Webinar: Build a Thriving Nonprofit Organization
Filed under: Blog Entries, Business, Community, Technology
I received this in an email, so I’m not sure how good it will be. But it does sound pretty interesting.
The IRS is changing the rules and raising the fees… so we just want to give you one last chance to register for Kill the Myths & Make Money Pursuing Your Passion: How & Why to Build a Thriving Nonprofit Organization. This is the last opportunity for this webinar before the IRS makes its move! Don’t miss it!
- Do you want to start a nonprofit organization but think it means you can’t make money?
- Do you have a passion to serve the community but don’t know how to turn your ideas into profits?
- Do you want to know where the money is and how to get it?
- Want to know how to build a thriving 501(c)(3) organization?
Nonprofit DOES NOT MEAN no money!
Learn the nuts, bolts and much, much more, including:
- What is the difference between a not-for-profit corporation, a tax-exempt organization, and a limited liability company (LLC)?
- What are the funding source?
- How to build wealth in a tax-exempt organization?
- How to turn your community service passion into profits?
- Where is the money to fund your ideas?
Despite our current economic environment, there is still money out there to fund your organization… you just have to know how and where to find it!
We will dispel the myths, misconceptions and mindsets that hinder you from succeeding and building a thriving organization (“We can’t do that as a nonprofit…”). Whether you lead a nonprofit, are thinking about starting one, or work for one… this webinar is for you.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST
President Obama’s Weekly Address – 12/26/09
For the first time in a weekly address, the President is joined by the First Lady as they celebrate Christmas. They both honor those serving overseas, those who have sacrificed for their country, and the families that stand by them. Find ways to lend our troops and their families a hand through DOD’s Military Homefront, OurMilitary.mil, and of course the USO.
Put Your Greeting Cards to Good Use
If you are the type of person who doesn’t keep all of the cards they might receive during the holiday season, then here’s a way to put them to good use. The St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is currently accepting used, all-occasion cards from November 15, 2009 – February 28, 2010 for their recycled card program. The idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into “new” cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique “thank you,” they requested the children sell them the special cards.
The children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive “green” holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of “going green”.
To Purchase Cards:
Cards are sold in packets of 10 for $10.00 and are available in the following categories:
- General Christmas Card
- Religious Christmas Cards
- Easter Cards
- Birthday Cards
- Thank You Cards
- All Occasion General Greeting Cards
Orders may be placed by any of the methods below:
- Visit our Online Store
- Phone 1-877-977-SJRC (7572) or
- Send your request and donation to:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
ATTN: Donor Office
P.O. Box 60100
Boulder City, NV 89006-0100
Cards may be donated by sending them to:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005
My Business Directory
It’s been a long time coming, but I finally got around to setting up my own personal business directory. Small businesses are the backbone of this country and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to keep it alive. The list of businesses I’ve compiled are ones that I’ve used or know the owner. I also look at customer service and quality of product/service because that’s what determines whether or not I want to continue to do business with them.
For those instances where I haven’t been able to use their service, I usually know the owner in some way and base it on how I’ve seen them manage their company. I try to keep it professional and add only those I know are serious about their business. I don’t receive any free products or kickbacks from this. It’s all about showing some love to a hard-working business owner, no strings attached. We need more of this and I hope this list in some way inspires other to do something similar. I will continue to add to the list and would like to hear comments from those who use them.
If you are a business owner and would like to showcase your business, I’d recommend you check out Liberate Magazine. It’s an online magazine for entrepreneurs that allows them to “tell their stories” and present the vast opportunities in life to create independent living through entrepreneurship. To get started, submit your answers to The Liberate 10 questions and the editors will get back to you if your request is approved.
President Obama’s Weekly Address – 12/12/09
Filed under: Blog Entries, Business, Family, Obama, Personal Finance, Politics
The President explains that while he continues to focus on jobs, it is also profoundly important to address the problems that created this economic mess in the first place. He commends the House of Representatives for passing reforms to our financial system, including a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency, and blasts Republican Leaders and financial industry lobbyists for their joint “pep rally” to defeat it.
