Insights Into Cultural Understanding

One of the things that I get to do is to attend fund raising events. They are often events where people talk about the good deeds that their organization performs on behalf of young mothers, boys or girls at risk etc. Rarely have I been to an event where those who are the beneficiaries were so clearly present and vocal about the difference that this organization has made in their lives.

This morning I attended a breakfast for “Girls for a Change” where girls talked about their young lives and the issues they face and what really matters to them. Their issues are those that we all know about and yet when hearing from these very young people that the support given to “Girls for a Change” has given their lives renewed purpose and direction I wonder why is it that we are not doing more.

There was a direct appeal for funding, no gimmicks, no raffles, no expensive dinner, no internationally know speaker motivating us, just the beneficiaries, the young girls who need the help. Here is a link to a short video that makes the case for supporting this group better then I can.

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Why this event? Because it is time that outrageous women celebrate their spirit. “My dream to have this event began when I spoke before a very influential group of women in business and law. I asked, ‘How many of you give to yourself as much as you give to others?” Only one hand was raised. I decided then that it was necessary to create a celebratory event that would provide them and other women with bold, invigorating opportunities to fully unleash their dynamic selves.”

If you would like to attend, click here to register.

May 16: 5:30-9pm & May 17: 9am-6pm Scottsdale, AZ Chaparral Suites

Retreat Benefits:

• Give to yourself first without guilt.
• Improve your relationships.
• Increase your abundance and energy.
• Fem-networking with like-minded women
• Celebratory feast sponsored by eWomen Network.
• Business & corporate power development.
• Continental breakfast and lunch.
• You will leave inspired, connected to, and in action on your purpose and dreams.

Entrepreneurial business women, corporate employees, homemakers, coaches, educators, students, and/or community-minded women, if you answer “yes” to any of these questions, this event is designed for you:

• Drained and ready to recharge your energy?
• Want to celebrate accomplishments?
• Deserve a break?
• Want to “have it all?”
• Dedicated to personal and professional development?
• Will make a difference for self and community?
• Network?

Are you ready for an evening and a day filled with networking, merriment, inspiration, and training designed by and for women? If so, register here:http://www.triadwest.com/events.htm

Is there a wonderful woman in your life that you would like to have this as a gift? Register her by clicking here.
Apply now, early registration is $250 until May 1, 2008. Regular registration is $290. Gifts for the first 25 who register. Credit card or PayPal accounts online. By mail, send your check to Triad West Positively Powerful Events, 9616 East Southwind Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

For information on attendance, sponsorships, vendor opportunities, and scholarships call (480) 563-5585. Triad West Inc. Positively Powerful Events http://www.triadwest.com/

What others have said about Positively Powerful Events:

Attend because “so many others are living their lives to only 10% of their potential and need to know that they too can break out of their boxes and live their vision!” JoAnna DeShay

“The Retreat brings out some of the most powerful and influential people in the world.” Saitia Faito

“This retreat was very powerful. It helped me find my true core and make up and helped me understand how that fits in to my vision.” Lisa Grayer

“It was very life changing. New relationships, concepts, and ideas. I was extremely Blessed. It has changed my life.” Leslie Kelly

“The strength of the experiential learning…the networking and support available…the opportunity to observe yourself in a new and more powerful way…all contribute to a defining transformative experience. “ Lillian Coury

“Joel’s format, presentation skills, ability to build community and enthusiasm are outstanding!” Jacqueline F. Garner

“Dr. Joel Martin is a genuine genius in her approach to personal transformation. I would recommend her to others without reservation.” Manuel V. Cisneros

“We are addressing issues among our pastoral staff relating to customer service in a much more expeditious and non-threatening manner which has increased the “team spirit” among us. We are beneficiaries of the wonderful work of Triad West.” Pastor Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.

