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I've been here two full weeks now and my boss has been gone for a week and 1/2 of that. Plus, she's going on vacay next week, so I'm kinda winging it. The good news about that is that I'm getting the opportunity to settle into the job and people watch while getting comfortable. The bad news is that my boss and a few others are the only ones that know I'm a VISTA. Everybody has been told, but apparently sharp memories are scarce around here. The sticky part is that the United Way has what they call a "loaned executive" program where companies extend their employees for a certain amount of time for a specific project here. People think I'm one of those and there are some serious territorial issues surrounding that and the money that goes with it. I've just stopped trying to correct people-they'll either get on board or get out of my way sooner or later I figure. I was told by one Senior VP of Resource Investment, in no uncertain terms, that I was not needed. When I asked what she thought I did, she admitted she didn't know-but she knew I wasn't needed. Funny.
So, I've got more of an uphill battle in a sharply divided workplace than I had originally thought. The really good news is that IBM and Sysco Inc. are funneling a lot of money into bringing the United Way's volunteering program online. It's self serving, they want a place to send their employees to volunteer so their community presence is increased--but hey, it gets me guaranteed volunteers! Right now, more than anything, I'm conducting research to help formulate a plan of action to get us more involved with our external volunteers and outreach. I've had positive feedback from my bosses and other more direct co-workers who actually understand what my position is. I'm very encouraged about the future of the project and where it can go--which is a good thing!
Next week I will be conducting interviews in a psuedo-digital storytelling medium as the program Teaming 4 Technology gathers data for grant applications. T4T distributes computers to organizations that apply to us to help bridge the digital divide. I'm going on the 10th to interview a center for the mentally handicapped and how they use their computers from us. I'm really looking forward to that. I'll try and post pictures. These kids come and fill our vending machines, so I've already met some of them and the staff and they're just fantastic.
I have amassed a tremendous amount of research and data on volunteer management in a broad sense. I'm going to try, when I get a chance, to post some of the better info and links on the Wiki, but until then-email me and I'll be glad to share if you need.
Comment from Ben Sheldon on July 6, 2007 - 4:34pm
I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble being recognized around the office. I'd recommend wearing the VISTA shirt, but honestly, I never wore it either (eww, polyester). Maybe we should have sashes :-) Of course, the best way to be recognized is for doing a great job, and it sounds like you're doing it.
We'd really appreciate any help you can provide on the wiki. Also, we're trying to expand our library at CTC VISTA HQ, so please let us know if there are any books on volunteer management you can recommend.
Thanks for the update and keep up the good work!
Comment from Kevin Palmer on July 8, 2007 - 12:30am
Just keep showing up. Everyday. Work hard. Just like you are. People will get the idea. I've definitely been in the situation where someone introduced me as a VISTA and I was ignored/mitigated. Only after showing up and working hard day after day did people start to understand who I was as a VISTA. Also if you want to shoot me whatever you're getting on the volunteer management front I'll post it to the Wiki for you. Nice deal on getting Sysco and IBM on board as a volunteer base, too!
Comment from Morgan Sully on July 10, 2007 - 2:22pm
Hey Kelli,
Bummer about the 'huh? you're not needed' attitude you're encountering. People sometimes miss just what a VISTA is - we're not exactly employees, nor are we volunteers - we're VISTAs. When I say 'domestic PeaceCorps' people seem to get it. VISTAs do invaluable work around the country in many different regions and you're now writing a part of that 40 year old legacy with the work you do.
keep it up sister,
m
"All that is possible is seeking expression though human beings."
Comment from Kelli Williams on July 10, 2007 - 4:06pm
Thanks for you positive comments Morgan,I really appreciate it. I probably should have said more good things about the people I'm working with. The ones I'm actually WORKING with, and Ms. You're Superfluous isn't one of them, are really very positive and happy to have me. There are three people in the office that have actually been VISTAS before, 2 are my bosses. Surprisingly, the 3rd was an Americorps direct service for EIGHT years and she still snubs me. Go figure. So anyway, for the most part-my coworkers have been great. But I really appreciate your insight, thanks a lot!- Kelli
Comment from Kelli Williams on July 10, 2007 - 4:09pm
Hi Kevin, thanks for the support. I should have a free morning this Friday so I'm going to try and get my info organized to send it to you. If you'd post it that would be great and I'll certainly take you up on that offer! Thanks again!-Kelli
Comment from danielle martin on July 11, 2007 - 5:06pm
On the "explaining you're a VISTA" front, I have to admit, I pick my battles. If I'm trying to get something simple, I may just go with "I'm an intern" but if I'm meeting community partners who count, I go into the spiel. But what's really helped me is having a great supervisor (Thaddeus) who really gets what VISTAs do and having HIM explain it to people. Maybe get a few people on board to take the giving the spiel off your shoulders alone.
ALSO - tell me more about this "psuedo-digital storytelling medium"? Digital storytelling is sorta my gig this year...you should check out http://storiesforchange.net and tell me what you think.
-Danielle