Project Title: Networking the old-fashioned way: Maximizing the presence of an environmental non-profit at outreach events

Cooperating Organization: Washington Wild

Short Summary: Washington Wild attends at least 15 outreach events annually, with the majority of these events occurring between May-September.  We leave some of these events feeling like we really connected with the attendees; however, other events leave us wondering why we ever thought it would be beneficial for us to attend.  By generating and applying a series of questions and assessments, we seek to clarify how we can maximize staff time and reap the most benefits of attending select events.

Objectives: Overall Goal: Maximize Washington Wild’s time & presence at outreach events
Objectives of this Capstone Project:
1)Clarify reasons for attending specific events
  a)How does this event relate to our mission?
2)Determine our audience
  a)What are the most effective ways to connect with different types of audiences?
3)Develop simple, comprehensive training materials for those who will staff the outreach tables
  a)What do the table staffers need to know about Washington Wild to be effective at tabling?
4)Determine what defines an event as “Successful” for the organization
  a)What metrics can we use to determine whether or not an event is worth attending again?
5)Suggest ways to move forward with people who connect with us at events

Note:  Each objective is associated with 2-3 more specific questions not listed here.

Methods: At the beginning, the student will be trained as a table volunteer and attend outreach events to get a feel how they run.  He/She will then take a critical look at how Washington Wild operates at events.  Working with Washington Wild staff, interns, and volunteers, the student will examine methods for answering the Objectives of the project.  This will involve developing criteria to help Washington Wild determine the relevance and impact of an outreach event on our mission, develop ways of questioning attendees and volunteers at outreach events, and researching best-practice methods to follow-up with event attendees.

Project Type: Individual

Start Date: 06/20/2011

Expected Project Duration Weeks: 12

Time Commitment Hr/wk: 15

Expected Weekly Schedule: Generally flexible schedule during the M-F work week – to be arranged between intern and site supervisor.  Four mandatory Saturdays to attend outreach events (June 23, July 28, September 8, September 15).  As events may come up at short notice, the Saturday schedule may change.

Site Supervisor Name: Kim Adank

Site Supervisor Position: Membership and Development Director

Site Supervisor Email: kim@wawild.org

Skills Required: •Outgoing & comfortable speaking with strangers at outreach events

•Comfortable talking with a range of people about conservation issues & conducting oneself in a professional manor

•Ability to think on his/her feet & adjust how information is delivered to individuals at events

•Fluent in English

•Competent in all MS Office programs, including Word, Excel, & Outlook, as well as the internet, is required for communications, research, and reporting

•General interest & commitment to conservation of Washington’s wildlands

•Flexible, responsible, trustworthy, and has a sense of humor

Resume Needed: yes!

Cover Letter Needed: yes!

Reference Contact Info Needed: yes!