Well, even though I am "Yet holdin' on"... NOTHING has panned out yet. I have NOT been "picked up" by ANY non-profit as an intern, although I still have applications out with the Austin, Sheriff's Dept(Female Offender Program) and the Georgetown Police Dept(Victims' Services). I haven't heard from Barry in a while, I wasn't able to attend the non-profit financial management class and he's been M.I.A. since then. I have sent several (hundred :)) e-mails to him- but it seems he may feel that I intentionally did not show up for the class. That's too bad, I thought we had a decent working relationship. Thankfully, I've been hurt enough and denied enough by others who said they would help, and now... I'm just not THAT affected by people dropping out of my life. At this point, I am leaving it in the hands of God, while I move forward toward graduation and hopefully a relevant, well-paying job.
I started another blog... so far 2 days in... I'm anticipating the success of everyone who logs in. Times may get rough but...I just CAN'T give up!! There is too much for me to do, I've got an assignment from God and I will not let man keep me from it.
God Bless as we face new encounters each day!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The LINE is the way to go
Hi there!
It's been an interesting week! One of the most amazing things has been the fact that I shared information about "The Line" and how we should work below it- (courtesy of our last guest speaker). A friend of mine has really taken that to heart and she has spoken about it a lot- but what was funny is yesterday, she called me to tell me she IS the line. She said she didn't feel like working above or below it... instead she just "was THE line" all day. She told everyone she spoke to about what I learned in class last week about conflict resolution. I think it's great to see how that theory works for others as well as myself. I am still making my way through the book for class tonight but I look forward to it.
Also, Marisa Churchin, referred me to a few people in the Austin area; namely Charyl Naron (R.A.V.E.), Peter Daniels (A New Entry) - whose e-mail we're still trying to figure out, and Vennie Davis (Brick by Brick). I met with Marisa on Tuesday but was side tracked by food poisoning until today. I am really excited about seeing there is a real possibility for my goals to become a reality SOON. I am so used to talking about what I WANT to do, but it's amazing that before the end of October, I will be DOING it.
Things apparently did not work out for me at M.E.E.E.L.J. I was there last Tuesday , but missed last Friday due to my daughters illness. I had a meeting with Marisa this past Tuesday but I have been sending Latreese and Carrissa e-mail to stay in contact but I have not received a response from either of them. I let them know my absence does not mean I was not interested in working with them- but either they are really busy- or they have assumed the drive is too great for me to travel from Georgetown to Bastrop. That was only an issue in regard to finances- but I let them know about it from the moment my funds got tight. I was told they might have a paid intern position- so , I have been in constant contact (e-mail) to let them know I am interested in that- but still I have not heard a single thing from either person. I really hate that we seem to be on different pages because Latreese's agency very closely mirrors exactly what I hope to do in the future.
I have decided not to send any more e-mail because after sending at least 8 e-mails during the past week, I feel pretty safe in assuming this has not panned out for me. The up side is that I still have options available to me through contacts referred to me by Marisa. Thanks Barry for opening a door I never knew existed. You have greatly increased my potential for successfully giving back to the community because of your wisdom. I really appreciate this learning experience!
It's been an interesting week! One of the most amazing things has been the fact that I shared information about "The Line" and how we should work below it- (courtesy of our last guest speaker). A friend of mine has really taken that to heart and she has spoken about it a lot- but what was funny is yesterday, she called me to tell me she IS the line. She said she didn't feel like working above or below it... instead she just "was THE line" all day. She told everyone she spoke to about what I learned in class last week about conflict resolution. I think it's great to see how that theory works for others as well as myself. I am still making my way through the book for class tonight but I look forward to it.
Also, Marisa Churchin, referred me to a few people in the Austin area; namely Charyl Naron (R.A.V.E.), Peter Daniels (A New Entry) - whose e-mail we're still trying to figure out, and Vennie Davis (Brick by Brick). I met with Marisa on Tuesday but was side tracked by food poisoning until today. I am really excited about seeing there is a real possibility for my goals to become a reality SOON. I am so used to talking about what I WANT to do, but it's amazing that before the end of October, I will be DOING it.
