Catching Up with Coach Alex Tom
Northwest Health Foundation’s four-year initiative, the C4 Power Program (C4PP), is eight months in, so we decided to check in with Coach Alex Tom who works with Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Pacific County Voices Uniting (PCVU) and NAYA Action Fund (NAYA AF).
Coach Alex Tom meets with three members of Pacific County Voices Uniting on Zoom.
NWHF: Alex, how is it going with your groups?
First, I am grateful for the opportunity to share reflections and insights on the amazing work that is happening in the Pacific Northwest. I’m honored to be one of the coaches for Dancing Hearts Consulting and Northwest Health Foundation and to have the opportunity to work with APANO, PCVU and NAYA Action Fund. They are all very unique in their own ways but play similar and important roles in their community in building political power.
This month I was fortunate to support APANO at their staff retreat and experience the beauty of the PNW (and wineries). As I was getting back to the airport, I needed to get gas and didn’t mind that I didn't have to pump my own gas!
Overall, I’ve also been able to get to know each of the organizations and leaders the last six months and have felt the PNW (virtual and in-person) love and hospitality. It has been great!! I appreciate how grounded all the leaders have been and inspired by their ability to lead in their own communities while being in solidarity with other communities of color. They all have a sharp intersectional understanding and assessment of how to build and wield power.
What are some unique barriers facing these groups that folks might not be aware of?
Unlike other major urban centers, there is not a lot of community and movement infrastructure in the PNW. This is challenging in some ways but also an important opportunity to build multi-pronged, multi-issue and multi-racial organizations and ecosystems. Most of the organizations in the PNW are the “catch all” for the entire community and movement. For example, organizations in the PNW are providing services, housing, doing policy advocacy, community planning, food distribution, organizing and winning elections. Also, the ecosystem of BIPOC-led organizations are more connected and integrated [in the PNW].
What are some early wins each group has had this year?
NWHF’s investments in 501(c)4 development have encouraged a healthy innovative approach to powerbuilding, which is leading the way nationally. From building independent revenue to leveraging 501(c)4 dollars, PNW is one of the leading models in the country in community and philanthropic partnerships and investments.
Where have you seen some growth since your first meeting with the groups?
The groups I’m working with have taken their work to the next level. The leaders of PCVU have already been community leaders; however, NWHF has allowed them to harness their leadership and power through an organization. Similarly, the leaders of NAYA AF have built their relationships and reputation for decades through their sister organization NAYA Family Center. Now they are able to tap into their full political power with NAYA AF. APANO and APANO Education Fund have both grown and evolved through the years. They are now on track to fully integrate their policy and civic engagement work.
Where is there overlap in some of their goals for the next year? How are they getting ready for 2022?
The NWHF core operating and supplemental grants are giving organizations the capacity to prepare to win in the 2022 elections. In particular, the supplemental grants give organizations an additional boost to truly contest for power on a local level.
You have been doing this type of work for a while in the Bay Area. What makes this program uniquely set up for success?
In 2019, I came to present at NWHF’s Civic Cohort and was already blown away. It is rare for a regional 501(c)4 funder to have such a thoughtful and intentional process with grantees that includes: 1) Core operating support and additional resources for expanded field, 2) Individualized coaching and staff training provided by DHC. The foundation is grounded in the needs of the field and provides the resources and support needed.
Thank you, Alex, for your partnership in this program and enthusiasm for our C4s!