NAI's certification program is definitely one of its success stories. Brought forward as a grassroots idea from the members, it has grown to be a significant part of the associations program mission as well as a growth area for revenue. It has developed into a powerful force in membership development, international outreach and professional training at all levels.
While assessment of the program has taken place and modifications have taken place to improve the product. It is my belief however that the time has come for a more holistic look at the program. A combination of board, professional staff, CIT, certification graduates and outside reviewers are necessary to take a complete look on how to take the program to the next level. Among the areas of to review are
Developing a broader base of trainers for not only the CIG program but also the CIT, CHI and others too.
Investigate the retention rate of certification course folks and their corresponding NAI membership.
What are the long term uses of the training, how effective is it for employers and the employees. Quantify the information so it can be analyzed for improvement of the product as well as promotion.
Take a hard look at the means by which we assess the students. Is the multiple choice exam the most effective means of assessing the student work? Are there ways to improve the test and make it applicable for life long learning and training.
How can we make the Certification program more compatible with other existing programs (NPS for example) and with college programs that currently do not use the program for a variety of reasons
These are just some of the areas to look at.
If elected one of my first priorities would be to create a collaborative taskforce to establish such a review process to be completed in a timely fashion
Comments welcome!
Yours in interpretation
Tom
Friday, September 28, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
Background of Tom Mullin
As most of you know by now, I am running for the office of President of the National Association for Interpretation. Given the small space in the ballot for campaign information, I thought I would provide a little background about myself.
I am currently an Associate Professor at Unity College in Maine serving as the Coordinator for the Parks, Recreation and Ecotourism & the Environmental Education programs. A Founder and Life member of the NAI, I was awarded the Fellow Award by NAI in 2003 and received National Meritorious Service Awards twice in the past as well as numerous other national and regional awards.
Past offices held include VP-Administration (two terms) VP-Programs (one term), a founder and current director of the College and University Academics Section (three terms), Chair of the Section Leadership Council (4 years) and Section Representative to the Board of Directors (3 years), Regional Director of AIN Region IV (3 years)
Past professional experience as included time as the Executive Director of an Environmental Learning Center and a Land Trust, Manager of a County Nature Center, Maine State PLT Coordinator and work as a consultant on book, interpretive planning and interpretive training. I am a CIT and CIG plus for seven years I have been a judge for the National Outdoor Book Awards.
In summary, my professional life has been intertwined with NAI since 1977 when I joined as a High Schooler of one of NAI's parent organizations Association for Interpretive Naturalists. I bring a wealth of knowledge as well as the motivation to take the organization to its next level of success
Till next time
Tom Mullin
I am currently an Associate Professor at Unity College in Maine serving as the Coordinator for the Parks, Recreation and Ecotourism & the Environmental Education programs. A Founder and Life member of the NAI, I was awarded the Fellow Award by NAI in 2003 and received National Meritorious Service Awards twice in the past as well as numerous other national and regional awards.
Past offices held include VP-Administration (two terms) VP-Programs (one term), a founder and current director of the College and University Academics Section (three terms), Chair of the Section Leadership Council (4 years) and Section Representative to the Board of Directors (3 years), Regional Director of AIN Region IV (3 years)
Past professional experience as included time as the Executive Director of an Environmental Learning Center and a Land Trust, Manager of a County Nature Center, Maine State PLT Coordinator and work as a consultant on book, interpretive planning and interpretive training. I am a CIT and CIG plus for seven years I have been a judge for the National Outdoor Book Awards.
In summary, my professional life has been intertwined with NAI since 1977 when I joined as a High Schooler of one of NAI's parent organizations Association for Interpretive Naturalists. I bring a wealth of knowledge as well as the motivation to take the organization to its next level of success
Till next time
Tom Mullin
Monday, September 3, 2007
National support for Regions and Sections
I know that the National Office and National Board of Directors has been a strong supporter of regions and sections these past few years. The recent reorganization of the board of directors emphasized the role that sections and regions play in the policy development of the association. By creating the leadership councils we have paved the way for stronger and more breadth of experience for the elected leaders. The addition of the at large members has improved the knowledge base of the association board and thus make it broader in its vision.
But the last years have also seen the development of national products and services and too often a separate line of regional/section products and services. While the national projects are certainly worthwhile and of great help to the members, it seems at times duplicative or even supplants a product that a region or section could have done by itself or at the very least in collaboration with the national office.
