Grassroots Conservation Campaign
Staff Development - Goal: $.75 million
What is it?
The ongoing effort to educate Pheasants Forever's volunteers and professional staff is the bedrock of our growth and progress. In order to maximize each volunteer's potential impact we support a network of regional biologists who work hand-in-hand with chapter leaders to capitalize on group and individual energy, passion and dedication. Our people are a powerful resource. We recognize this and are eager to maximize it's strength and impact.
Why is it important?
A high-quality professional development program is a signature of any mature, thriving, successful organization. New conservation and restoration challenges demand that we constantly find new ways to act more effectively and efficiently. We must be equal to the challenge by constantly upgrading the skills and knowledge of our professional and volunteer personnel. By helping develop strong individuals we are rewarded with a stronger team. We want to recognize our volunteer's dedication and hard work. Our exceptional, passionate and devoted volunteers are the hallmark of Pheasants Forever.
With advances in technology and research, Pheasants Forever biologists must be provided with everything they need to achieve professional growth. The more they know, the more they can support volunteers and land owners to help them to be as productive as possible in their efforts to improve the land and habitat. Knowledge is our most powerful tool. We need resources to keep that tool sharp and on the cutting edge.
Forever? Actually, yes. Many of our volunteers have been with us for 10, 15, 20 years or more! Our organization has a very high retention rate of key chapter volunteers. This is a direct result of our continual professional development, ability to anticipate and face challenges and the magnificent pride and sense of accomplishment that comes with restoring wildlife habitat and seeing young people grow. The Pheasants Forever volunteer experience is very special. It must be preserved and strengthened.
How will we achieve it?
We will create a distinguished professional education program to locate and make available the most effective practices to help us accomplish our goals. This will be achieved by drawing on the resources and experiences of professionals from higher education, government agencies, corporations and other conservation organizations. Learning from others. Growing ourselves.