Things apparently did not work out for me at M.E.E.E.L.J. I was there last Tuesday , but missed last Friday due to my daughters illness. I had a meeting with Marisa this past Tuesday but I have been sending Latreese and Carrissa e-mail to stay in contact but I have not received a response from either of them. I let them know my absence does not mean I was not interested in working with them- but either they are really busy- or they have assumed the drive is too great for me to travel from Georgetown to Bastrop. That was only an issue in regard to finances- but I let them know about it from the moment my funds got tight. I was told they might have a paid intern position- so , I have been in constant contact (e-mail) to let them know I am interested in that- but still I have not heard a single thing from either person. I really hate that we seem to be on different pages because Latreese's agency very closely mirrors exactly what I hope to do in the future.
I have decided not to send any more e-mail because after sending at least 8 e-mails during the past week, I feel pretty safe in assuming this has not panned out for me. The up side is that I still have options available to me through contacts referred to me by Marisa. Thanks Barry for opening a door I never knew existed. You have greatly increased my potential for successfully giving back to the community because of your wisdom. I really appreciate this learning experience!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Conflict Resolution
Tonight was fabulous as usual. Mr. Dillon was magnificent at explaining successful ways to resolve conflict both at work and in personal life. I particularly the scenario about "Getting below the line" and determining which interest ( trust, fairness,pride, etc.) fuel your "issues". It makes sense to resolve your interests and have an honest discussion that can create common ground that will ultimately solve the problem.
I also gave my presentation on M.E.E.E.L.J. and I felt pretty good about it... especially after getting my grade!! My daughter was very happy too!! Thanks Barry! I will be meeting with Marisa next Tuesday and we will see what happens from there!!
I also gave my presentation on M.E.E.E.L.J. and I felt pretty good about it... especially after getting my grade!! My daughter was very happy too!! Thanks Barry! I will be meeting with Marisa next Tuesday and we will see what happens from there!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tomorrow is the Day
Well, tomorrow is the day of my presentation. I am not nervous, I am rather excited to share with the class the information I have learned about M.E.E.E.L.J.
I know the staff has some "issue's" they need to work on... but that is life anywhere you go I guess(?). I have been in contact with Latreese and we have discussed me joining her staff or possibly being a guest speaker on occasion to speak with men who are domestic violence abusers- about the trauma they inflict upon the women they are in a relationship with. I had never approached my life experience from THAT angle. Because she does not have experience on issues of domestic violence, she said she feels I would be an asset to the agency. Hmmmm...ME an ASSET. The fact that she feels that way is a blessing to me and all of the hardship I went through prior to this, was worth it if I can help others. I also have an e-mail out to Marisa Churchin. I look forward to hearing from her and seeing how I might be of service in an agency she knows of.
My presentation was not hard to put together at all. I learned more, as I did it and I think I may "present" it to Latreese and see if she might want to use it in the future. It is amazing to see how I might actually be able to affect the world in a positive way by helping even in a small agency. Every life is valuable and I feel like if I look at the short term goals instead of always seeing the big picture, I can really make a difference one person at a time.
I know the staff has some "issue's" they need to work on... but that is life anywhere you go I guess(?). I have been in contact with Latreese and we have discussed me joining her staff or possibly being a guest speaker on occasion to speak with men who are domestic violence abusers- about the trauma they inflict upon the women they are in a relationship with. I had never approached my life experience from THAT angle. Because she does not have experience on issues of domestic violence, she said she feels I would be an asset to the agency. Hmmmm...ME an ASSET. The fact that she feels that way is a blessing to me and all of the hardship I went through prior to this, was worth it if I can help others. I also have an e-mail out to Marisa Churchin. I look forward to hearing from her and seeing how I might be of service in an agency she knows of.
My presentation was not hard to put together at all. I learned more, as I did it and I think I may "present" it to Latreese and see if she might want to use it in the future. It is amazing to see how I might actually be able to affect the world in a positive way by helping even in a small agency. Every life is valuable and I feel like if I look at the short term goals instead of always seeing the big picture, I can really make a difference one person at a time.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
A lot to take in but good to know
Tonight's class was wonderful (okay, more wonderful than usual). It was a lot easier for me to understand the context of the lesson because after working at M.E.E.E.L.J.- I can see why it is necessary to have certain provisions in place. I enjoyed the portions of the DVD I saw related to "Strengthening your Non-Profit...". I will try to download the rest because it is very important to me to have the resources I need in order to be a valuable asset to the agency I will ultimately work for.
