December 09, 2022

A Message from ANCA's Executive Director and VP for Development

“I recently celebrated my 14-year anniversary as President & CEO for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, and I never would have made it this long without the amazing learning experiences and support I have received through involvement with ANCA, which is why I joined the Board in 2014. I believe that the reason there are so many good leaders working for nature centers is largely due to the targeted professional development provided by ANCA. It is critical to have the national support of a network of seasoned nature center administrators in order to move all nature centers forward.”

— Kay Carlson

A group of approximately 30 people sit in a large room at three rows of tables. In the background, a person stands by a large screen. Above, lights.In November over 30 nature center leaders gathered at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Mich., for the first in-person ANCA Peer CONNECTS meeting since early 2020.Friends,

It is the time of year when we gather to celebrate holidays centered around what matters most: expressing gratitude, spending time with friends and family, and warming the soul with traditions and comforting food! This is also the season of giving, and we hope you will consider ANCA in your giving this year. 

What matters most to us here at ANCA is the work of our members. When you support ANCA, you support a nationwide network of leaders, like Kay, who make nature and outdoor education possible for millions of people

This past year,

  • We resumed national and local in-person events, hosting the first in-person ANCA Summit in three years.
  • We hosted 15 virtual programs that connected nature center professionals based on their needs.
  • We provided Peer Consults to seven member organizations who looked to ANCA for guidance with their unique challenges and opportunities. 
  • We introduced an innovative and more inclusive Board and Committees nominations process. Already we have identified new skills and experiences that can energize broader diversity and inclusion in the organization.
  • We continued supporting the ANCA network through our standard programs such as the Mentor Program, Reciprocal Program, and communications with relevant resources.

And, like the organizations we serve, we cannot continue our work without the support of donors. If you have donated to ANCA this year, thank you! Please consider sharing this message with a friend or family member. If you are an ANCA member who has benefitted from one of our programs or services, please consider sharing this message with your board.

DONATE HERE

Make your tax-deductible donation today, and consider becoming a Sustaining Donor with recurring donations that will collectively have a great impact! Just $5 to $20 per month benefits ANCA greatly and secures our continued operations.  

The ANCA board and staff cannot thank you enough for your support and the role you’re playing in developing vitally needed nature centers in communities across the world!

Thank you,

Brooks Paternotte, VP for Development
Jen Levy, Executive Director