These past two weekends I've been working on GSL stuff. First, I am starting to organize the next program. since it is back to Costa Rica, my fourth program there, this has become easier, but there are still things that need to be done. First is contacting Intercultura and planning the program. This means tweaking some details and making decisions. All by email. But don't get me wrong. I enjoy that, but it is still work.
Next, is the web site. I need to update, file, and create new pages for every program. All this takes a considerable amount of man hours. I spent probably four hours on this last week alone.
Of course, students don't visit the web page on their own. I have to visit classrooms for five minute pitches to get them to attend informational meetings. I've got a list of over 30 classes I could potentially visit (and probably will). I hope to get at least forty to attend the informational meetings in hopes of getting at least ten to fill out an application and pay a deposit. 30 classes with an average of 30 students each is 900 students. To get 10. Not a great return. Not to mention, I'll have to do it again in the spring. Another tidbit. I had 33 application for last year's program. Only 12 went. Each of the informational meetings lasts an hour, so that's 7 hours right there. Not to mention the meetings in my office for students who can't attend the meetings.
Next comes the paperwork. Two years ago, I incorporated GSL with California. I bought a book called How to Form a Non Profit Corporation in California in order to obtain 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. This affords me certain protections. However, the paperwork is immense and constant. The application itself is like 20 pages in length. Not to mention the financials/accounting that has to take place. I spent probably eight hours yesterday, four hours last week, and eight hours this weekend on the financials alone. I bought a copy of Quickbooks for NonProfits to help me organize this, but there is definitely a learning curve when using any new program.
One bright light was that GSL is almost breaking even; the dark is that I haven't been paid yet (my expenses during the programs are covered during the last two programs). Here are the numbers. Guatemala 2013 -$2688.44 (this was my own money paying for my part of the program. Costa Rica 2013= $1038.25. Costa Rica 2014= $966.80.
My goal is to not only have GSL be self sufficient, but that I can draw a salary out of running these program equal to what I would make teaching a class during the summer.
Now don't get me wrong. I don't have to do any of this; I enjoy it. And like any small business, it takes a few years to get settled. I think I am improving every year in running these programs. I'd love to even branch out and find other faculty interested in leading programs. I'd also like to obtain grants to pay for some of the students to participate in these programs.
So when you hear me talk about GSL, don't let the locales make you think of umbrella drinks on a beach. There's a lot of hard word that happens before my toes are in the sand. And even when they are, I'm also responsible for twenty some odd 20 year olds. And believe me, that alone can bring stress.
