Opinion: How to extend Alaska’s promise to our kids.
Alaska is renowned for its vast natural resources, with much of our economy and Alaskans’ livelihoods built and supported by our exports. But as a parent, when I look around my community — at the trails, the schools, and even the fishing spots — I know that our state’s most valuable resource isn’t oil, gas or even salmon, it’s the people who call Alaska home, and the interconnected, beautiful communities we build together. When I look at my fellow Alaskans, I know we have the promise and potential to care for each other and for the next generation. For Alaska children to thrive, it’s up to us adults to provide the healthy space they need to grow. Investing in Alaskan kids’ futures is not just a moral imperative, but a decision that shapes our state’s long-term prosperity.
Our resource-based economy lends an incredible gift to Alaskans, a gift that I, as a parent, am always appreciative of because it comes in handy for taking care of my daughter, planning for her future and as a way for me to contribute to the causes I care about. I’m grateful that there is an easy way to directly benefit Alaska’s kids through my Permanent Fund dividend by pledging to Pick.Click.Give. or put money away toward an Alaska 529 savings account for a child.
Pick.Click.Give. allows Alaskans to allocate a portion of their PFD directly to nonprofit organizations that serve the community. And it’s not too late! Even though applications for the PFD are long closed (they ended in March), Alaskans can choose to modify their pledge amounts up until Aug. 31. This year, Alaskans will receive $1,000 from the state’s minerals revenue.
Of course, it’s tempting to use these funds for big, shiny purchases, but realistically for many Alaska families, these funds go toward paying the bills. For those of you who do have the wiggle room for it, I encourage you to join me in putting aside some of your PFD for a nonprofit mission close to your heart. With so many changes to state and federal funding this year, it’s extra important to me and our greater community to support work like Big Brothers Big Sisters Alaska (which pairs caring adult mentors with kids), Alaska Children’s Trust (focused on child abuse and neglect prevention), and the work of Skiku and Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment (organizations reaching Alaska’s rural communities with incredible outdoor opportunities) so that they can continue to do their important work.
As Alaskans, we have the unique opportunity to leverage our state’s resources for the greater good. By participating in Pick.Click.Give., we not only support the immediate needs of communities, but we also invest in a brighter future for kids. Today, look at the list of Pick.Click.Give. organizations and find one that speaks to you! Together, let’s ensure that our richest resource, our children, are well cared for and that Alaska is a great place to be a child.
Kaila Pfister is a parent, Alaska Historical Society board member and the Director of Community Engagement at Alaska Children’s Trust. She has a Master’s of Public Administration from Binghamton University.
Read the OpEd as published by the Anchorage Daily News HERE.