Another Piece Of The Puzzle: The Value of Volunteering

Posted on March 8, 2012 by savi0043

What is the value of volunteering to the job seeker? It’s more than just a chance to help others. Here’s why you should look for opportunities to volunteer when looking for a new career.

Another Piece Of The Puzzle: The Value Of Volunteering
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Frank_J_Giudice]Frank J Giudice

It seems that every employment ad today is looking for experience in that particular line of employment. But the problem is, how does a person get experience if no one will hire you for that opportunity?

The best way to gain that career knowledge is to volunteer. This is a great way to grow and expand a network. People you meet in this way will respect what you do. They will respect your dedication, passion, and commitment to a cause. They will see you as a hard worker and a contributor.

Here are a few more values beyond a paycheck that volunteering will do for you.

Gain Knowledge and Experience

Textbooks, classrooms and the internet are great places to learn the theories, the why’s of a job. But the how’s come from actually doing. This is where theory meets reality. Here is where you can hone your skills and make a difference while learning. You will have the opportunity to see what your chosen field is like on a day in, day out basis and talk to people as they are doing what they are doing. You’ll be able to pick up the jargon (the language) of the industry so you know what people are saying. The major benefit is when you sit down to interview, by speaking “their language” correctly, you stand out.

Cover Gaps

One way to fill in a resume is with education. This is a great way to show that one has the willingness and ability to learn. But here again, learning is theory; If everything is perfect, this is what should, could, and will happen. As we know, life isn’t perfect and that’s where volunteering comes in.

Not only does it take abstract learning and make it real, it provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. It covers gaps and can be listed in chronological order in the resume under experience. Volunteering shows drive and desire to work or help benefit others. It shows hard work, it shows that you aren’t a lazy couch potato waiting for your shows to come on.

You can volunteer at your child’s school as class parent (organizing, purchasing, communication, record keeping), at a hospital (caring, concern for others), shelter, soup kitchen, library, museum, first aid squad, fire house, police station, your place of worship, the recreation department.

This shows a person who uses time wisely and it gives you the opportunity to learn the job from the inside.

Sense of Self-Worth

Sometimes when we’re unemployed (or under employed, a growing phenomenon in the US), we feel like we’re a failure. Volunteering, helping others, is a great way to counteract those feelings of inadequacy. By giving back, we can share our most precious resources: time and talents, with people in need.

An increased sense of self, knowledge, practical work experience, giving back to others, these are just a few benefits to sharing our time with others.

Are you looking for a new career opportunity and want to learn how to present your skills more effectively? If so, I recommend my book “Pieces Of The Puzzle – A Job Hunters Guide for the 21st Century.” which is currently available at https://www.createspace.com/3710544

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Another-Piece-Of-The-Puzzle:-The-Value-Of-Volunteering&id=6919614] Another Piece Of The Puzzle: The Value Of Volunteering

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March 8 is Women’s International Day

Posted on March 8, 2012 by savi0043

The woman is the most important being in the world – mother and daughter – elements without which the whole universe would not exist. Where was International Woman’s Day (IWD) born? How is it celebrated and what it signifies internationally?

March 8th is International Women’s Day
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ramona_Buda]Ramona Buda

How many people know that International Women’s Day was first observed in the United States? Everyone in Europe knows that March 8th is an official holiday celebrated as International Women’s Day however; only few people in North America are familiar with this unique day. The woman is the most important being in the world – mother and daughter – elements without which the whole universe would not exist. Where was International Woman’s Day (IWD) born? How is it celebrated and what it signifies internationally?

Marked as a major day of global celebration, International Women’s Day acknowledges the economic, political and social achievements of women. Some countries around the world celebrate both International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day on March 8th.

Before the turn of the 20th century, on March 8th 1857, women from clothing factories started a protest over working conditions and low wages in New York City, and created the first labour union two years later. In the years that followed, more protests were held by women in New York City on March 8th. In 1910 the International Women’s Day was established at a conference held in Copenhagen. The following year, more than a million people in Europe celebrated March 8th. In the United States, it commemorated the 1911 drama of 140 women who burned in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Since then, March 8th has become an official holiday in most countries in Europe, Brazil, Cameron, China, Cuba, Vietnam India, Pakistan and Zambia. This important day celebrates women’s movement for equality, women’s rights and equality of chances. Countries such as England host yearly events on March 8th to commemorate the women who fought for the right to vote, right to educate, right to medical care, divorce or contraception.

