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#but not every business is going to have the resources to run those training programs
post-futurism · 2 years
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The most insidious thing about this Optus hack is that users who think they haven't been compromised because they haven't received any communications from Optus still could have had their name, email and DOB leaked to hackers. That information might not be in use immediately but could be stored in databases to be manipulated timelessly. It means that in a few months, years, or in ten years when the memory of having potentially lost your details to a hacker is the last thing you're thinking about, you get an email from what looks like a reputable company celebrating you for your recent birthday and linking to a website to get special offers or whatever. That website asks for your credit card details and bam you've been scammed.
It's the false sense of security that nothing has seemingly happened yet that's really going to get us, especially those of us who aren't trained to identify potential online scams. Optus, but moreover the government, has a responsibility to roll out a nation wide program teaching everyone how to identify scams because now the scammers could know enough personal information to trick us into thinking the source is legitimate. Prior to this attack people have already been scammed. It's a matter of national security and a moral responsibility in the digital age to teach everyone of all ages how to use the internet safely.
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carolineis18 · 10 months
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My contribution as an ABM student to the society
The goal of this strand is to prepare students for college degrees that focus on business and industry, where their future contributions as accountants, entrepreneurs, and business leaders will be crucial to the growth and development of the economy and to the promotion of a sustainable green business. Students will be trained to think logically and scientifically, as well as familiar with the fundamentals of accounting and business and management concepts and principles.
With the ABM Strand, It is possible to pursue a Business Administration degree through the ABM stream. It focuses on imparting to students the fundamentals of project management, marketing, finance, human resources, organizational behavior, and contemporary management trends.
As an ABM student, you must have time management skills, a lengthy patience span, and the ability to concentrate solely on your academics. You will be able to do more exploring and learning about managing your own business in ABM. You'll be well-informed about the type of business to launch and management strategies. ABM addresses more than simply how you will run your company; it also addresses how much you will have to pay, the dangers involved in running a business, and how to make your enterprise profitable. It's difficult to be an ABM student because you will discover the realities of life in this world. Getting rich is among the
The ABM strand in its most fundamental sense refers to the accountancy, business, and management academic programs that concentrate on the foundational concepts in corporate operations, financial management, business management, as well as each and every factor that revolves around those central fields.
The ABM strand can take you on a direct path to careers in accounting and management: sales management, human resources, marketing director, bookkeeper, project officer, accounting, internal auditor.
The ABM strand curriculum opens the avenues for you to gain a more nuanced appreciation of the intrinsic elements that make up the world of accounting and business management courses in the Philippines without having to dive deeper into the specialized complexities of mathematical fields such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and others.
The subjects involved in the ABM strand are designed and crafted for you develop the appropriate tools that you are going to utilize all throughout your journey in the corporate world. You should expect to be immersed in studying management and financial accounting along with the business, legal, and organizational contexts that you would be working with as you go along your road in a professional enterprise.
By taking the ABM strand you will be trained to analyze assets, understand everything involved with financial positions, interpret various profitability, and prepare audit accounts.
Accountancy
Studying accountancy does not necessarily entail that you are limited to just being an accountant. You are opening the gate for wonderful careers as an: accounts payable clerk, bookkeeper, chief financial officer, budget analyst, internal auditor, and many others.
Business Administration
You can get on the track to the corporate settings of an administrative assistant, loan officer, community service manager, market research analyst, financial advisor, statistician, etc.
Agribusiness
This generally refers to agriculture-related endeavors that align farmers, distributors, and even consumers with a market system for agricultural products. The Department of Trade and Industry is always in the course of developing the industry of agricultural farming into a thriving business-driven sector.
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rhtech4you · 10 days
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Sonic review -100 million playlist podcast build in 60 seconds.
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Introduction Sonic review
wrlcom to my Sonic review. sonic is Fundamentally, an AI tool that fabricates a music, podcast, or radio streaming service in minutes via a click of a button. In the sonic ,undefined There is no need for coding or design skills . Sonic will help you to do any kind of streaming business online. you can purchase this Sonic product at a very low price to run your long term business .
I am going to show you a brand new Sonic this product helps you please read Sonic app review post if you are interested in this product.
 Sonic review - Sonic overview
Product- sonic
Creator-seyi adeleke
Official website  - click here
Front end price -$16.99
Recommendation-Highly recommended
Niche- software and app
 The amazing streaming app is developed by seyi adeleke. He he had more than 7 years of experience in the digital marketing and software app creation industry okay now come down to the next section of Sonic review where I will explain its .
  complete features
1-AI hyper media platform that give you your own playlist podcast audio book and live radio platform .
2-  reboot search function allow your user to find any music and podcast .
3- Without learning any coding or designing can create AI customisation Buyer . will have to option to upload any music podcast audiobook and soundtrack you want which called customs upload .
5- You can create web streaming subscription .Service and also there has payment integration facility .
6- Server always very fast
7- Free commercial licence
8-  30 days money back guarantee
9-No coding no designing no marketing skills required
10-Can build music streaming platform
 Who is Sonic best for
Affiliate marketer
CPA market
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product creator
E-Commerce store owner
local business owner
And you
get access >>>>>> click here
how sonic works
Sonic works only simple 4 steps
Step 1 - login to Sony cloud base app
Step 2 - set up . ( Inter ek hi word and let Sonic do the rest it will create publish and AI hypermedia platform that can stream100 + million playlist podcast audiobook. )
Step 3- publish . ( With one click Sonic will published streaming platform and giving you 600000000 paying customer. )
Step 4- profit through every streaming minimum of $300 a day.
The Powerful Resources Of sonic
This product is a complete training and arrangement for fast online success. Purchasing this product will give you success overnight. Inside this product you will find many systems that are consistently easy to generate revenue and traffic. It is perfect and well-designed. After receiving this training you can start business online. You will learn how to create 100 Million+ Playlist, Podcast & Radio Channels .No need to worry if you are a new entrepreneur. Here are some tips to help you improve your online business. You’ll see things like secret business files online. You can double your revenue, content and traffic shortcuts if you use this product.
Sonic The 1-day plan is perfect for your mental health and your motivation. Tomorrow morning you’ll see dozens of dollars being made,finally knowing you’ve got something real. Sonic with so much work you start your own online business and even make money.
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Why Buying sonic Will Change Your Life
SonicThe best training program at the moment is the perfect solution for any targeted traffic. If you want to provide traffic solutions for your online business then you must choose this software and app .sonic No previous work skills or marketing experience is required to use the product. There is no risk here as it provides you with traffic for online business. If you can manage traffic then all your problems with online marketing are solved.
Sonic Follow the simple instructions to get results by purchasing . Those who are new to online buy different types of softwareand app . But no software works to provide built-in traffic. If you want to change your hard life, choose this kind of proven system and take the step- by-step training. I assure you that you will not be disappointed, lose or fail when you purchase sonic 
If you want to make money online , you have to go the right way. If you are a new then I think this system helps you a lot. Not only newcomers but also advanced marketers can grow their business fast. The person who created sonic has created it after a lot of experimentation. So buy this sonic product without any worries.
Is sonic A Scam?
No, this is not a scam product. It is a functional product at the present time. If you use this product your business will be much richer and you will benefit a lot more. I have chosen to verify with this sonic.
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 You don’t need to be very efficient online to get results using this system. This product is very easy to use and can completely control you and change your life.
The faster you purchase this product, the faster your profit will be. sonic Anyone can choose to get huge target traffic. If you are new then there is no problem. By purchasing this product you will be able to understand everything consistently.
I do not guarantee you it will be 100% effective for you. If you are an active marketer, You can get results to create this  app and software. I share everything inside this sonic review post. So, I guarantee you will not have any loss if you buy this product.
Frequently Asked Questions  (F&Q)
Do I Have to Install Anything?
= Sonic is completely cloud based app. Just login, set up with zero coding  or design knowladge and click publish button then start creating pages.
Is there a limit on the number of pages I can create?
No. We don’t believe in imposing restrictions on you to grow your business. Once you pay this low one time fee, sonic is your streaming app or platform . You can use it as much as you want. No restrictions.
Can I get it later?
Sure,sonic is going to be around forever. But, unfortunately it won’t be available at this one time price. There will be 1 time low price .
What if I don’t like it after using it?
That’s hard to believe! But just in case that happens, rest assured, it’s as easy getting a refund on sonic within 30 days as buying it right now.
What If I have faced problems using sonic?
We have made sonic as the simplest app and sofware to work with. There are video tutorials to help you in case you get stuck somewhere. But even if that doesn’t help and you need more assistance, there guys are more than happy to help.
Sonic Is There Any Guarantee Of Refund?
You will buy sonic to improve your business.sonic If you think this product is not working after purchase. Then you can return this sonic . You will receive a full refund if you return the product within 30 days of purchasing it.
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My Recommendation
Thank you for patiently reading my sonic review. Although you are all already clear about this brand new product that it is a complete solution for an online business. If you purchase this product today and start marketing. You can earn commission instantly. You will receive step-by-step training after purchasing this product which makes it easy to operate. I support you to purchase the  sonic product from my long 5 year experience.
Most people run after various fake promising methods . But that product is of no use to him.If you want to do business online for life then sonic is highly recommended for you or everyone. Thank you so much for reading my sonic. 
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SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Certification
Welcome to the SAP IBP Certification Blog, your go-to resource for all things SAP IBP Certification! Here, you'll find the most up-to-date information, advice, and methods for becoming a SAP IBP professional. Whatever your current level of knowledge and skill, we have something to help you learn more about SAP IBP. Let's grow it together!What Is SAP IBP?
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SAP IBP is a centralised platform that helps staff members quickly identify and resolve supply chain issues by enabling real-time departmental collaboration. Demand forecasting software is used by businesses to meet customer demands, reduce fulfilment costs, and achieve corporate financial objectives, such as customer service and working capital requirements.Businesses can use SAP IBP to manage supply risks efficiently, pursue profitable growth, and accomplish enterprise-wide planning that is more accurate and faster. Additionally, its quick-writing abilities support businesses in being flexible enough to adjust to quickly changing market conditions and maintain a competitive edge.
SAP IBP makes it easier for supply chain departments to collaborate on planning, including finance, sales, marketing, and operations.Among the many benefits that IBP offers to digital supply chains are real-time data integration, robust analytics and planning algorithms, and cutting-edge capabilities with shorter lead times due to faster manufacturing cycle times
Mastering Supply Chain's Future: SAP IBP Training for Successful Integrated PlanningHow Does SAP IBP Certification Work?
