Since I am in the holiday spirit this evening, let's stay on the topic of giving. I watched a heartwarming story on the Maritime' A-Channel News the other night. I have to say, I definately choked back some tears.
I cannot remember the name of the city it took place in, but a number of residence donated TONS of gently used househole items to a local charity. Volunteers of that charity rented an empty warehouse and set up a massive display of children's clothes, toys, well-conditioned appliances, home decor, and other items.
What might you ask was there intention? It was to allow those who have recently found themselves laid-off or jobless, the opportunity to purchases Christmas gifts for their loved ones at the low price of 50 cents. I thought the idea was brilliant, and you could see appreciation and relief on the shoppers' faces.
Here's the best part, all procedes were also donated to a local food bank, in a continuing effort to make this Christmas a little easier for those in need. DOUBLE WOW!
Stories like this just go to show that not-for-profits do have the ability to receive some beautiful coverage when their ideas are unique and timely. Although the charity was probably not expecting the coverage, I am glad I had the chance to witness it.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Don't be hypnotized by shiny gift-cards this holiday season
It has only been a few years since I frist noticed those gift-card displays at large chain stores. However, now I am beginning to see them everywhere, and they are usually stratigically place near the entrance. From LaSenza to Chapters, you can finish your Christmas shopping in a 2 foot squared radious and without really ever entering the store.
Don's get me wrong. I love receiving gift cards for the holidays, but I also agree with the statement that it takes away from the effort put into the gift. It use to be the gift you got the person you racked your brain over trying to figure out what they'd like. Now it's become the slackers way out of having to think about anyone.
As an event coordinator, picking the perfect take-away can be the most memorable part of the event. Half the time people receive so many gift-cards for Christmas that they can't remember who gave them what. The perfect gift can capture a moment in time for those who have attended an event and can be a tasteful reflection of your appreciation for their attendance. I've always believed, " It's not the gift that matters, it's the thought behind it."
Don's get me wrong. I love receiving gift cards for the holidays, but I also agree with the statement that it takes away from the effort put into the gift. It use to be the gift you got the person you racked your brain over trying to figure out what they'd like. Now it's become the slackers way out of having to think about anyone.
As an event coordinator, picking the perfect take-away can be the most memorable part of the event. Half the time people receive so many gift-cards for Christmas that they can't remember who gave them what. The perfect gift can capture a moment in time for those who have attended an event and can be a tasteful reflection of your appreciation for their attendance. I've always believed, " It's not the gift that matters, it's the thought behind it."
Monday, November 24, 2008
The balancing act of the Supreme Court
I read an interesting opinion article in today's National post which I wish to share with you. It suggested that the balance between Supreme Court rulings and the idea of social sensitivity have been tipped on the scales of justice.
As of last year, the Supreme Court of Canada has introduced the "acessible transport" law, which states that obese people, who cannot fit within the normal chair constraints of a transporation vehicle, should be allowed a second seat at no extra cost. This past week, an airlined appealed this law to the courts, stating that this puts the company in a financial dilemma. Who's going to be the one to pay for the lost seats?
The journalist pointed out that those who are too tall do not receive special treatment as part of his rebuttle. Therefore alluding to the idea that why should obese people be an exception? I understand both sides of this argument, but I would have to agree with his statement. When does it become too much?
Precedents set a tone for many laws of the future, and this case has the ability to take the idea of social sensitivy to an extreme. It is a delicate topic to touch on, and as public relations professionals we are told to be aware of cultural differences. I guess my thought for this evening, is how do we learn to be sensitive without discriminating against or leaving anyone out? Is it even logically possible? Penny for your thoughts?
For the full article visit: http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=983151
As of last year, the Supreme Court of Canada has introduced the "acessible transport" law, which states that obese people, who cannot fit within the normal chair constraints of a transporation vehicle, should be allowed a second seat at no extra cost. This past week, an airlined appealed this law to the courts, stating that this puts the company in a financial dilemma. Who's going to be the one to pay for the lost seats?
The journalist pointed out that those who are too tall do not receive special treatment as part of his rebuttle. Therefore alluding to the idea that why should obese people be an exception? I understand both sides of this argument, but I would have to agree with his statement. When does it become too much?
Precedents set a tone for many laws of the future, and this case has the ability to take the idea of social sensitivy to an extreme. It is a delicate topic to touch on, and as public relations professionals we are told to be aware of cultural differences. I guess my thought for this evening, is how do we learn to be sensitive without discriminating against or leaving anyone out? Is it even logically possible? Penny for your thoughts?
For the full article visit: http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=983151
Sunday, November 23, 2008
It's beginning to look a lot like... hypocrisy
Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to meet a gentleman that my hometown had hired to create a Christmas spectacular for the Museum Square. Each year the Museum Square is decorated to look like a winter wonderland, and it draws many citizens downtown for a little Christmas spirit.
