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How to Put Your Community First as a Leader

On October 11, 2023

Leadership is not about power; it’s about empowering others. Influential leaders understand the importance of community and know that putting the community’s needs first can lead to collective growth and prosperity. But how can you, as a leader, truly put your community first? Let’s explore key strategies to help you positively impact and foster a stronger, more connected community.

Active Listening:

Being an attentive listener is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Take the time to engage with community members, listen to their concerns, and understand their perspectives. You gain valuable insights that can guide your decisions and actions by actively listening.

Collaborative Decision-Making:

Involve the community in the decision-making process. Encourage participation in town hall meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions. When people feel their opinions matter, they are more likely to contribute to the community’s betterment actively.

Education and Skill Development:

Promote education and skill development programs within the community. Knowledge empowers individuals and equips them to contribute meaningfully. Work towards creating accessible educational opportunities, workshops, and training sessions that enhance the skills of community members.

Resource Allocation:

Effectively allocate resources to address the most pressing needs of the community. This could involve investing in infrastructure, healthcare, education, or social welfare programs. Prioritize initiatives that have a lasting impact on the community’s well-being.

Fostering Inclusivity:

A strong community embraces diversity and inclusivity. Ensure that your leadership promotes an environment where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, or beliefs. Celebrate the richness of diversity within your community.

Transparency and Accountability:

Maintain transparency in your leadership. Keep the community informed about decisions, budgets, and ongoing projects. Accountability for your actions fosters trust, a vital component of a thriving community.

Community Engagement:

Encourage community engagement by organizing events, cultural festivals, and social gatherings. These activities promote a sense of belonging and unity among community members. A connected community is a resilient community.

Support Local Businesses:

Promote and support local businesses within your community. By doing so, you contribute to the community’s economic growth, create jobs, and foster a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Environmental Stewardship:

Be mindful of the environment. Implement eco-friendly practices and support initiatives that promote sustainability. A clean and healthy environment directly impacts the well-being of the community.

Continuous Improvement:

Finally, leaders should be open to feedback and continuously strive for improvement. Learn from both successes and failures. Adapt your strategies based on the community’s evolving needs to ensure sustained growth and development.

Putting your community first as a leader requires empathy, active engagement, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of others. By embracing these principles, you can play a pivotal role in creating a vibrant, harmonious, and prosperous community for everyone. Remember, true leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about caring for those in your charge.

How to Create a More Mindful Community

By Jerry Swon

On July 11, 2023

In Community, Jerry Swon

In today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, cultivating a mindful community is more important than ever. A mindful community promotes well-being, empathy, and a sense of belonging among its members. By fostering mindfulness and compassion, we can create a supportive environment where individuals thrive, relationships flourish, and collective growth is nurtured.

Cultivate Mindful Awareness

The foundation of a mindful community starts with cultivating mindful awareness within ourselves. By being present in the moment, we can deepen our understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Practice mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply observing your surroundings. As individuals become more mindful, they can bring this awareness into their interactions with others, fostering genuine connections and empathy.

Foster Inclusive Communication

Effective communication is the key to building a mindful community. Encourage open and respectful dialogue where all voices are heard and valued. Create spaces for active listening and compassionate conversation, allowing individuals to express themselves without judgment. Embrace diversity and actively seek perspectives different from your own, recognizing the richness it brings to the community. By fostering inclusive communication, we build bridges of understanding and foster a culture of respect and empathy.

Promote Acts of Kindness

Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on individuals and the community as a whole. Encourage community members to engage in acts of kindness, whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or offering support to someone in need. Organize community initiatives that promote compassion, such as food drives, clean-up campaigns, or mentorship programs. By fostering a culture of kindness, we create a ripple effect of positivity that uplifts the entire community.

Nurture Emotional Well-being

Supporting the emotional well-being of community members is crucial for creating a mindful community. Encourage conversations around mental health, providing resources and support for those in need. Organize workshops or sessions on stress management, mindfulness practices, or self-care techniques. By nurturing emotional well-being, we create an environment where individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Engage in Collaborative Decision-making

Involve community members in decision-making processes to foster a sense of ownership and empowerment. Encourage collaborative decision-making through forums, town halls, or community meetings. By involving diverse perspectives and considering collective well-being, we build consensus and create a more inclusive community. This approach ensures that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Create Opportunities for Connection

Meaningful connections lie at the heart of a mindful community. Organize social gatherings, community events, or shared activities that bring people together. Encourage members to engage in group activities, clubs, or initiatives aligned with their interests. Foster spaces where individuals can build relationships, share experiences, and find common ground. By creating opportunities for connection, we strengthen the fabric of the community and promote a sense of belonging.

