August 27, 2014 Voice Your Opinions! Letters to the editor make a difference. You can send a 175-word letter to the Anchorage Daily News by e-mail (letters@adn.com); or by fax or mail (call them at 257-4308). Send letters to the Anchorage Press via e-mail editor@anchoragepress.com or by mail to 540 E. Fifth Ave, Anchorage, 99501. Feel free to call us if you need factual information to help you write a letter. Contact the Governor. The Governor can be reached at 269-7450; sean.parnell@alaska.gov; or www.alaska.gov. Contact us. My office can be reached at: 733 W. 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501; by phone: 269-0106; visit my website at http://gara.akdemocrats.org; or email: Rep.Les.Gara@akleg.gov

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I wasn't thrilled that the Legislature continued three years of educator cuts for yet another three years. In Anchorage we'll lose roughly 400, or more, staff over the next three years, on top of over 600 staff lost statewide since 2011. While I voted to reverse these party-line cuts, it doesn't mean we can't work as individuals to help increase student opportunity, even if a majority of your elected leaders won't.

There are lots of great opportunities to get involved in helping children prosper, and succeed, by volunteering. Many of you have hit your volunteer time limit. But many might not know there are things you can do even if you don't have children in school, or in a school where you think children need more help.

And you can mentor an older foster youth who is looking for a path for success, or for just someone they can trust. Our office started a foster youth mentorship program that has grown, and involves volunteering through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Alaska also has a wonderful Court-Appointed Special Advocate program that allows adults to volunteer their time to help children who have been the victims of neglect or abuse.

HELPING IN SCHOOL

Schools are always in need of volunteers. You should call your local school’s main office for specific opportunities. Here are some examples of ways you can help.

• Inlet View Elementary welcomes people to monitor their playground, be a classroom reader, or attend lunches and provide adult role models. Contact Principal Bonnie Goen directly at 742-7670 to sign up.
• Denali Montessori School is holding two field trips on Friday, September 5: one to a farm, and one to Westchester Lagoon. If you would like to be a chaperone, contact the school at 742-5000.
• Airport Heights Elementary is looking to add people to its Dream Big Academy. The Academy seeks to show students just what they can do with their education. If you are an adult with a unique or interesting career and would be willing to come in and talk with students, contact Christy Jordan at 742-4550.

If you want to volunteer for a specific event or date, make sure to contact the school at least a week in advance to allow them to perform a background check.

FOSTER YOUTH MENTORSHIP THROUGH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

Another great way to get involved is to be a mentor to older foster youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for mentors statewide for foster youth ages 16-21. When these youths age out of the foster care system, they need a reliable adult link so that they can become responsible, independent adults. The program is in particular need of male mentors right now. Contact Sharon Pruszko at 433-4691.

BECOME A COURT-APPOINTED VOLUNTEER SPECIAL ADVOCATE TO A FOSTER YOUTH IN NEED

You can also help an at-risk youth by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). If you volunteer, you will have an opportunity to help a child who has been the victim of abuse or neglect by providing courts with information and recommendations about the best interests of the child. CASAs do not need to be lawyers or social workers, just adults who care. You do need to participate in a training program and commit to stay with a case until it is closed. There are three informational sessions being held in Anchorage at the BP Energy Center at 900 E Benson Blvd. They are from 5:30pm to 6:30pm on August 28, September 2, and September 4. For more information, visit their website here.

Children are the future of this state, and I hope you’ll take advantage of one of these great opportunities to make a huge difference in a child’s life!

As always let us know if there is anything we can do to help, or if you have questions or concerns.

My Best,