Employee Volunteer Programs... A WIN, WIN, WIN!

How Can Your Business Support Character Counts! Week?

This week is Character Counts! Week, an annual celebration of good character in our communities. Schools, youth organizations, civic groups, and businesses alike are celebrating good character and the importance of teaching basic ethical values to youth. Today I want to focus on the impact a business can make by embracing the concept of corporate social responsibility, maintaining the health and well-being
of the communities in which they do business . A concept that has existed more than half a century.

How great would it be to create a WIN, WIN, WIN situation for your business, employees, and the community in which you serve? Well you can do just that; and it is quite simple. An Employee Volunteer Program is the answer! It is the blend of corporate social responsibility and good business practice. Described below are the WIN, WIN, WIN benefits of such programs as suggested from the Joseph & Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics — (Founder of Character Counts! Week).

WIN, WIN, WIN Benefits of Employee Volunteer Programs !

Benefits to Communities
• Creates healthier communities by improving the overall quality of life
• Helps address/solve vital social problems
• Generates a renewed spirit of citizenship and civic pride
• Provides new talent and ideas to meet community needs
• Increases the level and quality of community services
• Opens lines of communication among various segments of the community
• Strengthens the local economy

Benefits to Employees
• Strengthens employees’ organizational, leadership, communications, financial management, and
decision-making skills
• Encourages teamwork
• Enables employees to develop new skills
• Creates a better quality of life where employees live and work
• Reduces stress and increases morale
• Expands networking within the company
• Increases employee awareness of and interest in community issues
• Generates an increased sense of patriotism, citizenship, and civic pride

Benefits to Companies
• Bolsters image as a “Good Corporate Citizen” and builds goodwill toward the company
• Increases employee morale, loyalty, and productivity
• Creates team-building opportunities
• Improves communications and relations between management and the workforce
• Showcases the company as a good place to work (“Employer of Choice”)
• Enhances/increases employee recruitment and retention
• Creates ways to implement or address strategic business goals and objectives
• Promotes awareness about the company in the community

Character Counts! Week ... The Biggest Celebration of Character in the World!

Yesterday kicked off the celebration of  National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week. More than 4 million young people in over 50 countries are expected to celebrate during October 21-27. The premise of Character Counts Week is to have fun, but the message is to strive for good character at all times in every situation.

The celebration of Character Counts was established by The Joseph & Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics — a nonprofit and nonpartisan teaching organization based in Los Angeles, California. According to the Josephson Institute, many of the country’s leading educational and youth-serving institutions belong to the Coalition, including the YMCA, 4-H, Little League, Boys & Girls Clubs, the NEA and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. 

Every year, the U.S. President, U.S. Senate, state governors, and officials around the world proclaim the third week in October CHARACTER COUNTS! Week. Last year 8 million kids in 60 countries participated. No matter what your political or religious affiliation, this event is about the universal values we share.

 CHARACTER COUNTS! Week is an annual celebration of good character and the importance of teaching basic ethical values to youth in our communities, schools, youth organizations, and businesses. “Character education programs work. Currently, there are character education programs across all 50 States in rural, urban and suburban areas at every grade level. Schools across the country that have adopted strong character education programs report better student performance, fewer discipline problems, and increased student involvement within the community.”
— Sen. Chris Dodd, announcing a bipartisan resolution proclaiming National CC! Week 2009. 

This week is a great time to celebrate good character in your community, school, and business help galvanize citizens around their most important year-round task: teaching young people the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship). This week Image Savvy Consultants will do just that by sharing practical, fun, and life impacting ideas with you. It is our goal make it effortless for you to place an emphasis on character development of the young people and others in your life.  We have included some suggestions from the Josephson Institute below for Seven Days of Character for Adults & Daily Character Ideas for Kids.

Seven Days of Character for Adults

Sunday... Food for Thought
More local foodbanks are experiencing a crisis as they have more people in need and fewer supplies to distribute. Find out how you can lend a hand, either by volunteering a couple of hours, or donating some 
needed food. 

Monday... Caring Coupons
Get out your scissors and start clipping coupons that care. You don’t have to get money off to get a buzz –
sometimes it’s enough to read a feel-good story online or in the press and keep them on file to refer to when 
the news is just too much. You can also give them to friends for inspiration when they’re feeling down.

Tuesday... Recycle, Reuse, Reduce
Good citizenship includes being environmentally aware, and recycling makes cents! Find out where your local recycling depot is and raise some money for a local charity by recycling your bottles and cans. You’ll be doing your part for the planet and your community. 

Wednesday... Share the Load
So it might not be your actual JOB to return the shopping cart to the store, but how about taking a little time to share these tasks? Perhaps your supermarket no longer employs people to collect carts, or maybe your local diner waitress would appreciate it if you wiped up the crumbs from the table you ate at, or you could leave that hotel room just a little bit tidier before you check out. 

