Creating Candy Island: The first week of W&W Summer Journeys

“You’re awesome!” says Lucy

“No you’re awesome” I reply

“Well you’re awesome-er”

“Okay. How about we’re both equally awesome”

“Okay. Cool.” Lucy laughs as she bounces away

 

Not at every job do you get into a discussion over awesomeness, only to decide that the equally distribution of awesomeness is best.  It is the collective awesomeness at Wonder & Wisdom that has brought me back to the Summer Journey’s program for the past three summers.

I think an introduction is needed, as I will be blogging about the great adventures of the Wiz Kids for the summer-- my name is Erin, a recent college graduate and long time playmate of the Wiz Kids.  I couldn’t imagine spending my last summer, before departing for the adult world, doing anything but playing with theWiz Kids! So, here I am. 

I must apologize for the delay of my first blog post, but my excuse is a good one: float building. Every Fourth of July Wonder & Wisdom Summer Journeys constructs a magnificent float for Greensboro’s Funky Fourth parade. The float is completely kid created; this year’s float was Candy Island adorned with lollypop trees and a monstrous cake mountain. Every child created a costume of their favorite candy, and we “big kids” helped them turn their idea into a reality. Every confection was represented: sour patch kids and candy flowers to gummy bears and chocolate bars. The float was garnished with the inverted M&M’s symbol representing W&W (creative huh!) and the tag line “remember how sweet it was to be a kid”.    Our super sweet float was awarded first place in the parade! A very nice award for our week of hard work.

There are new pictures on the website of our float and its building process and hopefully there will be new pictures added often, so be sure to check frequently.  

GW&W Seeks Conductor of All Things Wise and Wonderful (Executive Director)

The Conductor of All Things Wise and Wonderful is responsible for the integrity of the Greensboro Wonder & Wisdom Circle of Players and for the clear connection between Board, Staff, and Community. The Conductor is instrumental in the expansion of repertoire and for bringing our 'music' to audiences beyond Greensboro.

RESPONSIBILITIES

STAFFING

• Mentors and coordinates Principals and other staff as necessary; includes hiring, performance evaluation, professional supervision and development, and organizing and chairing staff meetings.

PROGRAM

• Ensures the quality and integrity of GW&W Programs.
• Secures and maintains State licensing and appropriate accreditation.
• Works with Program staff to develop and maintain program documentation.
• Supports Program staff in expanding program participation in the greater Greensboro community.
• Works with Board to expand the vision and scope of GW&W and to share its work with an expanding audience; helps develop ways of implementing the plan.

FINANCE

• Manages the accounting and payroll function and maintains accounting records for the corporation in a timely manner. Produces periodic financial statements for Board review. Supports our contracted CPA in generating annual financial statements and the 990 tax return. Provides meaningful accounting information as required to grantors. Ensures compliance with State and Federal regulations on worker's compensation, unemployment, etc.
• Generates the Annual Budget for Board approval. Uses the Budget as a management tool to monitor income and expenses. Makes timely and appropriate adjustments to meet budget guidelines.
  
• Works with Board to effectively manage financial resources including operating and endowment funds.
  
• Negotiates, contracts, and manages outside services as necessary for items such as insurance, credit card accounts, phone, and internet services, etc.

FUNDRAISING

• Refines and implements with Board assistance a comprehensive, on-going, fundraising program that supports the operation and purpose of GW&W; collaborates with the Board on fundraising activities such as: expanding the mailing list, adding personal notes to general mailings, developing the Annual Report, helping with fundraising events, making personal fundraising visits to potential major donors, and thanking donors over and over again.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with institutional grantors interested in our work and provides necessary information and materials for grant writing and reports. This latter function may be subcontracted as necessary.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Coordinates public relations efforts with Principals and Board Members in various media and community calendars. This includes oversight of our website.
• Represents GW&W at appropriate community meetings such as The Greensboro Association, Town Meeting, and the Vermont Children's Forum annual luncheon, etc.
• Builds collaborative relationships with other community nonprofits and the schools.

BOARD

• The Conductor reports to the Board of Directors and the the President of the Board between meetings.
• Coordinates and attends all GW&W Board Meetings and Committee Meetings.
• Gently and clearly reminds the President when she is supposed to do something ahead of time!
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Board.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Develops his/her skills and ideas to enhance imaginative program development.
• Embodies the GW&W commitment to life long learning and growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

GENERAL

• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in Human Service Delivery/Administration.
• Must share the values and vision of GW&W.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE WHICH DEMONSTRATES:

• Management Experience
• Experience working with nonprofits either in staff or board capacities
• Working knowledge of childhood development
• Experience in professional supervision
• Familiarity with emerging new paradigms in education and learning, including "learning from the heart"
• Recognizes the importance of honoring and cultivating the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
• Familiarity with strategies for helping children develop their social/emotional intelligence
• Program documentation and assessment
• Curriculum development
• Teaching or working closely with teachers
• Understanding and empathy with the needs of senior citizens and ways to cultivate Elderhood.
• Understanding of rural communities and poverty

SKILLS

• Participative Leadership Style
• Computer Expertise: Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Internet, etc.
• Public Speaking
• Written communication: Correspondence, Fundraising, Press Releases, Brochures, etc.
• Financial management: Basic Accounting, Budgeting, Cash Management (Investment Management not required)
• Highly organized people person
• Flexible, honest, trustworthy, and resourceful
• Life-long learner; an active and creative mind
• Sense of wonder and humor
• Deep wisdom

If you are interested in helping us grow, please send resume and cover letter to Greensboro Wonder & Wisdom, P.O. Box 300, Greensboro, VT 05841 or email cover letter with attached resume to trish@wonderwisdom.org by July 31, 2009.