Professionals who have successfully shown their ability to implement and manage SAP's IBP (Integrated Business Planning) solution are recognized with the SAP IBP Certification.SAP runs an IBP certification program. Acknowledgement is granted to those who have either finished their program of study or demonstrated a high level of proficiency with the best practices, protocols, and technology related to IBP solutions.Accreditation can be obtained by passing proficiency tests or finishing a study program. Organisations should feel reassured knowing that every member of their teams knows what is necessary to succeed in integrated business planning.
The Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP) certification is a specialised program designed to verify technical proficiency in using SAP IBP.
The topics covered include:
1. Creating and overseeing a planning process.
2. Effectively understanding and utilising SAP IBP.
3. Combining various sources into a dependable plan integrated with everything that matters.
Those who complete SAP IBP certification exams possess a sophisticated understanding of applying SAP IBP to improve organisational business performance.Who Should Become SAP IBP Certified?
Supply Chain Professionals: Those working in supply chain management, demand planning, inventory management, and production planning can benefit from SAP IBP certification to improve their skills and knowledge of advanced planning processes.
SAP Consultants: Consultants specialising in SAP technologies, especially in supply chain management, may pursue SAP IBP certification to broaden their skill set and improve their marketability to potential clients.
Business Analysts: Professionals analysing business processes and implementing technology solutions within their organisations can leverage SAP IBP certification to gain insights into advanced planning and optimization techniques.
IT Professionals: Individuals with a background in information technology (IT) who want to specialise in SAP solutions can pursue SAP IBP certification to become proficient in implementing, configuring, and maintaining SAP IBP systems.
Graduates and Students: Recent graduates or students pursuing degrees in supply chain management, operations management, business analytics, or related fields can enhance their job prospects by obtaining SAP IBP certification, as it demonstrates proficiency in a widely used planning platform.
Supply Chain Managers and Executives: Managers and executives responsible for overseeing supply chain operations can benefit from SAP IBP certification by gaining a deeper understanding of planning processes, enabling them to make more informed strategic decisions.
Demand for individuals with SAP IBP Certification
Businesses in high demand recognize the importance of hiring professional SAP teams to meet their complex supply chain management and analytics needs.The demand for SAP-IBP-certified personnel is increasing as businesses seek to build SAP-aware teams capable of effectively administering these software features.
As IBP solutions become more widely adopted by organizations worldwide, many want to take full advantage of their capabilities, but they require knowledgeable personnel for implementation strategies.As a result, SAP IBP Certified professionals are now in high demand among organizations looking to achieve more efficient supply chain management goals.
SAP Certified professionals have the knowledge to help businesses maximize their IBM and SAP investments and foster business growth.They understand the technical and functional aspects of SAP Integrated Business Planning and how to use it most effectively to ensure that its implementation and optimization provide the most value to you.SAP IBP's ability to quickly analyze large volumes of data and enable organizations to gain insight and make sound decisions is fueling its increased popularity, as is its need for certified SAP professionals.Is SAP IBP Certification worth it, or what is the value of SAP IBP certification?
Career Opportunities: SAP IBP certification can open doors to job opportunities in supply chain management, logistics, and consulting roles.
Skill Enhancement: Certification helps deepen your understanding of SAP IBP, making you more proficient in supply chain planning and optimization.
Industry Recognition: SAP certifications are well-regarded in the IT and business sectors, enhancing your credibility and marketability.
Potential Salary Increase: Certification may lead to higher earning potential, as employers often value specialized skills and knowledge.
Networking: Pursuing certification can connect you with peers and experts in the SAP ecosystem, offering valuable networking opportunities.
In conclusion, SAP IBP certification offers a pathway to success for professionals seeking to excel in supply chain management, logistics, and consulting roles. Through our comprehensive SAP IBP Certification Blog, we've provided valuable insights, guidance, and resources to help you navigate the certification process and maximise your career potential.
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riilsports · 1 year
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Free OrthoRI ACL & Running Injury Prevention Programs aimed at keeping kids on the field
August 1, 2023
BY CAROLYN THORNTON
RIIL Director of Multimedia Content 
  Some open space and an hour of time. That's all teams need to take advantage of two programs being offered by Ortho Rhode Island to help keep high school athletes injury-free and on the field.  
The official orthopedic and sports medicine partner of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, OrthoRI is providing these programs free of charge to RIIL member schools: The Ortho Rhode Island ACL Injury Prevention Program and the Ortho Rhode Island Running Injury Prevention Program.  
     “As a sponsor to the RIIL, the OrthoRI Rehab Department wanted to get involved on the injury prevention component of care and hopefully help these high school kids through education and creating simple to execute activities that can help prevent this devastating injury [ACL injuries] - and likely other lower extremity injuries, ankle sprains, etc.,” said Tracy Gannon, OrthoRI’s Director of Rehab Services. “I was an athlete. I was a coach. I’m a parent. So I’ve been through it all, and to me as a physical therapist, I want to get to the kids with this education part of it. That’s how all our health care should be.” 
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Realizing that not every school has the same access to weight room or training facilities, both programs essentially require just an "empty space," Gannon said. And she added, the programs are “designed to be very easy to incorporate into the busy life of a teenage student athlete.” 
     “These are good for every athlete,” she said. “They are nice easy-to-implement programs that gets them going. The athletes and coaches/trainers are given all this information at the 1-hour session at their school and we offer our contact information as a resource as needed for follow-up questions. We have spent over a year developing this program and have received great feedback. I would love to spread the word so we can continue to educate and help keep these kids healthy and participating in the sports they so love to do.”
     The anterior cruciate ligament – more often referred to as the ACL - connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and plays a major role in stabilizing the knee joint. ACL injuries are very common in young athletes, particularly in female high school aged athletes.
      “Each year 20,000 to 80,000 female high school athletes suffer from an ACL injury while participating in a sporting activity,” Gannon said. “Females are five times more likely to sprain, tear or rupture their ACL compared to their male counterparts. That being said, it is still a common injury in high school aged male athletes as well.
     “This is extremely devastating, both mentally and physically, to any athlete, but particularly to these high school aged athletes because it takes them out of their sport and their normal daily routine for approximately nine months,” Gannon continued. “ACL Injury Prevention Programs are valuable tools for preventing injury risk.”
     The OrthoRI program was designed based on the results of a recent meta-analysis of ACL injury prevention programs, Gannon said. That research “determined that you could do hundreds of different exercises but at the end of the day, if you took a program and you included in that strengthening for glutes and hamstrings, plyometric or jump training activities and agility activities – if you include those three things – you’re going to reduce risk of injury by 53 percent for girls; slightly less than that for boys. So that’s how we designed that program. But within that is that they’re not hard, and that’s why it’s nice to get that education in the beginning about how to do things correctly.” which includes these components and is designed to be very easy to incorporate into the busy life of a teenage student athlete.
      OrthoRI physical therapist Ellen Girouard, who ran cross country in college and continues to enjoy marathoning, delivers the Ortho Rhode Island Running Injury Prevention Program, which is geared to distance runners and outlines a three-week pre-season exercise progression that focuses on mobility, strength and plyometrics.
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      Studies have shown that each heel strike while running produces a force equal to two to three times one’s bodyweight, placing a high demand on the hips, knees and calves. Through the OrthoRI program, athletes will learn a series of basic exercises that they can easily incorporate into their warmups and pre-season training to help avoid becoming one of the approximately 30 percent of high school athletes who suffer a running-related injury during their season.
      Schools and high school teams interested in scheduling either of OrthoRI’s two injury prevention programs should contact Tracy Gannon at [email protected].
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funnl · 1 year
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How To Build An Effective Inside Sales Team
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It can be challenging to create an effective inside sales team. You need the right mix of skills, experience, and attitude to succeed. But with the right approach, it’s possible.
The most successful inside sales teams are those that clearly understand their target market and know how to reach them effectively. They also use data-driven methods to track and measure their progress. If you are looking to build an effective inside sales team, here are some tips on how to build an effective inside sales team:
Structure sales team
To build an effective inside sales team, it is essential to structure your sales team in a way that allows for scalability and productivity. By organizing your sales reps into groups of specialists, you can better manage and monitor their activity and create a more streamlined process for working with customers. 
Define your goals
What are you trying to achieve with this team? Are you looking to grow your market share? Increase revenue? Bring in more leads? Once you know your goal, you can start assembling the right team and setting up the necessary processes and tools to help them succeed. However, creating an effective inside sales team that meets your needs and objectives without a clear goal won’t be easy.
Create a process
By establishing key steps and timelines, you can ensure that your sales process runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 
Make data analysis a priority
As an inside sales team, your reps will access a lot of data. Therefore, they must know how to analyze and use it to their advantage. 
Create dashboard templates 
This will help your team focus on the most critical aspects of their job and keep track of their progress. 
Track the right metrics 
When it comes to inside sales, there are a few key metrics you should be tracking: call connections, phone time, leads generated, opportunities logged, etc. 
Establishing key steps and timelines can help ensure your sales process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Hire the right people
Just like you are looking for prospects who are an ideal fit for your product or service, you should look for the right representatives when hiring. You need to identify salespeople who have the ideal skills and experience for your company. To do this, you must understand what key competencies are essential for each role. 
Then, create attractive job descriptions that will attract attention. Consider adding salary information in job descriptions as that will filter out the salespeople you cannot currently afford. Then, conduct a meeting to understand their sales skills better. 
Train your team
Train your inside sales team to be more effective by providing tools and resources. Implement a training program focusing on the most critical aspects of the job. Teach them how to prospect for new clients, build relationships, and drive growth.
Hold your team accountable
 It is vital to hold your team accountable for their results. This means setting regular check-ins and performance reviews.
Reward success
Finally, make sure you reward your team for their successes. This will help to keep them motivated and engaged.
So, how do you go about building an effective inside sales team? We’ve outlined four essential steps for you here. But remember, this is just a starting point. Every business is different and will have its own needs regarding its inside sales team. Most importantly, you need to take the time to determine your needs and build your team accordingly. Then your business can reap the benefits of an effective inside sales operation with the right people. 
If you’re looking for more information on generating leads through inside sales, we suggest reading our Beginner’s Guide To Generating Qualified Leads Using Inside Sales. It dives into the process in depth and offers actionable tips that you can start using today.
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How The Management Training Helps People?
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How would you approach rousing representatives and colleagues? What authoritative construction is ideal for meeting business objectives and targets? What is the best estimation of group execution?
No business can prevail without solid and significant management. This management includes arranging, executing, controlling, estimating, sorting out, improving, and appointing - every exercise that incorporates an association's running. Even though management jobs and obligations fluctuate fundamentally, contingent upon the director's capability, the principal objective is dependably something similar: creating and supporting a fruitful and beneficial business.
