In Alaska, we never work alone. The relationships we tend to throughout the year are the ones we rely on when challenges arise. This year, I’m thankful for Alaska’s greatest resource: its people.

This month, I am reflecting on preparing and gathering. There are so many reasons to prepare in advance for a large shared meal. Selfishly, this week, I am preparing each day in anticipation of bringing friends and family together at our communal table for food and conversation on Thanksgiving. Gatherings like these provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships, discuss what’s important, and plan for the future. I look forward to having the time to simply be and share a meal, play games, and laugh (a lot). Preparation begins a week in advance to ensure everything is done, allowing me to also enjoy time with others. Planning is always worth it!

At Rasmuson Foundation, we value coming together with our partners in this way. Throughout the year, we organize regular “convenings” — deliberate gatherings that provide a space for people to exchange ideas, problem-solve, build and strengthen relationships, spark innovation, and find Alaska-led solutions to Alaska challenges.

Just as spending time together at the same table provides for deeper connection among friends, our convenings give us the space to invest in our relationships. Oftentimes, the focus of convening isn’t shaped around a particular topic or idea. It’s simply an opportunity to get to know our partners and find out what’s important to them.

Other times, we gather to exchange ideas and information around a specific issue important to Alaskans. In the past, we’ve held convenings to explore health partnerships, solar energy opportunities, and housing, among other topics.

This investment in relationship-building means that when a complex problem arises, we are well-equipped to address it. As the saying goes, if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. When we keep the pressing issues that affect Alaska front of mind by convening around them, we can respond quickly and thoughtfully, with the guidance and support of our partners.

This season, I’m thankful for all the times the Foundation’s collaborators have stepped up to meet some of this year’s urgent moments. When residents of Western Alaska lost their homes to the October storm, partners like Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Cook Inlet Housing Authority, and others formed a task force to connect displaced Alaskans with long-term temporary housing. When Alaska’s public media lost $15 million in federal funding, local organizations joined us to protect this vital resource by donating to Voices Across Alaska Fund to support public media stations.

In both instances, our friends at Alaska Community Foundation created the channels through which funders could address these needs. Our strength as Alaskans rests in the relationships we are able to call upon to meet the moment.  I am impressed and in awe of all the ways our friends and partners have been stepping up this year. Thankful for all of them.