March 8th celebrates the woman, the joy of life and motivation to live. On International Women’s Day men acknowledge the women in their lives, mothers, wives, daughters, colleagues, and offer flowers and small gifts in token of respect and gratitude. After all, women are known as “the most beautiful half of the world.” Shouldn’t we join the rest of the world and celebrate International Women’s Day here, in North America? This year, acknowledge the women in YOUR life: offer them a flower and let them know how important they are! Women never get tired of hearing it!

Ramona Buda is a contributor to [http://www.kidsactivitiescastle.com]Kids Activities Castle, an online Canadian community where you will find information and ideas regarding children activities and [http://www.kidsactivitiescastle.com/site/pages/attractions]family friendly attractions.

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Positive Mental Attitude – Staying Positive in a Negative World

Posted on March 5, 2012 by savi0043

When you are not in control of your attitude during tough times, you will be totally unable to recognize the good times when they are present. You will become so mentally conditioned to be negative that you will not be able to be positive when good things are happening all around you. So, how do you stay positive when negative things are happening all around you?

Positive Mental Attitude – Staying Positive in a Negative World
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Frank_G_Gallis]Frank G Gallis

So, have you noticed? Things are tough all over. Whether you are rich and well-off, average middle class or living at or below the poverty level; things are tough for everyone. I am sure to get several arguments regarding how “tough” it is for those who are considered to be living in the “well-off” group. But, they, too, are finding their economic situation to be harder than it was. Now, you’re saying…”Gee how hard can it be when you a zillionaire?” Well, consider this comparison: if your investments, 401K, stock, etc. had $10,000 in it 2 years ago, now it has less than $5,000. That’s at least a 50% loss. But, let’s say you had $10M your investment account just 2 years ago and now you have only $5M. That, too, is a 50% loss; both situations are the same pain, just on a different scale.

Today, as you’re traveling down Main Street, you notice empty buildings where you shopped many times. You see restaurants where you brought your family and friends to eat several times now closed and gone. If you travel into an industrial park, you’ll see large buildings empty; “For Lease” and “For Sale” signs are everywhere. Big name companies and small alike are gone.

You listen to the radio, watch TV, read any newspaper and you see and hear just how bad the national & international economies are and how long it’s been this bad. Unemployment is high – too high; houses are “underwater;” the cost of everything has skyrocketed, and businesses are leaving the community, the state, even the country. Here again, things are tough and have caused everyone much pain.

But, what about those people who are still lucky enough to have a job? How many times do you hear them constantly complain about what they have to do, how much work they are expected to accomplish in the workday, rant about the decisions that are made, complain about their boss, complain about their fellow workers, rant about the traffic and travel time to get to/from work, holler about the weather, etc. While they are doing all this complaining and spouting negativity, they are gaining the reputation of having a bad attitude.

A negative attitude prevents you from getting ahead in almost every company. Many who are identified by management as negative employees get passed up at the time of salary increases and promotion. When this happens, they have even more reasons to be negative.

So, now that you are inundated with so much negativity everywhere, you wonder how you can Stay Positive when so much Negativity is going on around you. Let’s start by stating some facts of life:

You can’t change the color of rain. Which is to say, if you are unable to directly affect the situation, then why spend your time & energy complaining about it? When you are done with the ranting about how bad things are, you will notice that you are right back where you were when you began ranting. Nothing has changed; things are still tough.

Misery loves company. Most people who are negative tend to associate with other negative people; negativity attracts negativity.

Now let’s be honest. There are two sides to all of us: the positive side and the negative side. Everyone is vulnerable to having their negative side appear once in a while; it happens to us all. But, we do not have to be negative all the time about almost everything! If you are unable to have a positive impact on the issue or concern that has caused you to be negative, then why be negative. Positivity is no stronger a human characteristic than negativity. Both sides have equal strength. It is you who has control over which one you will be.

All of us have to deal with issues, concerns, challenges, and problems as long as we live. Our problems and challenges go away when we “go away.” Cemeteries are filled with people who have no problems and no challenges to deal with anymore. Since you are alive, you guessed it, there will be even more problems and greater challenges ahead of you. You and I just can’t avoid it.