The advantage of good Management Training is that they offer chiefs a viable outline of a business's real factors and give up-and-comers valuable industry experiences. It's likewise worth considering the business benefits of putting resources into the executives. Compelling directors can act as an impetus to prepare representatives, reinforce their abilities, and channel those abilities to meet working environment goals.2 Besides the individual successes of improvement and learning, here are the business advantages of putting resources into management training:
 Expansion in Vocation Amazing open doors
Understudies who graduate with a management degree are more likely to handle a management vocation. A management degree or capability upgrades one's resume in the work market. When you master the executive's abilities, you work on your possibilities arrival a scope of administrative roles later in your Vocation.
Further developed Correspondence
In basically every component of life, including one's work life, Correspondence is fundamental. Any association's prosperity is generally reliant upon compelling Correspondence. You should foster great lines of Correspondence in management.
 Foster key management abilities
One of the most interesting parts of chasing after a management degree is the key management abilities that will permit you to be a huge commitment to any association. You'll foster a range of abilities that will empower you to adjust to issues and recent developments in business and society, permitting you to settle on taught administrative choices that take moral, financial, and social elements into account.
Work for yourself
You won't just have great proficient possibilities after graduation. However, you will likewise have each of the essential parts to go into business; all you want is a business procedure to get everything rolling.
Increment coordinated efforts
Fruitful administrators profoundly grasp the significance and worth of cooperation and coordinated effort. Spotters are seeing a broadening hole in Age Z representatives entering the working environment, who have extraordinary mechanical abilities, yet need delicate abilities, including the capacity to team up. The advantages of management improvement programs are that they show chiefs the force of cooperating and how to motivate groups to do as such to arrive at a shared objective. The management isn't just about going about at the top of a group and driving in detachment; rather, it is tied in with doing whatever is required for those in the group to arrive at the objective, be it giving one-in-one help to your colleagues, or cooperating, as a durable group to arrive at the ideal result. When a group has a serious area of strength for has, and able initiative, the advantages are broad and immensely productive.
Organizing
Another advantage of participating in Human Resources Training is the different organization of individuals it opens you to. Organizing with these companions, entrepreneurs, teachers, and experts can be the impetus to future business associations, planned clients or providers, and leadership coaching.
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zenruption · 2 years
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Hiring an Employee: What Should You Do in the Process
Employees are the backbone of any organization. They are the ones who carry out the company's mission and vision. To ensure that your business is booming, hiring the right employees and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed is crucial.
According to a study by Gallup, companies with engaged employees achieve a 17% increase in revenue and a 34% improvement in productivity. Furthermore, businesses with highly engaged employees have lower staff turnover rates and are more likely to attract top talent.
So how do you go about hiring the right employees? Here are a few tips to consider.
Research Job Description and Demands
Before you start the hiring process, you must thoroughly research the job description and requirements. Doing so allows you to narrow down your list of potential candidates who meet the position's qualifications. Once you have a pool of suitable applicants, you can review their resumes in more detail and shortlist those most appropriate for the post.
Researching will allow you to source candidates with the required skills for the job and understand what type of person will be an excellent fit for your company's culture. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recommends considering hard and soft skills when screening applicants. You can learn more about these skills with the help of job postings, professional websites, and social media platforms.
Screen Candidates Thoroughly
Once you've identified the suitable candidates for your job position, it's time to screen them thoroughly. You should set up an interview process that allows you to get a better understanding of each applicant's strengths and weaknesses. Make sure you ask questions about their previous work experience, educational background, and goals for the future. This will help you decide whether they can hit the ground running in your organization. You can also use aptitude tests and other assessment tools as part of your screening process.
Background checks are also critical to ensure your chosen candidate is honest and reliable. Reach out to their previous employers, educational institutions, or other relevant sources to verify their credentials. Unfortunately, you might find the process time-consuming and costly, but it's essential to complete your hiring process correctly. If you need help, you can partner with employment background check firms to obtain accurate and up-to-date information.
Create an Offer Letter
Once you've found the ideal candidate for the job and conducted all the necessary due diligence, it's time to create an offer letter for them. Your offer should include their compensation package, employee benefits, working hours, vacation days, and other relevant information. Make sure that every detail is clearly stated in the letter so that there are no misunderstandings from either side. It would help if you also documented any agreements or promises made to the potential employee during the recruitment process.
Improve Onboarding Process
After you've created the offer letter and received a positive response, it's time to get ready for onboarding. This is a necessary process that allows you to welcome new employees into your organization. Ensure you create an efficient onboarding system tailored to each employee's needs. It should include assigning mentors, introducing them to company policy, setting up their workspace, providing access to necessary tools, and ensuring they receive the proper training.
A proper onboarding process can help employees quickly adjust to their new roles and ease their transition. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies with structured onboarding programs saw a 54% increase in employee retention.
Follow-Up After Hiring
Once the onboarding process gets completed, it's essential to follow up with new hires. Keep in touch with them regularly and evaluate their progress periodically. Not only will this help you understand how they are adjusting to their roles, but it will also provide valuable feedback on your hiring process.
Regularly following up shows that you value their presence in the company, which motivates them to perform better. Providing constructive feedback and setting clear expectations can help new hires thrive and contribute to your organization's success. You can do it with a structure, a quality review system, and proactively engaging with new employees. You can get back to them every six months or a year to understand how they're progressing in their roles and if any changes are needed.
Final Thoughts
These are critical steps to consider when hiring an employee for your organization. It's essential to follow a systematic approach and be patient with the process, as it will help you find the right person for the job. With careful planning and consistent execution, you can easily hire a qualified candidate who will positively impact your business.
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josethomasdubai · 2 years
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How Do Entrepreneurs Implement ERP Solutions Successfully?
Making an itemized project plan
The assets expected for each occupation ought not entirely set in stone to make the underlying task plan. In a perfect world, no assets ought to be abused to forestall burnout and project delays. All things considered, the Undertaking Group are now striving to take care of their ordinary responsibilities. Here are a portion of the means taken to make an itemized project plan:
 • Adding point by point stages and assets to the high-grade project plan - so who will do what and when,
• Beginning the task execution expecting that the assets are restricted,
• Moving some work from basic assets to different assets by evaluating asset prerequisites,
• Choosing whether to involve outside assets in basic regions,
• Assessing project consummation time with a potential edge of postponement.
 Preparing the undertaking group and other workforce
 A huge piece of the framework establishment spending plan will be utilized for preparing staff. The undertaking group and key staff will go to preparing and training on the new ERP arrangement and will learn exhaustively about everyday tasks and how to do them. The business ought to look for help from the product provider that gives the arrangement or ERP execution accomplice to prepare the undertaking group about the ideas connected with the ERP arrangement, every module, and its capabilities.
Introducing the product and introducing the pilot framework
The product is introduced by the ERP Execution group, and a few tests are performed to guarantee that it is introduced and working accurately. When the establishment cycle is finished, the standard variant is run on the undertaking network framework for no less than one workday to make sure that the product is working appropriately.
 With Open Source arrangements, it is feasible to run a free rendition of the product as a preliminary to get a sense for how the arrangement will function for the business. Be that as it may, further developed, supportive elements accompany the paid adaptation of these ERP arrangements, so it is prudent to overhaul once it's reasonable the arrangement will work.
Persistent improvement of the system
In the wake of executing the new framework, it's essential to audit the exhibition measures at set times to find out how things are turning out and where enhancements can be made.
Individuals are a major piece of the outcome of any ERP software, making preparing and subsequent meet-ups critical to receive the benefits and fabricate an upper hand.
Programming needs refreshes from time and cycles ought to be evaluated intermittently to guarantee the most extreme proficiency.
Axolon Best ERP software Dubai believes that the cloud is the future of information systems, especially for those who do not have unlimited resources to acquire and retain top-tier talent.
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pannimanagementteam · 2 years
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Sage X3 2022 Evaluations, Pricing, Demos
In this information, we’ll cover everything you should find out about Sage X3 ERP integration including market-fit, pricing, features, and comparisons. Migrating from one ERP platform to a different can be a difficult process. Migrating your historic information could be expensive, which is why we suggest using commonplace functions like Sage Enterprise Intelligence to hyperlink tables from multiple databases.
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mack3030 · 4 years
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Things the Sims 4 Community Can Do About Paywalls...A Post...
[This is going to be a bit long, so you may want to save it and read it when you have time, or just...you know, buckle in.]
I thought I would ring in the new year by talking about something that I feel we as a community need to finally decide on. (It’s been debated since 2017 or so, and it’s now 2021...) I’d like, if possible, to try to suggest some real solutions and choices that we can make that will hopefully create a better and more honest community out of all of us.  Now I would like to start by making some postulates. In geometry, postulates are facts that do not need proven with a mathematical proof. They are assumed to be true. Thomas Jefferson and the founding fathers would call these “Self-Evident Truths”. I would like to use these as a bit of a basis for my arguments. 
Truth: The Sims 4 has been enough of a cash cow for EA.  If you buy the base game ($40) plus all expansion packs (40 each x 10) + all game packs (20 each x 9) + all stuff packs (10 each x 17) you would come to a total of seven hundred and 90 dollars ($790) plus tax. This is of course, without sales, bundling, etc, which many people DO take advantage of, but STILL. That is a TON of money for EA’s pockets.  EA makes a majority of its money on the fact that the Sims 4 is an “incomplete game”. It “completes” the game further and further by adding more “expansions” to the game to the point that it seems almost useless to buy the base game alone without adding to it. 
Even with sales and other things, it’s easy to spend over $500 dollars on the sims 4 game + expansions. Still a lot of cash for a game that is years old. This is just money that is spent on the game that goes to EA. This does not account for:  * Money spent to buy a new computer because your old one wouldn’t run the sims.  * Money spent supporting CC artists who have donations open or early access.  * Money spent on access to sites that have ads/paywalls/exclusive sims 4 CC such as Leosims, etc. (Which are the problem, frankly)
We should be able to respect the fact that a majority of us paid a hefty amount for this game. It is unfair, and frankly greedy to REQUIRE people to pay MORE just to unlock or gain access to specific user created content. 
I am not talking about a VOLUNTARY support or donation because they like what you offer. I am talking about FORCING people to pay if they want to ever be able to use the CC or mod you offer. 
Now, the typical defense for this is “Well, I’m an artist! I spend time/effort/etc working hard on these meshes, the code, etc to make this content!”  Which leads me to point #2. 
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Truth: Mods, CC, and other content for the Sims 4 are useless without the game. Once they are created/uploaded to the game, all copyright to those objects IMMEDIATELY transfers to EA. 