Thursday... Invite a 360-Degree Appraisal
Want to really show you’re trying to be better? Invite your coworkers to give you an annual review based on the values of the Six Pillars of Character.   

Friday... Be Patient With Bad Manners 
That includes your own! Bite your tongue, tone it down, and take deep breaths. Everyone gets frazzled in today’s demanding society, but try to stay calm and be polite all day. Treat others as if they were ladies and gentlemen – not because they are, but because you are.

Saturday... Help From Home
Finding time in a busy week to volunteer can be tough, but what if you could do it from the comfort of your own home? Help From Home is a site that lets you do just that. Visit them to learn how you can help without even changing out of your PJs. 

Daily Character Ideas for Kids

Self-reflection Sunday
We all know the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, repsonsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship, of course!), so why not take time to reflect on your performance in each of the six areas? Could you be doing better? Write down one thing you’d like to improve for each Pillar and keep good character going all year! 

Make Peace Monday
World peace starts with you! Have you fallen out with someone over the last year? Could you take responsibility for making the world a more peaceful place, even if it wasn’t your fault in the first place, and make up with that person? You could write a note, call, or text. You’ll be contributing to a more peaceful world. Show politicians how it’s done!

Take the Road Less Traveled Tuesday
It’s always easier to show respect to others when everyone else is doing it, but what about taking a stand on your own? Tough stuff, but you can start a revolution and brighten someone’s day by showing them you are on their side, even if the bullies aren’t. Hold out your hand to help someone up, help them with the stuff they dropped, or give some other small gesture to show you aren’t a bully bystander.

Wish Upon a Star Wednesday
Who’s your favorite star? Wouldn’t it be great if they showed their support for you in your quest for good character? Why not write and tell them what you’re doing to show that character counts? Write to your  favorite star and ask them to support good character, too.

Thanksgiving Thursday
Don’t wait until November to show thanks! Make today the day you remember your p’s and q’s and take time to let someone who helped you out know how much it meant. Be thankful all day!

Find Out Friday
Is there a pressing issue in your community? Find out how you can get involved and help make things better for everyone. Research the issue and groups that are taking action on it to find out what you can do. 

Show Your Support Saturday
Why not get out and support your local team? Sticking by people through good and bad times can be hard, but loyalty is a big part of good character. If you have a local team, or you know someone taking part in a challenge this weekend, show them they can lean on you.

Abs Are Made in the Kitchen Not the Gym?

It may sound strange, but yes it's true, abs are made in the kitchen not the gym. As the old saying goes abs are 30% gym and 70% diet. This was a new discovery for me this week. 

I just shared an article a couple of weeks ago which defined the benefits of a strong core. In that article we learned that almost every motion in our bodies originates in or travels through our core and therefor core training should be at the center of all of our fitness programs. The article even provided an exercise video demonstration of how to build a strong core. However one important piece was missing, and that is the part that diet plays in building a strong core.

Everyone has abdominal muscles. In some people they are hidden by fat. Nutrition plays a huge role in the composition of your body. It is important to feed it right! Stick to as natural as possible, lots of fruits and vegetables, single ingredient, wholesome foods with little to no processing or preservatives.  A diet like this will melt belly fat and allow your abs to be seen. Of course, you should supplement proper diet with exercise to tone the abdominal muscles and to help your body continue to burn fat even while you are at rest.

It is as simple as that but sometimes even simple needs to be broken down and Marvin Dixie of Power U Health and Fitness has done just that. In a recent video he explains how to effectively get rid of belly fat, reduce your waistline, and reveal the six pack you already have. He explains how proper nutrition and the proper types of exercise work together to build muscle mass, ramp up metabolism, and burn body fat. I have included that video (30% Gym 70 % Diet) along with the Six Pack Abs Secret Revealed video that I shared in the previous article. Together these videos will put you well on your way to getting the body you deserve. 

As I stated before taking care of your body is a major part of the image you project; and no, it is not all about the physical appearance. More importantly it is about health and lifestyle. And when you look and feel good, you are naturally more confident. You are more likely to pursue your goals and dreams and that is what it is all about, being your best self!  

Great Social Skills Can Help Ease Back to School First Day Jitters

 It's school time again! Your kids may be feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is over. They may even feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. You can help ease the first day jitters by ensuring that your child is well equipped with great social skills. Here are some tips that may help you give your kids a strong start.


                                                                                                

~Teach your child to share with others

~Teach your child to wait their turn 

~Teach your child not to interrupt when others are speaking 

~Teach your child the importance of being honest 

~Teach your child the proper forms of address for their teachers (Miss, Mr., Mrs.)

~Teach your child how to accept others with disabilities

~Teach your child to show respect to others and practice kindness by using words like please, thank you, you're welcome and excuse me

~Don't forget to praise your child when they show good manners

Just like we as adults have to prepare our minds and body to return to work after a great vacation, kids have to prepare mentally and physically to go back to school. I have included a couple of short videos below that may help you prepare your kids to go back to school. The first one is great in helping your child develop a great morning routine and the second is an excellent refresher on how to behave. 