We can choose how we handle adversity. We have control, but, we must learn how to use it, how to stay positive in this very negative world. Think about this…If you are unable to get through the tough times, you can not enjoy the good times. Life has its cycles. There will be many good times in your life and there will be many tough times.

If you are not in control of your attitude during the tough times, you will be totally unable to recognize the good times when they are present. You will have become so mentally conditioned to be negative that you will not be able to be positive when good things are happening all around you. Because it always seems like the tough times come on so quickly and last so much longer than the good times, when we focus on the negative, we don’t even see good times beginning to emerge.

So, just how to can you stay positive in a negative world:

1. Most importantly: Count Your Blessings. You have several blessings in your life, but you must learn how to focus your mind on counting them. Are you presently in good health? Are your loved ones in good health? Count this as one of the most important blessings you have.

2. Learn the skills of Directing Your Thoughts, Controlling Your Emotions and Ordaining Your Destiny

3. Learn the Power of Positive Self-Suggestion. Suggestion is the highest form of motivation. Self-suggestion being the highest of the three types of suggestion. Self-suggestion is what you tell you on how to think, act and react to the world around you, whether at home, work or play.

4. Set & Achieve a Goal, no matter how small you think it is, Daily.

5. Be a Good-Finder in others. Encourage others to be better than they are, show them how to do better in what they are engaged in.

6. Learn to talk with others, not at them.

7. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. You can do it! (whatever it is) The only things you can’t do are violate the laws of God or your fellow man and you can’t fail!

8. Share a Part of You that is Good with others.

9. Engage in Activities to Improve Yourself. Read positive books, do research on subjects you do not now know, use the Internet to expand your knowledge and know-how, engage in a positive conversation with family, friends, and fellow employees. Control the conversation to be a positive one and do not allow any negative input.

10. Remember…You are a Mind with a Body. The body will do whatever the mind, that you control, tells it to do, including speaking those words coming out of your mouth. You are a mind with a body and YOU decide what comes out, either positive or negative. Learn how to control your mind.

Keep this in mind: we all get what we deserve in life. We don’t get any more or less than we deserve. We all want more, we all believe that we’ve earned more than we have; we all believe that we deserve more, and we want it now. But, in the end, we get only what we deserve.

In life, there are only three things needed to achieve happiness. We all believe that there are more, but if you are in good health (which is always the foundation), the remaining three are: Worthwhile Work to Do, A Future to Look Forward To and having Someone to Love. That’s it. If you have these 3 and you are in good health, then YOU HAVE IT ALL. There is no more – Stay Positive and Be Happy.

This article was submitted by The Management Development Group, specializing in the training and development of corporate employees, mid- and senior management and C-Level executives in small, medium and large fortune 500 companies. Whether you have a product or services industry, The Management Development Group is fully prepared to address specific subject matter that will make a positive impact on the growth, development, expansion and profitability of your company and its people, regardless of size.

Frank G. Gallis

President/CEO

Management Development Group, Ltd.

Solutions Designed with Your Success in Mind http://www.mgmtdevgroup.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Positive-Mental-Attitude—Staying-Positive-in-a-Negative-World&id=6673093] Positive Mental Attitude – Staying Positive in a Negative World

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Bird Feeding in The Garden

Posted on March 4, 2012 by savi0043

Bird Feeding in the Garden
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_Andonaque]Paul Andonaque

My aunt is 65 years old. A retired teacher and a green thumb. Not so long ago, she always tried to wake up around five in the morning to tend her plants. She waters them, trim dried leaves and branches, and even talk to them. In the afternoon, she goes home as early as she could to spend time in the garden doing the same exact routine. She does this everyday when the weather is bearable. I can clearly feel how she love her garden so I came up with the idea to add some wonderful friends to help her cheer up when she’s alone. Especially now that she always get bored staying at the house when everyone is going to school or work. My plan is to construct a small oasis in the center of the garden and set-up bird feeders to attract local fowls. My aunt loves birds and I think she’s going to love this idea! This may not be new to some of you guys but to those who aren’t aware of this growing trend, let me share some valuable information.

