Archive for December, 2008
Posted by egehl on December 25, 2008
This week, NBC Nightly News reported on the Sears Company maintaining their successful program of supporting veterans despite these hard economic times. In a time of nonstop scandal, plummeting profits for every sector, and charities struggling to make ends meat this story was a bright spot that resonated. Even when everyone is cutting back, Sears has made the conscious decision to continue their 100 year program to support the military and their families.
There are currently 552 reservists and National Guard members in active duty who remain employed by Sears while they are deployed. Sears pays them the difference between their military and company pay plus all benefits including incentives and merit increases. This program costs Sears $10 million and the company despite a 60% decrease in sales has made the honorable and wise business decision not to cut it. When the military service men and women in this program return home they are able to return to their jobs seamlessly, and that peace of mind is worth as much as the ongoing paycheck.
Anytime we can point out a bright spot in the darkening economic cloud looming above us it is important to highlight, especially when it pertains to our military families and veterans. Veterans have so many challenges when they return home including finding a job that a company like Sears that has instituted such a successful program for military families should be recognized.
Posted in Families, Successful Workplaces | Tagged: Economy, military, Sears, Veterans | 1 Comment »
Posted by gansie on December 24, 2008
Apparently it’s poetry week here on YWM.
I wanted to send some props to Obama for continuing to choose women to be an integral part of his administration.
One of his latest moves: choosing Elizabeth Alexander to recite poetry at his kick-off party (aka inauguration.)
Although, I’m not really sure what BO was thinking with his choice of Rev. Rick Warren, a man known for saying nasty things about gays, Jews and Mormons.
Is this the inclusive message the country needs on this very historic day? I thought we were changing from the days of W and evangelical hate?
Where is the change?
Where is the love?
photo credit
Posted in Diversity, Politics | Tagged: obama administration, Politics, power, religion, women who rock | 1 Comment »
Posted by YWM on December 23, 2008
Do you want to be part of the change happening in Washington, DC? Do you want equal pay for equal work? Do you need time off to take care of a sick child or family member, but can’t afford it? Do you want to have enough money when you retire?
Then BPW/USA’s Policy and Action Day 2009 is for you! Join with hundreds of other BPW/USA members and working women advocates just like you to lobby and learn in the nation’s capitol.
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: AARP Brickfield Center 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC
Click here to Register Online
$250 Members/$275 Non-Members/$50 Students
Tuesday, March 31
8:00 am – 12:30 pm Policy Update and Lobby Training (4 pre-lobby day policy webinars, breakfast, lunch and transportation to Capitol Hill included with registration fee) AARP
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Meet With Your Representatives and Senators Capitol Hill
6:00 pm BPW/PAC Congressional Cocktail Reception (optional, additional fee) TBD
Posted in Advocacy, BPW | Tagged: congress, DC, events, lobby, Pay Equity, policy & action, Politics | Leave a Comment »
Posted by joyinhome on December 22, 2008
I, Too, Sing America 
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed–
I, too, am America.
- Langston Hughes
Posted in Advocacy, Diversity, Lifestyle | Tagged: America, equality, obama administration, power, racism | 2 Comments »
Posted by egehl on December 19, 2008
These days no one can escape hearing about the doldrums of the economy. Everywhere you turn more bad news. Turn on any news show, read any magazine or talk with your neighbor and the economy is on everyone’s mind. But when you have a job and financially think you are doing OK (or at least surviving) it’s easy to think that the economy is impacting “those other people”. The thousands of people out of sight out of mind, the ones you hear about on the daily news who have lost their job, and inch that growing unemployed percentage ever so slightly.
That is until the people close to you lose their jobs. Then it starts to hit home. And becomes real and a wake up call. Recently while gallivanting in another country (which made me treasure my paid vacation a little more), I learned about two close friends who lost their jobs. Both were in the private sector, one for a newspaper company now going bankrupt and another for a large cable company which is now seeing its profits shrink as people tighten their belts and cut out luxuries. One friend is married and the other is not. Both were freaking out. The single one thought the married one was better off but the married friend just had a wedding a month prior to getting laid off, and many bills leftover. And her husband was worried about the two of them living on one paycheck in an expensive city. The single friend had less responsibility to worry about yet no one she could rely on for health insurance or a partner to share the bills.
