Path 2

"You see things as they are and ask, 'Why?' I dream things as they never were and ask, 'Why not?'" - George Bernard Shaw

Art by Alexandre in Brazil

Friends,
You have decided that you want to continue working on your I Have a Dream project and you don't expect funding. You believe strongly in your dream and all the project team or part of it are ready to continue. We admire your enthusiasm - very important talent. Remember that Kidlink has been running since 1990 with very little funding. It is based on people who are ready to work as volunteers. They find their reward in the work itself as well as being with a wonderful international family. How can you realize your dream? How are you going to make it possible?

The I Have a Dream program is a part of Kidlink which is a big organization of kids from all over the world. Perhaps you could bring your dream project to Kidlink and ask if it could be organized and run as an official Kidlink project?

In this Path we will look solidly at the options available for you in order to continue your dream. Remember to review your project so it is ready for those who might want to fund it later although you don't expect it now.

Teachers, coaches and youth! Remember to register for the program, or add members or coaches to your team. ! If you have registered your Dream project in previous modules you don't have to do it again.

The activities and discussions below are suggestions. Use these as a guide for completing the program. You may always substitute other activities that are more suitable for your needs.

On a Shoestring Budget

Examine closely those objectives that you have not been able to meet. What can you do about them? Prioritize your objectives. Which of these can be revised or possibly eliminated? Test your objectives on selected outsiders to better understand their perceived value. Do these individuals agree with your decisions for revisions?

Which objectives will you eliminate? Which objectives will you revise? As you go through the pruning process make a chart and weigh alternatives.

Which objectives are absolutely required for your project? If these are not realized what are the adverse effects on your dream?
Which objectives do you desire in your plan even though they may not be crucial to the overall dream? How are they crucial for your dream? What would be the adverse effects if they are eliminated?
Is there something that needs to be funded in your project?

Objectives	Eliminate? Y/N	Revised Objective
Buy computers for township in Cape Town	Yes. There is no funding to buy computers for the school in the township.	Arrange instead for University of Cape Town students to come once a week with a laptop and work with the students.
Find Internet access for students in a township in South Africa	No. Cost of an Internet provider was donated.

Revisions and Revised Evaluations

Prioritize your revised set of objectives for the continuation of your dream project. Create a new rubric for the revised set of objectives.

Establish how to measure successful achievement of these objectives.
Consider if the continued project needs a tentative termination date (month/year) or if it will be a continuous offer with no termination.
If a termination date is desired, discuss the conditions of termination.
Can you continue the project if you don't get funding? Do you have human resources for that?

The "Cost" of Revisions

Establish the consequences in terms of required work, resources, time, your team's readiness and motivation for new steps and new directions. Time is a crucial factor.

Will the individuals who have contributed the most to the project so far be available for a continuation? If they are leaving school, will they be able to participate from home, or from their new school?
Do you expect them to come back later perhaps in the next school year? Will you depend on previous participants or do you expect new participants?

Collaboration or Competition?

It might be good to revise your team. Will everyone continue? Are you ready to collaborate? Do you want more people on your team?

What benefits might you see if your team shares your evaluation process with other dream teams? What potential risks are involved if all teams are working toward an award of recognition? These are decisions that your team must make together after careful discussion and consideration.

After you have revised your dream project as a result of your evaluation process you will proceed to Module 6. There you will present your dream project for voting and the award celebration. Because there is still a chance that your dream project could indeed get funding at some time you might want to take a look at Path 3. The choice is yours. It is not a bad idea to be prepared. In this Path we will look solidly at the options available for you in order to continue your dream. Remember to review your project so it is ready for those who might want to fund it later although you don't expect it now.

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