Together Against Rape) by volunteering, donating, and/or joining the Constellation Club.
- Visit a senior center or an Elder near you.
- Help spread awareness of and advocate for causes that are important to you. The Stone Soup Group provides information, training, and resources for children with special needs.
- Pick up groceries and/or medicine for Elders in your neighborhood.
- Participate in Covenant House Alaska’s Sleep Out to show solidarity with youth in Alaska experiencing homelessness.
- Learn more about Alaska Native culture by visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the First Alaskans website.
- Do a good deed for a friend or stranger & ask them to pay it forward.
- Leave a book in your neighborhood’s “Little Free Library” or donate them to a local charity.
- Ensure that those you know have enough food and share local Food Bank information with them if needed.
- Make kits for individuals in need across Anchorage as outlined by the United Way of Anchorage. If you live outside of Anchorage, use these guidelines as inspiration.
- Register for a workshop taught by YWCA to learn more about promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
- Donate to holiday food drives in your area and create meaningful memories for families in need.
- Create a family tree to pass along to future generations in your family.
- Supply the Anchorage Youth Court with an item on their wish list.
- Strengthen your neighborhood by donating to NeighborWorks.
- Volunteer at a local shelter (e.g. Brother Francis Shelter, Clare House, Bay Haven,Emmonak Women’s Shelter, First City Homeless Services) and help someone get back on their feet.
- Learn about the Indigenous culture first associated with the land you are on by Facebook messaging Land Acknowledgement your zip code.
- Support the AWAREness campaign and help ensure that those who have been abused are able to experience safety.
- Give to yourself: time, patience, courage, hope, encouragement, etc. You can only take care of others after you have taken care of yourself.
- Call an Elder in your life and/or listen to the Legacy of Our Elders.
- Give someone a compliment that’s not based on appearances.
- Check out the Alaska Mental Health Trust to find ways to get involved in public mental health awareness events near you!
- Volunteer with Volunteers of America and support vulnerable community members during the COVID19 pandemic.
- Swap your favorite recipes with a friend, neighbor, or coworker to create a better connection during this time of physical distance.
- Passionate about a topic in your community? Advocate for it! Check out Anchorage Community Land Trust for toolkits and ideas.
- Teach one of your skills to someone.
- Have a job-related skill you’d like to share? Contact REACH to find out how you can support people with disabilities overcome barriers in the workforce.
- Learn how to say “hello” and “thank you” in a different language.
- Care for a plant or garden.