Creating a more mindful community requires intentional effort and collective participation. By cultivating mindful awareness, fostering inclusive communication, promoting acts of kindness, nurturing emotional well-being, engaging in collaborative decision-making, and creating opportunities for connection, we lay the foundation for a thriving and supportive community. Let us embrace these practices and work together to create spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, fostering a mindful community that uplifts and inspires all its members. Remember, change starts within each of us, and through our collective efforts, we can create a more mindful and compassionate world.

Charities Helping New Jersey Families

By Jerry Swon

On February 28, 2023

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

There are many other organizations that you can support this season. If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community or just want to spread some love, check out these local New Jersey charities with great causes.

MANNA

For over 28 years, MANNA has been dedicated to providing the best possible meals to those in need. Their programs have helped over 80 individuals with various illnesses, including diabetes and HIV.

If you’re not planning on baking this Thanksgiving but want to help, Manna can provide you with a pie during their Pie In The Sky event. All of the proceeds go to supporting families in need. You can visit one of their pick-up locations in New Jersey to order your pie.

Associated Humane Societies

The Associated Humane Societies was founded in 1906. It has three facilities in New Jersey, including shelters in Tinton Falls, Newark, and Forked River. Their Forked River facility is also home to the Popcorn Park Zoo, a sanctuary for abused, neglected, and sick animals.

Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey

The Ronald McDonald House is a facility that serves families whose children are undergoing medical treatment at nearby hospitals. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for the families to stay in while their kids recover. The house also offers various services such as hot showers, homecooked meals, and transportation to their appointments.

Through the help of your friends and family, you can make a difference in the lives of these families by providing them with a meal. You can also contribute to the organization through its website.

Angels Community Outreach

Katelyn founded the charity at the age of 12. Through her organization, she was able to provide free clothes to families in need. The organization’s members work with various local shelters and social services to help those in need. They also invite clients to come in and shop for themselves.

You can make a monetary contribution or drop off your unwanted clothes at their drop box in front of the store.

Good Grief

The organization offers free and unlimited support services to children, teens, and families affected by the death of a loved one. It works with individuals through peer support groups and advocacy programs.

How Your Business Can Partner With a Charity

By Jerry Swon

On January 31, 2023

In Blog, Community

Companies have long been known to give back to the community in various ways. In addition to building positive relationships with their customers, charitable giving is also a way for businesses to develop their brand and foster goodwill with the public. A growing number of firms are now taking the step of becoming involved in charitable partnerships.

Although starting a charitable partnership is important, you must be careful about how you partner with a non-profit. Most consumers are not impressed by shallow relationships and will likely only accept a deal if it meets their expectations. A good partnership can strengthen your organization’s mission and foster a positive spirit among your staff members.

It’s widely known that employees want to work in organizations that care. A study conducted by Cone Communications in 2016 revealed that over half of employees said they wouldn’t want to work with a company that doesn’t have a solid environmental and social commitment. More than 70% of the survey respondents also noted that their jobs would be more fulfilling if they were given the opportunity to make a positive impact.

To ensure that your charitable partnership is mutually beneficial, here are some strategies that will help you get started.

Be Genuine

Before starting a partnership, it’s vital to ensure that the organization’s goals, vision, and mission are aligned with your own.

For instance, marketing agency Inspira has a partnership with a non-profit organization called Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Through this partnership, the company has been able to help raise funds for the organization’s efforts against childhood cancer.

Align with Business Strategy

A successful partnership combines the philanthropic and business goals of a company. While it’s crucial for employees to support traditional fundraising efforts, it’s additionally essential for the organization to set and manage its cause-marketing goals.

For instance, in 2014, the Citigroup Foundation committed $50 million to help young individuals find employment opportunities. The company also supports programs that help young people in 10 cities by funding members of the national service organization, the Corporation for National and Community Service. The company’s employees’ efforts have helped lift morale and strengthen teamwork.

Do Other Things Besides Fundraising

A successful charitable partnership is about much more than just a monetary donation. It’s also essential for companies to consider offering various levels of support to ensure that they can make a significant impact.

One of the most prominent examples is Microsoft, which has developed strong relationships with various non-profit organizations through its employees’ tech skills. Through its partnership with these organizations, the company has provided solutions to data and tech issues.

Build Charity in Your Business Model

BoxLunch has a civic-minded approach to its business model, unlike many other novelty retailers. The company can help address the increasing hunger crisis in the US through its partnership. Since its charitable program launched, the company has provided over 7 million meals to local food banks.

