Kamiak is a real estate investment firm that acquires, develops, and operates niche multifamily and commercial assets in the greater Seattle region.
Train the Trainer
Nonprofit people are busy and don’t have time to spare. That’s why Washington Nonprofits supports those who teach nonprofit people to make every learning event excellent and action-focused.
PLAN A WORKSHOP or WEBINAR
We have created a few resources to help presenters get ready for a workshop or webinar.
- Tips for Delivering a Great Workshop – We have pulled together a few ideas that every trainer or presenter might consider.
- Workshop Planner -Download this worksheet to sketch out a learning experience that is engaging and action-focused.
- Evaluation – We updated our evaluation form to improve what we learn about attendees and presenters. Our goal is to close the gap between what they knew coming into the workshop and what they know when leaving. The evaluation form is a helpful document for presenters to read in advance to get ideas on how to help people with a range of prior knowledge, how to move those people to action, and what to look for afterwards to know if we were successful.
- “So You’ve Been Selected” – Guila Muir provides excellent tips for people who are planning a conference workshop.
In addition, we recommend trainers follow the kite method described in the book Instructional Design That Soars: Shaping What You Know Into Classes That Inspire by Guila Muir. Washington Nonprofits delivers regular “Train the Trainer” workshops.
MORE ON WASHINGTON NONPROFIT WEBINARS
Over the past few years, we have been inspired by experts (like Eureka) pushing on the webinar format for better learning experiences. Typical Washington Nonprofit webinars now have:
- Priming opportunities – We invite people to think about the topic or do some advanced work prior to the webinar.
- Webinar “Place Mat” – Reflection is as important to people learning in person as it is in e-learning experiences. That’s why we created a “place mat” to center ideas and reflections as a webinar unfolds. Here is one example.
- Post event action – We want people to do something differently because they attended a webinar. We ask for an action update immediately after and then 4 weeks later (for longer series)
LEARN MORE FROM OTHERS
Mark Nilles at Humentum has put together two helpful (short) videos on how to create an engage workshop and how to determine what kind of session to offer.
And for a quick video on how people learn, we appreciate Ulrich Boser’s work in this area. Click here for his recent TEDx Talk on how we learn.
If you are interested in being a part of our growing community of trainers who spend time thinking about adult learning and effective presenting, let us know! We will add you to our list so you hear about upcoming events.
Motivated Employees May Not Create Motivated Businesses
There are tons of self-help and qualified experts giving advice on how to motivate employees – but is motivating a business the same thing? Not necessarily.“A business is made up of employees, so the assumption is that if you motivate employees, you will motivate the business,” says Dr. Bobby Grossi, a motivational speaker and author of the book Destiny is Not Hereditary: How Becoming A Better You Impacts Others (www.drbobbyjgrossi.com). “That is not necessarily the case.’’
For example, if employees are motivated for the wrong reasons – such as focused only on money to the detriment of the overall health of the company – that can be a problem, Dr. Grossi says.
Plus, many surveys have found that employees (once they are given a living wage) are not primarily motivated by more money.
Psychology Today noted recently that most raises need to be at least 5 to 7% to truly motivate employees, and most raises are below that threshold. This is especially true if the employer wants to impact daily behavior.
But other perks – meaningful work, good colleagues and prestigious work – in many situations can be primary motivators for employees.
Dr. Grossi says there are several ways employers can create motivated employees that really will impact the bottom line;
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Trust your employees. You get trust by giving it. Trust your employees with more responsibility and see if it impacts their performance and attitude.
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Treat your employees like people, not things. Don’t treat your employees like they are machines. Enhance the social aspects of your workplace so employees feel they are part of a lively, energetic and positive team. The result will be increased productivity, reduced conflict and better problem-solving.
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Respect your employees. Respect is a two-way street. If you respect employees, they will respect you and your business. How do you show respect? Most importantly, by listening to them. Look them in the eye and don’t be distracted. Your employees are your most important asset, so treat them that way.
