Annual Report - Ascend Alliance

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“I am pleased with all the good AS- CEND and its thousands of volunteers have accomplished over the past 25 years. Thousands upon thousands of lives have been blessed because of this dedicated service and support; and not for just a fleeting moment, but for a lifetime.” –Joel Madsen ASCEND Co-Chair SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP During 2007, ASCEND celebrates 25 years of international outreach which empowers those in need to save their children and ascend out of poverty! We invite you to help us meet our objectives this year. We hope you will choose one of more of the following ways to help: • Be a contributing member • Support the annual gala • Sponsor programs • Go on an expedition • Serve as an intern or fellow • Sponsor a “sister school” or “sister community” project • Offer in-kind goods or services • Volunteer your time • Become an ambassador 20 ASCEND ANNUAL REPORT 2007 SILVER ANNIVERSARY GOALS HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR GOALS FOR 2007 ENTERPRISE Enable Ascend Business Training & Mentoring (ABT) participants to increase income 100% within 6 months of graduation. Establish full ABT programs in all five countries. Identify best options and enhance partnerships for ABT graduate capital needs, refinancing or new loans. Prepare and look for micro-franchising and macro-business opportunities. EDUCATION Graduate 90% of those in literacy programs within 1 year. Enhance FAMA curriculum with lesson goal sheets and supplemental literacy materials; tracking lessons taught, goals completed, and recognizing graduation. HEALTH Decrease infant mortality by 50% within 1 year in participating communities. Specifically incorporate “16 Key Family Practices” into measurements, helping trainers to help families set and accomplish goals, recognizing progress. TECHNOLOGY Enable all five countries to be proficient in appropriate simple technology construction, transfer and maintenance. Encourage innovation and improvement. Seek opportunities to turn technology development into income-generating activities. MEASUREMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY Enhance annual fulfillment efforts to all donors, with email thank you’s and electronic photos for $50+, printed photo(s), letter and thank you from in country for $1,000+ prior to gala. Trimester progress reports to donors over $10,000. Gather and post more success stories on website and through newsletter. Simplify and standardize program documentation. FUNDING & PARTNERSHIPS Increase contributions by 25%. Enhance in-country partnerships and funding to 50% of project expenses. Actively engage board members and advisors (U.S. and in-country) in helping achieve goals. Develop the website into an effective fundraising tool. EXPEDITIONS Increase leadership pool by 20%, enhance leadership training (semi-annual) for U.S. Teams and In-Country Teams. Schedule leaders to participate in coordination meetings with in-country staff. Simplify forms for participants. TEAMWORK & BEST PRACTICES Enhance government partnerships on all programs with written agreements to ensure joint efforts, sustainability, expand reach and impact. Enhance leadership development and goal setting—use scheduled coordination meetings effectively for training & communications. Seek, innovate, share and employ best practices at HQ and in all countries, including process, curriculum, documentation and recognition.
OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP BE A CONTRIBUTING MEMBER Whether you are in Utah or across the country, you can help through your membership and support of project activities and special events. We encourage you to renew your membership each year. Members receive our Annual Report publication, electronic newsletter, project updates, and invitations to participate in expeditions, events and meetings. SUPPORT THE ANNUAL GALA This is an event well worth coming to, held yearly in the fall. If you can’t attend, sponsor a table for others to attend or offer a non-participant donation. We also have significant committee and volunteer needs for the gala each year. SPONSOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS Help continue progress in-country by sponsoring projects or programs which are life-changing. Please see the form entitled “Participate With” included with this annual report. GO ON AN EXPEDITION Experience the difference you can make as part of an ASCEND expedition to Latin America or Africa! It is life changing for those served and for those who participate. Thirteen expeditions are planned for 2007. Visit www.ascendalliance.org for more details. SERVE AS AN INTERN OR FELLOW Mature university students, volunteer professionals and retirees with experience, education, self motivation, and patience are invited to consider an internship or fellowship. Students should be at a masters program level or undergraduate junior or senior with career interests, which will be significantly enhanced by cross-cultural training. Those selected will work full time with ASCEND Alliance Headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, or with field operations in Latin America or Africa. SPONSOR A “SISTER- SCHOOL” OR “SISTER- COMMUNITY” PROJECT Give local schools and other organizations the opportunity to help inmeaningful humanitarian outreach through our “Sister School Program.” Every teacher, parent and student who has ties to a school, whether in Utah or across the country, is invited to help. Youth, ages 12-24, who complete an expedition or internship are invited to serve on the YEP Advisory Council and help at their school. OFFER IN-KIND GOODS/SERVICES In-kind donations are greatly appreciated, including various humanitarian supplies, medical supplies and equipment, computer equipment, office supplies and equipment, vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles. Check with ASCEND Headquarters for specific current needs. VOLUNTEER AT HEADqUARTERS AND ON SPECIAL PROJECTS For those who live near our headquarters, we greatly appreciate volunteers who set up a regular time to come to the ASCEND office. Others volunteers help on specific projects like our gala. Let us know how you would like to help. BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR ASCEND Share your experience with others. Invite your family, friends and associates to participate with ASCEND. Let them know the various ways they can help: going on an expedition, volunteering at headquarters or for special projects, assisting with in-kind resources or with financial contributions. Host a meeting or get-together in your neighborhood, at your business, school or other community organization to share the opportunity and your experiences. Materials, including our ASCEND DVD and mission overview flyer, are available to assist you. LEAVE A LEGACY: WILLS, ENDOWMENTS, & TRUSTS 1) Help us build our endowment fund to perpetuate ASCEND endeavors; 2) For those over 65, take advantage of our Charitable Income and Endowment Plan; 3) Include ASCEND in your will; 4) Increase disposable income and pass your estate to heirs through charitable trusts that also help ASCEND; 5) Enjoy your assets and receive a tax deduction while helping ASCEND. “I want to thank God who brought our friends at ASCEND to Huaycan. We are very grateful for the development of the programs, especially the enterprise education program. This training is very important to benefit our families and the community in general.” –Alcides Flores President, Industrial Park of Huaycan, Peru ASCEND ANNUAL REPORT 21
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Annual Report - Ascend Alliance

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