Top 10 List – Report Writing – FAQ’s
#10 – When are reports due?
Reports are due to be postmarked on or before February 1, 2008. Remember, you are reporting on the projects of your club that occurred between Jan 1, 2007 and Dec 31, 2007.
#9 – Where do I send them?
Reports are to be sent to (regular mail – don’t waste the money for overnight/Priority):
Alex Ann Borkowski
31 Park Avenue
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Do not send them to Headquarters! You can enclose a SAS postcard that I’ll return upon receipt.
#8 – What about the Pink/Yellow Sheets? And the JM Contributions Sheet– what about that?
The Pink/Yellow sheets and JM Contributions sheets will be mailed out in February, to be returned by April 1st. The Green Sheet, which your club received in your Dues bill mailing is due (not postmarked) to Headquarters, along with the check on or before April 1, 2008.
#7 – Is there a change in how we report dollars and hours this year?
The only change isn’t a change, it’s more of a reality check – more hours and dollars don’t always make a project better. We are asking for clubs to be realistic when they compute these figures.
#6 – Can I get the reports on disc like other years?
We are willing to provide the reports electronically via email as attachments. To help those who will read those reports, please type your answer in a color other than black (dark blue?). Very important note: reports cannot be changed or altered in any way. If there are any variations to the original report, that entire report will be ineligible for judging. Please adhere to this guideline, as questions are written to conform to Woman’s Club programs and emphasis areas.
#5 – Black marks scare me – do you still do that to the reports?
No more black marks through reports to take out references to locality – you can say: Pequannock Township Library, or Mantua Day in your reports without worry – we’re all big girls here and know how to play fair!
#4 – How do I figure out in which department to put something?
If you have a choice between departments, my advice is always to follow the money, and determine what the objective of the project was – that is where it goes. I can always help you with this issue when you are not sure.
#3 – We report every year, but never win awards – why should we bother?
Although the awards are fun to win, they are not really the true objective of reporting. We use the information gathered on a national basis to apply for grants, as well as to provide information to lobbyists and government officials to get legislation passed – the whole “strength in numbers” thing.
#2 – But how do we write reports so that we win awards?
Well, I can’t promise awards, but the most effective way to write your reports is to explain what your club does with a narrative – even the simplest of projects can be summarized with a sentence of explanation. This is where you get to tell us the “how” of what you did – especially helpful if you worked “out of the box”!
#1 – Any hints for dealing with the stress of report writing?
I find that massive quantities of chocolate and Diet Coke with Lime work for me!
Remember, I am here to help you with the report writing process – if you have a question, please ask me – that is what I am here for!
Alex Ann Borkowski
Northern Assistant Director
Dean of Report Writing
aaborkowski@jerseyjuniors.com |