A Bit About Grants

For my final project in this class, I'm writing a grant proposal. I have 2 separate ones underway for 2 different projects and am having trouble finding grants that will cover the entire cost of each project. So, I've decided to select multiple places to submit and hope to get the whole thing funded this way. I've also decided to team up with a staff member of a non-profit org that I am associated with and tack on some of my funding needs to a grant she is submitting for a similar project. I've had to do this before so fingers crossed it works out this time!

Also, I'm sending out a cheer to Ed at work who has generously allowed me to use his internet connection this week so that I can search for grants. Typically on Wed-Sun. nights I do not have internet or phone so this is a real treat! :)

certifications - what do they do for you?

This weeks' assignment has gotten me thinking about certifications and wondering if they are really necessary to have, especially given the costs. I'm thinking about this because this fall, I can take one additional natural resources class and have completed the Natural Resources Certification through CSU's continuing education program. A year or so ago I thought this might be worthwhile, however, now that I sit and think about this, what exactly will the certification do for me? I have already had 12 years of experience in the field of natural resources and have been in the highest position as Education Director for an org that does environmental education. I wonder if this certification will actually give me more pay or credibility, or show that I am more committed to the field and work that I do than others who didn't get the certification??? How much value is placed on a certification? How does a certification compare to a degree?

Just some thinking out loud...I'd love to have some feedback and know about your expereinces with certifications and if they were beneficial or not to you.

Self-Directed Learning

I hate history. This past weekend I was asked to create a historical education program about the State Park that I work for since this is the big 50 year anniversary of CO State Parks. Repeat, I hate history. Dates, names, numbers - I'm terrible at it all and to have soemone tell it to me makes me want to run screaming for the hills. I was DREADING putting this program together.

Much to my shock and amazement, I started doing research on the area and found so much information on nearby places and names of places that I became hooked on learning about the history of the South Park area. All weekend long I was obsessed with learning more about what this place and life was like before the Europeans came west and kicked everyone else out. Even the European settlement was fascinating. I now believe that I love history - as long as it has some relevance for me and it is something I can learn on my own. As I drove home on Sunday, I was thinking about that - I want to learn this subject on my own and when I feel motivated to learn it, and I want to control how much I learn about it. If you call me up and want to chat about ghost towns in Nevada, be prepared to hear a loud click.

Question for you - do you have an area that you don't really care to learn about in a class or informal learning environment, however, you learn about it on your own time and when you feel motivated?