Superintendent won't do a thing with this.Also, she has changed her email address.What should I do now?

Question

Last November 4th, during a scheduled Sunday School teachers meeting, among the subjects discussed was a need for Sunday School staff training.

With Superintendent AA's approval, I volunteer to locate training opportunities and/or resources.

I contacted Ms JJ, Director of the Sunday School Department for XX in XX. Ms. JJ expressed interest in providing training.

On November 8th I relayed the details of that conversation to Superintendent AA. I further told Superintendent A that Ms. JJ was waiting for her phone call.

As of the last time I asked, about 3 weeks ago, no one had contacted Ms. JJ. This being January 2007, I do not want too much time to lapse between the initial contact and further developing this training opportunity.

Therefore, I am now asking for permission, talk with Ms. JJ, for info purposes only. I will bring back all the info to the Superintendent.

Answer 1

It sounds like you're throwing some bombs around and I don't think that is what you have in mind.

In your letter, it is obvious that Super AA has/is a bit of a slacker. No one likes to be called a slacker, even if it is true.

Then after you insult Super AA, you then ask permission to talk to JJ.

Yikes, you're making Super AA look bad, yourself look good, and then you want a favor? hmmm, what do you think the answer might be?

How about this: figure out what you want. Set it up, invite all the people, and let everyone know that this was Super AA's idea. MAke sure you praise Super AA for their leadership and efforts to make needed improvements. Make sure the last person contacted is Super AA.

At that point, you have achieved your goal, you have made Super look good to everyone, and you have managed to slick a small barb in their eye at the same time. The only person who will be offended will be Super AA, but you don't like them anyway, so who cares.

HOWEVER, The other point of view might be that you're a bit pushy. You say in your opening "among the subjects discussed" were you the only one discussing? Did Super AA say, "Yeah, go find out what you can." Just to get you to back off and to move on to a different - and more pressing - topic? Was the meeting dragging on? Was a motion made? A second? A vote? Enough time has elapsed to view the minutes.

Finally, before throwing bombs around, or jumping into a battle with someone you may need in the future; double check the objective facts and listen to other people.

You sound like a very passionate go-getter. A real asset on a team, you should be proud of your enthusasium, just make sure its going in the right direction.
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Answer 2

Perhaps you are being a little over zealous. Like all bureaucracies allow time to lapse before contacting her again. She may be overwhelmed with other things. You may want to put all of this information into a written letter and mail it to her. Don't expect a reply immediately. Allow two weeks before following up.

Don't lose your enthusiasm, just take it down a notch or two.

Answer 3

Sounds okay.