Dear ACLU Supporter,

I couldn't be more thrilled to introduce myself and another new member of the ACLU of Alaska team, Indianna Turkisher, the organization's first-ever advocacy manager. We are looking forward to working with all of you.

In that spirit, I'd like to tell you a bit about myself and my role with this historic organization. I'm a very proud lifelong Alaskan. I was raised by a couple of outdoor enthusiasts, who ingrained a deep love of nature into every fiber of my being. I spent seven years cranking out copy for peanuts in local newsrooms. Those years fueled my hunger for learning and effective communication. I accepted a position with the Alaska Department of Corrections, as the Public Information Officer, in 2017. There, I had the profound opportunity to closely study our correctional and criminal justice systems, and the drivers of mass incarceration.

As the new communications director, I hope to connect with all our allies and our opponents. I believe strongly that education, communication, and respectful dialogue are fundamental pieces of creating a stronger democracy.

Now, for the interesting stuff – the skinny on Indianna and what she hopes to accomplish as our advocacy manager.

She is a sixth-generation Alaskan, hailing from the emerald isle of Kodiak. She spent three years working on food security issues with the Food Bank of Alaska. Most recently, she worked with the Municipality of Anchorage to develop a texting platform that would allow people to begin the application process for SNAP (food stamps) with just a few short text messages. She's also successfully advocated for more positions at the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, to make sure hungry Alaskans were assisted more swiftly.

And if that work wasn't inspiring enough, she's also a member of the Alaska Conservation Corp., and has helped rehabilitate and free stranded whales in Key Largo, FL. We're honored to have this up-and-coming advocacy powerhouse on our team.

As our first-ever advocacy manager, Indianna will be breaking trail for our organization. In her own words: "My goal in this new position is to elevate the voices of all Alaskans, including those in the most difficult to reach places. I hope to help support the mission and priorities of the ACLU of Alaska by strengthening our grassroots organizing efforts across the State, while garnering understanding and support for the protection of our civil liberties."

With our team here in Alaska, we hope to help make Alaska a place where everyone is equal, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of race, gender, background, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation.

Well, there you have it. We've hit the ground running, and we'll keep you updated on our work with the ACLU of Alaska along the way.

Thanks for standing with us,

Megan Edge
Communications Director, ACLU of Alaska