FAN Annual Report Presents 2009 Highlights
Organization marks two-year milestone with strategic planning; stronger civic engagement efforts

This is the text of a letter which was included in the print and online versions of the FAN 2009 Annual Report. It has been slightly modified for online publication.

January 22, 2010

Dear  FAN Advocates and Friends,

We are pleased to publish the first annual report for FAN (available here as a PDF file).  We are a young organization, but we have accomplished a lot.  Your contribution has made us a visible network of Franciscans committed to policy that promotes peace; a conscientious care for the struggling and the poor; and a profound respect for God’s creation.  

In March, FAN will be 2 years old.  We are at the stage when we have to dedicate more time and energy into strategic planning. The FAN Board of Directors and the Staff have begun conversations dedicated to this planning and development.  We have obtained the services of Louise Diamond and she has already done some marvelous work with the Board and the Staff.  Within a few days all of the institutional contacts will receive an invitation to a Webinar type meeting as part of our strategic planning process.  These meetings will help us continue to develop the organization; the input from the stakeholders will be valuable in shaping FAN. 

The annual report gives a clear indication of the fiscal modesty of the organization.  Our initial startup costs are reflected in the larger debt of 2008.  This debt has been reduced significantly in 2009.  There are some corporate member donations that we had anticipated in 2009 and expect to arrive in 2010.  These donations would have balanced the 2009 ledger.

In our strategic planning, we will get some directives for development.   This year we also plan to start the application process for  a tandem 501(c)4..  This would allow us to devote more energy and resources into policy advocacy.  We are a respected organization whose positions are sought on policy matters by both governmental and non-governmental leaders. The process of applying for the 501(c)4 will be costly, but it will enhance our efforts and make us a clearer and a more active voice on Capitol Hill. 

We are looking forward to some exciting moments in the coming months as the Congress will be considering climate change, immigration, health care, and jobs.
 
Please let the Action Center know if you have any questions or suggestions for FAN.  We appreciate your interest and commitment.  If there is any way we can collaborate with your JPIC efforts, we would be happy to do so; just let us know.  

Sincerely, 
Margaret Mary Kimmins, OSF    
President of the Board 

Fr. Larry Janezic, OFM
Interim Executive Director