Our district has a new superintendent. I recently read the district's updated strategic plan and was pleased to see an increased interest in pursuing grant opportunities. I have no experience in this area, but would like to learn, and I have strong research and proofreading skills. I would like to offer my assistance to the district, both for my own strategic purposes and simply to volunteer where I can really make a difference. I was just about to hit "Send" on an email to the new supt., but thought I should ask here first about the appropriateness of going straight to the top.
I have no idea who specifically will be in charge of the grant program, and my proofreading skills are of course not limited to this one area, so if she forwards my email district-wide I may get some takers for something completely different. However, I could also be inadvertently stepping on the toes of every person below her in the hierarchy.
Serendipitously, I read this line from Shakespeare's Henry VI just this morning: "The trust I have is in my innocence, and therefore am I bold and resolute." It reminded me that I have been successful in this district in the past by surging forth despite my ignorance - gathering information not normally shared, avoiding an unhelpful link in the chain of command, etc.
So, in this case, should I proceed boldly, or should I watch my step? How badly could things go wrong if I send my email?