I guess this year the city felt like it needed a little updating and brought in this gentleman from Ottawa to produce a 15 ft. Christmas tree equipped with 56,000 light bulbs. It has generated a lot of excitement, but it has also confused many of those who have witnessed its splendor. I have had a number of residents coming into my place of work (it’s basically across the street from the Museum Square) complaining about the tree and its uselessness. I get a lot of the “ Its nice, but” type of remarks.
Like many other cities, Woodstock has motivated its citizens to “go-green”. Over the past year alone, we have introduced the new black boxes for recycling, and I can’t even explain how many times I’ve witnessed a local hydro company campaigning for the LED light bulbs.
Yes, the tree does use LED light bulbs, but at a whopping 56, 000 of them how much energy can you possibly be conserving? This tree remains on from dusk till dawn and plays a musical dance with the lights. I just don’t see this as the most environmentally friendly solution.
If the city wants its people to be more environmentally conscious, I don’t believe this was a smartest idea. It contradicts the messages they are trying to advocate, and is a bit hypocritical. Maybe a Paper-Mache nativity scene, made from recyclable paper would have gone over better?
I guess this year the city felt like it needed a little updating and brought in this gentleman from Ottawa to produce a 15 ft. Christmas tree equipped with 56,000 light bulbs. It has generated a lot of excitement, but it has also confused many of those who have witnessed its splendor. I have had a number of residents coming into my place of work (it’s basically across the street from the Museum Square) complaining about the tree and its uselessness. I get a lot of the “ Its nice, but” type of remarks.
Like many other cities, Woodstock has motivated its citizens to “go-green”. Over the past year alone, we have introduced the new black boxes for recycling, and I can’t even explain how many times I’ve witnessed a local hydro company campaigning for the LED light bulbs.
Yes, the tree does use LED light bulbs, but at a whopping 56, 000 of them how much energy can you possibly be conserving? This tree remains on from dusk till dawn and plays a musical dance with the lights. I just don’t see this as the most environmentally friendly solution.
If the city wants its people to be more environmentally conscious, I don’t believe this was a smartest idea. It contradicts the messages they are trying to advocate, and is a bit hypocritical. Maybe a Paper-Mache nativity scene, made from recyclable paper would have gone over better?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Why didn't anyone tell me that volunteering was simply a resume builder?
Normally, I would only write one blog a day, but I underwent a certain conflict last night and it has been on my mind for the last 24 hours.
Around this time, last night, I received a phone call from a friend of mine. This friend was calling me to let me know there was a volunteer opportunity available next week with a BIG name attached to it.
Immediately, I had a gut reaction telling me to think this through. The famous, politcal person guest speaking at this event, isn't someone I am particularily supportive of. I knew that the proceeds from this event would be going into his pocket, and that wasn't something I agreed with either, especially when the theme of the event was 'motivation'.
I told this person that this was something I wanted to research before I gave her an answer, but immediately she became very defensive and told me I was missing out on an awsome resume builder.
I tried to explain to her that this situation was special. I tend to be very politcaly outspoken, and that volunteering at this event would be a contradicition of my beliefs. Im sorry, I adore this person with all my heart, but when in the world was volunteering just a way to catch the eye of an employer? When did it become about quantity and not quailty? I simply cannot justify volunteering for an organization that I do not believe is making an honest effort to do their part for the community.
As a communicator, I understand the importance of volunteering, but volunteering for selfish intentions, is ouvertly not volunteering at all. It saddens me to see this becoming a game. There are plenty of legitimate causes out there, that need the time and dedication of volunteers. However, if the only people willing to volunteer are the ones doing it to get a step aheadin their careers, than how successfull can that charity truly be?
People need to find volunteer opportunities that resonate with them. It's the only way to ensure your efforts are being put forth in an honest manner. Students, especially feel the pressure to volunteer. Unfortunately, if an employer was to ask you about your volunteer experiences and you can not show passion in your response, then it completely defeates the purpose. Just take the reference as a bonus.
Around this time, last night, I received a phone call from a friend of mine. This friend was calling me to let me know there was a volunteer opportunity available next week with a BIG name attached to it.
Immediately, I had a gut reaction telling me to think this through. The famous, politcal person guest speaking at this event, isn't someone I am particularily supportive of. I knew that the proceeds from this event would be going into his pocket, and that wasn't something I agreed with either, especially when the theme of the event was 'motivation'.
I told this person that this was something I wanted to research before I gave her an answer, but immediately she became very defensive and told me I was missing out on an awsome resume builder.
