BLM Sponsorship of the National Association for Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive Guide Training for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019

IB 2019-031
Information Bulletin

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
https://www.blm.gov

April 1, 2019

In Reply Refer To:
1115, 8360 (420) P    

EMS TRANSMISSION 04/10/2019
Information Bulletin No. 2019-031

To:                   All Washington Office and Field Office Officials

From:               Assistant Director, National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships

Subject:           BLM Sponsorship of the National Association for Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive Guide Training for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019

The Division of Education, Interpretation, and Partnerships is pleased to announce the availability of the National Association for Interpretation’s (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training for BLM staff, volunteers, and interns.  The nationally recognized CIG program is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or interact with the public on a regular basis.  The course integrates the theoretical foundations of interpretation with practical strategies for delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors.

This 32-hour course addresses:

  • The history, definition, and principles of interpretation
  • Techniques on how to make programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
  • Use of tangible objects to connect audiences to intangible ideas and universal concepts
  • The three certification requirements needed to become a CIG:  1) passing the open-book Core Literature Review exam, 2) developing an interpretive program outline, and 3) producing a 10-minute interpretive presentation

In keeping with the BLM’s commitment to shared conservation stewardship, interpretive programming is vital to creating public support for national resource protection, preservation, and management goals.  The BLM’s strategic goal to provide satisfactory facilitated interpretive programming to the public underscores the importance of a well-trained and knowledgeable staff.

Visitor information specialists, interpreters, educators, resource specialists, outdoor recreation specialists and other BLM staff interested in working with the public are strongly encouraged to attend this course. 

The CIG course will be offered at four sites in FY 2019 and taught by Certified Interpretive Guide Trainers from the BLM.  Two additional sites will be added if funding permits.  Points of contact/course instructors for each training site are listed below:

Twin Falls, ID, April 8-11 (Course instructor Julie Clark, jdclark@blm.gov)

El Centro, CA, June 11-14 (Course instructor Julie Clark, jdclark@blm.gov)

Baker City, OR, June 25-28 (Course instructor Julie Clark, jdclark@blm.gov)

Vernal, UT, August 12-15 (Course instructor Jeremy Martin, j4martin@blm.gov)

All training sessions are listed as course BLM-TC-8300-39 in the National Training Center (NTC) Department of the Interior Talent online catalog at https://doitalent.ibc.doi.gov/enrol/index.php?id=1086.  Space is limited; therefore, interested parties should register immediately.

To register, log into DOI Talent. The class can be found by typing “Essential Interpretation Skills” into the course catalog search box, then clicking on the corresponding listing.  The applicant’s supervisor will receive an automated email from the system indicating that the applicant has requested the class.

Once the supervisor has approved the request, the applicant must log back into DOI Talent, search the catalog for the “Essential Interpretation Skills” course again, and select the preferred class.  Once completed, the applicant will be waitlisted for the dates selected.  The instructor will notify the student six weeks prior to the course start date as to whether he or she has been accepted into the class.  Once a student has been accepted, further instructions will be provided.

All of these steps must be completed before an individual is fully enrolled in the class.  If assistance with the system is required, applicants may call the DOI’s Customer Support Center at (888) 367-1662 (menu option 3, then 7).  For specific questions about this course, applicants may request NTC assistance by contacting Mike Lytle at (602) 906-5607 or mlytle@blm.gov.

Non-DOI applicants should visit the DOI Talent External Learners webpage at https://www.doi.gov/doitalent/nondoi_learners and review the procedures for “External, Non-DOI affiliated customers.”  The applicant will need to establish a DOI Talent external account, and then use the Public Catalog to request the course.  Questions about registration or enrollment may be directed to NTC or site-specific training contacts provided above.  

There is a $160 registration fee, which covers supplies and the NAI certification fee for the CIG course. Participants’ home offices are expected to cover all travel and per diem costs, if any.  

External, non-DOI applicants must be either BLM volunteers/interns, or individuals associated with a nonprofit partner group working directly with the BLM.  Colleagues from other Federal agencies are also welcome to attend, if space allows.

If you have any questions or need more information contact Brianna Candelaria, BLM National Lead for Interpretation at (202) 912-7583 or bcandela@blm.gov.

 

Signed by:                                                                   Authenticated by:
Nikki Haskett                                                              Robert M. Williams
Acting, Assistant Director                                          Division of Business Resources,WO-850
National Conservation Lands and
   Community Partnerships

Fiscal Year

2019