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I also learn about the community through the radio station. There’s a lot going on below the surface here. Different personalities, issues, concerns, and differences in opinion about how to deal with things.
The radio station’s position is to be a positive, neutral source of connection, so every staff member needs to understand the issues affecting and dividing the community. We need to realize, for example, that while some community members see tourism as a positive economic driver, others see it as a threat to the natural environment. And, while many of the newcomers to the community have a lot of money and are here for the natural beauty and small-town charm, there are those who are struggling just to get by here.
“We need to address these issues,” Joan says. “Let’s all think of some ways we can help our community move forward together.”
“It’s actually cool,” I tell Scott after Morgen’s in bed. “I’m working for an organization that’s trying to make a difference and actually cares about the greater good.”
I sign up for an online grant-writing webinar, and the presenter echoes Joan's words. “You’re doing important, critical work,” he says. “A lot of people believe that it’s the work of non-profits that’s holding this country together right now. You’re on the ground, doing what needs to be done, filling needs that need to be met, providing services that are essential to the fabric of a functioning society. Unfortunately, you’re doing it on a shoestring budget. That's why grant writing is so important. Grant-writers are the unsung heroes. Without your efforts, many worthwhile, important, and essential things in this country wouldn’t happen.”
Inspired, I decide to take a stab at writing a grant. That evening, and the next, I tell Scott to go ahead and eat without me. I stay at work and, above and beyond my regular tasks, I work on a grant to produce an audio series that focuses on the economic reality of the area.
As the grant webinar recommends, I first search for foundations that provide funding to non-profit organizations in the area. There’s only a handful. I pull up each of their websites and read their funding priorities, noting which ones will give money to arts organizations. Then I read the submission guidelines for each of those, and I discover that only a couple will consider grant applications for the project I have in mind. I submit a letter of inquiry to both of them.
The next week, I get a letter back from both foundations. One isn’t interested, but the other is. It invites a full proposal for up to ten thousand dollars. My task now is to write a compelling argument as to why the radio station should receive these precious dollars. What can we do with the money that other organizations can’t? What difference will we make? I smile to myself as I open up a new Word document. I used to teach argumentative writing. My expertise is finally being put to use.
A month later, I receive word that the project has been funded. Joan calls a staff meeting, and I report that membership and business sponsorship have increased, and that I’ve gotten funding for a new project.
“Thank you,” Joan says. “We appreciate your hard work.”
“My pleasure,” I say. It really is. I’m happy to be doing something that contributes positively.
Experiencing
Winter is long. Scott takes Morgen ice fishing and for walks in the woods to shoot pictures, but I spend most of my winter going from our cabin to work and back to the cabin.
In March, Morgen tells me that she can’t remember what it looks like outside without snow. I laugh and give her a hug. “I can’t remember, either,” I say. “But the snow will melt one day.”
“When?”
“Soon.”
We get a blizzard in April that dumps another six inches. The blizzard is followed by a week of freezing rain, and then, finally, the snow begins to melt. We barely notice it at first, but then we realize that we can see patches of brown, dead grass, which is a sure sign that winter will in fact go away and let life return. A few times a week, Morgen and I walk down the trail behind our cabin, muddy from the spring thaw, and look at the tree branch buds.
Then, almost overnight, green is all around us. The trees around our cabin are full and lush, and Morgen can run outside without having to bundle up. Scott and Morgen spend their days outside, fishing and searching for rocks on the beach.
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