Why am I writing this personal entry? Well, it is not an attempt to gain any sympathy. It attempts to show what is possible if a clear intention and goal serve the learner's needs. In May of 2022 just near the end of another fantastic school year, I do not remember what happened. But, I was unable to finish the school year and was unable to teach the following year. Why? On May 21st, 2022, I fell down a flight of 16 stairs (luckily carpeted) from the 2nd to 1st story of our home. I was found at the bottom of the stairs. I was found foaming at the mouth. This would lead to a 2-month hospital stay which included an induced coma because my seizures would not stop, several rounds of lumbar punctures, and relearning basic physical movements like something as simple as being able to roll in the hospital bed. Simply put, when I was admitted to the hospital, I was diagnosed as being “critically ill.” Please take a moment and read those words: critically ill. They are not terms that are
Our 3rd EdCamp Elmbrook is coming up on March 2nd. From communication to organization, the planning of this event has required me to grow in many different ways. The biggest area of growth for me has been asking for help. Not simply asking for help from colleagues in the district. Part of hosting the event has been asking for help from potential sponsors.
Seeking out sponsors used to mean going from business to business asking for donations face to face. Or, getting a list of phone numbers and calling them one by one with a prepared script. Oh how times have changed. In the age of social media and email, it has become so much easier to reach out to and find potential sponsors.
Sponsors of events no longer need to be local.
The ability to connect with companies digitally has been a great boon for our EdCamp. It creates a wonderful two way street where they can help us with support for our event while we can share out their presence at our event and help build brand awareness not simply within our event, but beyond.
What has been amazing is how many of our sponsors I already had a relationship with. Not because they sponsored us in the past. No, they are already a part of my personal network. From EdTech companies whose services I use to authors who I follow on Twitter, potential sponsors are everywhere.
So while a few years ago, I would have been terrified to have to reach out to businesses for sponsorship. It has become a true area of growth. In a simple ask, I am able to speak to our brand, make the pitch personal based on my experience with the product or service the sponsor provides, and communicate potential sponsorship ideas.
It has become a source of pride that so many are willing to donate to our cause. Our great team of organizers have gone all out looking for potential sponsors and have done an amazing job locally and nationally.
If you are interested in attending EdCamp Elmbrook on March 2nd, find more info and register here: bit.ly/edcampelm
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