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Be transparent. The more transparency your company has, the easier it will be to get employees to pull together when times are challenging. Plus, they will also feel they are more a part of the victory when accomplishments are achieved.
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Give employees authority. Employees need to feel like they’re in control of their careers and have a say in what they do. This breeds confidence and encourages professional growth.
“It is not always about the money; sometimes it is about making employees feel their lives will be enriched by the work experience,” Dr. Grossi says. “While these things don’t cost money, they do require the employer to consciously make investments in employees.”
About Dr. Grossi
Dr. Bobby Grossi is a motivational speaker and author of the book Destiny is Not Hereditary: How Becoming A Better You Impacts Others (www.drbobbyjgrossi.com). Dr. Grossi owns and operates two dental practices and is the co-owner of Great Lakes Dental Design. He founded the Grossi Institute for Dental Assisting in 2016, where he currently teaches. Dr. Grossi received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 1998, and graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2003 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. He lives in Linden, Mich., with his wife, Sabrina, and their three children: son Brayden, and daughters Andelina and Zandria. He enjoys motivational speaking and writing.
Former American Diabetes Executive to Steer Operations at 100 Black Men of America, Inc.’s World Headquarters
100 Black Men of America, Inc., the leader in mentoring African American youth, announced the appointment of James E. Armstrong, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer. The appointment is an exciting start to the year in which the organization is positioned to deliver greater mentoring and empowerment opportunities to youth and more community outreach through both longstanding and new partnerships.
Armstrong is a seasoned leader with a proven record of success in multiple nonprofit organizations, including fund development and global program delivery. In his most recent role as Executive Director at the American Diabetes Association, Armstrong oversaw fundraising, operations, program development, board governance and strategic direction for the states of Alabama and Georgia. John spent 17 years with the YMCA, working at local associations and the national headquarters. During his tenure with the YMCA John established collaborative partnerships with housing authorities, hospitals, colleges and universities. John raised over $30M to support capital projects, programs and annual support for YMCA’s in the United States, Mexico, South Africa, China and Brazil.
“As the 100 continues to transform in order to meet the changing and growing needs within the communities we serve, our network of mentors and leaders stand ready to eliminate the obstacles and barriers that disenfranchised citizens face daily,” stated Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., Chairman, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. “We are excited to welcome CEO Armstrong aboard to support transformation and the development of new partnerships.”
The Chairman and staff of the 100 headquarters hosted a CEO Welcome Reception on Monday, January 14, 2019 at one of Atlanta’s most popular venues, The Gathering Spot. Mr. Armstrong was embraced by corporate partners and leaders from the business, education and civic communities, as members from the metro Atlanta chapters welcomed him to the organization.
“I’m excited to join the executive leadership team and bring to this CEO position the knowledge and perspective acquired as a former 100 chapter president, stated John E. Armstrong, Jr., CEO, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. build on the organization’s history and look forward, with great expectation, of furthering the mission of the 100, stated John E. Armstrong, Jr., CEO, 100 Black Men of America, Inc.” It what will undoubtedly be an eventful year, CEO Armstrong has already proven he is up for the challenge. In his first 10 days he has participated in strategic planning, visited multiple corporate partners across the U.S. and attended an annual fundraiser hosted by 100 Black Men of Greater Houston. View John E. Armstrong, Jr.’s bio. View Reception Photos.
About 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson. Since inception, the vision emerged and grew to over 10,000 members impacting over 125,000 underserved, underrepresented minority youth annually. Visit www.100blackmen.org for more information on the programs and initiatives of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and their global network of chapters.
Fair Wages for Women and Working Families Are Long Overdue
“Ten years after the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, women are still paid significantly less than men, undermining their economic security and well-being. The Leadership Conference applauds the introduction of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which recognizes the pay discrimination that women experience throughout their lifetimes and takes concrete steps to move all women closer to equal pay. This much-needed bill would help eliminate pay disparities for women, particularly for women of color who experience the largest wage gaps.”