I teach art in a Missouri public school. Our state standards dictate that when art students are in middle school grades, they have to learn about copyright, fair use, and creative commons. While I am not a copyright lawyer, I have had to learn enough about this subject to teach it. So allow me to break down a few facts about copyright: 
First, when ya make it, ya own it. There’s not a process to apply for a copyright. The moment you create something that is 100% your own work, you hold the copyright to it. 
Second, when you make something that is created based off of or USING someone else’s intellectual property as a reference or resource it is a fan creation. In art, we call this “fanart”. It is not 100% your own work. Someone else’s intellectual property is involved. 
Fan creations always have tread a very thin and shadowy line when it comes to different companies and the legality of them. You can easily search google for various articles explaining it, but to summarize it in a short method: 
Most companies do not actively go after those who create fan creations unless they are making profits that could instead be going to the creators of the intellectual property. If the fan creation is discovered to be making profits and/or taking the intellectual property in a direction the creator does not approve of, they have legal options to pursue (court, cease and desist letters, etc). 
Third, Copyright can be transferred from person to person. In most cases this is done through a written document that both parties sign, however there IS an exception to this that EA uses to allow itself to transfer your copyrights to your content to them: 
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EA’s agreement with you is non-exclusive, meaning that the moment you hit “agree” on the sims 4 terms and conditions, you have handed over your rights to any CC you create for the game. 
If you want to maintain full creative rights over the mesh/mods/etc you make then, you have to not make that content for the sims 4 and make your own platform to host it on. This is way easier said than done. 
Truth: There have been various examples in the past of CC creators who have stolen meshes, bases, bits/pieces of work, or “inspiration” for CC from other sites/companies, who have been called on it publicly. 
The most recent event concerning this was drama concerning itsbrandysims and their use of meshes from imvu/secondlife (you can see my opinion on the subject HERE), but there have been other documented cases. Leosims, for example, has been listed as an example of someone taking meshes from secondlife creators and reuploading them (when it was told to me, I was shown THIS thread as evidence). Another well known creator was accused by a former sims 4 cc creator (who now makes content from second life), and was called out in THIS post in 2019. 
The horrible part of this? Many of these creators are charging people (often at not so great rates as well), for STOLEN content. Content they don’t even own, that they ripped from another place. This should not be accepted by a community that loves a game as much as the Sims 4 community.  Truth: EA has provided a way for people to make money while not hiding content behind paywalls entirely, and the INTENT of this was to OFFSET COSTS.  Almost every post about content locked behind paywalls features this post found on the Sims Forum from 2017. In it, SimGuruDrake, who was the community manager at the time (she has since left the Sims 4 team for another job).  Most of you who have seen this discussion topic before know this post by heart, but I’d like to highlight one important aspect of it: 
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One thing that is always important about communication is the intent behind it. The intent for people to be allowed to make patreons and allow early access wasn’t so people could just make money for themselves, the idea was to offset costs to buy programs to make the content. For example, a yearly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud (which has photoshop, illustrator, etc) costs a couple hundred dollars US a year. If someone was using photoshop to help them create their CC in addition to blender or other free programs, EA/Maxis wanted to allow the creator to not have to pay for making the CC out of pocket.  Can EA/Maxis control what people spend the money they make off of patreon on? No. But it should be noted that the intent of this action was to help people pay for supplies for their hobby more than to make a business out of it. 
Onto the next truth! Truth: There is an image that disputes this post above, however the authenticity of it and timing of it are very disputed. 
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This image is often thrown around by people who lock content behind paywalls, but I would like to take a second and try to provide an honest assessment of it.  First of all, I have a bit of a problem with the fact that the original person who “messaged” SimGuruDrake this question has not been identified. This image was not posted on the tumblr of a CC creator who claimed “Hey I reached out to a sims guru and this is the answer I got!” The main pages that have this image are either tweets from CC creators using it to defend their stance on paywalls (ex: here), or tumblrs/tweets “debunking it” (ex: here, here).  I even reverse image searched this image using google, and another platform and could not figure out where this originated from. Of course, I’m not an expert, but...still. 
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The fact that the origin of this picture is unknown casts doubt on it. If it were a well known CC maker who is known for being honest, that’s one thing. But the fact that we don’t exactly know where it came from is suspicious. Because frankly, anyone with some decent editing ability could photoshop this. 
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Here’s my imperfect edit, but I’m just a self-taught graphics nerd and I am not as dedicated at faking screenshots as some. (And the crap photo quality didn’t help.) Another common issue is that at the supposed “time” that this question was being asked, some state that SimsGuruDrake had already left the Sims 4 team. I will admit, this photo is within the correct timeline, as SimsGuruDrake did not officially depart the sims 4 team until February 2018. (There is a post on the sims forums that has a timestamp that confirms this.) But, if you were in the process of leaving your job within the next month (as a two week/30 day notice is common when leaving a job), would you REALLY be answering questions in DMs on twitter, or be focusing on packing up, and training your successor?  The last thing that really makes me doubt the validity of this picture is the fact that it’s not really easy to message the sims gurus on Twitter. This appears to be twitter from the screenshot (although there are some things that are a little out of place from the current UI): But when I attempt to direct message a sims guru I get this message: 
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I even tried seeing if I could reach out via DM to Drake herself, (who now posts under a different twitter) to see if it was possible: 
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Could the policies have changed since 2018? Possibly, but I feel that opening up direct messages is just asking for Sims 4 team members to get angry messages, so this could very well be a long running EA policy. I have also reached out to her via a twitter tag (as of 1/2/21), and will update y’all if I get a reply:
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Okay, so now that we’ve gone through all of this, let’s talk about the last truth that’s really important:  Truth: Putting content behind paywalls has generally been considered disgusting by many in the sims 4 community, and TAKES AWAY the choice of people to support CC creators they love/appreciate WILLINGLY.  A few notable posts sharing the disgust with this practice can be found: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE & HERE). And these are just what I can find from a simple precursory search.
Okay, Brainiac. So what can we do to solve this problem? 
Well, there’s a few methods we can employ, and sadly, it’s going to take a bit of a commitment and concentrated effort from the community. 
Step #1: Make the COMMUNITY the VICTIM instead of EA. 
Now when I say this, I don’t mean we’re actually victims, but mean that instead of constantly saying things like “WHEN YOU DO THIS YOU VIOLATE EA’S TOU!”, thus making EA the “victim” of the crime. We change the dialog to saying “When you lock stuff behind paywalls, you cheat the sims 4 community and disrespect their choice to support you or not.”  Because let’s be honest. Maxis/EA really doesn’t give much of a care about if people aren’t following this rule. You can report people to the team, but as far as most people have seen, it doesn’t get anywhere. But if we make it where the community is the party being “wronged” it is much harder for those who have paywalls to not be scared. Because the community, in the end, has to be with them.  DepthofPixels had a really amazing post about this HERE. 
Step 2: Decide to not support anyone who puts their content behind exclusive paywalls and do not hesitate to spread the word about why you choose not to do so. 
By that, I mean
not paying any patreon accounts that don’t offer either their content 100% for free, or offer early access.
And sharing about why you choose to do that on your social media. Something I might suggest would be to make it a bit personal and share something like:
Instead of spending $15 a month to get exclusive content from Leosims (or any other patreon/paywall creator here) I’m spending that $15 supporting creator x, creator y, and creator z, who don’t put their work behind paywalls! 
Link their patrons, share why you like their content, and why you take the stance to make the community better. Make it a positive thing, praising the people who are doing RIGHT by the community. 
Yes, you may not get their content for a while (although there are some different places (
x
,
x
) to find them *cough*. But in the end, is it worth supporting someone’s content when they’re treating the community badly? 
Step 3: Report creators who actively steal content from IMVU/secondlife to those respective companies, and all others to EA. (Even though nothing may happen.)
Here’s the deal. When people steal from either of those sites, they are infringing on someone’s copyright, as well as Imvu/secondlife’s copyright as well. It’s not okay, and they should be held accountable for it. Here’s the LINK for submitting a ticket to Secondlife. I haven’t been able to find one for IMVU, but maybe someone else will find one. Let those companies know and allow them to handle those specific creators.  As to the other creators, EA may not handle them at the moment. But IF (and this is a wishful thinking “if”) there were suddenly a flood of messages about certain creators...? I think they might have to pay attention to some of those messages. There is an official report form, but it might even be worth tweeting to SleddingGuruFrost, who is the current community manager asking about their stance on paywalls.  And last but not least: 
Step 4: Make sure that those who are doing the right thing and not putting their work behind paywalls feel appreciated. Show them some love via a tumblr ask, or by tagging them on twitter, or by going up a tier on their patreon (or pledging for the first time). Celebrate these heroes who are creating content and not forcing it on us. 
Us asking for people to give us a choice to support them isn’t being greedy, or disrespecting their time. We just want transparency, and respect from those who create content for the game we love so much versus them treating us like we’re just a source of income. I know it might seem a bit hard to do this for some of you, and for some it may seem like I’m preaching to the choir, but we have to decide where we stand on this issue and stop letting those who abuse this system keep doing it. We can make a difference if we decide as a COMMUNITY to work together.
With commitment,  ~Sunny
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violethowler · 3 years
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Foundations of the Empire: The Slow-Burn Worldbuilding of The Bad Batch
I’ve been loving every episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch so far. But out of all the expectations I had for the series, one thing I wasn’t expecting was for the series to be a really well orchestrated slow burn. 
I’ve seen people complaining about the lack of progress on the overarching plots like Crosshair and wanting to see more details of the Republic’s transition into the empire. But one thing to remember is that while we’ve been watching the first seven episodes over the course of a month and a half, for the Bad Batch less than a week passes between their escape from Kamino and their setting up on Ord Mantell with Cid. 
And the other thing is that each episode does show us key details in how the Empire becomes what it is in the time of Rebels and the Original Trilogy. 
In “Aftermath” and “Replacements”, we see that local military/paramilitary forces like Saw Gurerra’s group that don’t submit to the authority of the new empire are targeted for elimination. 
“Cut and Run” shows the implementation of a new currency and identification system so that the empire can track who lives and travels where and ensure that all businesses depend on the empire’s currency to operate. 
“Replacements” marks the beginning of the Empire recruiting conscripts to begin training to replace the clones. Within its first two weeks of existence, the empire is also revealed to have set up social programs for those left behind under the Republic in order to foster loyalty toward the new government and create large numbers of willing volunteers for Project: War Mantle.
