Education

In early 1960s I was in early 20s, pregnant, single, working full time, enrolled in a junior college. I not on welfare nor receiving child support.
I was struggling under low self-esteem, disorientation as an adult returning to school, confused and lonely.

Class by class, bit by bit, ten years later…an A.A. degree.
The struggle, work, hardships, expense, time consuming labor were worth it, but oh how it could have been so much better and easier if over 90%
could have been done via public educational television and/or the internet.

I was on vanguard of writing letters in those early days, routing and touting this concept for I was certainly not alone in needing and desiring creative educational alternatives and opportunities. As I think back,
over 80% of my education could easily have been done this way, same for university - higher education, which I did accomplish: decade part time.

But what is puzzling me the most now as contemporary internet wonderment is upon us, why oh why is it not `free’ for those who are not able to afford higher education and/or for those who do not want to saddle themselves with unbelievable debt to go forward?

And why oh why is it not our role models with money, techno
know-how, and macro leadership skills the ones leading the way?

Accredited on-line higher learning should be just as available and
a right as our public library system. Come on Public Radio/Television, Senators, Representatives, Oprah, Bill Gates and the like…hear ye, hear ye - please, I am beseeching you. Education is the `way and the means’ to lift us up in the spirit of `divine law’ - loving God with our whole, mind, heart, soul; neighbor as self. It is the way to pure democracy. It is the way
to fairness and equal opportunity for one/all. It is the American Way.

One other note: I am tutoring nine year old with learning disability. As I review his school texts, it is no wonder children have difficult time learning…steps are missing ala Margaret Mead…now don’t you think complete on-line videos available in each/every subject would turn the tide?

Thank you for your empathetic consideration, wise perusal.
You/All in daily prayers. God Bless. Respectfully, RMN/ARC

How To Woo 'Em and Win 'Em

How To Woo ‘Em and Win ‘Em

I’m Going On A Lion Hunt

© ARC - RMN - March 2011 - Please Care/Share+

It is December 31, 1960 - two scores and a decade ago, I am 19 years old at the Rose Bowl Parade with family members.

We left Orange County early in the evening; parked the car, staked out our street position right next to hootin’ and hollering college kids and joined the revelry welcoming in the New Year. By 2:00 a.m., I am exhausted and even though in those early salad days of my life had the youthful exuberant energy of next door curb neighbors, I was ready to crash. The glamour had worn off; settling down into street sleeping was not my cup of tea. By dawn the crowd started to stir to groans of those who had partied harder than others; some never stopped. The endless slithering of bodies going to and fro trying to find restrooms was uncomfortable; fun energy had dissipated considerably - atmosphere was icky with discontent. Weather was clear and cool - perfect for anticipated parade. But, instead of eagerness, there was a general impatience - let’s get this over with.

Suddenly, from the college area, out sprang a young woman into the middle of the street. It was so sudden that she immediately caught the attention of everyone. She stood there - gazing at the crowd intently. She turned inch by inch - never dropping her gaze - rotating in a circle - like a hunter and then jumped up and down - assumed an arm position as if holding a spear and exclaimed: I’m going on a lion hunt…and then put her fingers to her lips…whispered loudly…ssshhh. She waited…repeated it all; and then as if on cue…looked at her peers and they in unison: repeated …ssshhh! She pivoted, turned to `us’ next to her peers…did it again - and we repeated it…ssshhh! By the time she had done her circle again…no one cared about any parade - all we wanted to do was go on a lion hunt with this phenomenal woman who wooed us and won us. And from that day forward, prime desire for me was to be like her: phenomenal role model in `attraction/command/chutzpah‘.

Fast forward a decade plus five; early 30s - two children - divorced -entrepreneur running business - facilitating nonprofit - part time university student - re-entering the singles scene and frustrated as I tried to navigate around: who, what, where, when, and why. I discovered groups jealously guarded members - avoided learning and/or talking about peers.

I was shocked. Whatever happened to the spirit:
“If it’s not at Macy’s, it’s at Gimbles‘?”

I started a `list’ - would go to a new group - hear across the room: there she is, the lady with the list. I also was frustrated. Many groups were church sponsored; divorce was anathema. I couldn’t `find’ the enlightened group that I needed so I started one with simple refreshments, $3.00 donation. It was a soiree that had a formula: RSVP’d guests warmly greeted, shown around, introduced to others - encouraged to bring literature/business cards and place on display table. Guest Speaker was scheduled for fifteen minutes to do presentation. Speakers were invited from eclectic range…single, religious, educational, political, fraternal. They were encouraged to bring resource information on whom they represented to place out and leave; told it would be saved and showcased again at next event so keep me supplied.