If you’re planning on making a significant impact in the world through your business model, consider partnering with a charitable foundation. This can be done by establishing a recurring giving program that fits your financial capacity. One of the most critical factors you should consider is ensuring you can keep your word.

A successful partnership can help a company grow its charitable presence and allow non-profit organizations to capitalize on the efforts of its employees.

Great Programs for People Looking To Volunteer Abroad

By Jerry Swon

On January 5, 2023

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Looking for a way to make a difference in the world by volunteering overseas in 2023? Check out these programs, which are among the best in the world.

One of the best experiences people can have is traveling overseas. It can help them grow as individuals and improve their awareness of the world. It can also broaden their ambitions and goals in life. Another way to enhance the experience is by volunteering abroad. These programs will allow you to make a difference in the world and speak directly to you.

Biodiversity Research Institute

IP Bio is a recognized organization for its work in empirical research, and its programs are ideal for people interested in pursuing careers in conservation or science.

Through this program, you will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world’s biodiversity and be able to work on projects that are important to the organization.

IVHQ Ghana

Although IVHQ runs several programs in different countries, the ones in Ghana have significantly impacted the past volunteers. Their projects there have received over a hundred glowing reviews.

The program’s flexibility and low cost are some of the reasons why it’s one of the best volunteer programs in the world. It runs year-round and allows participants to volunteer from one week to 24 weeks. One week’s fee covers all the necessary expenses, and some projects are related to childcare, education, construction, and health.

Jamaica Volunteer Programs

Through these programs, volunteers can help the community by supporting various projects to uplift and empower the local residents. These projects include helping with construction sites, organizing youth programs, and feeding the needy.

Work on-site is usually from 8 am to 3 pm, and volunteers get an hour’s break for lunch. In addition to making a difference, they can explore Jamaica during weekends and evenings. You’ll also get to meet local people who live in the area.

SAVE Volunteering

One of the most popular volunteer programs in South Africa is SAVE Volunteering, which focuses on working with kids.

This organization works with kids in different areas of Cape Town and also in rural regions. Volunteers can join one of their projects that focuses on youth development or teach preschool kids in underprivileged neighborhoods.

All volunteers must undergo a background check to protect the kids. The group is committed to doing good by volunteering, and they do so by responsibly doing their part.

Maximo Nivel

Projects in Costa Rica by the organization’s founder, Maximo Nivel, have been highly rated by past volunteers. They’re also very safe and fun.

The way that Nivel runs his programs allows volunteers to get to know the different regions of Costa Rica. This country has something for everyone, from the capital city of San Jose to the province of Guanacaste.

Projects range from English teaching to after-school clubs and conservation. Through immersive learning experiences, participants will have the opportunity to learn Spanish.

Gili Shark Conservation Project

The Gili Islands in Indonesia are known for their beautiful coral reefs and are a great place for professionals and conservation students to work on projects related to marine conservation. Through open-water diving, participants can also earn specialist certifications.

The program accepts volunteers aged 18 to 60, and most stay for around two weeks. In addition to being able to work on projects, this organization also offers training programs for those who want to become research divers.

If you’re looking to expand your horizons and experience a new culture through volunteer work, consider one of the many available programs in different countries, such as Indonesia, Costa Rica, or Zimbabwe. These programs will surely leave participants with a renewed passion and lasting memories.

Great Charities in New Jersey to Consider Supporting This Holiday Season

By Jerry Swon

On November 24, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

It’s important to pause and think about the individuals and organizations in need this holiday season. We’ve collected a list of several non-profit organizations in New Jersey that you and your family can support.

Center for Food Action

The Center for Food Action provides food, shelter, and heating assistance to northern New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents. It also offers advocacy and counseling services. Your monetary support will help these individuals and families keep food on their tables and a roof over their heads year-round.

Holiday Express

The holidays can be hard for some people, especially those who are alone. That’s why the Tinton Falls-based organization Holiday Express provides gifts, food, and friendship to those in need during the season.

Bridge of Books Foundation

In New Jersey, there are thousands of children who don’t have access to books. During the holiday season, the Bridge of Books Foundation distributes new and used books to children in need. You can help these kids by donating new or used books or making a monetary contribution.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Through the efforts of Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey, a child who has been removed from his or her family due to abuse can receive a voice. This organization is dedicated to providing these kids with a well-trained and qualified advocate. You can also support local programs by making a monetary contribution or volunteering your time.