It is time for the national board in collaboration with the professional staff as well as the regional and section leaders to refocus its development and support of the front line membership structures of the association (regions, sections, chapters and branches in particular). Collaborative projects, start up funds, enterprize loans are just some of the ideas that come to mind. Cost sharing with the sections that operate and run national programs is critical as well. All could benefit and we would not be in the financial pickle that many sections and regions find themselves in routinely
Just as important for the development of these products and services is to bring members back into the planning process. We have made great strides in providing quality member services these last few years...but along the way, the voice and engagement of the members is not as strong as it once was. Sure folks still volunteer, but that voice at the decision making table seems to have been diminished. With proper planning and process oriented programming, that voice can be heard once again.
Tom Mullin
But the last years have also seen the development of national products and services and too often a separate line of regional/section products and services. While the national projects are certainly worthwhile and of great help to the members, it seems at times duplicative or even supplants a product that a region or section could have done by itself or at the very least in collaboration with the national office.
It is time for the national board in collaboration with the professional staff as well as the regional and section leaders to refocus its development and support of the front line membership structures of the association (regions, sections, chapters and branches in particular). Collaborative projects, start up funds, enterprize loans are just some of the ideas that come to mind. Cost sharing with the sections that operate and run national programs is critical as well. All could benefit and we would not be in the financial pickle that many sections and regions find themselves in routinely
Just as important for the development of these products and services is to bring members back into the planning process. We have made great strides in providing quality member services these last few years...but along the way, the voice and engagement of the members is not as strong as it once was. Sure folks still volunteer, but that voice at the decision making table seems to have been diminished. With proper planning and process oriented programming, that voice can be heard once again.
Tom Mullin
Friday, August 31, 2007
Five Point Foundation Outlined
Colleagues
As most of you know I have tossed my hat into the ring for the office of President of NAI. I created this blog site partly to help out line my views on numerous issues facing the association and the profession as a whole. You probably have seen the five points outlining what I hope to see accomplished in my term if elected. But just as a refresher...here they are again
Foster Regional and Section Success The national office must play an increasing role in assisting the regions and sections reach member needs. Without these member focused parts of NAI, we would not even exist
Certification Program-This is definitely one of the Association’s great successes over the past few years. But time has come for us to have a holistic assessment of the program and its impact on the association and its partners. Collaboration between the Board, professional staff, certification trainers and members is essential for this to succeed.
International Outreach-Interpretation does not stop at the US border. Continued support and oversight of the international partnerships should continue. But such work should be placed in the context of continued national membership services and be balanced with the other core elements of the organization.
Board of Directors Development-This is critical for the future of the profession as well as the association. But to reach its potential there needs to be a plan for education and board/staff development. Effective and proactive communication between board and professional staff are foundations for such transition.
College and University programs/students-The future of the profession is with the students in the colleges and universities today and tomorrow. A closer partnership with academics programs and students is critical.
Look for some expansion on these points in later posting
Till then
Yours in Interpretation
Tom
As most of you know I have tossed my hat into the ring for the office of President of NAI. I created this blog site partly to help out line my views on numerous issues facing the association and the profession as a whole. You probably have seen the five points outlining what I hope to see accomplished in my term if elected. But just as a refresher...here they are again
Foster Regional and Section Success The national office must play an increasing role in assisting the regions and sections reach member needs. Without these member focused parts of NAI, we would not even exist
Certification Program-This is definitely one of the Association’s great successes over the past few years. But time has come for us to have a holistic assessment of the program and its impact on the association and its partners. Collaboration between the Board, professional staff, certification trainers and members is essential for this to succeed.
International Outreach-Interpretation does not stop at the US border. Continued support and oversight of the international partnerships should continue. But such work should be placed in the context of continued national membership services and be balanced with the other core elements of the organization.
Board of Directors Development-This is critical for the future of the profession as well as the association. But to reach its potential there needs to be a plan for education and board/staff development. Effective and proactive communication between board and professional staff are foundations for such transition.
College and University programs/students-The future of the profession is with the students in the colleges and universities today and tomorrow. A closer partnership with academics programs and students is critical.
Look for some expansion on these points in later posting
Till then
Yours in Interpretation
Tom
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