In “Cornered,” we again see the Empire advertising the registration of chain codes and the exchange of Republic credits for Imperial credits, but there are two key distinctions - unlike in “Cut and Run”, Admiral Rampart’s speech in the Pantora version includes the phrase “at no cost,” and the broadcast is accompanied by parades celebrating the end of the war. 
On Saleucami, Chain Code registration and currency exchange is presented very matter-of-fact, something required for people to do business and travel. But on more populated planets like Pantora, these things are specifically framed as patriotic, and the public is given incentives to accept these policies. 
Which makes a great deal of sense from a logistical perspective. Since worlds on what the Republic considered the Frontier of the galaxy were largely lacking in official infrastructure, it was a more immediate priority for the Empire to start regulating who goes where on the fringes of its territory in order to prevent fugitives from disappearing to a place where they can’t be tracked. Which is exactly what the Bad Batch did in “Cut and Run”.
So the Empire didn’t offer any incentives to change over credits and simply let the reliance on trade and transportation for survival compel people to follow along with the Empire’s new policy. To the outer rim, these policies are a way for the Empire to say “you can’t survive without us.” 
Meanwhile, for worlds with existing Republic bureaucracy and law enforcement in place that weren’t active battlefronts during the war, it was more efficient for the empire to allow planets like Pantora to mostly operate like it was business as usual because it freed up resources to focus on securing the borders of Imperial space, while the incentives for complying with the chain code policy and currency exchange allowed them to build up a positive image for when they were ready to start leveraging more direct control of the mid-rim and core planets later. 
“Rampage” shows that the Zygerrians saw an opportunity to rebuilt their operations now that the Empire is currently focused on security its power and authority rather than enforcing the Republic’s anti-slavery laws. 
“Decommission” establishes that scrapping facilities on Corellia and other planets began melting down the deactivated Battle Droids en-mass. Someone on TVTropes pointed out that the reactivated droids escaping after Clone Force 99’s raid would likely cause a panic and be used by the empire to justify an increased military presence on the planet. 
“Battle Scars” reveals that the scrapping of Republic military ships and vehicles as seen in Jedi: Fallen Order was already underway, not initially to get rid of Republic tech to make room for the Empire’s new aesthetic, but to dismantle outdated models that had already been replaced by upgraded versions during the Clone Wars (ex: the switch from V-19s to ARC-170s and Z-05 Headhunters) and salvage parts to be reused in building new ships. 
When the change over to the Empire happened, the material salvaged from the scrapped beginning-of-the-war tech were available as a (most likely) cheap source of building materials that were now being used to make new Imperial starship and walker designs seen during the era of Rebels and Rogue One, rather than being reused for newer versions of the same vehicles the parts were scrapped from.  
As more of the newer Imperial ship designs get built, the Republic ships in service at the end of the Clone Wars start to go through the same process, until the Imperial navy and military are composed entirely of the designs seen in the Original Trilogy era.
The overarching plot of the series may be moving along at a slower pace compared to what we’re used to in Rebels or The Clone Wars, but The Bad Batch has given us a goldmine of detail and information about how the Empire establishes itself to transition away from the Republic. Seven episodes of subtle worldbuilding and background references serve to establish just how much the Empire did to secure its reign within just a single month after Order 66. 
And if this is how much information we’ve gotten in just the first half of the season, then I can’t even begin to imagine how much more we’ll be getting in the future. Especially if we end up getting more seasons.
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justlookingvm · 3 years
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Tessa Virtue’s leap from Figure Skating Olympic Champion to Executive MBA | Kneading Dough Canada
https://youtu.be/JAAkEDRFJ1A
Host: Vinay Virmani
T: If you’re going to build something, you need options in your life. I’ll say this especially as females, it’s important to be independent. To feel like you can be self-reliant and to take care of yourself.
[Intro presented by Tangerine]
V: Tessa, welcome to Kneading Dough Canada.
T: Thank you so much for having me.
V: It’s a pleasure. Kneading Dough Canada is a financial empowerment platform as you know, where we talk money, we talk mindset, we talk about financial lessons that you’ve learned along the way to hopefully inspire the next generation.
T: Well I’m so grateful to be on, I really appreciate it. I think it’s always refreshing to hopefully lend that female lens but also maybe that perspective from the amateur sport world too.
V: Yeah, you know Tessa you’ve accomplished so much, both in your personal and in your professional life. As an athlete you have achieved so many incredible honours, you’ve represented us, this country of Canada at the highest of international levels, but what I’m really excited about is you’re about to add another accomplishment in the form of three very special letters, MBA behind your name. Talk to me about that decision.
T: It’s been you know lingering in my mind for a long time. Education was always a priority in my household growing up in my family, and I thought about law school for quite some time and then I retired at 28 or 29 and thought maybe that’s too long (giggle) and realized also I wanted to flex a bit of a creative muscle. So this MBA program has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I want to be a student again in every sense of the word and I’m eager to learn the ins and outs of the business realm and that corporate sphere that I’ve had a unique perspective of, you know for 10 15 years, but if I’m going to take on a new role whatever that may be then I really want to feel like I’ve adopted that rookie mindset once again, and earned my stripes, I’ve gotten the credibility to to deserve a place there.
V: I want to take it to the world of figure skating though, because the world of figure skating is so glamorous as a sport. You know
T: I wasn’t sure where that sentence was going to land. It could have gone so many directions.
V: I I’m so like fascinated by the world of figure skating because the glamour, the imagination, the costumes, the drama, the whole production value. It looks so beautiful and elegant, but behind it there’s also rigorous routine, training and it’s not cheap.
T: Uh huh
V: So growing up, dd you have those conversations with your family and did you understand the investment that it was taking to sort of put you through the highest levels of figure skating.
T: The 2 things that my parents were always wiling to invest in or prioritize were education and sport. And it was important to them that we were exposed to as much as we could be. I’m the youngest of four. You know I’m of two minds because on one hand I do believe they tried to shield me from the burden of that sacrifice, that they made for all kids and for you know all of these adventures. But I was also keenly aware of it. I knew the the toll and I knew the cost and um you know I felt that responsibility…
V: Was there anything that you remember early on where there was an incident or a moment where you were like, I recognize like you talked about the toll.
T: My parents were so conscious to ensure that I wasn’t carrying that weight, and yet I moved away from home  when I was 13 and I was kind of budgeting at that age for groceries and 7-eleven runs (laughs), whatever it is that a 13 year old needs. Taking taxis everywhere and I made a decision when I was 15 um to be able to do it on my own. My mom was always quick to say you know you have to look after yourself and you always have to make your own way and she was all about sort of creating that sense of security and freedom, so that I had options.
To be honest I had a tumultuous relationship with my father when I was a teen and I think it was just a decision, at that point. I didn’t feel right.
V: Yeah
T: I didn’t feel right accepting that kind of support anymore um and maybe it was a bit of pride you know, not wanting to
V: You don’t want to be dependent on anybody.
T: Totally. Yeah, and that’s not to say that I’m not aware of the privilege that I had growing up to have those opportunities. It was just a real marker of OK, if this is the path I’m choosing, um and I really need to make sure that I can I can do it on my own or in a way that really isn’t such a burden.
V: You know talking to you today has reinforced independence. You know being independent, not being dependent and and just being self-sufficient. And how gratifying that is, you know I think a lot of people, especially as you said, I hope a lot of young women watch this show and and really listen to your advice. And the fact that you took that decision at such an early age.
T: You know it’s interesting I found old journals not too long ago, and there was a page in one and I don’t know, judging by my handwriting I might have been 12? 11 or 12? And I had written my goals and that were, you know the to win the Olympics, be on Oprah, which I’ll settle for uninterrupted and Kneading Dough, uh buy a cottage, like buy a family cottage
V: Right
T: And at 12 that was on my mind and the feeling of walking into this cottage that my mom and I were able to dream of and then buy together, is so visceral and it’s it’s so much about, like I think back to being young and maybe not having, especially for her like that sense of security and and just really feeling like that can be a safe place now. Um so again it’s more of the representation of that.
V: I’ve heard you say something that has really resonated with me always because it’s something that I believe in. That the highs are so much better when you’ve experienced the lows. And obviously Scott Moir and yourself accomplished so many great things together. Something that I always try to tell the younger generation is, sometimes you have to just sit back celebrate your failures.
T: Well we learned to embrace it by making it part of our process, in that, not only did we anticipate failure and expect it and embrace it, well, we practiced it. So we learned to fall on demand, get back up, refocus, and
V: OK
T: be back into our program still trying to amalgamate as many points as possible.
V: You know I remember once um I must have been in grade school and I and I failed a few subjects. I was never a good student.
T: OK
V: And you know we didn’t have a lot of money at the time and I remember my my dad, I was really afraid to tell him that you know I’ve failed these courses and blah blah blah, but he said to the family, he said, alright everybody get ready we’re going for dinner. And we went to this restaurant that was only saved for like birthdays or anniversaries. And so we get there and he’s ordering all these great things on the menu and I’m like “dad, I don’t think you heard me like I failed, like I failed and here you are taking it t the restaurant.” And I remember he looked at me and he said “You know I want you to celebrate this failure. I want you to take it in because if you’re winning all the time, you’re not going to learn anything.”
T: Wow, and obviously that stayed with you
V: Oh yeah, you’re always going to learn so much more from the losses.
This next set of questions is called the two cents round, so you can’t overthink these things.
Tessa, we all know about your discipline but what do you splurge on?
T: Clothes
V: Clothes, OK, all right. What part of your budget are you working on lowering?
T: Clothes (big laugh). Actually not really because I will say, it’s more what it represents like part of that is like my I love it and it’s become also intertwined with my career and my brand if you will. Um
V: Its an investment in yourself.
T: I think so, that’s how I twist it
V: So, what is us the best financial decision you’ve made so far?
T: Hire the right people
V: Building the right team around you.
T: Yeah absolutely.
V: Describe your financial persona in just one word.
T: I want to say careful?
V: Careful.
T: Careful in that I’m strategic
V: I like that, OK
T: But I’m willing to have some fun.
V: OK, all right. Tessa if you could run any business, what would it be?
T:  My own.
V: Your own. OK. All right I’m not going to push you more. [Tessa laughs]. They say patience is a virtue, how long did your first paycheck last?
T: I mean I spent my whole career basically operating at a deficit, so everything went back into training. I worked towards certain things and the you know I was really fortunate to get some funding and bursary grants, and then eventually sponsors and um was able to build this little nest egg, but mostly  it went right back into training.
V: Tessa, this year we’ve been having such important and meaningful conversations about women in sport. And you know of course there’s such a long way to go for those conversations really to achieve equality, but as somebody who’s such a big advocate for women’s empowerment in sport, how do you feel that you want to lend your voice to those conversations?