There’s a popular trend nowadays to turn your garden as a safe place for birds to feed, drink and enjoy as much as they can without the fear of outside factors. Garden owners find it very rewarding to see a diverse group of birds hanging out in the backyard. In fact, it is also a good cause to help these creatures survive particularly during winter when food is scarce and predators are highly on the lookout.

Another great thing about this idea it can be easily done and pretty much affordable too. All you need are either bird feeders, bird boxes, bird baths, nest boxes or a combination of two or three. You can design and construct your own bird feeder since it doesn’t require high grade materials nor too much time to prepare. Of course, there are also commercial bird feeders, bird boxes, bird baths, nest boxes that come in different colors, styles and there are others that are custom-made to meet the demands of different bird types.

If you have a big backyard you can also set up a place to attract a particular type of bird. Every species of birds not only has a different diet but also some distinguished manner of feeding. That is why there are different styles of bird feeders and bird boxes to provide a familiar or natural feeling for the birds while feeding. This setup is perfect for avian photography, bird watching or if you are doing research for bird behavior.

Transform your garden into a mini bird sanctuary within hours and help protect our fowl friends by providing accessible food and water. This is not only a new found hobby or way to add something new around the house but a humble act to preserve one of the most loveliest creatures in our environment.

For more information about [http://www.thebirdfeeder.co.uk/collections/bird-feeders]Bird Feeders and Bird Boxes visit our site at [http://www.thebirdfeeder.co.uk]http://www.thebirdfeeder.co.uk.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Bird-Feeding-in-the-Garden&id=6905072] Bird Feeding in the Garden

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How to Keep Your Fish Tank Clean

Posted on March 4, 2012 by savi0043

How to Keep Your Fish Tank Clean
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=J_W_Chase]J W Chase

Introduction

Aquarium freshwater fish are picky with the cleanliness of their environment. If you allow it to get dirty, you may stress out your fish leading to sickness and even death. Here are some ways I keep my 75-gallon aquarium clean and my fish happy.

Keeping Your Aquarium Clean

One item that may be causing your aquarium to be dirty is the growing bacteria in your water. This is good and normally occurs right after you clean the tank. So if this is happening to your tank, do not worry about it, after a few hours it will clear up.

If your water is dirty after you put your first batch of water in, you probably did not clean the substrate and other items you put in the aquarium. You would be surprised at the amount of filth that is on the new decorations and especially the substrate you place in your aquarium. Always wash anything you put in your aquarium with warm water.

Some other ways you can get dirty water is to have to many fish in your tank. A rule of thumb is five inches of adult fish per five gallons of aquarium water. Example, my tank is 75-gallons and I can safely place 15 total inches of adult fishes in my tank.

You may also be feeding your fish too much and the excess food is causing your water to be cloudy. There are many recommendations on how much to feed your fish, I feed mine the amount they can eat in three minutes, twice a day. My tank stays clear with this schedule.

How To Clean Your Tank

With my 75-gallon aquarium I clean it every week. I use a vacuum that I purchased at my local pet store. It is a device that you move on the bottom, beneath the substrate, picking up the debris and waste in the tank. The device actually creates a siphon when you pump the end of the plastic tube.

I direct the water being siphoned to a five-gallon bucket. By just putting two and a half gallons in the bucket at a time, makes it easier to handle. I then take this water and put it on my plants and vegetable garden because it is a good fertilizer.

I replace slightly more than ten per cent of the water every week, about ten gallons a week. Plus I vacuum just half of the tank once a week. This whole procedure takers me thirty to forty-five minutes a week and keeps my aquarium clean and my fish happy.

Conclusion

One way to clean your aquarium is to keep it clean. Wash every thing you put in your tank with warm water, do not over feed your fish, and do not over populate your tank.

Vacuum your aquarium at least once a week and replace at least ten per cent of the water to keep it clean.

J.W. Chase has been keeping a 75-gallon aquarium with several different fish species for many years. He has extensive knowledge of how to manage an aquarium keeping all his fish healthy and smiling. His web site has information on keeping aquariums and your fish happy. If you want more information on how to manage an aquarium go to his site [http://www.squidoo.com/homefreshwateraquariums]http://www.squidoo.com/homefreshwateraquariums.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Keep-Your-Fish-Tank-Clean&id=6915034] How to Keep Your Fish Tank Clean

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