I’m all about programming. That’s my job and I love it.
Beyond recreational programming, I kinda like working on the department’s website and marketing my programs. However, I don’t do the accounting. I don’t deal with OSHA compliance (booooring). I don’t order the office supplies. I don’t write grant proposals. When it comes to office management and pushing paper I leave that to those best suited for it. I have no desire to be the boss, the director, the general manager. That would take away from my programming time, whether it’s planning them or running them.
Unfortunately, sitting at a desk and working with contract instructors is a necessary evil. In all fairness contract instructors increase the amount of programming an organization can offer. They also bring skills that we may not have. Lord knows, I can’t teach Irish dance. Okay, so saying that they’re a necessary evil IS a little harsh. I would just rather be out their leading the programs, not managing outside help.
One of the programs we offer is a babysitting class for 11-15 year olds. This is a popular one-day program that we offer every season. An issue I have with contract instructors is that, even with a reputable organization (say…the Red Cross), you may find that you can’t depend on them as much as you’d like. After being burned by a Red Cross instructor twice (the instructor didn’t show up once and then got lost the second time, arriving 45 minutes late) you start to think, “Hey, I could teach a babysitting class. I work with kids every day.” Then you come to your senses, realizing you don’t know the first thing about teaching a class on babysitting…until now.
The Website of the Week tells of a non-profit organization that teaches you and your staff how to be babysitting class instructors. There is a one time fee for the program and they have all the materials you need to run the class. They’ve been covered in the media, in a number of magazines and their program is used all over the country with great success. I believe it’s usually better to keep as much programming in house as possible.
Check out the Website of the Week now.