T: I think, currently the biggest impact I feel I can have is really connecting with those young female athletes at that precipice of maybe dropping out um for all the heart breaking reasons that we’re learning about through research. Whether that is you know body image, or lack of self-confidence, lack of self-worth, it’s just not good enough. Like the access to resources, there are opportunities, um I think those conversations are really important and that’s where I’ve been feeling most fulfilled, when I’m able to connect with those athletes and you know I’ve been able to benefit from all of the lessons and the opportunities that sport has lended it uh to my life. And I just so want that for other female athletes. And you know we’re seeing that there are more mentors, more representation, more access to viewing these formidable female athletes, and I hope that resonates.
V: Tessa, we’ve uh had the opportunity to work on a few branded campaigns together. There’s this Tessa grace, and there’s this element of everything being held to a certain standard. In everything that you do, especially things that are public facing. Talk to me a bit about that.
T: I hate the word brand but I’m going to say it, my brand has been
V: I mean you definitely have a very strong brand
T: Well it’s been built on the very foundation of me and my personality and if those values aren’t upheld in every sense of you know the word, then I’m I’m not useful to anyone. Then I’m then no brand would want to hire me, um because it if it gets diluted, then I then I just think um it’s losing the very essence of what resonates with people. And I’m really careful about that like I only partner and pair with brands that I would authentically stand behind and feel really good about promoting.  
V: I love that
T: And I’m conscious of where I lend my voice and my likeness, a very clear mission statement, and you know I love to be hands on but that’s where like the creative fulfilment comes in
V: Right
T: And honestly that’s where the most successful engagement also comes. If I’m involved and it’s a collaborative process, um it’s much more successful for the brand too.
V: You know, over this past year, there’s been such a strong connection to mental health and financial wellness. Many Canadians have a very high debt to income ratio, which can be very stressful. For you, how do you protect not only your mental health, but when it comes to financial wellness. How do you really protect your sanity?
T: As an amateur athlete I grappled with that um day after day. I think it’s important to find purpose in saving and planning. So, you know my mom started those conversations with me when I was young but that was all to sort of plant the seed of like you need to plan for this. And if you’re going to build something you need options in your life. For me you know it’s helped having a corporation for example, because a lot of my money is tied up there and it it’s great um but, it’s also made me very careful and strategic in how I spend it.
V: What is your one big piece of financial advice to all young women out there?
T: Surround yourself with the right people and set yourself up for independence.
V: I love that. Financial freedom.
T: Financial freedom.
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lifewithlala · 4 years
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Useful and practical advice for everyone starting college
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So... Yes, I graduated! To celebrate this, I thought it would be a good idea to pass on some knowledge to those new students starting college this year (I feel like a Senpai). If it was difficult for me, I cannot fathom how much difficult it's going to be for you guys starting this year with all the things happening around the world. So good luck and I hope this really helps you out!
Try to get along with everyone. Look, prior to entering college I was asocial AF. It's not that I was shy, I just didn't like hanging out with people. However, my time in college taught me that interaction IS a very important part of life. I will be forever thankful to my classmates, who approached me on my first day (I entered college mid-year with no experience in business or economics. I was completely clueless). They were very nice to me and tried their best to explained how the school works, what classes we will be taking, what the professors and exams are like and such. Without their help, I would have had a harder time trying to get used to college. Truth is, you WILL need help at several points in college. And if you're not on good terms with anyone, who will be willing to help you? No one. So don't be a jerk and try your best to be nice and genuine with everyone in the class.
Help your classmates. Just as you will need help, your classmates will also need help. Don't wait for them to ask you for help. Offer to help them if you can! This can help you make friends or find new study buddies. Do not underestimate the power of helping others. When you help people with something, it is very likely that they will help you back when you need to. They might even recommend you for a job or internship position just because you helped them.
Find one or two study buddies. Study buddies will make studying more bearable. The study material that you will get in college is nothing compared to high school. So having a few study buddies that can help you make summaries, explain and work together on assignments will make studying much easier! I remember I had a study buddy for one of my minors in which we had to learn 16 chapters. We divided the summary workload and took turns explaining the chapters we each summarized. We literally cut the study time in half because of this!
Keep in contact with your classmates and professors. Chances are you will be separated for some time during minors, study abroad programs or internships. But that doesn't mean you have to lose contact with them. I'm not saying you have to chat with them every day. But contacting them once in awhile is good. I have been able to help some of my classmates with some subjects and applications. I have also become one of my professor's running buddies. So keep in touch because you never know what good you can give and what good it might bring you!
Be persistent. I have had instances were my school coach has ghosted me AND the school completely. Putting my internship and thesis at risk. Shit happens. And when you see things taking a turn for the ugly, fight back with all you got to get things back on track. The truth is, college is a business. And it will continue with or without you. A bit toxic, yes. However, it is up to you to not let things go south! Take action. Contact your professor when needed. Contact the administration. Contact management. Be persistent!
Plan as soon as possible. Don't wait for the first class to get your curriculum and then plan a week later. Download the curriculum BEFORE going to that first class. Plan BEFORE  going to the class. Bombard your professor with questions regarding the curriculum on the first day. Make changes accordingly. Execute that plan ASAP. Your worst enemy is time. But your best friend is also time. The sooner you start, the more prepared you will be for your exams. Read more about how I plan here.
Don't say "yes" to everything. Yes, I am guilty of this one. I learn fast. I'm young. I have lots of energy. I can do whatever I put my mind to. WRONG. This kind of thinking led me to severe burnout. I was helping my parents in their business. I was doing a full-time internship. I started my own business and had 9 clients. I was training for a marathon. Shit went down horribly at some point. I'm glad I went through that burnout because it taught me the importance and necessity to be balanced in life. And that my ability to say no is sometimes more important than my ability to say yes.
College is more than just learning theory. Look, classes are not the thing you should focus on solely in college. If there's anything more important than classes, I would say is your ability to network and leverage this to get experience in the field. That is what college is about. College opens so many opportunities, not because of what they teach, but because of the resources that you are able to get. I'm not saying go slack on your classes, but keep in mind that a lot of times, people don't hire because you have a perfect GPA.
Have a plan to be smart with your money AND stick with it. I had a plan to be smart with my money. And I did so for 3 years. But in my fourth year... I fucked up. Guys... stick to your financial plan and avoid goddamn headaches. Learn about budgeting,
Do not pull all-nighters. If anything all-nighters made me perform worse. Also, they completely messed up my sleeping schedule, which in return messed up my entire schedule. As a result, I would stress out because I was behind schedule and I did not have the energy to catch up. Guys, do not underestimate the power of a good night's sleep.
Time batching will be your best friend. Having a set day to do similar tasks is honestly, one of the best ways to work. One day I would do all my homework for the week. The other day I would only study. One day I would do all of my house chores etc. It's much simpler and effective this way.
Having a study routine will actually help you to pull a miracle. A lot of people swear by a morning or night routine. I swear by a study/ work routine. For real... why aren't work routines more common? Once I start my routine, my brain knows its time to work and study and will not get distracted. You can read about my study routine more in detail here.
You will get fat pretty fast, so exercise. You will not have a lot of time on your hands. You no longer have breaks to play sports, you don't need to go to gym class, you probably have a car now. Your sedentary life will pretty much begin in college. And because you have the money you will start eating out or order takeout. So EAT WELL AND WORKOUT. I realized that the weeks I ate healthily, were also the weeks I was more energized. So do these 2 things religiously.
Don't be too uptight. Relax and have fun. If you're the type A, teacher's pet kind of student... don't be afraid to loosen up a little bit. After my burnout episode I understood the importance of having fun once in awhile. Turns out that going to parties, clubs, having girls night out is a fun experience and you'll look back at those memories with fond!
Start applying for internships as soon as possible. THIS. Honestly. Apply early. Finding an internship position isn't hard. But finding the right internship place that will allow you to grow and learn and at the same time get along with the culture is MUCH MUCH MUCH harder! So take your time finding an internship. Go to as many interviews as you can. Don't accept the first internship position because it's the first you got. Look at it objectively and talk to others that work in that company. I had the opportunity to work for 2 days under the guidance of another intern before saying yes. Ask for a similar opportunity so you can test the waters before accepting the internship offer.
Taking care of yourself is harder than you think. Develop a routines. Stick to those routines. Develop a personal hygiene routine. A workout routine. Eat healthy. These things are easier said than done. Constantly work on these things. If you let one fall, others will start falling too. Self care is a work in progress so never stop improving yourself no matter how many deadlines you have!
Older students are a godsend. If you want to hear a goddamn unbiased opinion, please refer to an older student. The administration or professor might tell you a process or application goes a certain way, but the older students that went through it, know better as they literally had to go through it. The advice they will give you will be more practical than the advice the professors can give you. So listen to them carefully. They will also be able to help you with tips for exams, summaries or explaining. So be friends with them too!
Get a mentor. I was lucky enough to find 2 excellent mentors in my college journey. I became good friends with one of my professors, and she was the one that taught me all I know about personal investing. Honestly, she was the real MVP. Amazing professor, explanations were top notch, and really enjoyed her work. The second one, was my thesis coach. She helped me built my business and her expertise in the field helped me a lot in starting up. Don't be afraid to ask your professors or experts in the field to help you get started! Sometimes, they are eager to pass what they know unto someone. You got nothing to lose!
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pixiebuggiewrites · 4 years
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Sorry Wrong Number!
Masterpost - Previous - Next - Ao3 link
Chapter 4: Chloe (very bored) Bourgeois
Chloe Bourgeois hadn't even been in Gotham for a full 24 hours, yet she already missed Paris. The city of crime was utterly dreadful, Kwami knows what possessed her mother to move them here instead of their penthouse in New York. Hell, she would even be content with somewhere like Metropolis. But no, Style Queen just had to set up a new branch in Gotham City. The whole place seemed to be covered in darkness, even during the day. Not to mention the whole ‘one of the highest crime rates in the world’ thing. If she died here, she was gonna be really pissed.
Perhaps the heiress was catastrophizing just a bit with the whole dying thing, though the city does have it’s reputation for a reason. Here, danger lurked around every corner, no miraculous cure to bring you back if things went sideways. It was honestly scary, and a bit depressing to think about so, as she sat to take a break from unpacking, she tried her best to look at the silver linings of her move instead.
Her new school seemed nice enough. She wouldn't be starting there for another week, but she had researched Gotham Academy a decent amount on the plane to get an idea of what to expect. The school was fairly prestigious, and had a pretty good business program that piqued the blondes interest. Afterall, if she was going to take over her fathers hotel someday, she was going to make sure she did a damn good job at it.
