MOO Highlights This Week!

Just the Highlights: Tips and Tricks from Our Last GP-MOO Class (01-20-2010)

Highlights from our last MOO discussion included, but were not limited to, the following:

Heather got a new computer.

Brett’s computer was acting funny and he was unable to access Dr. Rice’s class page.

Monica, Brett, Boot, and others seem to be dialed-in, while Bea struggled with online information and resources and I was a “ship without a port.”

Local foundation centers are excellent sources to find organizations in need and various funding sources.

Monica is working to help Lanky and other exotic big cats in need. Some of the big cat conundrums while in rescue centers include issues of safety, staff training, insurance, and neutering.

If a problem is too large then break into “digestible chunks,” advised Brett.

Basic Proposal Writing Formula: Give us X, which helps Y, which prevents Z.

Instrumental Purpose: the professional term used for “getting the money,” (Marc), but Heather reminded us that allocations can include “equipment, etc.”

Need Statement: the introduction to a proposal that includes; 1.) a concise description of the problem, 2.) a proposed solution, and 3.) a suggestion on how the funder can assist.

Thesis: “an opinion presented as a fact that needs evidence to support it,” (R. Rice).

Pathos: emotional appeal

Logos: rational appeal

Ethos: appeal to character and credibility

GP’s can be political and it is the wise writer who researches the sponsor(s) before completing the proposal. I thought this sounded “covert” (LOL!) but was reminded that it’s just “rhetoric.” (Still laughing!)

Game and genre are interchangeable.

Use actual concepts from a sponsors mission statement in the proposal.

We explored the ethical quagmire of whether or not we should disclose the involvement of additional sponsors when writing proposals. Despite not reaching a clear consensus, I think we impressed our professor!!!!!

We discussed Bea’s blog and her grant ideas and concluded that “pathos” should be emphasized and Bea was a step ahead having already thought to bring a local PNG resident to her next meeting. However, this meeting may not come in time and Bea continues to race the clock because unless quicker action is taken, her cause may “miss the boat.”

I shared next and received some excellent advice. This newbie needs to focus on documenting sources, offering a better description of fund utilization, and ambiguity in writing. Thanks everyone, I appreciate the guidance!

We finished by offering ideas for the following week’s blog assignment.

See y’all next week!

R.B.