Voices

ReAllocate engages local talent to build sustainable development in Alaska

October 30, 2012, Anchorage, Alaska – ReAllocate, a 501(c)3 non-profit that leverages technology and capacity to enable social entrepreneurs, made it's official appearance in Alaska at this year's Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) annual convention with an invitation to host a workshop that facilitated dialogue on entrepreneurship and social enterprise in Alaska. ReAllocate is here to begin a creative learning program promoting innovative ways to build and strengthen rural Alaska's economy and social condition. "The convention's theme this year was 'Success Beyond Borders,' and we see a huge opportunity to help find solutions for communities in Alaska," ReAllocate Program Director Sandra Kwak said. "The goal is to solve challenges that are unique to Alaska through entrepreneurship. From economic development to technology innovation to agriculture, Alaska is hungry for an opportunity to develop in sustainable ways that put communities and people first."


"At the roundtable, we heard a lot of great ideas — many of them already in motion," Kwak added. "We are designing a program in partnership with local input that supports the growth of sustainable businesses throughout the native Alaskan community, especially in villages."

ReAllocate is a worldwide network of experts and resources, working with communities to apply their skills and talents to create meaningful social and technological development. ReAllocate is in Alaska to develop programs like the Anchorage innovation center, which provides innovation and capacity-building centers to remote communities. They provide participants with the tools and techniques needed for engineering, prototyping, and fabrication of their ideas, as well as the entrepreneurial support for building scalable, community-based sustainable businesses in the hopes of improving quality of life and strengthening local economies.

ReAllocate is looking for partners in Alaska interested in community building, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and social enterprise. Those who wish to participate may go to http://
reallocate.org/alaska-community-feedback/.

About ReAllocate

ReAllocate is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that curates a network of multidisciplinary experts from scientists and technologists to social entrepreneurs, and strategically "ReAllocates" vast resources to address the humanitarian issues of our time. Through structured mentorship and collaboration, ReAllocators work with community members to educate and develop sustainable solutions to self-determined needs. Our Tech-AID program pairs engineers with specific non-recurring projects. Our Innovation Centers bring technology tools and expertise to areas of need; we are currently working with partners in affected areas of Alaska, Haiti and Japan. Our Education Outreach effort engages youth and exposes them to technology and innovation. These efforts are captured and shared through rich storytelling that supports growing awareness of humanitarian projects, highlighting our partners and sponsors. Please visit our website, www.ReAllocate.org, to view videos of example projects.

About Alaska Federation of Natives

The Alaska Federation of Natives is the largest statewide Native organization in. Its membership includes 178 villages (both federally-recognized tribes and village corporations), 13 regional Native corporations and 12 regional nonprofit and tribal consortiums that contract and run federal and state programs. AFN is governed by a 37-member Board, which is elected by its membership at the annual convention held each October. The mission of AFN is to enhance and promote the cultural, economic and political voice of the entire Alaska Native community.

ReAllocate press release

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