What was the result? Representatives brought back to their groups
in vivo experience of what event was all about. Word spread, guests increased.

I decided to host a complimentary press party so that all groups could be represented. I called reporters from local media and asked for on site coverage. When I was assured there would be representative local media reporters there, I called each group, invited them, and requested they send me `one descriptive flyer’ so I could make copies at my expense, assemble all group information brochures in a `press book’ to hand out to each reporter. It was a phenomenal success!

I learned from them and academic studies the following:
Newspapers love `filler’ human interest stories, especially when work done for them. A news story with a catchy title/hook and interesting details that cover the basics of who, what, where, when, and why are winners.

Public Service Radio loves making announcements for nonprofit groups.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-public-service-announcement.htm
http://www.mab.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3303
http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=publicservic

An example of a catchy title: How to Woo ‘Em and Win ‘Em - I’m going on a lion hunt. Target your audience. If you want to reach out to `singles’ - slant article that way. An example: Singles enhancing dating communication social skills at Toastmasters bi-monthly afternoon one-hour meetings. How about the business sector? Entrepreneurs learn the art of business communication at Toastmasters bi-monthly afternoon one hour meetings. Since Toastmasters is for one/all, you could showcase a different group each month. Now the `inside trick’ is to call ahead and find out reporters names who usually do features - hand address envelope to them/call week later to assure they receive. Invite reporter to event.

Hand addressed envelopes with personal note written on the back: thank you/God Bless assures immediate personal attention/mail will be opened and delivered to person in charge. Another hint: hand address and send to organizations with name of president or executive leadership. It will be read and probably shared with peers - maybe even posted or printed.

News Stories are for features. News Releases just give the basics but are placed in multi columns ongoing on a weekly basis. Make sure if events change, you notify paper with update.

What were the best features that won them after they were wooed in?

There was a `welcoming person’ in charge of one thing only…
by their side introducing and showcasing ins/outs of what was going on.

A one-page information sheet was given at first meeting that described the basics…contact names/numbers, formula, special features.

A volunteer assigned to do follow-up call just to `chat/answer any question’. Another volunteer available to greet the 2nd time. This was ongoing several times. It’s a buddy system.

Info card was kept on file…important dates/names. If there was a newsletter, names were mentioned for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
(This hint by the way is one of the most important in sales…buyers focus more attention on the ones who make the effort to personalize relationships that transcends business).

Guest is acknowledged with personal thank you note/card for supporting, participating. Form requesting feedback inserted that could be filled out anonymously and returned by mail and/or dropped off in suggestion box. Questions should be open: What would you do specifically if you were the leader of a group; what would you like as first-time visitor?

Think of `kudos’ - saluting members who go above and beyond.
For example, it is always advisable to offer first experience complimentary. But then, if a member brings a guest one time, make sure honored in acknowledgment and/or symbolic gift. Do follow-up calls to `new beginners’ especially if they suddenly stop coming. Find out reasons:
cost, empathy, boredom, hospitality lacking, someone hurt their feelings?

Sliding Scales for dues is a plus…seniors, disabled, students traditionally have a much harder time managing…discounts and/or scholarships not only help others but are a symbolic badge of just what kind of honorable group you are. If your organization can afford it, set a policy of giving a symbolic gift to each new member; you can find nice candles at the $1.00 store - best kind are ones that might last forever…my favorite:
Wal Mart $1.00 photo magnet frames that stick to a refrigerator are great.

Set up your group as a legitimate nonprofit…not as hard as it may initially seem…http://www.nolo.com Available at local library books by Nolo Publishing/other: for How To Start A Nonprofit. How To Forms available also from: The IRS, Fresno, CA 93888 (800) 829-3676 - Form 990 and Schedule A. - State of California Franchise Tax Board, Box 942857, Sacramento, CA 94267 (800) 338-0505 Form 199, Registry of Charitable Trusts, Box 903447, Sacramento 94203-4476 - Form CT-2.