I am glad ( now that it's over) that I took the Non-Profit Budgeting class, because even though I was confused back them because it was all greek to me, I am now better able to understand the process. I don't feel like such a novice anymore. I am more willing to volunteer information- even if my answers turn out to be wrong...I am learning. I read the SOX (I forget the official name- but we covered it tonight in class about the legislative rules that apply to non-profit's as well as for profit organizations. I read up on duty of care, and several other things i cannot recall at this moment because it is 1:10 a.m. but I will record in future posts.
I am looking forward to my power point presentation next week, I enjoyed learning more about the non-profit organization suggested by Barry. It was helpful to me to get a "behind the scenes peek at what REALLY goes on". It didn't change my mind at all about what I want to do, instead- it has been very helpful in inspiring me to continue to be an advocate for such an under served population. Well, I'm gonna run because I've got my volunteer work in Bastrop at M.E.E.E.L.J. at 9.
I am glad ( now that it's over) that I took the Non-Profit Budgeting class, because even though I was confused back them because it was all greek to me, I am now better able to understand the process. I don't feel like such a novice anymore. I am more willing to volunteer information- even if my answers turn out to be wrong...I am learning. I read the SOX (I forget the official name- but we covered it tonight in class about the legislative rules that apply to non-profit's as well as for profit organizations. I read up on duty of care, and several other things i cannot recall at this moment because it is 1:10 a.m. but I will record in future posts.
I am looking forward to my power point presentation next week, I enjoyed learning more about the non-profit organization suggested by Barry. It was helpful to me to get a "behind the scenes peek at what REALLY goes on". It didn't change my mind at all about what I want to do, instead- it has been very helpful in inspiring me to continue to be an advocate for such an under served population. Well, I'm gonna run because I've got my volunteer work in Bastrop at M.E.E.E.L.J. at 9.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Major Accomplishment
Today (well... actually yesterday because this is being written at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, September 15th)- but anywho... I met with Mrs. Latreese Cooke of MEELJ. It was an awesome and inspiring meeting! I must admit I had to e-mail her the original questions I had written down to ask her during the interview. The interview for class, culminated in a volunteer position for ME!! It was AWESOME to listen to someone speak as passionately about what she does, as I feel about what I want to do in my career field. I had a chance to see a little of what she does on a daily basis and although I know it is hard work, it is rewarding also. This has truly been a blessing and I look forward to working with the staff at MEEELJ. Thanks Barry!!!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
On My Way
I am thrilled to report that I have spoken with Ms. Latreese Cooke! We had an excellent conversation and are in the process of scheduling an appointment to speak in person on Friday, September 14, 2007. I had a chance to access her website www.meeelj.org , what they do as an agency is AMAZING! She explained a little about what goes on behind the scenes, and I am now SURE that I want to work for a non-profit for a few YEARS, before trying to start my own. The process is intense.
I really admire Ms. Cooke and the people she works with, for the work they do. Again, I was told I couldn't expect to get rich doing this, but the rewards would come from knowing I helped someone change their life. My only concern thus far is I am a single parent and I NEED to work in an agency where I can be sure my income will be stable. At this point my heart says nonprofit is the only option for me, but my head says...research other avenues to find the most stable employment. I hope there is a happy medium, in fact I am sure- it's just a matter of research and timing. I have also realized I have to be realistic with the time I am willing to spend enroute to and from work. I really like M.E.E.E.L.J.- but it is located in Bastrop and I live in Georgetown. THAT would be a HUGE adjustment. I do have an appointment to meet with someone on Sunday in Round Rock, who works in Prison Ministry, so that may be an option.
I am glad I am moving past procrastinating and opening myself up to the opportunities available to me in my surrounding communities.
I really admire Ms. Cooke and the people she works with, for the work they do. Again, I was told I couldn't expect to get rich doing this, but the rewards would come from knowing I helped someone change their life. My only concern thus far is I am a single parent and I NEED to work in an agency where I can be sure my income will be stable. At this point my heart says nonprofit is the only option for me, but my head says...research other avenues to find the most stable employment. I hope there is a happy medium, in fact I am sure- it's just a matter of research and timing. I have also realized I have to be realistic with the time I am willing to spend enroute to and from work. I really like M.E.E.E.L.J.- but it is located in Bastrop and I live in Georgetown. THAT would be a HUGE adjustment. I do have an appointment to meet with someone on Sunday in Round Rock, who works in Prison Ministry, so that may be an option.
I am glad I am moving past procrastinating and opening myself up to the opportunities available to me in my surrounding communities.
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