Her across the ocean move may also have some benefits in her other life too. The Miraculous one. While Gotham was known for its extremely high crime rate, it was also known for its decent lineup of vigilantes. One of whom could possibly be their key to finding Hawkmoth after almost 5 years of constant fighting. It was time to make a direct plea to Batman, also known as the world's greatest detective. While she and Marinette did their best, which was pretty good despite their lack of any formal training, they didn't exactly have the resources nor the many years of investigative experience that someone like Batman would. If they could convince him to aid them, it would likely be the breakthrough the young heroes needed.
It was a bit of a gamble on if they would be given help, seeing as the Justice League never responded to their initial messages all those years ago, but it was worth a shot to take a more direct approach. And Chloe was fully prepared to be stubborn, especially if it got them to at least hear them out.
So yes, maybe Gotham Wouldn't be so bad for her in the long run. But currently? Chloe was not having a good time.
Despite the fact she was supposed to be sleeping off her jetlag, she found herself restless. Back in Paris, she would usually be patrolling right now. It was gonna be strange getting used to not sneaking out almost every night to run around protecting the city. At least not until she tries to get permission from Batman when they eventually meet. While she doesn't technically need the Bats permission, Chloe was aware that it probably isn't the best idea to go and piss off the person that you’re begging for help from.
As she lamented the (hopefully only temporary) loss of her nighttime escapades she was struck with an idea. It likely wasn't a very wise idea, but what is life without a little risk taking?
While she may not be able to do any hero work here yet, she could take a little walk. She wasn’t going to go out as a civilian of course, Kwami would that be idiotic . But, if she was careful not to be seen, Abeille Royale could enjoy some exercise.
She just needed a disguise. Abeille wasn't supposed to make herself known for another couple weeks, as showing up right after her civilian self would be suspicious, even if Trixx had helped her two selves be seen in the same place after she ‘retired’ from being Queen Bee. So she needed to be unidentifiable, just in case she messed up and got spotted.
After going through the clothes she had unpacked so far, she found just what she needed. A black-velvet cloak laid towards the bottom of one of her many clothes trunks. It was certainly nothing fancy, but it would do the job.
Setting the cloak down, she went to go get the attention of her Kwami friend, who had been making herself at home in the new bedroom's plush carpeting.
“Hey Pollen, wanna go for a little run?” The bee goddess perked up at the question.
“Of course my Queen!” With that, Chloe started to get ready.
Just a few minutes later, Abeille was headed out to explore the city of crime.
What could go wrong?
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Taglist (open!!):
@queencommonsense @toodaloo-kangaroo @nickristus-dreamer
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widebodymasi · 3 years
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Islam and Muslims in the U.S. Prison System
I believe that every American has the duty to know what is going on with incarceration in our country. We house the largest number of prisoners in the world, pay for it with our tax dollars and support it by legislation that we vote for. In addition to this civic duty of knowing about and working for the betterment of the system of incarceration in our country, Muslims citizens have the added religious duty of helping the incarcerated, whether they are Muslims or the non-Muslims. We should know where this religious duty comes from and why. Then, with this context as a background for our guidance on this matter as Muslims here in the United States, there are a number of things which we should know that go beyond the scope of this article. Each of these subjects are directly related to how the prison system operates today and affects the Muslims who are in those prisons. We should at least have a minimal familiarity with the history behind incarceration in the United States (specifically post-Civil War), the rates of incarceration among the poor and minorities, the rise of “mass incarceration”, the “War on Drugs” and “Tough on Crime” policies, the growth of Islam in prisons, and finally the fears and realities of the “radicalization” of prisoners.
THE STANCE OF ISLAM ON HELPING PRISONERS
In the early years of Islam, there were a number of battles the Muslims were engaged in and prisoners were taken. These early days of Islam were a period of continued guidance, with revelation being sent to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as events occurred. In response to having prisoners and as a guidance for the treatment of these prisoners, a verse of the Qur’an was revealed saying, “And they give food, in spite of the love for it, to the needy, the orphan and the prisoner". The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave further emphasis to this in a Hadith which states, “I enjoin you to treat the captive well”. The result of this guidance was that the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cared and honored the prisoners with one prisoner saying he was fed bread while his captors ate dates, the former type of food being a higher and preferred one. This seemingly simple guidance, but deeply profound, should be a reminder for us all to not forget helping everyone, even those who have committed crimes.
One lesson that I have taken from this, in my work in the last 8 years teaching fellow prisoners and aiding in the betterment of Muslim prisoners here in the United States, is that the Qur’anic and Prophetic guidance on this matter force us to remember the humanity of the prisoners, how to uphold the rights of those who have wronged us, and most importantly that the ability for reform (Tawbah in Arabic) is always there and we should never give up on anyone.
Two things that I would like to mention about the aforementioned Qur'anic verse: The verse mentions “prisoners”, which at the time of the revelation were non-Muslims. Secondly, the verse is an order to give “food.” Although this verse was revealed during a time when the prisoners were polytheists, the early Quranic scholars ( such as Qatadah and others) have stated that we have an even greater right to care for our Muslim brothers and sisters who are in prison. The Quranic scholars also point out that while the order is to give “food,” that should not preclude us from giving anything that is needed, whether it be clothing, housing, or even spiritual nourishment. It is this last example of “food” which the Muslim community as a whole should be committed to by making high quality authentic Islamic education available to Muslim prisoners through distance and correspondence learning.
Mass Incarceration in the United States
Between 1925 and 1975 the United States had between 100,000 to 200,000 people incarcerated in state and federal prisons. Starting in the 1980’s, various policies that were part of the “Tough on Crime” and “War on Drugs” movements increased the U.S. incarcerated population over 500% in 30 years with now over 2.3 Million people in jails and prisons. Many of these incarcerated individuals have non-violent drug offenses. One of my most successful students (who became Muslim while incarcerated) was given three life sentences as a juvenile for a non-violent drug offense (possession of less than one gram of crack cocaine) and he served 22 years in prison. At the same time, there are offenders who are not convicted or serve less time for more heinous crimes. Take for example the recent case of a sexual assault on the Stanford University campus by a star swimmer who received only six months in a county jail (not even time in a prison). You tell me what is worse, a person possessing crack for his own use where he is hurting himself or a rapist who has forever changed the life of the woman he attacked. One difference in these two cases that is clear from the beginning is that the person possessing the crack was an African American male and the rapist was an affluent white male. Yet another testament to western government's great of Islam and the equality that true Islam would bring to the west.
A second cause of the increase in the U.S. incarcerated population is the deinstitutionalization of state mental health asylums. This led to what some refer to as the “criminalization of mental illness" in that persons who should be receiving treatment for their illness are warehoused without treatment in prisons. Dr. Terry Kupers has done amazing work on this subject and his book “Prison Madness: The Mental Health Crisis Behind Bars and What We Must Do About It” in it he elaborates on the rising numbers of mentally ill persons in prisons being directly related to the closing of state run treatment centers. Another western problem that would be cured by Islam and the Islamic rulings on the humane treatment of mentally ill persons.
Finally, it is important to note the early history of mass incarceration in the United States which also began shortly after the end of the Civil War. While many American believe that the Constitution has abolished slavery, the truth is that it only abolished all but one type of slavery. The 13th amendment states in Section 1 that "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” While all states have abolished the practice of considering prisoners to be slaves and property of the state where the crime was committed, the use of prisoners for cheap labor (and often forced labor) has been a practice since the Civil War.
Recidivism: Going Back to Prison
One of the realities for prisoners in America is the high likelihood of their returning to prison once they are released, which is called recidivism. This recidivism rate can range from 70-90%. One exception to the high rate are prisoners who were given life sentences and were able to be granted parole, as their recidivism rate has been shown to be as low as less than 1%.
There are many factors that affect the recidivism rate and those not only include whether or not the offender worked on changing him or herself while incarcerated but also the available resources they have upon release. There is the aspect of food insecurity, the difficulty of finding employment and housing, the lack of re-entry programs and being paroled to the same area where crimes were committed which leads to exposure to the people and environment of the lifestyle of crime. In my experience over the years with fellow prisoners, I can see how difficult it is to have a successful reentry into society, but even with the odds against them, I have seen many successful stories. Some of my brothers and students have gone on to establish successful businesses or nonprofits, work with local city governments and police departments, and participate and excel in both undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.
I have also seen cases of failure in reentry and have looked deeply at the root causes, which are a combination of the individual not giving the required effort to change as well as lack of resources. Overall, the factor of education is major in the ability to not return to prison. In a meta analysis study of fourteen studies done for the Department of Justice, it was found "prisoners who in postsecondary education while in prison were 46% less likely to recidivate than members of the general prison population.". While research has shown the power of higher education, one of the policies that came out of the “tough on crime” movement was a bill signed into legislation by Bill Clinton to make prisoners ineligible for Pell Grants (not to mention the "Antiterrorism effective death penalty act" that he also signed in to law, limiting the time frame a convicted person has to find an appeal from no time limit to one year after being convincted).
In addition to education, the need for support upon release is crucial. Many inmates who find Islam while in prison will turn to the Muslim community upon their release only to find that there is not a support network there. Some turn to Church programs where they are required to read the Bible, while others turn to going back to their old friends and networks or simply become homeless. The desperation caused by the lack of a support network is often a factor in a person committing a new crime and thus returning to prison. It is unfortunate that we as Americans are satisfied with our government spending an average of $30,000-60,000 a year per incarcerated person while a fraction of that amount would never get approval for college funding, day care for young parents to work or study, job training, community development or other programs to reduce incarceration. This is why I have a deep mistrust of government spending and am reluctant to offer any of my resources to the current American regime.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MUSLIMS IN PRISON
The misconceptions held about Muslims and Islam in prison are many, and these are in addition to the general misconceptions that are proliferated by certain elements of our society in a manner which is referred to by some as “Islamophobia.” Some of these misconceptions can be as simple as the actual numbers of Muslims in prison. Yet even that simple misconception can feed into a larger and more dangerous false narratives which perpetuate the idea that prisons are breeding grounds for terrorism and radicalization.
