Maggie Stutz, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Anchorage, Alaska. I just arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, three days ago. I landed Friday afternoon, and the following day Alaska Community Action on Toxics participated in a charity run for breast cancer. Alaska Community Action on Toxics had a booth around other organizations. We handed out cookies while explaining what we do as an organization and asking people to sign a petition to try and regulate toxic chemicals, such as PFAS, from being put in cosmetics. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance is linked to cancer but is still used in many water-resistant products such as non-stick pans, water-resistant clothing, and waterproof makeup products.
My first impression of the organization is that everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly. They care deeply about their work and look out for their fellow employees. Today was my first day at the office in Anchorage. My supervisor gave me an orientation. She explained the geography of Alaska, where we will go, and the communities in each area. She explained the non-profit’s principles of inclusion, the community’s right to knowledge, environmental justice, and a culture of caring and wellness.
Part of my orientation was learning about past interns and the work they performed. I saw pictures of past interns dissecting fish and drawing community members’ blood to test for toxins like PFAS.
I spent most of my first day in the office filling out paperwork and reading past research done by the non-profit to understand our projects better this summer. Alaska Community Action on Toxics takes its community-based research seriously, involving community members in every step of the process. My first impressions are that they care deeply about the community, and it will be a fantastic place to work this summer.