Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Do you think multinational corporations should have more of a vote than you and your family?  I know the answer is NO.  So - if you're not registered to vote; need to update your address; or have friends and family who need to do that, please tell them.  Because today we live in a world where multinational corporations can donate as much as they want.  Your power is your vote.

In this letter I'll give you voter registration information to use or pass along.  And with a 30 day blackout on legislative newsletters before the election, I'll pack in a few more things.

First, the mentorship program we started needs more mentors - if you'd like to be a good role model for an older foster youth.  It's easy, and it will improve the likelihood a foster youth with no responsible adult to turn to will succeed rather than fail.

Finally, October is Energy Awareness Month.  Here's a link to some useful Alaska Energy Authority Resources.  The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is still providing rebates for families who wish to upgrade the Energy efficiency of their homes - a program that saves us all money, and energy, that I voted to fund this and in past years. 

October 7 Voter Registration Deadline: Tell Your Family and Friends

If you’re not registered to vote, or need to change your registration, now is the time!  Tell your family and friends.  The deadline to register or update your existing registration in order to be eligible to vote in the November 6 election is October 7th. 

The Alaska Division of Elections has a user-friendly online application link that allows you to print out your application, then mail, fax, email or drop it off in person.  You can also go to the Region II Elections office at 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100 to pick up an application and fill it out in person.  If you live outside of Anchorage, you can click HERE for additional regional office locations.  The regional Elections offices will be open this weekend.

If you are registering to vote in Alaska for the first time, you will need to proof of identity and residency along with your application.  To verify your identity, include a photocopy of one of the following items with your application: current and valid photo identification; driver’s license; passport; state identification card; birth certificate; or an Alaska Hunting and Fishing license.  If you don’t have access to a copy machine, you can still submit your application – however – you will need to bring one of the pieces of ID listed above to your polling place on Election Day for an election worker to verify.

Proof of residency is generally only required if your application is mailed from outside of Alaska.  If you mail your registration in from out-of-state, you will be required to provide one of the following as proof of Alaska residency: Alaska driver's license; Alaska hunting or fishing license; student loan or college tuition documents showing Alaska as state of residence; proof of employment in Alaska; military leave and earnings statement that identifies Alaska as the state of legal residence; or other documentation that supports your claim as an Alaska resident.

To check your registration status, use this handy tool from the Division of Elections.

Make a Difference in the Life of a Foster Youth

A couple of years ago, with the support of my colleagues, I was able to help start a volunteer mentor program for older foster youth around the state.  These youth, ages 16-21, are at a point in their lives where they are nearing adulthood and independence, and they need a stable, supportive adult in their life as they face this transition.  Most children have a parent to call on for advice.  Foster youth often don't.  You can be that person, by taking your youth out for dinner, lunch, a movie, fishing, or just talking over the phone. 

The program serves youth statewide, and is currently operated jointly by Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Covenant House of Alaska.  There are still more youth looking for mentors than folks who have signed up to be mentors in Anchorage and across the state.  If you think you can make time in your life to serve as a mentor for a youth who may have no other adult connection after they exit foster care, Big Brothers/Big Sisters would love to hear from you.  Please call Amy Tannahill at 433-4600.  The impact you will have will be life-changing, for your youth as well as yourself.

Country Music Star Jimmy Wayne to Perform a Benefit Concert for FFCA

Motivational speaker, country music star, and former foster youth Jimmy Wayne will perform a benefit concert for foster and homeless youth on October 10th at the Egan Center. The concert is FREE for foster and homeless youth; others are asked to make a minimum $10 donation to the very effective non-profit foster youth advocacy and peer group, Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) at the door.  Please donate more if you can!

FFCA advocates for improvements to the foster care system in Alaska, and provides important supports and resources to foster youth and alumni. Doors open at 6:30, and the concert begins at 7pm.  
To learn more about Jimmy Wayne and his work advocating on behalf of foster and homeless youth, please visit: http://www.jimmywayne.com/

If you would like to attend the concert, please email, call, or text Amanda Metivier at 230-8237 or facing_fostercare@yahoo.com to reserve your ticket.  Due to limited seating, tickets will not be available at the door.

Well, I think this is the last e-letter I'm allowed to send out before the election, as our ethics office frowns on e-letters sent out 30 days before an election.  I hope this fall is treating you well.  As always, call or let us know if you have thoughts or concerns.

Best Regards,