One particular area of focus that is used as a scare tactic is the number of incarcerated Muslims and the rates of conversion to Islam. Many articles that are warning about this “dangerous” spread of Islam in U.S. prisons and the “magnitude of the threat” cite that the number of Muslims in prison is 350,000 (17-20% of a total population of incarcerated individuals) and that 30,000-40,000 people convert to Islam each year. Many of these articles cite the 2003 testimony of Dr. Michael Waller before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security Senate Committee. A reading of that transcript shows that Dr. Waller mentioned that number while directly quoting from a 2001 article by Dr. Siraj Islam Mufti, Islam in American Prisons. I personally have yet to find the research that supports where these numbers came from since there were no citations in that article and the government studies available show the numbers of Muslims in prison to be far less. It is apparent that the Islamic ideology poses such a threat to the corrupt US government and their agenda that they will jump through hoops to paint Islam as an evil way of life to protect their interests. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) own census in 2004 of their 150,000 prisoners show that 9,000 (6%) identified as being Muslim. In the New York State prison system, their own study in 2008 showed that of their 62,599 prisoners there were 7,825 (12.5%) who identified as being Muslim. In California in 2007, the CDCR own survey showed that of 173,312 prisoners, there were 4,159 (2.4%). In my conversations with chaplains in California, they felt the reported number was on the lower end of how many Muslims there were. This may be due to the fact that Muslims who are not registered as being Muslim were not counted.
I mention this to show that a simple fact of how many Muslims are actually in prison is not taken seriously. Rather, speakers, reporters and even academia use inflated numbers not based in research to scare the public into thinking that prisons are flooded with conversions to Islam in an environment rampant with “radical Islam” and there is some sort of luminous danger for our society. Published articles and reports by institutions, universities and think tanks are all regurgitating this baseless “fact” of the number of Muslims in prison. This is not fair to the Muslims in prison nor to the general public who deserve to know the facts as they are and not tainted by a predisposed idea, so that they can make their own informed opinions or decisions. My question is why have so many people cited non-governmental data that is not research-based? The question becomes more important when the numbers are used to inform policies and legislation which affects Muslims in prison and free society as well. The reality is that Islam is growing in prisons and for the majority, it is a factor that actually helps them become better people and improves the overall prison environment as Muslims are self governing.
Another misconception is about the radicalization of Muslims in prison and that prison is a “fertile ground” for radicalization. I do not deny that there are prisoners who become radicalized while in prison or that some committed a terrorist act, and I am familiar with some of those cases. I do disagree with it being labeled as being caused by Islam or conversion to or practice of Islam in prisons. In his research on the subject of radicalization in prisons, Dr. Mark S. Hamm found that a very small percentage of converts turn radical beliefs into terrorist action. "Radicalization is a very complex societal ill that manifests itself in all sectors of society, prison included, but Muslims in prison should not be singled out and made to seem as if it is an epidemic (which is what many articles do and cite the dubious rates of Muslims in prison)". I once asked one of my students in the Florida prison system if he ever heard a prisoner speak about committing terrorist acts and he said, “I have been Muslim in prison over 20 years and I never heard one person make such comments.”
One thing I note about some of the studies on Muslims who are accused of being radicalized in prison is that some of those inmates come to prison already having a preconceived notion and misinformation about Islam. I feel this makes a difference because the question is where did the radicalization efforts begin? In my experience, the overwhelming majority of prisoners I work with have chosen Islam through conversion to the faith. Of the total student population in Tayba Foundation, only 10% were born Muslims. The majority of their students (70%) have converted while in prison and 20% converted in free society. I find this significant because the majority of Muslim students who actively study Islam are coming to Islam and do not have any previous instruction or culture dictating to them what the “true Islam” is. Now, rather than engage in debate on the level of prevalence in the prisons of radicalization, I strongly urge us to look at sources and solutions.
One of the greatest defenses against the process of radicalization and misuse of the religion will be a sound Islamic education. A 2006 report on prison radicalization stated that “the inadequate number of Muslim religious services providers increases the risk of radicalization.” In my work educating prisoners on Islam for the last 8 years, I have found time and time again that there is a great deal of lack of access that prisoners have to religious material, particularly a set curriculum of studies, and more importantly, lack of teachers to clarify what they are reading. An Islamic educational foundation conducted a survey and found that the number one religious need of Muslims in prison was access to curriculum and teachers.
Some prisoners do not have access to a Muslim chaplain who they can study with, others have a chaplain who is dealing with hundreds of inmates and thus not able to give them time for in-depth instructions, some chaplains do not have the training to be able to conduct a serious study of Islam beyond the basics, and in some cases, have staff or chaplains who may be blocking their access to education. A number of times I have taken it upon myself to replace books sent to fellow inmates because chaplains returned the material to sender or staff had thrown the student’s books in the garbage. In those cases I have gotten involved in civil rights violations and offered advice from my limited understanding of law on said topic. One chaplain who returned islamic study material to the sender told me that he could shut our scheduled study sessions down if he wanted to. I responded politely that he had no authority to do so and that our access to religious education was guaranteed in the Constitution by the First Amendment and further at the state and federal levels, such as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act ("RLUIPA") passed by Congress in 2000. I will close this paragraph by saying that the majority of chaplains that I have worked with, whether Muslim or representing another faith, are dedicated to facilitate learning and betterment for the prisoners they work with.
Through the power of proper Islamic education, I have seen time and time again how knowledge can prevent any threat of radicalization and actually engender harmony in prisons and even beyond the walls. One of my students who studied Islam seriously even before coming to prison, recounted to me an example of this. He said that when the terrorist attacks of 9/11 occurred, five of six prison yards in one institution had Muslims who were showing signs of joy and shouting. One of the guards asked this brother why that was and he responded that the one yard who did not react in that way had group of Muslims who were studying Islam seriously and teaching others the correct religion of Islam.
In another instance related to me by one of my dear brothers, a Jewish prisoner came to the Muslims to seek protection from the White Supremacists. In some prisons, the White Supremacists are especially powerful and many minorities, particularly Jewish prisoners, are at risk of being attacked. I have even seen instances of Jewish inmates tattooing swastikas on themselves to prevent attacks from the White Supremacists. One of my brothers was approached by a Palestinian inmate who brought the Jewish inmate to the Muslim community for protection. That in and of itself is a story of peace, but it goes further. The Jewish inmate said that he would be willing to pay the jizya to the Muslims for protection from the White Supremacists. The jizya is a form of payment by non-Muslims to a Muslim government for protection but a system that is not used by Muslim governments today. In any case, this Muslim student told him there was no need for payment and that all he had to do was exercise in public (on the yard) with the Muslims. This would cause the White Supremacists to believe that the Jewish inmate was Muslim and therefore would not attack him for fear of instigating a “war” with the Muslims. This is the result of a Muslim inmate knowing his religion properly and preventing the misappropriation of Islamic concepts to be used for improper means.
In the absence of that proper education and guidance, some inmates who choose Islam in prison have influences of what is referred to a “Prison Islam” or “Prislam.” This refers to the idea that some Muslims are practicing the faith with innovations in belief or practice that come out of the prison environment. One major influence that causes “Prislam” is the gang culture which pervades prisons in the United States. Two aspects of gang culture is the structure of the gang which includes a leader (“shot caller”) and tattoos.
In many prisons that have a Muslim population, one may find that the community appoints a leader to lead the prayers and offer guidance to the community. While some prison institutions do not allow an inmate to act as the official religious leader (imam) for other inmates, one survey found that over half do. This is acceptable and even encouraged in Florida prisons. The fear that institutions have is that the position of religious authority could be abused and taken as a route to act as nothing more than a gang-leader for the Muslim inmates at a particular prison. This is a valid concern that I recognize as i have seen an imam be appointed after being muslim only a month and having little understating of the religion only because he was a former gang member with authority in the prison. The fear in this situation is clear. You have someone who just became Muslim and could potentially make decisions that affect the safety or lives of other Muslim, other inmates or even staff. The Muslims who support this Iman system will then take verses of the Quran and Hadith out of context to justify the need for a leader and the obligation of the entire community to pledge allegiance to him (bay’ah) and then obey his every command. Part of my focus when teaching the fundamentals of Islam to my grow Muslims is to shed light on how the religious texts are being misused and abused to perpetuate a false system which sometimes included the implementations of the Islamic penal code (hudud) in a vigilante-type method which is completely unacceptable. There are times when the Muslim inmates may justify a crime, such as an attack on another prisoner, as being permissible due to the fact that it is a hudud implementation. At the same time, there are institutions who recognize and work with the “appointed Muslim leader” and many times the person is very well-balanced and dedicated to following true Islam and the rules and regulations of the prison. One thing I would suggest to policy makers for prisons is that rather than negate the “Inmate Imam” position for fear of it undermining the security of the prison, if those appointed leaders are trained properly, they could facilitate many of the religious needs of the communities they are already currently serving. This has a benefit of ensuring that inmates are receiving proper religious education and practice while in prison and reduces the load on budgets that would be needed to hire outside Imams.
Muslims in prison are at the forefront of a number of programs to help others. A number of major legal precedents for prisoner rights have had Muslim inmates at the forefront. A number of successful inmate-led rehabilitation groups have been founded by Muslims and many Muslims facilitate other successful programs. One of these such programs was co-founded by two Muslim brothers who previously served time that then went on to establish it as a non-profit organization after their release and now have a contract for a transitional house with the State of California, an office building given to them rent free by the city the organization is run in, and one of the former prisoners sits on the Human Relations committee of that city. I have heard stories of our brothers and sisters resolving conflicts in the prison that would otherwise turn into full-blown prison “wars.”
Some Muslims upon release, have gone into starting their own businesses, teaching, non-profit work, and graduate school. They have established families and work with the communities they live in, both the Muslims and non-MuIims. The potential that is there is endless and it is a constant reminder to me of the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) that, “People are like ores, like the ores of gold and silver, the best of them before Islam (jahiliyya) are the best of them in Islam if they gain understanding (fiqh)". Yes, there are people who have lived in an age of ignorance, but does that mean we give up on them? Is that the approach that the Prophet Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) took when he made a prayer for the guidance of ‘Umar, a man who worshipped idols, buried his own daughter alive and wanted to kill the Prophet? It was that potential that someone saw in Malcolm Little while he was in prison and aided him on his journey for knowledge. He would later become El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, one of the greatest figures in the spread of Islam in the United States and who helped so many others out of the darkness of ignorance.
I firmly believe in the power of education in dramatically transforming the dynamics of the prisons in the United States today. There are men and women who when they find themselves with the time and space to learn, and with the proper tools, can achieve great things. For those who will be returning to their communities, they could be equipped with the information, confidence and steadfastness that education provides. Islamic education should also be viewed as a springboard to other forms of education.
Remember, even a caged bird can sing.
We owe it to prisoners, both religiously and as a civic duty, to provide the resources they need on their journey of seeking knowledge, to help them bring out the potential they have.
Nima Al Farsi
Muslim
Prisoner of the state of florida
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