I work for a large corporation that really likes it's bureaucracy and it's red tape. My work site is 'off campus' and we don't have a lot of contact with the hierarchies and can mostly pretend that we are an independent and well-functioning unit (we're not really ...). Our 'off-campus' work site is supported by a non-profit that originally were the private operators of this organization before it was amalgamated with the major corporation. The reason I tell you this is because it is confusing as to where our funding comes from.
One of my favorite parts of my job is a group that I run based on a book written by a renowned professional in my field that the clients love. Even the staff who work with me love it. I am the only person on the team trained to work with these materials as it was designed by this professional. For the last year and a half, the non-profit has been funding the books so that each client who comes into the facility received their own personal copy of the book (it doubles as a workbook and journal prompter, so clients often like to write in it, highlight it, etc). The funding has run out and the non-profit is no longer supplying the books. The major corporation has also declined to provide the book for each individual client, and really, I am having a very hard time convincing the corporation to invest in 10 additional books ($160.00) so that this group can continue with enough books for everyone to read during the group time.
The question;
Do I cancel this group? Without the proper resources, I can't effectively perform my tasks. If the clients don't have access to the group materials, they cannot participate. It would be sad, because the clients really like the group and get a lot out of it. I also think that it is unethical to perform a group based on specific materials wtihout having those materials at hand.
OR
Do I invest $160 and buy the books myself? I don't really need 10 copies of this book all to myself, but at least the group could continue.
I really want to just buy the books and do my job, but I also don't want to give the corporation the idea that I will spend my own money to ensure that their program continues. What do you all think?
I don't have an answer for you, sorry. But I can tell you that my mom is an elementary school teacher. She spends hundreds of her own money every year for supplies she wants for her class that are not funded by the school. Just wanted you to know you're not alone in your situation.
Could all or some of the clients buy the book themselves?
Maybe the publisher would donate them?
Maybe let the author know what you've been doing with his/her book, and ask for suggestions?
Could the book be downloaded (free) from the Library of Congress or a public library, to e-readers or tablet computers? (Would your clients already have these devices?)
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
I'm trying to think of free solutions just in case you're the one who wrote "I don't make a whole lot, and I have a pile of student loans to pay. I can't really afford..."
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
Yes - the corporation is okay with the group ending if it saves them money (gotta love big business!) and nobody is really looking out for the clients.
The clients could be instructed to buy the book before admitting to the facility, but we can't mandate that, which means that it won't happen (I work with severely mentally ill individuals with very little self-advocacy in the early days).
The book author is aware, and is in support of our using the book, but has been unable to be helpful in even getting a reduced rate :(
The kindle/amazon downloads of the book ranges $15-$25 but clients are not permitted access to technology during program time.
There is one psych book store in town that might consider a donation - I'll have to send a letter and ask. I haven't been able to find any free options :(
THank you for the suggestions guys - keep them coming!
I am not sure what you should do. There are obvious pros and cons to both. I don't think you should purchase the books honestly. Once, you start down that road, it becomes very easy for employers to stop getting you the things they need. You work for your employer. Your employer is the one who really gets to decide what aspects of business are important. And, apparently, they don't value this group at $160 to even spend that. While you may see great benefits to it, the employer does not think it is worth the return on investment for whatever reason. If you wish to keep it going, then I would do so on the condition that the client purchase their own material in order to join the group. And, let that be known up front. And, be clear that it is a requirement of joining the group or if not, they can sit in, but they aren't going to really be albel to learn and participate.
Do you have access to contact info on people who have "graduated" from your program? Maybe write a letter asking them for donations so the program can continue.
Do you have access to contact info on people who have "graduated" from your program? Maybe write a letter asking them for donations so the program can continue.
Also, maybe contact big corporations? To them, a few thousand dollars may be chump change.
If you can, include letters from graduates explaining how much the program helped them!
That is a tough one, Tig. If you buy the books this time around, what about next time? Does your company have a department that does fund raising? Or grant writing?