Community FoodBank of New Jersey

In New Jersey, over a million people go hungry each day. Many of them are children. The FoodBank of New Jersey works with various food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens to provide nutritious meals to those in need. Every dollar that you give can help provide three meals to these individuals.

Good Grief

Since 2004, Good Grief has been working to ensure that children in New Jersey don’t have to grieve alone. Through its programs, the organization is able to provide free and unlimited support to kids and teens who have lost a parent or sibling.

Moms Helping Moms

The organization, which is called the Moms Helping Moms Foundation, provides low-income families in the state with the necessary supplies to start their babies off on the right foot. Through its baby supply bank, this organization accepts new and gently used items such as clothes and strollers. Your monetary support will allow these families to receive a week’s worth of diapers.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey

You can support New Jersey’s wildlife species by making a monetary contribution to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation. This organization is dedicated to protecting the habitats and species of wildlife in the state. One of its recent fundraising campaigns focused on saving bald eagles.

How Millennials are Changing Philanthropy in the Modern World

By Jerry Swon

On October 26, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

There has been a lot of talk about how millennials are changing the workplace. They demand more work-life balance, are more uncertain about their future, and are also changing the philanthropic landscape.

The number of millennials in the workforce has increased significantly over the past few years. By 2020, they will make up over half of all workers. Gen X is another third, and baby boomers are declining. This rapid and monumental shift is happening right now.

As millennials earn more and pay off their student loans, they are starting to acquire more predictable and regular behaviors and patterns. This is a huge change from the previous generation, which was always unpredictable.

Understanding the various factors that influence how millennials behave is very important for organizations to succeed in the future. They are becoming more engaged in multiple-cause pursuits and are demanding more work-life balance. This is why marketers must be able to adapt their messages to meet these new conditions.

Millennials Give Enthusiastically

In 2014, over 80 percent of millennials gave to charity, and over 70 percent donated over an hour to a cause, according to a study conducted by the Case Foundation. Although Gen Xers and boomers are giving more, millennials are becoming more influential in the philanthropic space.

The numbers are significant because, unlike their predecessors, they are still young and have student debt, which precludes them from owning a home or car. If people become more generous throughout their lives, and if their parents also give, millennials will become the most giving generation in history.

The increasing number of millennials in the workforce is expected to translate into a significant increase in their charitable donations. It is, therefore, important that organizations reach out to them and develop effective strategies to connect with them.

The increasing number of millennials in the workforce is expected to translate into a significant increase in their charitable donations. Millennials are passionate about their goals and believe that they have the necessary skills to make a difference in the world. They also have the necessary ease of giving to make donations. They are finding community through their causes.

The Impending Wealth Transfer

The massive wealth transfer that is expected to happen between millennials is a result of the entrepreneurship of their parents. Due to the success of their parents, they are on the verge of having a wealth transfer worth around $30 trillion, which is more than the previous generation has ever experienced.

Experts believe that wealth transfer will have a positive impact on the charitable sector, and it could lead to a golden era for organizations. This is because millennials are individuals who are passionate about their goals and believe that they can make a difference in the world.

Connecting With Millennials

One of the most important factors that organizations should consider when it comes to attracting and retaining millennials is the use of technology. One of the most effective ways to connect with them is by telling a story. Instead of saying that everyone is affected by X, tell a story about how someone has benefited from your work.

Your cause should be simple and consistent. Instead of over-complicating your message, avoid getting carried away by the complexity of your work.

One of the first questions that potential donors ask is why this matter to me now. Getting the urgency across is very important, as it may take years or even decades to complete your mission. However, by showing how your money and time will be used, your audience can see where their donations will go.

There has been a lot of talk about how millennials are lazy, indifferent toward brands, and entitled to their opinions. However, they are actually the most passionate and committed members of the philanthropic community. They are the individuals who believe that life can be better and that change can be made in the world.

The Benefits of Corporate Volunteering

By Jerry Swon

On September 20, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Employee disengagement can prevent a business from achieving its goals. In 2011, a survey revealed that over 70% of Americans are not engaged in their work. This issue is very alarming and can negatively affect a company’s operations.

According to a study conducted by the Gallup organization, businesses with a high employee engagement rate have a 3.9 times higher earnings per share growth rate than those with low levels of engagement. In addition, many companies consider employee disengagement to be one of the top threats to their operations. However, there is good news: Volunteer programs can help boost employee engagement.

Aside from being beneficial for employee engagement, volunteer programs can also help boost a company’s other operations. These include improving the company’s culture and increasing its sales. Here are some areas where a company can benefit from implementing an employee volunteer program.

