Thursday, October 8, 2009

Alternative Fall Break: Become a Certified Interpretive Guide!

What are you doing for Fall Break this year?
-Communicate more effectively to give better presentations and tours!
-Earn nationally-recognized certification!
-Learn about sustainable practices and programs at UNC!

Interested?
October 21-25, UNC will be hosting an CIG Workshop for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. It is co-sponsored by UNC’s Sustainability Office and American Studies Department, so the cost is significantly reduced. Enrollment is limited to 15 participants.

What is a CIG?
CIG stands for “Certified Interpretive Guide” – the entry-level professional certification for those who communicate with diverse audiences as educators, tour guides, and communications specialists. Successful interpretation incorporates elements of public speaking, storytelling, and psychology to communicate specific information and messages on a subject. Effective interpreters play an invaluable role at schools, parks, museums, nature centers, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, and commercial tour companies worldwide. For information on CIG, visit http://www.interpnet.com/certification/index.shtml

What is the workshop?
This 32-hour intensive workshop introduces participants to the basic principles of interpretation, and coaches them in the application of those principles. Examples will be drawn from UNC campus sustainability features and initiatives, though the principles are applicable to any subject. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will have satisfied all requirements for the national recognition as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). This includes completion of an open book exam, preparation of a program outline, and delivery of a 10-minute interpretive presentation on the final day.

Learn more and enroll by reading the Program Details at:
http://tinyurl.com/ybsnchk

Please direct any questions or comments to:
Brian Cain, C.I.T., C.I.P.
Research & Outreach Manager
Sustainability Office
Email: Brian.Cain [at] fac.unc.edu
Web: http://sustainability.unc.edu