Fig Tree - New Fig Tree Development , Marijke Fakasiieiki

Marijke Fakasiieiki consults to build support

Marijke Fakasiieiki began in June as development associate for The Fig Tree, working a few hours a week. Her full time job is serving as executive director of Refugee Connections of Spokane, helping refugees and immigrants gain access to resources.

She brings more than 20 years of interfaith and ecumenical nonprofit and development experience and was nurtured in the mission and values of The Fig Tree, often volunteering with it—to help edit, make calls, plan the Legislative Conference and fundraisers—growing up in Spokane, daughter of editor Mary Stamp.

After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1994 in international studies, she earned a master of religious studies at Gonzaga University in 1996, a certificate in ecumenics at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland, in 1996, and a master of divinity at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley in 1998.

Along with ecumenical/interfaith commitment from study and work with the World Council of Churches, Church World Service, the California Council of Churches and as an ecumenical/interfaith consultant in California, she brings skills in raising funds, building relationships and understanding faith and nonprofit communities.

"The key to interfaith and ecumenical relations is to share stories of organizations with constituents through email, social media, website, phone, mail and face to face," said Marijke. "The Fig Tree mission of sharing stories about what people do to make a difference is much needed to inspire others to be hopeful and act.

"The Fig Tree is a valuable educational tool for congregations, nonprofits and the community to encourage leaders to work together on common projects," she said

Since joining The Fig Tree as a contract consultant, she helped the Resource Directory approach its budgeted goal in advertising and helped it meet the goal for community partners. She has helped connect with community agencies to get acquainted while arranging deliveries for directories in the midst of COVID closures of many agencies.

With advertising is down because some businesses and nonprofits are closed, she has helped make new contacts to fill the gaps.

Last fall and into the spring, The Fig Tree's "Branching Out" Campaign raised $40,000 with the motivation of total of $20,000 offered in matching funds to help underwrite a development associate position over several years, with the goal of strengthening The Fig Tree and Resource Directory reach for the future.

COVID-19 hit during the search process in March.

"With COVID, we could not reach out as previously anticipated," said Mary, editor, "but we have been able to stretch more than we could have without the added consulting."

Marijke's main focus is her work with Refugee Connections Spokane. With COVID, the usual programs for refugee elders, English classes, refugee children, informational workshops, leadership training and a new program to provide services have readjusted. In the summer, part of the role was to provide food boxes.

Marijke's cross-cultural skills mesh with The Fig Tree's role of building understanding, bridges and dialogue.

"The Fig Tree fits my interest in supporting interfaith, ecumenical and secular nonprofit organizations through networking, education, advocacy, fundraising, communicating with constituents and media to empower vulnerable populations," Marijke said.

Directory editor Malcolm Haworth is her brother.

For information, call 535-1813 or email development@thefigtree.org.