Allison Cook

Background

About Allison Cook

Much of my career has focused on donor stewardship. I have crafted tailored newsletters, hosted breakfast focus groups, sent surveys, forwarded articles of interest, and had bags of dog treats at the ready for my donors’ puppies. Through these efforts, I sought to truly know my donors, understand their passions and goals, and create a bond between them and my organization. This stewardship mindset is equally important to utilize with those whom my organization and donors serve. It is important to help others on their own terms; not on terms dictated by myself or others not directly impacted by the issue we aim to address. By building relationships based on trust and openness, those who are most impacted by an issue can feel safe sharing with me and my organization how we can help them to overcome the challenges they face. I believe in this principle with my entire being and continue to bring this belief to my job each day. It is for this reason that I was so excited to join the staff of the Trust For Public Land. Since its founding in 1972, Trust For Public Land has been a conservation organization fueled by innovation and its commitment to social justice. Building coalitions; committing to involving community residents from the very beginning of any project; and exploring novel ways to meet every person’s need for safe, accessible, outdoor space has been a part of Trust For Public Land’s ethos from the very beginning. They take on the projects others pass over: brownfield remediation; protection of important (often lesser known) Civil Rights sites to preserve history for future generations; complex flooding and stormwater management locations; ensuring affordable housing remains in communities where new parks are built; greenspaces that cross multiple governmental jurisdictions and require a high level of finesse and negotiation. I am proud to be a part of the team making this type of brave and informed conservation possible. I am looking to connect with those who want to create community-driven, accessible, and collaborative greenspaces for everyone in the United States regardless of geographic location, race, or socio-economic status. I look forward to introducing you to our stellar team and working together to make lasting change for our planet while strengthening the communities who can benefit from additional investments in the public commons.