Hello, all. Long time no talk. I've been working in the background in helping wounded Veterans pull together a nonprofit that will help them to find job-skills training and jobs (sound familiar) so that they can be gainfully employed since our current batch of returning Vets are finding an 11.5% unemployment rate. In simply trying to "help" when asked a few questions, I found myself elected (without throwing in my hat) to the Board of Directors as the Vice President, and now I am applying everything I ever learned in philanthropy and business acumen, not the least of which I learned on this very list. Thank you for all the knowledge you have heretofore shared. I am coming back to you to draw from the well of your knowledge.

We have pretty much made the decision to go with Raisers Edge for our database. My question to those of you who have used it is how difficult is the learning curve, and approximately how long would it take "the average person" to train to use it? I believe, since we are a nascent organization, we will train two people, one of whom will probably be me so that I can query and retrain should the need exist.

Those who have known me through the years know how passionate I am about museums, and, in this regard, nothing is different. I continue to get jobs out in MuseJobs though I have had to slow up from time to time. If there are museums who might have an interest in our warriors, and you feel it might be mutually beneficial to tie together, please let me know. Query Sgt. Major Jesse Acosta, who was blinded in Iraq, but who went on to serve as an integral force in getting HR3101 passed and was with the President when it was signed last fall. Query Sgt. Erick Castro who was profiled by an Eva Longorhia in Latinos Living the Dream. Erick received his sponsorship as a US Citizen from the late Teddy Kennedy who was there when he was sworn in. Erick lost his leg up to his hip in Fallujah. 

If there are, specifically, California museums who would be interested in having these men of valor speak at their institutions, let's talk. I can probably be a conduit. For my purposes, this would tie together causes about which I am extremely passionate.

Anyway, if you have answers to my questions about Raisers' Edge, do let me know. I know to query the archives for most things, but software is often updated, and I'd like to get up-to-date info on your experiences. Let's assume, for discussion purposes, that the people who are being trained have computer self-sufficiency such that they would not be overwhelmed by the concept of a database.

Thank you!