Introduction
We collaborated with the Medicine Bow Nordic Association (to be referred to as MBNA) to overcome obstacles they have been facing and to introduce a plan that encompasses creating a presence at the University of Wyoming via an intern. Medicine Bow Nordic Association conserves and grooms nine miles of trails for cross country skiing, and while trail usage is up, membership numbers have remained stagnant. It was brought to our attention that there has been no advertising on the University of Wyoming campus, thus students are a large untapped market that could increase interest and membership through on-campus promotion. By communicating with Ellen Axtmann, the MBNA board, and Melanie Matthews from the Haub School of Environmental and Natural Resources, we were able to construct a plan that fits to the organization’s needs and creates a great opportunity for the students at the University of Wyoming. In this portfolio we have included our correspondences, proposal, and presentations that led us to a successful and hopefully fruitful collaboration.
Partner and Group Description
The Medicine Bow Nordic Association is a non-profit organization that was established in 1993 to maintain the Nordic ski trails at the Tie City/Happy Jack recreation area within Medicine Bow National Forest in collaboration with the US Forest Service. Through the work performed by MBNA, the group is able to host races and educational programs for adults and children in the area during the winter season.They receive funding for their activities from members, community contributors, and grants. Their goal is to continue providing a safe, well-cared for network of trails that can accommodate cross country skiers, snowshoers, runners, Fatbike riders, and other general outdoor activities. Through their grooming efforts, MBNA primarily serves individuals and families seeking winter recreation, but also collaborates with numerous ski clubs, area schools, and competitive teams in the Laramie area.
As part of an assigned cooperative endeavor within English 2035: Writing for Public Forums, the five of us were selected to research MBNA and recommend solutions to perceived problems. Through each of our different backgrounds in English, accounting, business, as well as real world experiences, we were able to bring many ideas to the table when collaborating with MBNA. The ultimate goal of our group was to consult with MBNA in order to help them overcome obstacles that were brought to our attention. Our primary contacts at MBNA were Coordinator Ellen Axtmann and Events/Racing Manager Christi Boggs. We also contacted Melanie Matthews at the Haub School of Environmental and Natural Resources regarding our solution to one of the issues we ultimately focused on.
Project Description
After communicating with our contact at MBNA and conducting our own research throughout the semester, we determined that a major issue was MBNA’s lack of advertising and presence on the University of Wyoming campus. We chose this problem because students are a large untapped market that could increase interest and membership through on-campus promotion. When looking into this issue, we decided that an intern might be the best option because they would be able to focus more on the work without taking time away from other MBNA employees. We developed an outline of proposed duties and compiled helpful information which describes tasks that would benefit MBNA and their cause. These tasks include, but are not limited to: tabling in the Union, making and distributing posters and flyers, working in conjunction with the Outdoor Program, increasing MBNA's social media presence, streamlining MBNA's website and information sharing, among other things.
Outline of Documents
Proposal: The purpose of our proposal was to suggest specific ideas on how to solve the problems identified in the group’s Problem Description assignments. In addition, our group thoroughly researched MBNA’s needs and created a plan to present a solution to Ellen and the MBNA board.
Intern Outline Ideas: This document further describes the ideas that the group initially had for the tasks an intern would complete throughout the academic year.
Intern Evaluation Form: This form is an example of what Ellen Axtmann would have to complete at the end of the semester for Melanie Matthews at the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.
Conclusion
MBNA is a large contributor to Laramie’s outdoor community, and they brought to our attention certain problems they face, comprising of a lack of advertising and a flatlining of membership over the past several years. As a group of University of Wyoming students, we came up with several practical solutions to help combat these problems, including hiring an intern and working with University organizations. We have provided our correspondences, proposal, and presentations that led us to this feasible solution that benefits not only MBNA, but students of the University. Through our collaboration with MBNA, we hope to broaden the reach of the organization in order to improve the Laramie community.
Components
Initial correspondence: https://goo.gl/33nOll
Preliminary proposal: https://goo.gl/Zuefvk
PP presentation: https://goo.gl/qubuwB
Follow-up correspondence: https://goo.gl/cmFMmb
Poster Project
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