Big Job

Kelli Williams — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:24:56 +0000

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.

Digital Arts Service Corps - volunteer resources

Big Job