Each month, the Social Good Blog highlights news and resources on a specific topic. In July, we are exploring how technology and virtual service programs can assist people on their quest for employment.
Good Links for July
Fixer Upper Style: Farmhouse Chic
The HGTV show Fixer Upper has inspired people across the country to embrace DIY home projects from organizing their own “demo day” to repurposing second-hand goods. I love watching designer Joanna roll her eyes at her husband Chip as they stroll through a thrift shop in search of décor elements to punctuate a recently renovated space. Since she creates such beautifully polished rooms, I often find myself asking “What would Joanna do?” when contemplating a furniture move or bland-looking corner in my own home. The answer that usually pops into mind then is: thrift! If it’s good enough for Chip and Jo, then it’s good enough for me.
Make the Disability Vote Count
This week, a national effort is underway to make the disability vote more influential. The American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD) has designated July 11-15 as National Disability Voter Registration Week. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, people with disabilities play an important role in our democracy and should be able to have as great a voice in the political process as anyone else who exercises their Constitutional right to vote.
Three Ways Technology Is Transforming How We Learn and Work
In an ever-disrupted environment and in rapidly innovating industries, nonprofits are challenged to be more proactive and to accelerate adaptation. This accelerating pace of technology innovation is transforming how these organizations deliver mission services to people facing challenges to employment. For the individuals Goodwill® serves, the proliferation of virtual platforms and devices are resulting in more ways to learn, connect and communicate – both within the workplace and on-the-go. Here are three applications of technology we’re watching as we strive to reach more and serve more.
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My Story: Dammond Devon Steen, Jr.
Eventually, raising four kids became too much for my 19-year-old mom, and I landed in foster care. Even then, I did okay in school. I was on track to graduate. But that never happened. I got into a fight at school – with a police officer. I was arrested. If I would have stopped for one second to think about it, I wouldn’t have gone to jail, but I didn’t think. I acted. The result was a year in prison. Adult prison, not 'juvie'.
Express Yourself with Goodwill®
Madonna topped the charts in 1989 with her hit song “Express Yourself” in which she urged her listeners to find a partner in life who is open and honest to create a healthy relationship. Although that was nearly 30 years ago now, the call to communicate our inner workings still resonates within our culture. This message echoes not just in our relationships with others, but throughout the rest of our lives, too, to help us create our own happiness in all aspects. Let me explain how with some help from a few other Goodwill enthusiasts!
Help Someone Earn Financial Freedom by Supporting WIOA
It was two years ago near July 4, that Congress showed a rare form of bi-partisanship and passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the law that establishes job-training programs and vocational rehabilitation services. The following year, around this time, the agencies responsible for overseeing the law’s enactment released the proposed regulations for implementation. Just prior to the holiday this year, the final rules were made public.
READ MORE from Help Someone Earn Financial Freedom by Supporting WIOA
Adventures in Virtual Service Planning: Connecting Users with Goodwill’s Mission
Digital technology is capable of forming the way around, through or over barriers that people have to employment. From job search engines to assistive technology, there are technological solutions to many of the problems used to deter or keep people from work. With this in mind, Goodwill’s organizations are turning to virtual service models and tools to fulfill their mission. Using the right digital tools in the right ways to meet the right objectives for the right people is crucial.
READ MORE from Adventures in Virtual Service Planning: Connecting Users with Goodwill’s Mission
Adventures in Virtual Service Planning: Connecting Users with Goodwill's Mission
Digital technology is capable of forming the way around, through or over barriers that people have to employment. From job search engines to assistive technology, there are technological solutions to many of the problems used to deter or keep people from work. With this in mind, Goodwill’s organizations are turning to virtual service models and tools to fulfill their mission. Using the right digital tools in the right ways to meet the right objectives for the right people is crucial.
READ MORE from Adventures in Virtual Service Planning: Connecting Users with Goodwill's Mission
Celebrate Independence Day with Goodwill®
When I think of the 4th of July, I envision our glorious flag (and what it represents), booming fireworks, and a laid back happy vibe. No matter where you are celebrating or how many people are involved, those are the top three things, I think, on everyone’s Independence Day celebration checklist. The problem with party planning for an event like this, though, is that when you’re the host sometimes the details can overtake your ability to actually enjoy the free-spirited mood of the day. We don’t want you to miss out on the fun, so here are a few tips to help you capture the atmosphere of the holiday without missing out on the good parts.
