by Speaker Judi Won Pat
31st Guam Legislature

"Not-for-profits positively impact our Pacific Blue Continent in more ways than one."

My Dear People of Guam,

Buenas yan Hafa Adai! I was invited to speak at Payu-ta's 3rd Micronesia Non Profit Congress today and in listening to several of the conference speakers, reconnecting with professionals who provide important social services, and networking with other movers and shakers in our community I felt it important to share with you the value that charities, not-for-profits, and civic organizations bring to our community.

I have always believed that government cannot and should not do it alone and I am happy to share that, over the past few years, we have seen a tremendous growth in nonprofits on the islands.

Growth in the number of not-for-profits translates to greater participation by people like you who choose to take matters into your own hands to assist your fellow woman, man, and child. This is a good thing because, as my friend and President of the Bank of Guam Lou Leon Guerrero said, "nonprofit and civic organizations are action oriented with a sense of urgency, less bureaucratic, more efficient, and outcome oriented." From my own experience, I know that charities, not-for-profits, and civic organizations have always been effective at the grass roots level in helping to support the underserved, the vulnerable, the disadvantaged or the disenfranchised.

Payu-ta, meaning ‘our umbrella,' is a great example of how a not-for-profit organization is able to affect government policy and practice in order that we, as a community, may better respond to those causes with the greatest need. Payu-ta has been active in advocating for greater attention to be set upon Non Communicable Diseases and working to ensure that addressing NCDs are a priority on Guam and in the neighboring island nations.

I want to thank Payu-ta, other not-for-profit organizations, charities, and civic organizations such as Lions Club International, the American Red Cross, the Rotary Club, and the dozensmore on Guam for doing the important work in creating new and stronger Pacific partnerships, identifying and filling community service gaps and opportunities, and for setting the agenda for others to follow.

Si Yu'os Ma'ase to the volunteers and service professionals in these not-for-profit organizations, charities, and civic organizations. Your work has a profound impact upon the lives of so many individuals and the communities that we all comprise. You help to empower our people, protect our planet, and through your service help make Guam a better place to live. On behalf of the 31st
Guam Legislature I would like to wish you andyour family a Happy Thanksgiving.

Saina Ma'ase.