ARC
AssociationRenaissanceCreators@yahoo.com
501 © (3) 95-3855901 * CA Reg. No: 9789024 * D23701
NY Reg. No: 21-26-60 * MD Reg. No: 17319
http://www2.guidestar.org/PartnerReport.aspx?partner=networkforgood&ein=95-3855901 - ARC beginning roots: http://www.ulchq.com/ Charter 146
Founder/Volunteer Director Renee’ Mary Namaste’ (aka MJRG/RMNG)
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/index.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/ARCwsContents.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/ARCnonprofitHowTo.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/SamaritanRooms.html

Some clubs do what they consider creative ways to stimulate extra money from raffles to fines for silly made up offenses. One has a positive connotation, the other negative. Positive always a winner; negative can backfire. Are you prepared if there is a deluge of guests? What exactly is goal for how many new potential members? Will you have to change venue if interest increases over expectations?

Hints: if you are hosting an event at your home, be safe and do it on an RSVP basis securing address and phone numbers. This way, in an exigent situation, you have a means of contacting; plus, follow through with personal thank you notes. In addition, make sure you give special street parking instructions juxtaposed with respect for neighbors regarding noise. In other words, good event times are 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. after neighbors home from work. Announce fifteen minutes before end, start goodbyes.

Some groups take turns hosting combining with pot-luck and/or use complex recreational facilities. Events hopefully will be non-alcoholic.
I don’t know anyone who would want it on their conscience that something happened because of an event they hosted; plus potential lawsuit if accident.

Email News Story to every member and ask them to forward to their contacts requesting one/all to care/share. Assemble a list of all organizations that might have an `interest’ connection. This is the list you will draw from regarding speakers; send them a copy and personal note that you will be contacting soon and requesting guest speaker.

Just like News Stories are done to encourage participation; do another one describing how great event was which is seeding for future time.

If you go to a group, pick out three people on the sidelines - make an effort to draw them out. Giving always brings out the best in us. Have you ever noticed that an outfit you once got a compliment is showcased in the closet. Compliments are remembered - memory moments that can lift us up and away. Speaking of memory…my favorite ice breaker is asking someone to describe a Magic Moment and Memory. Wonderful icebreakers!

Does your group have an altruistic mission like 10% of all dues go to a different charity each month? Great news story. Do you `take care of your own’ - observant if a member has family illness and/or economic need?

Pay attention to TV advertising…notice how often it is repeated. New buzz words, repetition are key advertising techniques to wooing and winning. Be alert to the difference between `hard and soft’ sell.

Hard may succeed initially but upon reflection, individual usually feels uncomfortable and avoids. Soft gives respect and consideration, encourages individual evaluation, positive response.

Also notice advertising semantics and demeanor.

You - your dress - your language: represent your group -
best advertising of all.

The words you use and the enthusiastic way you present yourself
and your group is the difference between black and white or Technicolor over-the-rainbow spring. Your group is you; let it shine, let it grow!

###

Role Model Teach

ARC
Association Renaissance Creators
© Jan. 28, 2011
Please duplicate/care/share+

Role Model Teaching

Over five decades ago, I experienced the best teacher I ever had. She was a nun. I was a freshman in private academy famous for high scholastic standards. Local church took up annual special collections so impoverished families could send children there. How blessed was I.

As we arrived, Sister made warm welcoming eye contact with each one. When class settled down, she handed out a short test. We laughed - no stress, no strain - we hadn’t learned anything yet. At her desk, she reviewed the papers, made notes…then announced names that paired off with each other. She then taught for fifteen minutes. Told the paired one on the `right’ side to repeat what she said to the `left side’. She taught for another fifteen minutes. Told the paired one on the `left’ side to repeat what she said to the `right side’. She explained…sometimes a teacher doesn’t connect with `words, expressions’ that are understood totally. A peer in translation might do better. The repetition was reinforced. Not only was her `buddy’ system fun, we all gained in `teaching and social’ skills. Every exam…we all scored 97% or better…every single one!!!

When I was quite young, I stumbled over this learning concept that has stood well for me all my life. I loved to read. I was the `go for’ my mother who was crippled at a young age. Her first child was a baby girl who died at birth. Three boys followed. In the tradition of our culture, women were raised to do the `inside work’ and men, the outside. I was so, so welcomed. Mom was brilliant: positive praise made me an eager aide de camp. I became a surrogate mother at seventeen months to new sister; extension to my mom. I was a precocious child. Reading was `nirvana’ - up, up and away. I loved helping my mother but certain jobs I hated like ironing the endless shirts for my father and brothers. I discovered that if I `paired the job with reading’ - voila, I was soon done and instead of avoiding embraced it. In my college salad psychology days, learned there was a paradigm devoted to the concept of pairing coupled with what was called the best teaching model: small steps, active participation, immediate feedback, positive reinforcement.