I tried to explain to her that this situation was special. I tend to be very politcaly outspoken, and that volunteering at this event would be a contradicition of my beliefs. Im sorry, I adore this person with all my heart, but when in the world was volunteering just a way to catch the eye of an employer? When did it become about quantity and not quailty? I simply cannot justify volunteering for an organization that I do not believe is making an honest effort to do their part for the community.
As a communicator, I understand the importance of volunteering, but volunteering for selfish intentions, is ouvertly not volunteering at all. It saddens me to see this becoming a game. There are plenty of legitimate causes out there, that need the time and dedication of volunteers. However, if the only people willing to volunteer are the ones doing it to get a step aheadin their careers, than how successfull can that charity truly be?
People need to find volunteer opportunities that resonate with them. It's the only way to ensure your efforts are being put forth in an honest manner. Students, especially feel the pressure to volunteer. Unfortunately, if an employer was to ask you about your volunteer experiences and you can not show passion in your response, then it completely defeates the purpose. Just take the reference as a bonus.
Myspace or invasion of space?
This week marks the start of a Los Angeles trial, where Lori Drew,49, stands before the court accused of cyber-bullying. She is being charged with failure to uphold the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Her active participation may, or maynot, have led to the suicide of a 13 year old girl, in Missouri. See National Post for full details of the story: http://www.nationalpost.com/most_popular/story.html?id=974494
This is a particular sad incident that occured, and it has brought cyber-bullying to the fore front of concern for the crimial courts. However, there is an underlined, secondary conern at hand here. I was curious to know Myspace's comments on this case, or if it has made any changes to its security.
I once to was a Myspace user, but have since then deleted my account because of the unnecessary dramatics that were occuring. I do have a facebook account, but i only use it to stay in touch with my closest friends and to communicate with my classmates. I find it alot more user friendly, and protective of my privacy.
Upon arriving at the Myspace site, I really had to search for their safety and security section. It was a little covert to find, but there was a small section at the bottom were the terms and agreements were. It was through there that i discovered a plethera of safety tips and resources. I was pleasantly surprised at all they offered.
Then I started reading, and for the majority of the content, the tips they offered were informative and comforting. If someone has encoutered harrassment on Myspace they are encouraged to report it. I was truly impressed. until i discovered this:
"Someone on MySpace is bugging/harrassing/threatening me - what can I do about it? The best thing to do if and when you encounter such a situation is simply ignore them... 99.9% of the time they will soon leave you alone. Remember, you can always remove the person from your Friend List (they will then no longer be able to add Comments to your Profile page), delete any Comments they leave on your Profile page, and you can even delete any messages they send you via the MySpace Mail system without opening them. By NOT responding to offending user (i.e., NOT giving them any attention, NOT letting them get a "rise" out of you), most people will simply go away. " (http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=misc.faq&Category=6&Question=6)
This was found under their FAQ section. To me this completly contradicted the first sections I was reading. Before I was being told to come forward if I was being bullied, yet now I am being told to ignore it. Unfortunately, bullying doesnt just go away. Many bullies enjoy when someone ignores them. It becomes a challenge and they will persue it further and harder than ever before. Clicking a "blocking" tool doesnt just make the problem cease. In most cases for young teens, when the harassment has already occured, the damage is done. The teen has already been hurt and there's little to make that teen less vulnerable. Most times, the person that is performing the harassment is someone who the victim knows, like a peer. It doesn's just go away.
Myspace needs to ensure their messages are consistant. A person with concerns stands a 50/50 chance of only reading one of the two sections. Make sure the key messages are reaching the intended audience and repeated to them throughout the website.
Again, it is, in my opinion, that this situation was completely rediculous. It should never have happened. Most people would put the blame on the parents, but where is the fine line? Unfortunately, parents can't be there 24/7; they can do their best as parents to prevent this from happening, but in all reality, they can't be on the school yards, or know what their child is thinking. Some companies need to realize they hold a certain amount of social responsibility. Their actions can make a big impact, unfortunatly in this case their actions cost a life.
This is a particular sad incident that occured, and it has brought cyber-bullying to the fore front of concern for the crimial courts. However, there is an underlined, secondary conern at hand here. I was curious to know Myspace's comments on this case, or if it has made any changes to its security.
I once to was a Myspace user, but have since then deleted my account because of the unnecessary dramatics that were occuring. I do have a facebook account, but i only use it to stay in touch with my closest friends and to communicate with my classmates. I find it alot more user friendly, and protective of my privacy.
Upon arriving at the Myspace site, I really had to search for their safety and security section. It was a little covert to find, but there was a small section at the bottom were the terms and agreements were. It was through there that i discovered a plethera of safety tips and resources. I was pleasantly surprised at all they offered.