Benefits of a Strong Core

Taking care of your body is a major part of the image you project and having a strong core is the key. Having a strong core helps you stand tall and exude confidence.

Core strength training focuses on the muscles in the abdomen, hips, and back. It builds coordination between these muscles and trains them to work together. It should be the base of all of your workouts.

The reason core strength is so important is because almost every motion made by your body originates there. According to Harvard Health Publications you should “think of your core muscles as the sturdy central link in a chain connecting your upper and lower body. Whether you’re hitting a tennis ball or mopping the floor, the necessary motions either originate in your core, or move through it.” This publication also states that “no matter where motion starts, it ripples upward and downward to adjoining links of the chain. Thus, weak or inflexible core muscles can impair how well your arms and legs function.” The unity of your core muscles working together balances and stabilizes your body. A strong flexible core underpins almost everything you do.

Here is a quick list of the benefits to a strong core:
-More control

-Improves posture

- More comfort with sitting

- Improves balance and stability

-Increases energy
- Aids in sports development

- Prevent injury

Core training is the foundation of all workouts, however many people aren’t sure how to to develop it. So I have included this great core strengthening exercise video from Power U Health and Fitness. Marvin Dixie demonstrates and explains the proper way to perform each exercise, its benefits, and why it’s important.

July Is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month. Yes, that's correct. I know just a couple of decades ago, we couldn't have imagined such a thing. And now it seems that you can't go anywhere without someone being on  a cell phone. I've even seen people who are so glued to their phone that they are constantly checking for messages during worship services. And others who are all ears for someone who is dear to them unless, you got it, the cell phone rings.


Now I know that a lot of us feel that we absolutely can not live with out these devices and I agree they are a great convenience in today's fast paced business world and in our personal lives. And when used appropriately they can actually make life simpler and more productive. However, would you agree that much of the time spent on these devices is not for anything important. It is for sheer amusement and pleasure, no matter how we may try to disguise it.


Nine out of ten Americans possess a cell phone. With such widespread usage, it's no surprise that some cell phone users can be quite rude in public, whether intentional or not. According to Jacqueline Whitmore, the founder of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, the solution for good cell phone etiquette is as simple as being aware of your surroundings and respecting the rights of others. Think about it, how many times have you overheard someone talking on their cell phone? Or been distracted by a cell phone ringing loudly with the most obnoxious ringtone at the climax of a thrilling movie; and of course, they can't locate it to turn it off. None of us really want to be "That Person" right? So I've  composed this blog in an effort to help encourage an ever growing oblivious population of cell phone users to be more respectful of their surroundings. 



Listed below, you will find cell phone courtesy rules suggested by Nokia to help us be more courteous to those around us, and a link to additional resources from  Jacqueline Whitmore  if you would like additional help to avoid offending others with your cell phone. 

1.  The Person You are with is the Most Important Person To Talk To 
Utilize the Caller ID feature for screening options. You may decide to let voice mail take the call and return the call at a more appropriate time.


2.  Use Text Messaging to Simplify Your Life
Are you expecting important information from a colleague but need to be in a public area? Ask them to send a text message to your phone.


3.  Change the Ringing Tones on Your Phone to Match the Environment You Are In
Use a loud ring for outdoors – but inside, use silent or vibrating options.


4.  Turn off Your Phone During Public Performances or While In Public Spaces
In certain public areas such as movie theaters, plays, churches, museums and libraries, talking can be disruptive and can violate basic courtesy. If you are expecting an important call, use text messaging.


5.  Don’t Engage In Cell Yell 
Most devices have sensitive microphones that can pick up even a whisper. There is no need to speak louder on your cell phone than you would on any other phone. Use your best judgment when in a cab, train or any other environment where you might subject a “captive” public to your conversations.



 I recommend that you visit Jacqueline Whitmore's website by clicking the following link http://www.etiquetteexpert.com/cellphone.html . Here you can get even more guidelines on cell phone etiquette, take a cell phone etiquette quiz, and listen to a cell phone etiquette podcast from Sprint.

Oh No ... Which Drink Is Mine?

Question: Which drink is yours when dining?

Answer: Bread on the Left, Drink on the Right

b d

This is one of the first decisions at the dinner table because oftentimes, napkins are in the glass when you arrive at the table. Here is an easy tip to help you remember. Hold both hands in front of you; palms facing each other, using the tips of your thumb and forefinger, make circles on each hand. The remaining three fingers in each hand point upwards. Your left hand will form a “b” and your right hand will form a “d”. Bread (b) is on the left, and drink (d) is on the right. 

If your neighbor has already taken your bread plate or drink, quietly ask the waiter for another.