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights along with a broad coalition of organizations signed a letter to Congress, urging the swift passage of The Paycheck Fairness Act. This letter can be found here.
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.
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Tell us about flooding or standing water in your neighborhood or near your workplace
The information you share will help us understand where the City’s wastewater and stormwater systems may not be working like they should. A more complete list of problem areas means we can plan better future solutions.
We’re studying flooding in the wastewater and stormwater systems
When flooding happens, it could mean that the system is overwhelmed somewhere else. Problems could include anything from pipes under residential streets being too small, to not having enough storage during heavy rain storms. We need to look at neighborhoods citywide to learn more about where and when flooding occurs and what the causes may be before we turn to solutions.
We want to include your stories and experiences to help us get it right. We’re looking at the big picture and the long-term. Challenges you help us identify today will be used to build our future plans.
How can you help keep the system moving?
We maintain the shared infrastructure to keep toilets flushing, and our neighborhoods free from flooding. “Shared infrastructure” means we all use the same system of pipes, so what you put down your drain could have impacts at your house or further down for your neighbors. Click on the links below to learn more about how you can do your part to help keep the system at its best:
The Seattle Planning Commission Seeks New Commissioners
The City of Seattle is looking for candidates to serve on the Seattle Planning Commission beginning in April 2019. Planning Commission members are appointed by the Mayor or the City Council and may serve up to two consecutive, three-year terms. Three positions will be open in April; two of which are City Council appointments, one of which is a Mayoral appointment. All appointments are subject to full City Council approval. The City is committed to promoting diversity in the City’s boards and commissions. Persons of color, women, persons with disabilities, and sexual minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Commissioners must reside in Seattle and serve without compensation.
The commission members advise the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on citywide planning goals, policies, and plans and provide them with independent and objective advice on land use, zoning, transportation and housing issues.
State will expand unemployment benefits to federal employees working full-time for no pay
Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) is expanding unemployment benefits to federal workers who, since the partial shutdown began, were deemed “essential” and were directed to work full-time without pay. This includes TSA agents, Coast Guard personnel, border patrol agents, food safety inspectors, FBI agents, and many others.
Since the partial shutdown began, only those federal workers who were furloughed and not working were eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Inslee said this is an inexcusable situation that state leaders should not accept.
“There are nearly 16,000 Washingtonians who are about to lose a second paycheck because of this record-long federal shutdown,” Inslee said. “Thousands of those Washington-based federal workers are being told they must work anyway, and therefore have no option but to hope this shutdown ends. It is wholly unacceptable, and Washington state will not stand by while our public servants work day after day while struggling to make ends meet. We have got to prioritize people over politics and end this shutdown.
“It is unconscionable that the president is turning these public servants into his political pawns. We will take care of Washingtonians, even if the president won’t.”
If you are an impacted federal worker, you can file your claim now by going to the ESD website.
ESD Commissioner Suzi LeVine said their first preference would be an immediate end to the prolonged and painful shutdown, followed by federal protection for the workers.
“Absent movement on any of these options, we’re taking action to protect those workers who are forced to work with no paycheck, no safety net and no ability to find alternative work during this time,” LeVine said. “It’s the compassionate and responsible thing to do.”
Numerous businesses are also stepping in to provide financial relief to federal workers impacted by the shutdown. Inslee and LeVine hosted a roundtable Thursday with several business leaders who detailed their efforts to help struggling workers who have gone weeks without pay. The business leaders came from varied industries such as banking, telecom, utilities and health care.
“It’s impressive to see so many businesses and organizations stepping up to help in so many ways, big and small,” Inslee said. “Companies are deferring payments or waiving fees, providing no-interest loans and finding other creative ways to help workers stay afloat during this difficult time.”
Francine Artis said Tacoma Public Utilities is here to help.
“Tacoma Public Utilities remains committed to providing customers in need with multiple assistance options to help them pay their utility bills and make their homes more efficient,” said Artis, TPU’s Customer Solutions Manager. “The partial federal government shutdown is affecting many in our community, and TPU wants to assist affected customers during this difficult time. Customers seeking assistance with their bill can call 253–502–8600.”
