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A New Adventure for RedCliff Ascent

By Stephen C. Schultz

 
For an organization that specializes in primitive living, the new age of technology is somewhat elusive. The idea of a digital newsletter and a blog are daunting tasks, but necessary. There are a few of us that got together to discuss what we wanted to accomplish through this new medium RedCliff was embarking on.



There was a lot of discussion about the “Marketing” benefits of newsletters and sending them out to everyone. There were discussions around collecting email addresses and managing email lists from the general public. We talked about different strategies to use the newsletter and blog as a way to generate new contacts and also as a way to increase the number of students we enroll in the program.

However, true to form for RedCliff, the discussion soon turned back to the students and families we have served over the years. We came to the conclusion that we did not want this newsletter and blog to serve the purpose of “Marketing”. We wanted this effort to be of service, with usable bits of information, written in a way that is both educational and fun. The blog is set up to provide a more responsive avenue of communication for those who wish to interact and share ideas and insights.

Honesty is my policy and I can assure you there will be no psycho-babble talk or corporate double speak. However, there will most likely be times when participants may simply need to agree to disagree. Suggestions for topics of discussion are also welcome.

The general public is welcome to view the RedCliff Ascent Bog. The newsletter is for parents and family. However, I’d like to share a few Newsletter Responses we recently received.

 
Hi - this is the first time I have ever received a newsletter and I absolutely loved it.  I didn't know you had anything like it.  Thank you.

 
Quick question - my daughter is 20 and interested in learning what it takes to be a part of your team.  In the field that is.  She graduated from Medicine Wheel in July and absolutely loved her experience.  She still talks about it most everyday.  And actually wishes she could go back.  Could you get back with me on this?  She just left on a trip or I'm sure she would be inquiring herself.
Sincerely,
Chris

 
What a great change to see something interesting listed among the countless “junk” emails we get daily.  Thank you and please keep them coming.  Having a “RedCliff Graduate” we are always anxious to get news of what we call “the field” Even though our son has had his share of problems this past year, we still look at him and feel very grateful to all the staff for helping get him to this point.  He is so very much better than he was when we made the very difficult decision to send him to RedCliff.  He is now a 17 year old with the group of problems that seem to infect most of the teens in our area, very “self motivated”, at times not thinking actions through.  But compared to the very dark, unhappy, scary boy we sent, we can deal with teen stuff.  We are still very vocal and strong supporters of RedCliff and are still running into the same “how could you do that to your child” people when discussions of where to get help for out of control teens come up.  Our son often brings up stories of things that happened when at RedCliff and always speaks fondly of his experience.  His bow drill and gear is hung in his room and he sleeps with his wigi on his bed. 
We will always be grateful to RedCliff and all the wonderful staff who gave us hope and comfort during a very hopeless and frightening time.
Please keep the newsletters coming!!
Mike and Trish
Matt
Graduate October 25, 2005

 
Thank you for including the past Red Cliff parents in your newsletter distribution. I did enjoy it and look forward to future newsletters. Our Red Cliff experience was a great one, and we like the idea of being kept in the loop.
Sincerely,
Steve
Iowa City, IA.

If interested, you can read more about an experience that a reporter had when she spent time with the students at RedCliff Ascent here and here and here.

 

 
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