When we selected the topic of this month’s newsletter, we set out to share a piece of good news. News that would enable The Ember Alliance to dig deeper and go further in serving our mission, to create a fire resilient society that supports people, landscapes, and the planet. Furthermore, our vision includes endeavor[ing] to create the enabling conditions for fire resiliency and socially just fire management. But the crushing weight of the last weeks, months and years of atrocities make it hard to celebrate. We also recognize that if we allow ourselves to become paralyzed with grief, there cannot be hope. So, while we mourn, we must also continue to help each other up along the way as best we can; there are few options other than to dust each other off, wipe each other’s tears and get back in the fight.
Our news is that back in March, we received our Internal Revenue Service declaration letter, confirming the acceptance of our application for 501c3 status. We are officially a federally tax-exempt charitable organization. For a few minutes in March this news felt worth celebrating but recent events instead remind us that this new status means that it’s time to roll up our sleeves even further and do the demanding work.
Because TEA was molded from the idea that we can develop a socially just fire organization, it means that social responsibility and justice are deeply rooted in our vision for a brighter, safer future. We want to break down barriers, build new connections, address inequities, promote inclusive practices at all levels and endeavor to celebrate and endorse diversity, diverse perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Because you stand alongside us, we know you believe in these things as well.
To accomplish this work, we need your help. How can you help? Can you share our newsletter with friends and family? Can you spend some time on our website to learn more about us? Can you like and engage in our social media content? Can you give up a few beers or coffee every month and donate some money in support of our mission and vision? Could you consider other charitable gifts or recurring gifts? Anything that you can give will help us advance our shared commitment to fire resilience and social justice.
Thank you for your continued support.
Gabe Donaldson (Director of Business Operations)