Rod Hochman of Providence St. Joseph Health said the organization provides assistance and charity care in times of financial hardship. But that for affected federal workers, they are also offering a grace period to pay out-of-pocket medical costs and are suspending collection activities on outstanding balances.
“The situation is a painful reminder of how quickly a sudden loss of income can render someone vulnerable,” said Hochman, president and CEO of Providence St. Joseph Health. “We are also encouraging as many PSJH caregivers as possible to volunteer for service activities to help meet immediate needs for affected families, such as food banks and diaper drives. Together, we hope to offer some measure of relief in this time of need.”
Randy King, a former federal employee who worked for 15 years as deputy superintendent and superintendent of Mt. Rainier National Park, also participated in the roundtable. He said there’s no doubt access to unemployment benefits and support from businesses will help prevent many workers from experiencing incredibly difficult financial hardship.
Kent, a 29-year veteran of government service, said, “ A number of coworkers in my office have not reported to work, claiming financial hardship, and this would go a long way to easing their burden.”
Inslee’s office hosts a resource page for impacted federal workers. The page includes information about unemployment benefits, as well as the support options offered by the companies he and LeVine met with today.
The governor also released an updated document detailing some of the shutdown’s most significant impacts to Washington state programs and services. You can find the list here.
Environment Washington Unveils Campaign Targeting 100 Percent Statewide Clean Electricity for Washington State
Part of Nine state campaign for 100 percent clean energy
Environment Washington announced a major initiative today to convince state leaders to commit to 100 percent clean, renewable electricity. Environment Washington’s efforts are part of Environment America’s broader 100% Renewable campaign to boost clean energy bills in at least nine states: Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, and New Mexico.
“Washington State has both the capacity and will to be a nationwide leader on 100 percent clean, renewable energy,” said Bruce Speight, Environment Washington Executive Director. “With other states and scores of cities and corporations committing to cleaner, healthier futures for our kids and our planet, Washington State has an obligation to take a strong, clear position.”
This campaign comes following the key role Environment California, a sister organization to Environment Washington, played in convincing the Golden State to commit to 100 percent clean electricity generation by 2045. Now, other states are poised to emulate the renewable energy pioneers: California and Hawaii.
Environment Washington is pushing a bill that would eliminate coal on the grid by 2025, require all utilities to have a resource mix that is 80 percent clean by 2030, and ensure all electricity in Washington state is carbon-free. Gov. Jay Inslee requested the bill, and its prime sponsors are state Sen. Reuven Carlyle in the Senate and state Rep. Gael Tarleton in the House.
“Considering the level of climate chaos already unleashed at 1°C warming, from ravaging wildfires to devastating storms, we must move as rapidly as possible to reduce emissions,” said Speight. “What we do in the next few years, not in 20 years, is what matters. That’s why strong short-term targets are critical to making this bill meaningful. At the very least, we need to ensure that the provisions to eliminate coal on the grid by 2025 and to require utilities to be 80% percent clean by 2030 remain in the bill, and if anything, that they are strengthened not weakened.”
The renewable revolution isn’t only happening at the state level. Growing awareness of the environmental impacts of our energy use, coupled with rapid advances in technology and declining costs, has made renewable energy the “go-to” option for many communities and businesses. One hundred U.S. cities, led by a mix of Republican and Democratic mayors, have pledged to transition their power sources to 100 percent renewable energy. In addition, 131 major companies, including Bank of America, Walmart and Anheuser-Busch, have pledged to power their entire operations with renewable energy.
“Renewable energy technologies are gaining momentum because they’re pollution-free — which means they’re healthier for both us and the earth,” said Rob Sargent, Environment America’s Clean Energy Program Director. “It should be a no-brainer for other states to follow Hawaii and California’s lead. But we have to convince states to act as soon as possible.”
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