Paying It Forward

My personal learning network (PLN) is the center of my learning universe. I cannot get on Twitter, Google+, or Facebook without learning something from all of the incredible educators I follow. I learn from them and I collaborate with them. When I am really lucky I get to see some of these people in person. Over the years some of them have become like family to me and there is nothing I would not do for them. That is why I took notice when Michelle Baldwin and Kelly Tenkely starting asking for small donations to help with a very special project. They are trying to raise funds to help Eric Johnson, @yourkidsteacher, make the trip to Colorado for the 5Sigma conference.

This project hits home with me because it is based on a model for a project I started a number of years ago. The basic idea is that we can turn to our PLN to help raise funds to help one of our own get to a conference. In return that person will share as much as they can about what they are learning. Until Michelle and Kelly started this project Eric was not someone I had connected with, but I gave a small amount to the project anyway. Since he is someone that Kelly and Michelle think enough of to ask their PLN to give money to then I know he is someone who must do some really great things.
(Unless you have ever asked your PLN to give money for a cause then you have no idea how incredibly difficult it is.)

If you are reading this post you are most likely a connected educator. If you have learned anything from someone you are connected to then that is reason enough to stop what you are doing and visit this site and make a $10 donation to this project. Even if you don't know Eric, Kelly, or Michelle you should still consider donating. We are a community of learners and we are here to help each other. Sometimes that we help by sharing a resource that might be useful to someone. Other times it means chipping in a few dollars to help someone get to a conference that might potentially have a profound impact on them. I have no doubt that Eric will pay this forward in the future but right now he needs our help and support. Let's get him funded!

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