What would take for you to have a culture of advocacy in your work place? Do people feel empowered to speak up? Are team members at all levels educated about the impact of public policy? Are your leadership and board members leveraging their relationships to strengthen the organization’s public policy influence – or even making introductions to policymakers? Have you invited your lawmaker and their staff to see your organization and connect with their constituents (you employees, volunteers, supporters, and people served)?
Verbal Cushions are a Powerful Interview Tool
Ever been faced with interview questions that put you on the spot and make you squirm? “I see you never finished college (or high school).” “It looks like you might be overqualified.” “I see you haven’t worked in xxx months.” “Seems like you’ve had a lot of jobs in recent years.” Verbal cushions can help you handle the most challenging interview situations. For that matter, they can help you in everyday conversation.
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Color Crush: Vintage Greens
Do you ever look at a certain hue and think of a particular era? To me, it seems like there have been so many distinctly beautiful shades of green that were everywhere in vintage decor and clothing that you just don’t see as much these days. Today, I’d like to appreciate those lovely tones by checking out a few blogs that show us how easy it is to shop Goodwill for this season’s trends with vintage flair and thrift store prices. What could be better than that combination?
Cautious Optimism Prevails at TANF Conference
I have the honor of attending the Research Evaluation Conference on Self-Sufficiency (#RECS2018) this week – a conference that brings together researchers, policy wonks, practitioners and leaders in human services to present information, data, opinion, debate and geek out on the latest strategies to help propel people out of poverty. We weren’t an hour into the first plenary before sparks began to fly – and lucky for us, this is a group that enjoys the discussion.
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Transforming Lives for Disruptive Times
For many years, Goodwill® organizations have been providing programs and opportunities for older workers. In 2016, Goodwills across the country touched 60,000 lives through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and they have affected nearly 50,000 lives so far for the 2017 program year, which ends July 2018. SCSEP is a community service job-training program focused on serving older Americans and older job seekers who have low incomes, are unemployed and need training in order to return to the workforce.
Coaching Your References
Most every company will want to check your references at some point. As a job seeker, you know they’ll ask for those names, but how can you help your references really make you stand out? Let’s take a look.
Statement Seating Steals
Your home is a reflection of yourself. What does your decor-style say about you? I’d like to think mine is a carefully curated collection of crafts and curios. But, if we’re being completely honest here, it’s probably a little closer to “nostalgic chaos.” Look around you—what does your home say? Is it cluttered, juvenile, or bland?
Older Americans Month 2018: Engage at Every Age
For 55 years, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to our communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging, every May offers opportunity to hear from, support, and celebrate our nation’s elders. This year’s OAM theme, “Engage at Every Age,” emphasizes the importance of being active and involved, no matter where or when you are in life. You are never too old (or too young) to participate in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotion well-being.
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My Story: Paula
Not many people would be ecstatic to spend their 50th birthday on the job, but considering a year ago Paula doubted she would ever work again, this day marks a major accomplishment. When her probation officer pointed her to Goodwill of Central Iowa’s skills training programs, she had no idea the journey she was bout to embark on.
Why Don’t I Hear Back from Recruiters?
Without a doubt, the single biggest source of frustration for my job seeking clients is the lack of communication from recruiting firms and employers. Let’s explore some reasons why you may not be hearing back, especially when you feel you’re a solid candidate. Recruiters, whether in-house recruiters or staffing firm folks, wish they had enough hours in the day to be able to personally respond to every candidate’s application or follow up inquiry. They simply don’t. That’s the short story.
