OUR HISTORY

A true community-driven organization, AdkAction emerged during the summer 2007 when a group of more than 30 Adirondack residents held meetings in their living rooms to discuss environmental and community challenges.   The modern form of AdkAction.org came into existence in early 2011 with certification as a New York not-for-profit charity and as an IRS-endorsed 501(c)3 organization. 

During the summers of 2006 and 2007 a group of more than 30 Tri-Lakes residents, composed of almost equal numbers of permanent and seasonal residents, held meetings to discuss issues of mutual concern. The idea of forming an action committee for the Adirondacks arose at the earliest meetings. The group concluded that such a committee, with its ability to raise money, and support important issues, was needed to advocate for the specific interests of the Adirondacks and especially Tri-Lakes residents. It was recognized that these people with common interests were fragmented by dispersion over different towns and counties and that seasonal residents with longtime, close local ties and interests in the community were often powerless because they could not vote in local elections. A volunteer Organizing Committee from this group took the steps necessary to create AdkAction.org, whose goal was to give all a stronger voice in important local decisions.

An initial survey developed by the group showed overwhelming support for launching AdkAction.org and a commitment from many to contribute time and money. During the fall of 2007 AdkAction.org moved from concept to reality. This survey was replaced by an online version with improved questions, based on the initial test surveys. The first results of this survey produced the following high-priority issues which at least 2/3 of the respondents Agreed or Strongly Agreed were important:

With such a rich variety of project ideas, the non-profit board of directors that formed to govern AdkAction decided that the number of project areas that the organization would take on would depend only on the number of passionate people on the board. Thus, the unique structure of AdkAction formed.  Each project requires that a dedicated board member at the helm, and with the help of AdkAction staff and members a committee is formed.  Experts are brought in as necessary, and we work with partner organizations and consultants as necessary to ensure adequate capacity and expertise in each project area.  Our current projects include conserving habitat for monarchs and other pollinators, preventing road salt pollution, promoting local artists and arts institutions, increasing access to high-speed internet, and revitalizing Adirondack communities. 

Today, AdkAction serves the estimated 337,000 year-round and seasonal residents of the Adirondack Park.  We were founded on the principal that a small number of dedicated and passionate people can make a big difference, and that is what drives us to this day.