Then I started reading, and for the majority of the content, the tips they offered were informative and comforting. If someone has encoutered harrassment on Myspace they are encouraged to report it. I was truly impressed. until i discovered this:
"Someone on MySpace is bugging/harrassing/threatening me - what can I do about it? The best thing to do if and when you encounter such a situation is simply ignore them... 99.9% of the time they will soon leave you alone. Remember, you can always remove the person from your Friend List (they will then no longer be able to add Comments to your Profile page), delete any Comments they leave on your Profile page, and you can even delete any messages they send you via the MySpace Mail system without opening them. By NOT responding to offending user (i.e., NOT giving them any attention, NOT letting them get a "rise" out of you), most people will simply go away. " (http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=misc.faq&Category=6&Question=6)
This was found under their FAQ section. To me this completly contradicted the first sections I was reading. Before I was being told to come forward if I was being bullied, yet now I am being told to ignore it. Unfortunately, bullying doesnt just go away. Many bullies enjoy when someone ignores them. It becomes a challenge and they will persue it further and harder than ever before. Clicking a "blocking" tool doesnt just make the problem cease. In most cases for young teens, when the harassment has already occured, the damage is done. The teen has already been hurt and there's little to make that teen less vulnerable. Most times, the person that is performing the harassment is someone who the victim knows, like a peer. It doesn's just go away.
Myspace needs to ensure their messages are consistant. A person with concerns stands a 50/50 chance of only reading one of the two sections. Make sure the key messages are reaching the intended audience and repeated to them throughout the website.
Again, it is, in my opinion, that this situation was completely rediculous. It should never have happened. Most people would put the blame on the parents, but where is the fine line? Unfortunately, parents can't be there 24/7; they can do their best as parents to prevent this from happening, but in all reality, they can't be on the school yards, or know what their child is thinking. Some companies need to realize they hold a certain amount of social responsibility. Their actions can make a big impact, unfortunatly in this case their actions cost a life.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
handheld law not being upheld
Within the last month, the McGinty government as pushed for the introduction of Bill 135. This bill would prevent the use of handheld devices while behind the wheel. The cell phone ban passed its second reading on October 28, 2008 and is likely to be instituted within the coming months.
On Monday morning, I was attempting to make my way to pick up a classmate. It was extremely slippy on the roads, and drivers were having a hard time getting traction. I just put new snow tires on my car last Christmas, and even I felt as though I was driving with bald tires. Within the 10 minute commute, I encountered three female drivers blatenly chatting on their cellphones.
As a female, I have always done my best to break the stereotype of being a wreckless driver. Unfortunately, distracting yourself from the road seems to be a daily routine for some woman whether it be eating behind the wheel, texting your girl friends, and my favourite: putting on mascara in your vanity mirror. By all means, I am not saying all woman are bad drivers. I am simply speaking from experience, and my experiences only.
My suggestion would be for the MTO to create a campaign targeted at young female drivers. It might not be the most easily persuaded target audience, but 1 out of every 4 people who attempt to operate a handheld device while driving cause accidents. Somehow they feel that texting the latest gossip is more important than peoples' lives.
The only way the MTO's message is going to reach these people is by baisically "scaring them straight". They currently use a simulation device to try and explain to people the dangers of this sort of behavior. In the long run I do not see this being enough. The only way your going to reach these people is by giving them a harsh dose of reality. I don't mean go out and cause accidents to prove a point. I am simply saying, with the right campaign, I feel that this law will have a better chance of being upheld. Otherwise, people are going to continuing getting text messages and not the REAL message here.
On Monday morning, I was attempting to make my way to pick up a classmate. It was extremely slippy on the roads, and drivers were having a hard time getting traction. I just put new snow tires on my car last Christmas, and even I felt as though I was driving with bald tires. Within the 10 minute commute, I encountered three female drivers blatenly chatting on their cellphones.
As a female, I have always done my best to break the stereotype of being a wreckless driver. Unfortunately, distracting yourself from the road seems to be a daily routine for some woman whether it be eating behind the wheel, texting your girl friends, and my favourite: putting on mascara in your vanity mirror. By all means, I am not saying all woman are bad drivers. I am simply speaking from experience, and my experiences only.
My suggestion would be for the MTO to create a campaign targeted at young female drivers. It might not be the most easily persuaded target audience, but 1 out of every 4 people who attempt to operate a handheld device while driving cause accidents. Somehow they feel that texting the latest gossip is more important than peoples' lives.
The only way the MTO's message is going to reach these people is by baisically "scaring them straight". They currently use a simulation device to try and explain to people the dangers of this sort of behavior. In the long run I do not see this being enough. The only way your going to reach these people is by giving them a harsh dose of reality. I don't mean go out and cause accidents to prove a point. I am simply saying, with the right campaign, I feel that this law will have a better chance of being upheld. Otherwise, people are going to continuing getting text messages and not the REAL message here.
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