Overview
Most of you have decided on what to do for the final project and have done some initial research. As you go further into the project, here’re a few things for your consideration and some expectations to keep in mind.
Your Roles in the Project
You’ll play several different roles throughout this project. Recognizing these roles and the expectations they place on you is a first step toward a successful grant writing experience.
As a Member of This Class
You’re first of all a student in this class, a role I’m sure you’re constantly aware of. Therefore, the normal requirements and expectations of you as a student of this class and of this school apply. Apart from those, I also want you to keep in mind that you’re representing this course and the Rhetoric and Composition Program at GSU (even though you may not be a major in this program). The future success of this course and of our program partly rests on your shoulders. One thing to keep in mind, therefore, is that you’re a writing expert and a professional member of the program. You should therefore act professionally in your communication with your client.
As a Member of the Organization
Since you’re working for the organization (your client), you’re also a member of that organization. When you write your grant proposal, you’re representing that organization. In your interaction with your client, make them feel that you consider yourself a member of that organization, that you work for them, and that you’re thinking on their behalf. Earn their trust, and it’ll make your job a lot easier.
On the other hand, because you’re representing this organization, you need to be extra careful in representing them. For example, if you need to contact any potential funder, make sure you obtain permission from the organization first. Never tell the funder that you are contacting them on behalf of your organization if you don’t have the organization’s permission. Likewise, exercise the same caution when you’re contacting the organization’s partners or collaborators.
As a Member of the Community and the Society at Large
At the same time, you’re always a member of the community and the society at large. Whatever you do, it should be for the good of the community and the society. You’ll therefore be held to the normal ethical and legal standards in your work for the client. Consider how your work might impact the community and the society at large. Anytime you see a potential conflict between the organization’s goals and the community’s interests, be really careful about your role.
Organizational Cultures and Constraints
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that organizational cultures can be very different from classroom cultures. For those of you who have never had any workplace experience, this is especially important. One of the things we’ll do in class, therefore, is to share our experiences and concerns. We’ll do oral progress reports each week on what you have done, what you’ve experienced that might concern you, what good or bad experience you’ve had, etc.
My Coordination with Your Client
One thing I’ll do is to keep close coordination with your client, and I need your help. Keep me posted about the progress of your project. One of the things you should do is to copy me in your email communication with your client. There’re several purposes of my doing this. Besides being informed of your project progress, I also want to get a feel about the way you and your contact person in the organization communicate, to spot any potential red flags if I can, and to help you whenever needed.
My Roles
As Your Instructor
As much as both you and I may hate it, I’ll always be in this capacity to review your work, to grade it, and to assess it. At the same time, however, I’m here more to help than to judge. Besides discussing the rhetorical aspects of grant writing, I’m here to provide feedback, to give suggestions, and to help in any other way I can.
As Your Supervisor
To the best of my abilities, I’ll try to imagine and assume the role of your supervisor/contact person in your client organization. I’ll try to guess what your supervisor wants, what he/she means, what he/she expects, in the hopes of making your communication smoother and your job easier. From time to time, therefore, I may try tell you what I think your supervisor wants or expects.
As Your Grant Reviewer
In the course of your grant writing, I’ll try to assume of the role of your grant reviewer, giving you feedback on what might be expected of your proposal. I’ll try to be as critical as I can and provide you as much feedback as is needed.
As Your Friend and Colleague
As hard to believe as this may sound, I’ll try to be your friend/colleague throughout this process. Don’t forget I’m always on your side. There’s probably no other person who’s more interested in seeing you succeed on this project! For one thing, it’s my job to help you succeed; for another, part of my reputation, and that of this course, is at stake. Therefore, I want you to consider me a source of suggestions, feedback, friendly comforting, or even frustration venting whenever you need it.