Have you ever had that dream that you are running as fast as you can but getting nowhere? That has been my waking life this week--without the inevitable beast right behind me when I look over my shoulder. At least the final negotiations for the contract through the end of June are nearly at an end. In addition to the youth program funding, I have secured nearly full staffing and operational budget and one of the elements in the adult training program. So far, the one project that I had hoped would be a priority and funded first is still bogged down in the appropriations process. Thank heavens July is a new fiscal year and I have a few more months to really push that part of our program.
This experience has definitely cured me of my fear of meeting people and speaking to audiences. I would not recommend it as a solution to anyone else in this position, however, unless they don't mind trading their phobias for gray hair, ulcers, and sleep disorders. Hopefully Eric can find some happy hour specials up my way!
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9 months ago
Took a little time to explore your link to ACT. I had only known them as a provider of college entrance tests. Was amazed to see them market themselves in the area of Workforce Development too. I guess I can see how that might fit into their mission. But in popping around their site, it occurred to me that I could not remember what ACT stood for. And they weren't telling. :-) Or if they were, it slipped by me. The CT is probably College Testing. Maybe with their new focus on Workforce Development they would rather downplay their roots?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, projects like this make birthing seem simple in retrospect, don't they? Best of luck.
Full staffing, an operational budget, an adult training program AND you still have more!?! I'm surprised you have the energy to do anything else, let alone a Blog to let us know how it's going ;)
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Did you take a grant writing class or figure it out on your own? I'm curious how one goes about obtaining funding. It just might come in handy for my future. I'm off to explore your links.
Judy--You're absolutely right--ACT stands for American College Testing. According to their information at: http://www.act.org/aboutact/faq.html they shortened the name in 1996 as it no longer reflected the additional services they offered.
ReplyDeleteAs far as childbirthing--well, having had five and run the gamut from one end of the spectrum to the other on ease, I'm not quite ready to concede that point yet. Another month of negotiations and revisions may change my mind, though. I don't think it will ever surpass the child raising experience, however.
K--yes, there's more. I tend to be greedy when it comes to providing needed services. Settling for funding that will only help a small percentage of our county's residents would keep me from sleeping at night. (Of course that would help me get my homework done!)
ReplyDeleteThe business and marketing classes I have taken that required written proposals and plans helped a great deal. I have also taken a grant writing workshop in addition to the extensive research done over several years. I'll see if I can include some of the better sources of grant information in the future.
Outstanding...I too know the frustrations from walking a dream from visualization to manifestation. It can be very frustrating sometimes. What am I saying. All of the time. It is pivotal to our career to stay focused. Which is easier said than done. I have stretched myself far beyond what I thought I was capable of. I am happy for you and I look forward to more posts.
ReplyDeleteI can feel the work pressure in your shoulders which you still carry up to your dream. But it's only natural for a person who stays focused and committed to a job. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI think your blogging is a great way for you to get some of your frustrations out and I agree with you I think it's also helped me overcome some fears of getting out in the social networking world and speaking to people. :)
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