There are many times when ALAN’s team members seem to have a total mind meld – except of course when we don’t.
Such was the case a couple of years ago when we were trying to decide what tchotchke to give out at an annual conference.
One team member (who freely admits to being kind but snarky) wanted to distribute “misfortune” cookies as a humorous play on our disaster relief expertise. Another liked the fortune cookie concept but not idea of putting “mis” in front of them, because she prefers her disaster relief messaging served straight up.
Ultimately I broke the tie by electing to bring both kinds of tasty treats to the conference.
Working at ALAN can be a lot like that yin-and-yang cookie collection.
On the one hand, it contains a lot of activities that always bring a smile to our faces – including hosting our bi-weekly partners’ calls, leading our nonprofit educational sessions, reconnecting with all of you at various industry events and (naturally) being able to fill requests for donated logistics assistance.
On the other, it also touches on a few realities that are never a laughing matter – including the fact that we never seem to have a shortage of open cases or run out of the disasters that cause them.
But ultimately, both kinds of features underscore the same sweet reality: Many more disaster survivors are getting the help they need – and receiving it more quickly – because ALAN is here. And ALAN is here because of you and your ongoing support.
Now as always, we truly are fortunate to have you in our corner.
– Kathy