“Joel is very powerful and impactful. She has the ability to be challenging and supportive all at the same time. She is one of the best facilitators I’ve ever been exposed to.” Jon Furner

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America’s first conference focusing on minority business opportunities in the sustainability arena was time well spent. This day-long event was designed to bridge the gap between decision makers and the minority business community. Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore, did not attend but nevertheless it was an inspirational and educational day-long immersion into the value of being green. Building environmentally friendly homes, running business that cut down pollution, learning who is leading the charge in Arizona, and more. A day well-spent.Then Cybel, DP/cinematographer, urban visionary sent this link which I share with you. If you want to be inspired, love New York City and urban life in general, believe that we can create win-win-win environmentally safe cities along with reducing crime, creating jobs, and parks, please click on to TED where you can get access to the world’s greatest thinkers and teachers. This was a from-the-heart message from one such luminary Majora Carter: Activist for environment justice. (She is a powerful speaker.) Learn more about Majora’s organization and spread the word.

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Myspace, Facebook and other social networking sites have altered how we react and interface with one another. They have begun to redefine and form a new understanding of what binds us together. Through these online programs, diversity may be occuring out of view and is none the less, right under our noses.

There is evidence that our normal way of reviewing and analyzing information has shifted significantly. Case in point, the current Presidential campaign, where there is a two thirds chance that the next President of the United States, will be someone, who as recently as six months ago, was seen as having “no chance”. The TV talking heads are now quick to say “we have no clue as to what going on”. Four years ago, Moveon.org was the the new thing that helped to form new societies. What will the new tool be in two or even fewer years from now?

The NYT Opinion Blog “Freakonomics” posed the question “Is Myspace Good for Society“? What seems to be certain is that with these new social networks there are both gains and losses. Eye to eye contact, deep friendships, intimacy and vulnerability are just some of what we stand to lose. (Try feeling a virtual hug.)

Seinfeld and Friends are gone forever

What may have been gained is acceptance based on other qualities. Issues like generation, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and geographic location don’t have the same relevance when communicating online. They may be important to the sender, but can be invisible to the recipient/viewer. In social networking you don’t need to have a photo, just a prescence. We are deciding that there are other things that are important in establishing a “friendship” and we are acting on these new rules. In truth, what is a friend, has changed.

Using tools like Second Life We can have an ideal individualized diverse network of friends.

The understanding of diversity is still important if we want to not only ‘get along’ but to achieve in the US and the world in general. We will still come in physical contact with one another….at least for a while.

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I have a great friend, Kay Kallendar (a Vice President of ABHOW - American Baptist Homes of the West), who has a wealth of knowledge about how to take care of the elderly and given that there are so many of us baby boomers doing this I asked her, why she doesn’t write a book. Well she like most of us is incredibly busy. So for her and for all of you who have abundant skills, knowledge, and gifts to share, here is an email chock full of info so you can get going with your books. We don’t want to take it with us!

I’ve also included some excellent resources for inspiration and personal services. Let me know if this is useful. Make your 2008 great.

Interactive clicks

Disclaimer: I haven’t worked with everyone here. There are more resources available and my searches are intended to get you started and to add fuel to the engine of your creativity.

Write your book:

• Want self publishing tips? - Click Here
• Authors On The Net: Promotion, tutorials and more Click Here
• Don’t want to write it yourself? Hire a writer Click Here
• Or get a ghost writer! Click Here
• What about the cover design? Here’s a resource Click Here
• Want an editor to word smith your book? I liked this site. Click Here
• Interested in an online newsletter by a pro for regular tips and a writer’s community? Check out Dan Poynter I’ve read his book “The Self-Publishing Manual” and found it to be a great guide to being your own publisher. You can get a copy used for as little as $11. Click Here
• If you’re an artist, and/or have photographs and paintings you want to include, go to this site Blurb.com.

Get inspired and be inspiring:

• Check Out HPs Branding Videos And Add Yours Click Here
• See TED - Click Here
• Get The Answer DVD ($24.95)and also the year-round program of monthly DVDs and inspirational newsletters. A bargain for as much as you probably spend on coffee per month You’ll see me in the Fire Side Chat DVD that accompanies this program. Click Here
• I really enjoy and get inspiration from the Today’s Word daily emailed messages from Joel & Victoria Osteen. Click here to register for them. They are free. Check out their use of technology: podcasts, live speeches, etc. a great marketing and enrollment model.

Read and view:

• For your personalized copy of How To Be A Positively Powerful Person, Click Here
• The newest book by George Fraser CLICK is available for pre-orders and here is a video of him introducing his latest and greatest: CLICK, the book. Click here for video.

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