I cannot imagine trying to implement the Elevating Voices project without Proponents as part of the process. To this end, I am incredibly thankful that Proponents emphasizes a collective learning experience, providing continual opportunities for assessment and dialogue. This approach has been very valuable to the CMC as the staff have worked to carry out a grant that is pushing the organization to develop new processes and ways of thinking.
Throughout this first year, what has been perhaps the most beneficial has been Proponents’ direct engagement with CMC staff. In those interactions, I deeply valued Proponents’ ability to ask insightful, direct questions that helped clarify underlying assumptions, identify potential problems/tensions, and encourage staff to keep the overall objectives of the project in mind. The most striking example of the benefit of direct, in-person engagement with Proponents was how the CMC’s internal conversations regarding Elevating Voices changed after the staff interviews in January of 2015. It was incredibly helpful to have Proponents reflect with CMC staff regarding our processes, assumptions, and goals for the Elevating Voices grant. After these interviews, CMC staff began having more reflective conversations regarding the project.
I have also valued Matteah’s accessibility, namely her willingness to dialogue over the phone. This accessibility encouraged learning and reflection.
In terms of my own professional development, I have greatly valued the opportunity to work with Proponents. Matteah’s questions and recommendations have been formative in helping me think through my own processes and assumptions. I am deeply thankful for this.
Your work exceeded our expectations.
-From Jen VanderHeide, Project Coordinator for Community Media Project