This week we're giving thanks to those involved with the ACLU of Idaho and the work they do to support our efforts to protect civil rights in Idaho. From our board members and funders, to partner organizations, volunteers, and members, each of these groups allows us to expand our capacity with new campaigns and legal cases, grow our base of supporters, and continue defending the Bill of Rights all across the state. And for each group that offers our organization it's own unique form of support, we have a special thank you just for them.
To Our Board: Not only will these board members drive over four hours to attend a board retreat or meeting, but they will spend many more hours of their free time creating fiscal plans, developing strategic statements and working with funders. Then, as if that wasn't enough, they turn around and give us money! The fact that these people have families, lives and regular jobs with the addition of committing to the ACLU of Idaho for years makes them super-human and we are thankful for their genetic pre-dispositions for awesome.
To Our Funders: These wonderful individuals and foundations invest their money in the future of the ACLU and in the well-being of Idahoans. Although they receive requests from many spectacular organizations, they continue to fight for justice and equality in our community. We are so fortunate to have you on our team because, without you, the Executive Director would have to do everything alone.
To Our Partners: What happens when organizations, working toward a similar mission, collide on the nonprofit battle field? Excellence and collaboration, that's what! We are thankful that we get to partner with ridiculously talented people at other organizations to create a larger impact in our state. We wish there were more progressive organizations so that we could all take over the world and rule from our lofty perch.
To Our Volunteers: We have numerous and energetic souls that campaign for the ACLU in Idaho through tabling events, phone banking, administrative work and the occasional odd job (I don't think anyone has asked them to wash their car yet...). These individuals generate an enormous amount of work and save the organization hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. We can't imagine how much work we would have to do without you. And we don't have time to think about that.
To Our Members: These activists for freedom allow us to use their name and finances to educate (and influence) our representatives in government. The "card carrying members of the ACLU" are no longer in hiding, they are proud to be a part of a bigger change in our nation, and we are proud to raise their collective voice up! Except when it trumps on Constitutional rights, then we'll need to have a chat.
And while this one week of thanks barely scratches the tip of gratitude we share for our ACLU family, we hope that each and every individual involved with our organization recognizes the appreciation we feel for them. Together, we're making a more equal Idaho.