School Leadership

Comment

Comment by Warren Moon on November 23, 2009 at 4:35pm

Hey Matt,
Its great to hear from you. It feels like it has been many years since we have last talked. Congrats on starting a mentoring/school/business. As far as non-profit vs. for profit, that all depends on what you feel is best to meet the goals of your organization. The main benefit for the non-profit is to accept donations and to not get taxed on your profits. The second benefit (tax on profits) will probably not be an issue, which is why most schools eventually go the non-profit route - because they have a hard time making ends meet without donations. The main disadvantages are the filing to get your non-profit status can be tedious and expensive, the reporting requirements are more demanding and you need to have a Board, which actually owns the company. You can always start as a for-profit and then when you see a need or opportunity for accepting donations, you can form a not-for profit. Good luck.

Comment by Matthew david Kirk on October 3, 2009 at 4:47pm

When I say resources for starting a nature school I meant business resources.

Comment by Matthew david Kirk on October 3, 2009 at 4:45pm

Aloha John and Warren,
Well I have started an mentoring/school/business here on Kauai called Kauai Nature School! I say official because I just got a tax id and liability insurance. I am so happy that you started this forum, I have thought of connecting with both of you so many times in the last month. I would love to hear about any resources you know of for starting a nature school. One specific question to put out there would be about the business organizational structures. How do you choose between non-profit or for profit, corporations, sole or LLC.

Comment by John Chilkotowsky on March 27, 2009 at 5:29pm

Hi Valerie,

I don't think we have a place yet in the village for requests about instructors. I'd send an email to laurie@wildernessawareness.org about setting up a group on here that could do that. I know that there are a number of organizations and individuals who are wanting the same thing!

John

Comment by John Chilkotowsky on March 27, 2009 at 5:27pm

Hi Amanda!

It's great to see your vision moving to reality! I'd love to connect again soon to see how I might be able to help.

To spring and possibilities,

John

Comment by Amanda Thornton on March 24, 2009 at 2:47pm

Hello all,
I am a student at Antioch University in Seattle, looking to begin what is called a Waldkindergarten utilizing city green spaces. It is a outdoor preschool outdoors all the time. I am running a pilot session this spring at seward park in seattle. I am looking for anyone who maybe interested in this idea. It is my aim to connect children with nature that will be designed to engender, engage, and enthuse the commitment of everyone involved, offering a symbol of guidance of radical—root based environmental education. I wish to lead concerned citizens into this shared vision. Being a change agent has happened because one person has a vision and carried that vision into a movement. And I believe that my vision includes all people from all walks of life, who are committed to their family and community and who wish to offer our future generations a solid foundation of education and social responsibility.
I look forward to talking with you.
till then, warmth.
amanda

Comment by Valerie Pufahl on March 24, 2009 at 8:23am

Hello,
I am a Wilderness Education Coordinator in Portland, OR for a Waldorf High School. We are a newly revised program and I am trying to find people who have skills in teaching adolescents wilderness survival skills, tracking, bird language, backpacking/plants, etc. Mostly, I am trying to build a bank of instructors who are interested in our programs and our students and would want to work with us on spring and fall trips. I do have some openings for spring trips 2009. Is this an appropriate forum for connecting with people about this sort of thing? I would love some feedback and/or direction. Thank you and great blessings for spring,
Valerie