Single or married, with children or without, all women are facing the same albeit slightly different fears about their jobs, future, families and well being. Hearing these friends talk about being unemployed during the holidays was heartbreaking and all of a sudden this crazy economy became real. My friends are hard workers, smart and one had been at her company for years. Yet it didn’t matter when cuts needed to be made. So their situation got me thinking. What would I do if I lost my job? What safety nets do I have? Are there ways to protect the job I have? It’s a scary thought but something all women are feeling these days. I guess it’s good that it finally hit home. Because sometimes ignorance is not bliss.
Posted in Career Advancement, Families | Tagged: economic crisis, Economy, unemployment, women, workplace | Leave a Comment »
Posted by joyinhome on December 18, 2008
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Install an office water purification system. You eliminate DEHA contamination from plastic bottles; recycling the enormous amount of plastic used in water bottles; reducing the carbon emissions expended in the production and transportation of bottles; and providing an example for your employees to do the same at home.
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Talk with your fellow tenants and building/shopping center manager regarding a recycled trash bin. If you have only paper and plastic trash—which is usually the case unless you are in the food business—you may be able to replace the garbage dumpster for the offices. This will ensure that your paper/plastic will be recycled and not taken to a landfill.
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Use natural light to cut costs and make your offices more attractive. Be sure that valuable energy is not lost combating outside temperatures. Whether you are keeping the Florida sun out or keeping your heat in, the right window coverings and their adjustment during the day will lead to considerable energy savings. Install light sensors with automatic turnoffs for places like bathrooms, storage rooms, and kitchens.
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Evaluate the electrical efficiency of your refrigerator, ice machines, microwaves, dishwashers. Check www.energystar.gov for the ratings on the best appliances.
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Use eco-friendly paints with low VOC’s, eco-friendly cleaners and the absence of artificial fragrances (candles, air sprays, potpourri) to improve the air quality of your office and the mood and efficiency of your employees.
Whenever you make green changes, let your clients and employees know by word of mouth or a sign in the office. Raising awareness and being a leader makes a huge difference. Want more?
Posted in Global, green, Lifestyle | Tagged: environment, green, Successful Workplaces | 3 Comments »
Posted by businesswom on December 16, 2008
Vice President [elect] Joe Biden has selected two women as part of his press staff. Elizabeth Alexander will be Biden’s Press Secretary and Annie Tomasini will be the Deputy. These women, formerly on his Senate staff, are part of the new team in charge of all politically correct communications from the Biden desk.
photo credit
Posted in Advocacy, Diversity | Tagged: biden, Politics, women | Leave a Comment »
Posted by joyinhome on December 12, 2008
I just received a blast about research conducted by Harris Interactive which said that girls in urban neighborhoods are less physically active than boys or their suburban counterparts.
Results showed that girls who attended urban schools rarely participated in physical education courses or team sports, and by their junior and seniors years, 84 percent said they didn’t participate in gym.
What it did not mention is the “why.” Could the reason be that many public schools today do not have gym class? At least not until you enter high school and sometimes only through teams? It does however cite CDC stats about non-white, childhood obesity.
As a non-white, urban girl who particiated in gym class (I attended private school) and on sports teams, I am more than annoyed by the implication.
Posted in Families, Lifestyle | Leave a Comment »
Posted by businesswom on December 11, 2008
Many companies have been greatly affected by the state of the auto industry. But, did you ever think that XM satellite radio could be one of them?
Let’s see…XM goes in cars…cars aren’t exactly selling like hotcakes…so, I suppose it’s a logical connection. Honestly, I hadn’t thought of it until the other day when a friend mentioned it.
You can take a listen to a few shows on these XM stations that discuss issues that affect women and their families. And, we’ll say the jury is still out on PB radio…
Cosmo Radio
Doctor Radio
Family Talk
Kids Place Live
Oprah & Friends
photo credit
Posted in Families, Lifestyle | Tagged: auto, radio, women | Leave a Comment »