Retention

A culture that values employees’ work and the company they work for can help keep them engaged. In 2004, a study revealed that businesses could reduce the number of employees who resign by up to 87 percent by implementing effective employee engagement programs.

This approach can also help a company save money on the cost of replacing an employee. It can be estimated that the replacement cost could be as high as three times an employee’s annual salary.

Recruitment

One of the most critical factors that a company should consider when it comes to hiring and retaining the best talent is the availability of qualified individuals. Having a volunteer program can help boost a company’s recruitment efforts.

Purpose

A volunteer program can also help boost a company’s employee commitment. It can allow them to feel that their work is contributing to the company’s success and helping out a worthy cause. This type of purpose can help boost a company’s morale and increase its productivity.

Skills

A volunteer program can also help employees develop their skills and improve their job performance. According to experts, volunteering can help individuals develop their leadership abilities. It can additionally help them build their problem-solving and communication skills.

The positive effects of corporate volunteerism can be seen in its impact on the company, its employees, and the charity or cause associated with the program. For instance, if a company is focused on social responsibility, it can attract more employees who are more likely to volunteer.

Easy Ways to Help Schools in Your Community

By Jerry Swon

On August 18, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Schools are a critical part of supporting your local community. Unfortunately, many lack funding or are understaffed, which is where you come in! During the school year, we can all play a role in helping schools by donating supplies, volunteering, or buying a new backpack for a student. There are many easy ways to support schools in our community.

Volunteer Your Time

You can volunteer your time in various ways, such as volunteering in the office, taking field trips, or working on clerical tasks. Volunteers are beneficial in making sure that the school year is a success. Contact the school directly to find out more about volunteer opportunities at your school.

Donate School Supplies

When shopping for school supplies, ask your school or teacher if there are any items you can purchase that can be used for other students. Many students come to school with no supplies, and teachers spend a lot of money on their own supplies. By donating supplies, you can help ensure that all of your child’s classrooms have the necessary equipment to succeed.

Attend Board Meetings

Although school board meetings are not everyone’s favorite way to spend time, they can be very informative. They can provide valuable insight into the decisions that affect your child’s school. In addition to learning about the various choices that affect your child’s education, you can also participate in the discussion about the needs in your community.

Join a Committee

Usually, school districts and individual schools are looking for people to serve on various committees that are focused on specific goals. These include topics such as health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and school safety. Usually, these committees look for people with a passion for the subject and a background in working with children. These committees can give you a voice in how your local school supports these needs.

Ask About Specific Needs

One of the easiest ways to help schools in your community is by asking what you can do to help them. This can be as simple as volunteering at a kindergarten or middle school. By asking what you can do, you show the school that you care about their students and want to make a difference. Throughout the school year, there will be a variety of needs that need to be met.

Little Ways to Help Your Local Community

By Jerry Swon

On August 3, 2022

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Helping your local community is important. The more people you help, the more people there are who will want to be helped in turn! You can make a difference today by doing little things that add to big results over time! It’s easy, it’s fun, and it feels great.

Donate Lunch Money to Food Pantries
Food pantries use donated money to provide food to those who need it. About half of all food banks nationwide receive their funds from donations alone. Many families have no choice but to rely on them when they don’t have enough money for groceries. When you donate, you’re saving lives.

Vote
When we vote, we choose our leaders. This means that we decide whether our president stays in office, what laws they sign into law, or which person gets elected in the next election. Voting matters because a lot is expected of us as citizens. We must participate and elect officials who will represent us well.

Plant A Tree
Planting trees helps keep our environment healthy. Trees absorb carbon dioxide while giving off oxygen and helping improve air quality. They are also home to many animals such as birds, butterflies, and insects. There are lots of ways to plant a tree. One way is to buy a seedling. You could also plant seeds yourself or adopt a tree.

Vaccinate Yourself & Your Family
Vaccines prevent disease before someone else does. Sometimes vaccines aren’t given due to a lack of funding or resources. However, they shouldn’t be used as a scapegoat. They save lives every day.

Pick Up Trash
Our communities would be much nicer if people picked up trash properly. Most garbage bags contain plastic, some of which take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose. You’ll reduce this waste by picking up daily trash and creating a cleaner environment.

Shop Local
Buying locally grown produce protects farmers and ensures freshness. Buying local products supports small businesses and creates jobs. So pick your supermarkets carefully. Check online to see where your nearest markets sell products.

Hold the door
Holding doors let others enter rooms first and give them a chance to pass through without being rushed. It makes everyone feel safe and welcome.