Guiding Vision

When I jump on the computer in the morning I often crank up the music.  I have tons of songs that I’ve ripped from my CD’s or downloaded from eMusic.  I use Windows Media Player or when I’m on the go I’ve got my Sansa Clip.  (iPods are overpriced and overrated IMO).  Back in the day we had “jam boxes.” Yes I’m a child of the ’80s.

Speaking of which the soundtrack for today began with Prince.  Since I’m now not just on my own but actually in a real office I put on headphones.  Of course that does not stop me from dancing or occasionally singing along… to the amusement of my office mates.

What’s the soundtrack of your day?

A couple of months ago I completed a certification course in Nonprofit Management.  Now lo and behold my face is in the newspaper holding my shiny new certificate.  The program is sponsored by the Non Profit Management Center of Wichita Falls, The Priddy Foundation, the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas and MSU, our local university.

The program brings in some of the best experts and trainers for one intensive class per month.  While taking this course I was extremely impressed by the presentations, the material presented and everything about it.  We were showered with great resources, including a free book at each session.  Plus all of our handouts went into a big 3 ring binder.

One of the greatest benefits of the course was learning the material alongside other non profit managers.  Everyone could share their own experiences – ideas that worked for them as well as questions.  There was a variety of ages and causes represented in the classes.  There was also a wide range of experience – some people who had worked in non profits for many years, others who were only a year or two out of college, and others who were exploring a change from the business world.  While many of the attendees were full time staff there were also volunteers and board members too.  I believe in the program so much that I’m sending two of my team members, Tracie and Liz, to the introductory class later this month.

I really enjoy going to these kind of trainings, seminars and conferences.  I guess you can say I’m a seminar junkie.  I take pages and pages of notes and keep a separate list of “action items” that I need to implement when I get home.  Of course many of those on the list don’t get done right away.  Some not at all.  But many months or years later I can flip through the book and may just find the perfect idea and the time is finally right to take action.

So what about you? Are you a lifelong learner?