My recovery from 42 stab wounds was progressing nicely. I had come a long, long way from initial prognosis of home attendant to dreaded convalescent care. When the annual hospital three times average reduced to only one, I knew the next `pairing reading therapeutic goal’ was social, music, dance. But what to do? I could no longer drive.

After horror, my daughter transformed her solo carefree living lifestyle from single bedroom apartment complex with luxury amenities to suburban home with walking distance to my three favorite `free’ joys: church, library, park. Locality offers best of perks…complimentary city transportation for disabled and seniors.

My day starts 3:00 a.m., knee bends thanking God for another day to love/serve. Before horror, I was primarily involved with nonprofit I founded with charitable/educational mission of caring/sharing as able. helping the homeless juxtaposed with seminar facilitator and writing. I was well known in family as being an excellent prayer warrior. In coma I had metaphysical experience hearing my mother’s voice calling me and saying one word: names. I believe she was telling me that `prayers’ are heard. I believe my La Fenice (Phoenix from Ashes) life was renewed to continue existing and add `new names’ to the list.

Education Public Service

In early 1960s I was in early 20s, pregnant, single, working full time, enrolled in a junior college. I not on welfare nor receiving child support.
I was struggling under low self-esteem, disorientation as an adult returning to school, confused and lonely.

Class by class, bit by bit, ten years later…an A.A. degree.
The struggle, work, hardships, expense, time consuming labor were worth it, but oh how it could have been so much better and easier if over 90%
could have been done via public educational television and/or the internet.

I was on vanguard of writing letters in those early days, routing and touting this concept for I was certainly not alone in needing and desiring creative educational alternatives and opportunities. As I think back,
over 80% of my education could easily have been done this way, same for university - higher education, which I did accomplish: decade part time.

But what is puzzling me the most now as contemporary internet wonderment is upon us, why oh why is it not `free’ for those who are not able to afford higher education and/or for those who do not want to saddle themselves with unbelievable debt to go forward?

And why oh why is it not our role models with money, techno
know-how, and macro leadership skills the ones leading the way?

Accredited on-line higher learning should be just as available and
a right as our public library system. Come on Public Radio/Television, Senators, Representatives, Oprah, Bill Gates and the like…hear ye, hear ye - please, I am beseeching you. Education is the `way and the means’ to lift us up in the spirit of `divine law’ - loving God with our whole, mind, heart, soul; neighbor as self. It is the way to pure democracy. It is the way
to fairness and equal opportunity for one/all. It is the American Way.

One other note: I am tutoring nine year old with learning disability. As I review his school texts, it is no wonder children have difficult time learning…steps are missing ala Margaret Mead…now don’t you think complete on-line videos available in each/every subject would turn the tide?

Thank you for your empathetic consideration, wise perusal.
You/All in daily prayers. God Bless. Respectfully, RMN/ARC

La Fenice

La Fenice

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology)




Ancient Greek - mythical sacred firebird
500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self…The Phoenix's ability to be reborn from its own ashes implies that it is immortal…



La Fenice, Phoenix Who Rose By The Ashes; I was stabbed 42x -
in coma for two months - knife eye/brain - hero who saved my life begged God: take 20 years of his life and give them to me.

I had multi metaphysical experiences…most dramatic was seeing the universe pulsating; hearing transcended mother’s voice calling me: …
said one word: Names. I was well known among family/friends for `prayer walks’ blessing family, friends, neighbors, associates, universal kith & kin by individual and generic name.

I believe God answered his prayer and those of family, friends, community so that I could continue and increase, adding accelerated profession of prayer warrior to A Renaissance Creator.

My two favorite spiritual role models are: Mother Teresa, Vincent de Paul. When I was little, I fantasized about having a homeless shelter for children. Responding to `ask what YOU can do for your country’ - in 1968, the birth of my daughter, I informally founded a nonprofit: Association Renaissance Creators - one person, big name, big heart. We `are all in association with each other in a renaissance new creative way‘.

I wanted to see what I could do without government or grant funding as a solo - just one person doing whatever possible to care/share as able.

For two decades primary focus was little ones, complimentary educational public seminars. In 1990 switched to big ones: the homeless. My adult children and unique volunteer who became co-director assisted.

2005 opportunity arose to go to East Coast, buy new refuge in one state with a focus on homeless veterans; co-director would go to his home state - lease another home; adult children would continue CA outreach in ARC trust home.

