How is Communication Technology Influencing how we relate in today's culture?
Finding ways to effectively communicate a message remains an ongoing pursuit. Whether one desires to promote a political agenda, secure a business deal , get a job or get married, communication is key. Even the Obama election was credited for engaging communications technology.
In today’s society, the different methods of communication continues to expand. The telephone that once required connecting wires has transformed into a mobile cellular communication device that allows communication through sound and reading. Those who find ways to harness the emerging communication mechanisms while being able to effectively promote their messages will find that they are able to influence others in ways that were not imaginable before the vast technology existed.
At the same time each communications medium has its own set of rules and skill sets needed in order to maximize its effectiveness. There is much to learn and little time to find ways to connect them all. Still, for those who really want to succeed, the various communication technologies can catapult them into a place of significant achievement.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is offering funds for those who desire to use new media and technology to connect to their local communities. The effort must include a community based foundation or organization. A $24 million dollar incentive is attached to what is called the “Community Information Challenge.” And the results could truly effect how communities connect in the future.
Go to the nightfoundation.org website for more information.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Health Care vs. Wealth Care: The Great American Conflict of 2010
Many Americans are facing various with problems in 2010. For clarity we define problems as something that causes pain, suffering and/or hardship And with so many variations of problems that we face, it is often difficult to decide upon which one to address first. This appears to be the case with our political representatives. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, I prefer thinking that they care about all of the problems, but are trying to establish a primary focus.
The conflicting arguments regarding Health Care Reform from the primary political parties appear to remain caught in two areas of concern. One side is concerned about the human capital regarding Health Care and the other is concerned about the financial capital regarding Wealth Care. Both are quite legitimate concerns. However only one can get enough resources to produce a successful resolve at a time. Therefore I wish to help by sharing a method that we teach in our workshops for solution driven charitable organizations.
Once they have listed the problems that they believe are crucial to meeting their own goals and objectives, we guide them through the task of focusing on a single problem to address first. We instruct them to imagine that there are two people standing in front of you. One person is suffers from problem "A" and the other is suffering from problem "B". Now realizing that you only have the resources to address one problem at a time, you must choose which problem you are most compelled to fix first. Keep in mind that you can plan to address the other one at another time. In our workshops, people tend to chose the problem with which they have personally suffered or have personally shared in someone else having suffered in that area.
Choosing between the issue of Health Care vs. Wealth Care appears to be quite similar. People that passionately express concern about the financial strain that could result in health care reform are truly concerned with the suffering caused by what they believe could lead to economic ruin. At the same time, those who are just as passionate about health care reform are just as concerned about the critical lack of affordable medical attention and adequate treatment that could lead to permanent ailments and loss of lives. It would be interesting to poll Americans given the scenarios and questions above to uncover which problem America should address first- Health Care or Wealth Care?
The conflicting arguments regarding Health Care Reform from the primary political parties appear to remain caught in two areas of concern. One side is concerned about the human capital regarding Health Care and the other is concerned about the financial capital regarding Wealth Care. Both are quite legitimate concerns. However only one can get enough resources to produce a successful resolve at a time. Therefore I wish to help by sharing a method that we teach in our workshops for solution driven charitable organizations.
Once they have listed the problems that they believe are crucial to meeting their own goals and objectives, we guide them through the task of focusing on a single problem to address first. We instruct them to imagine that there are two people standing in front of you. One person is suffers from problem "A" and the other is suffering from problem "B". Now realizing that you only have the resources to address one problem at a time, you must choose which problem you are most compelled to fix first. Keep in mind that you can plan to address the other one at another time. In our workshops, people tend to chose the problem with which they have personally suffered or have personally shared in someone else having suffered in that area.
Choosing between the issue of Health Care vs. Wealth Care appears to be quite similar. People that passionately express concern about the financial strain that could result in health care reform are truly concerned with the suffering caused by what they believe could lead to economic ruin. At the same time, those who are just as passionate about health care reform are just as concerned about the critical lack of affordable medical attention and adequate treatment that could lead to permanent ailments and loss of lives. It would be interesting to poll Americans given the scenarios and questions above to uncover which problem America should address first- Health Care or Wealth Care?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Leadership in America-Choosing the Best
During this election period, there are avalanches of media promotions seeking to entice the favor of voters. Many potential voters are confused, many are already decided and a large number are just frustrated with what they see as a lack of good options. Still, a growing number of potential voters understand that to refrain from voting is to have to deal with the hand you’re given. The big question remains, “Who are the best choices to lead us through our struggles into great achievements?”
There is a grant announcement that is offering up to $118,952,000 to up to 120 recipients with the charge to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of traditional American history. It occurred to me that given the variations with which our representatives interpret American events the ability to offer objective and credible information will be quite a challenge. And after reading the criteria for selection, I was even more concerned. Among the selection criteria applicants must explain how they will address the following : How specific traditional American history content (including the significant issues, episodes, and turning points in the history of the United States; how the words and deeds of individual Americans have determined the course of our Nation; and how the principles of freedom and democracy articulated in the founding documents of this Nation have shaped America’s struggles and achievements and its social, political, and legal institutions and relations).
The use of terms such as “traditional” and “significant” are already subject to biases of both the applicants as well as the reviewers. At the same time, I am hopeful that in the years to come, we will be able to read in some text books how Americans of vast diversity have impacted and shaped America’s struggles and achievements. For more information about this grant opportunity use this link: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-1083.pdf
There is a grant announcement that is offering up to $118,952,000 to up to 120 recipients with the charge to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of traditional American history. It occurred to me that given the variations with which our representatives interpret American events the ability to offer objective and credible information will be quite a challenge. And after reading the criteria for selection, I was even more concerned. Among the selection criteria applicants must explain how they will address the following : How specific traditional American history content (including the significant issues, episodes, and turning points in the history of the United States; how the words and deeds of individual Americans have determined the course of our Nation; and how the principles of freedom and democracy articulated in the founding documents of this Nation have shaped America’s struggles and achievements and its social, political, and legal institutions and relations).
The use of terms such as “traditional” and “significant” are already subject to biases of both the applicants as well as the reviewers. At the same time, I am hopeful that in the years to come, we will be able to read in some text books how Americans of vast diversity have impacted and shaped America’s struggles and achievements. For more information about this grant opportunity use this link: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-1083.pdf
Monday, January 11, 2010
Homeland Security- PreparingThe Next Generation of Workforce
America is gearing up for the next generation of Homeland Security providers. A Grant announcement has been issues to develop strategies to address the future need for experts in the growing field of homeland security. This program explores: 1) What should be taught in the Public schools? 2) At what age should children learn about Homeland Security? 3) What challenges and complications could happen as schools place an emphasis on teaching about Homeland Security? GRANT INFORMATION Category: Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) is soliciting individuals or teams to research, create, develop, deploy and evaluate innovative educational tools, approaches and resources to educate and inspire the next generation homeland security workforce. It covers elementary school to post doctoral programs, and includes ongoing professional development of the National Homeland Security workforce. FULL NAME: Researching, Creating, Developing, Deploying and Evaluating Innovative Educational Tools, Approaches & Resources to Advance Intellectual Basis for a National Homeland Security S&T Workforce Funding Agency: Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Funding Amount: $400,000 Current Closing Date for Applications: Feb 28, 2010 GRANT INFO LINK: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=YlHQLB0Q2LGShgz1zJTq6gnvLrX3FhkCTDHp93y5hg9vnG3jJVz6!-1299818899?oppId=49251&mode=VIEW
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