Teaching Honor, Pride & Discipline
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Education, Life
These three words hung on the wall of “The Mighty Eagle Band” hall at Willowridge High School in Mo. City, TX. It was a constant reminder of what it would take to be a part of one of the greatest bands in the country. The band was under the direction of Ronald B. Thornton, whom I had the pleasure of meeting during his time as band director for The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul.
I learned a lot from Mr. Thornton. While at TSU, he was my first private lesson teacher and taught me how to be a disciplined musician. He gave me the opportunity to be a leader, even when I didn’t think I was quite ready. He placed me in situations that were real confidence builders for my growth as a musician and young man. While I didn’t realize it, the lessons and experiences I gained during my time in band, were helpful when I needed them later in life.
There were times when he’d get on us for not playing to our potential and he made sure we were diverse in our music selections and marching style. We played everything from orchestra to popular tunes on the radio. There was one time when he took a group of us to see B.B. King in concert. He knew the trumpet player and was able to get us backstage passes and meet B.B. to get autographed pictures. He took the band all over the country and built a legacy that will live on forever.
I have a lot of good memories that I will always cherish, but I the one I’ll remember the most was seeing the Thorntons’ at my dad’s funeral. They’d read he’d passed in the paper and decided to come show their support. It’s tough when you lose a love one and for me the whole day was a blur. But I do remember seeing them there and it meant a lot to me to know they cared.
Today, I along with a church full of students, family and friends attended Mr. Thornton’s funeral. He impacted the lives of many people and his funeral was a testament to the life he lived. While he may not physically be with us, he will certainly live on in our hearts. His work is done, but it’s up to us who he taught, mentored and counseled to continue the work left to do.
At the end of the ceremony Mr. Thornton’s son dismissed us with the question “Who’s got the greatest band in the country?”. Those who knew the answer responded. Mr. Thornton, Prof, Big T, Ronnie, Big Thunder, we will miss you. Thank you for teaching us what honor, pride & discipline is all about. And thank you to his family for sharing him with us.
R.I.P Ronald Thornton (Facebook)
Our love for Mr. Ronald B. Thornton (Facebook)
Don’t Forget Your Free Credit Report
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Personal Finance
I always do this post at the end of the year as a quick reminder for my readers to check their credit report before the end of the year. Every year the government gives you a free credit report check so you can make sure there are no fraudulent inquiries on your record.
I do it for my family every year because identity theft can make your life miserable. When you run the check, you can get a report from the top three credit agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. While the credit report is free, you do not get access to your Fico score. To check your fico score, it’s a little extra but well worth the cost. If you do see something on your report that doesn’t belong, you can report it to the credit agencies and follow their process to get it removed.
The government extended the new home buyer tax credit and interest rates are still pretty low. It’s important to know your Fico score because this score determines what your interest rate will be if you plan on getting a loan. If you have good credit and you know your score, you can negotiate better rates than those who don’t.
You can get your 30-day free credit report by visiting annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
Worlds AIDS Day 2009
Filed under: Blog Entries, Community, Family, Health, My Thoughts, Society & Culture, Think Global
World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.
HIV/AIDS has been a global epidemic for more than 27 years. Most of today’s youth have never known a world without it. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published national HIV incidence (new infections) that showed much higher numbers that previous estimates. The time is now. Together, we can prevent the spread of this pandemic – through awareness, care, prevention, education and research.
The Red Ribbon is the international symbol of support for people living with HIV. Wearing a red ribbon is a great way to raise awareness about HIV as well as to break down stigma and prejudice, so make sure you get yours in time for World AIDS Day!
Last year I had the opportunity to post about Worlds AIDS Day and found a lot of interesting information about how it affects us on a local and international scale. I was amazed to find out how many black people were infected with the disease. It’s not something that’s always discussed in our community and this is why I appreciate the effort of those willing to blog about this important day.
HIV/AIDS can be prevented and there’s a lot of good information out there on how you can get tested. I won’t re-type it because you can find the information in the post I did two years ago.
Be safe and get tested. It’s the responsible thing to do.