Monies were borrowed; two young man hired to help drive one Penske truck; we did the other. My 1986 Honda Prelude was donated.
I would have no vehicle; goal was co-director to visit every three months. We arrived to open up on my favorite symbolic `holy’ days: November ½ All Saints/All Souls Days. My truck was unloaded; bought airline tickets for young men to return; co-director went to MD; and I began massive action networking by phone, inviting public representatives to see the home.

Co-director returned mid December; home was decorated for Christmas. Under tree was a present for daughter who was due for visit…pepper spray protection. Three men were referred. I thought all of them including co-director were outside. I heard something in the kitchen; went to check from my bedroom.

There he was…knives in hands…grinning/taunting/slashing and slashing. He looked like that picture of Manson. I was in such shock. I couldn’t scream. I was calling for help knowing no one could hear me. He herded me into my room. I ran for my cell phone; he was right there stabbing at me - my arms were up trying to protect me. He stabbed me down. The last knife wound I remember was into my right eye - torturous pain and the surprised exclaiming thought: I’m going to die.

I came out of coma two months later to learn that first night I was not expected to live; they were going to amputate arms. Hero sent them back into operating room, telling them he prayed God to take 20 years from him and give them to me; they had to save Sicilian hands/arms that I spoke with and wrote.

I learned the men had all been outside. He followed peer in the house to upstairs bedroom where he proceeded to stab him. He managed to get away and go out upstairs window, heard him after me; screamed for help. The director ran to my aid; saved my life. He is serving fifteen years for two counts of attempted murder; told authorities his father was Satan. Daily, I pray for him; that he reclaims his soul.

We lost everything - went from micro solvency to over $300K in debt; we both became homeless. No parent wants to depend upon their children; but mine stepped up to the plate: take turns sheltering me. My son/daughter-in-law, grandchildren are in the High Desert. My daughter was in luxury single apartment complex with all the deluxe amenities - bought Lakewood home so I could have a bedroom - be walking distance to my favorite places: church, park, library. My hero lives with his brother in MD. He has been hardly surviving, existing on temping agencies with minimal work; but just recently had miracle blessing - rehired with company he worked for two decades ago.

I am 70 on April 17th but because of donated 20 years symbolically assuming 50 to continue regenerating and renewing with self/nonprofit. Initially family was told to line up in-home care and/or convalescent hospital. Recovery hard - initially averaged three times a year hospitalized but 2010 only once; and improving daily in every way.

For past five years of recovery, I haven’t been in front of podium. Initially face lopsided; could hardly understand me. In/out hospitals three times annually, but 2010 only once. I prayed: was I ready/able? Voila. AARP Toastmasters guided. They are my spiritual Godparents - baptizing me into the exciting world again of publicly caring/sharing.

My day starts with bended knee at 3:00 a.m.; prayers begin; writing on book describing all; out the door at 5:00 a.m. for mile plus walk to 6 a.m. mass - walk back; breakfast - walk the dogs and cat - more prayers; shower, fifteen minute psycho-cybernetic visual meditation; more computer work; another half-hour dog prayer walk - and they continue throughout the day.
My day ends with bended knee usually by 7:00 p.m. except for Tuesday/Wednesday. I prayed fervently in 2010 for more social intelligence and music/dancing - was sorely missing in life. Lakewood DASH drives me free during week, but couldn’t find group; then saw AARP Toastmasters listed in paper - Merry Little Christmas - January 6 - yeah, what a gift!!! Then a beautiful neighbor who is advanced square dancer drives me to beginning class on Tuesday; my daughter and I share a beginner’s folk dance on Wednesday. Need to do two day naps to make it, but I am so, so enjoying this. I swear to you…everyone welcome…melting `dance’ of America…great fun, great people, great exercise, great down right homespun kick up your heels - good feeling joy. Music is the prayer your heart sings.

Goals now are to gain in strength, expand on community service complimentary presentations, free email mentoring as able to: AssociationRenaissanceCreators@yahoo.com, finish book and other writings, continue ARC’s micro outreach, eliminate personal/ARC debt, reclaim previous sterling credit name, learn how to adopt professional free educational website: nonprofit immortal legacy for universal kith and kin.

I’ve asked God for three months off after He calls me the next time; praying for 911 day job; so please remember my name, call me; weekends tour guide…first stop Mother Teresa, Saint Vincent de Paul.

Thank you; God Bless You Toastmasters/each and every one, especially my AARP spiritual Godparents. You are all in my daily prayers+