Of Lions and Lambs This March: Where Will Immigration Policy Go in the Next Month?

With negotiations, proclamations, Supreme Court declinations and twitterations, Immigration policy and budget talks are going into March like lions, but will they come out like lambs with resolution, or will this back and forth continue?

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Empathy as a Key Leadership Skill

Bestselling author Seth Godin recently published a blog post about the loud noise in our heads. This noise is our inner monologue and, as Seth says, “It's the only voice that has seen everything we've seen, believes everything we believe. It's the noise that not only criticizes every action of every other person who disagrees with us, but it criticizes their motives as well. And, if we question it, it criticizes us as well.” There’s no doubt that this voice is powerful and sometimes overwhelming. It is the voice we follow when we take action, make decisions and lead. To be good and successful leaders, however, we must quiet our own inner noise and intentionally listen and pay closer attention to the experiences of others.

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Conquer the Budget Beast with Planning and Rewards

You’ve decided that you need a budget, but where do you start? It may seem overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, you can achieve your financial goals. Whether your goal is to be debt free, build up your emergency savings or save for the future, the first step in having extra money to put toward your goals is taking control of what you spend on a daily basis.

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Get the Look for Less: Recreating Trends with Goodwill® Finds

There are a lot of reasons why you might not buy that amazing catalog or boutique piece you’re currently obsessed with: As an in-demand item, it could constantly be out-of-stock; perhaps you discovered it on Pinterest a season too late when it’s no longer for sale, or, simple enough, the price tag could just be too steep. Whatever your reasons, don’t forget that you can probably recreate your favorite trends using Goodwill finds.

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2018 State of the States

While Congress is still wrangling with budget and appropriations and passing legislation before focusing on the mid-term elections, state and local governments are hard at work as well, creating more opportunities to engage at the state level. Nearly every one of the nation’s Governors have provided their state of the state addresses to their constituents. Job creation and the skills gap was a major theme in all of the speeches, affirming that the important work of local Goodwills in providing job training and workforce development to those who face challenges to employment.

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My Story: Melissa Lambright

At almost 60 years old, I was laid off after 15 years with my previous company. With no GED, college or technical training plus my severe health problems, I had trouble finding a new job. One day, I discovered that Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids had a technical training program that could lead to employment in a call center. I applied and was accepted into the program. I am now able to work from home 4 days a week, which helps limit movement and pain for my disability. Best of all, both my husband and I now have health insurance. I love my job, they care about me as a person and I have great co-workers. I am so thankful for how much my life has improved since discovering the training program at my local Goodwill. I never would have guessed things would have turned out so well.

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Why You Should Be Investing in Developing the Leadership Skills of Millennials

As the population ages, the profile of leaders change. After years of steady growth – albeit with a few scares, like “the recession we had to have” – Baby Boomers are starting to retire and Gen X are filling more and more senior leadership positions with measured and meaningful skills they learnt along the way. But what about Gen Y, or as they are increasingly being referred to, Millennials? What will be their way of working and have we even considered what legacy they will leave?

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3 Craft Ideas for a Cozy Cabin Weekend

I’d say there’s just enough time for one last weekend away at the ski slopes or an ice fishing cabin before the winter disappears, so let’s make it the best it can possibly be! Here are a few projects that can help you enjoy a cozy cabin weekend away (or help you create that same comfy feeling at home). Local Goodwill organizations helps support services for millions of people annually, and delivers positive social and environmental outcomes for the global community, so grab your project supplies at your local Goodwill to make your dollars go a little bit further!

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Three TED Talks on Inclusive Leadership

If you have been following our blog series, you may have read our previous social good blog where we discussed how leadership is more than a title, it is a healthy mix of actions, aptitudes and attitude. The future of successful business is dependent on good leadership that includes and values everyone. Check out this TED Talk Playlist for some great tips on how to be an inclusive leader.

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