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
I am not sure what you should do. There are obvious pros and cons to both. I don't think you should purchase the books honestly. Once, you start down that road, it becomes very easy for employers to stop getting you the things they need. You work for your employer. Your employer is the one who really gets to decide what aspects of business are important. And, apparently, they don't value this group at $160 to even spend that. While you may see great benefits to it, the employer does not think it is worth the return on investment for whatever reason. If you wish to keep it going, then I would do so on the condition that the client purchase their own material in order to join the group. And, let that be known up front. And, be clear that it is a requirement of joining the group or if not, they can sit in, but they aren't going to really be albel to learn and participate.
i lean towards this; We already run expressive arts groups without art supplies.
And yes - if this was a private group, I would definitely have the clients purchase their own books, but this is 24-hr care where we are responsible for providing them with what they need.
I am not sure what you should do. There are obvious pros and cons to both. I don't think you should purchase the books honestly. Once, you start down that road, it becomes very easy for employers to stop getting you the things they need. You work for your employer. Your employer is the one who really gets to decide what aspects of business are important. And, apparently, they don't value this group at $160 to even spend that. While you may see great benefits to it, the employer does not think it is worth the return on investment for whatever reason. If you wish to keep it going, then I would do so on the condition that the client purchase their own material in order to join the group. And, let that be known up front. And, be clear that it is a requirement of joining the group or if not, they can sit in, but they aren't going to really be albel to learn and participate.
i lean towards this; We already run expressive arts groups without art supplies.
And yes - if this was a private group, I would definitely have the clients purchase their own books, but this is 24-hr care where we are responsible for providing them with what they need.
I understand that. But, as an employee, it isn't your job to pay for the all the things your clients need.
I am not sure what you should do. There are obvious pros and cons to both. I don't think you should purchase the books honestly. Once, you start down that road, it becomes very easy for employers to stop getting you the things they need. You work for your employer. Your employer is the one who really gets to decide what aspects of business are important. And, apparently, they don't value this group at $160 to even spend that. While you may see great benefits to it, the employer does not think it is worth the return on investment for whatever reason. If you wish to keep it going, then I would do so on the condition that the client purchase their own material in order to join the group. And, let that be known up front. And, be clear that it is a requirement of joining the group or if not, they can sit in, but they aren't going to really be albel to learn and participate.
i lean towards this; We already run expressive arts groups without art supplies.
And yes - if this was a private group, I would definitely have the clients purchase their own books, but this is 24-hr care where we are responsible for providing them with what they need.
I understand that. But, as an employee, it isn't your job to pay for the all the things your clients need.
Teachers shouldn't have to buy stuff for kids. We pay taxes. The FIRST job of the school should be supplying the classroom BEFORE funding anything else. They know they can abuse the teachers , so they do.
Teachers shouldn't have to buy stuff for kids. We pay taxes. The FIRST job of the school should be supplying the classroom BEFORE funding anything else. They know they can abuse the teachers , so they do.
No, they shouldn't have to. But the reality is they do. Taxes around here aren't enough. The schools are strapped and there are so many needy kids. They show up with nothing on the first day.
The taxes are enough. More than enough. They just choose to spend ir in other ways.
But certainly not all school districts are the same?
flan
Exactly. Not all are the same. The sports teams rely on private donations and fund raisers. Many extracircular Activities have been cut. Much of what my mom (and my myself) buy for her classroom is for the students. Notebooks, pencils, backpacks, shoes, etc. the people here just cannot afford that stuff and the kid shows up at school woth nothing.
now, I believe if you can't afford the kid, don't have them. But by the time the kid is in 5th grade, we're past that point. Since I can, I will help those kids try to better themselves.
The schools are buying ipads and white boards and stadiums but they can't buy pencils? Oh ok.
again, every school distric is different. Ours is not buying iPads, white boards and stadiums. There isn't money for any of that stuff.
I know you are on the school board on your community, so you are an expert there. But you are not an expert on every district. Since you seem to purposely ignore that, I believe we are at a stalemate. Therefore, I will stop hijacking Tig's thead.
