At the time of this writing, the results of the elections have not been finalized. While the specific impact the elections will have for the interests of Goodwill®, the people we serve, and the charitable sector as whole is unknown, we can say that there will be an abundance of opportunity to forge new relationships, leverage our expertise and successes in the workforce development arena, and bridge the divide in our country.
Category: Advocate
Get Out the Vote 2020
I was able to cast my vote last week, as Virginia is one of the 42 states along with the District of Columbia that offers in-person early voting. My polling place was fresh out of “I Voted Early” stickers, so I took a “Future Voter” sticker instead. Probably meant for children, technically I’m a “Future Voter” as well since I’ll surely be voting again in another election.
#Relief4Charities is Still a Priority
Monitoring negotiations between Congress and the Administration as to whether there will be another COVID-19 relief package before the election has conjured images of Charlie Brown and Lucy playing with the political football.
Goodwill Celebrates Workers with Disabilities
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual opportunity to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and educate about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. This year's theme — "Increasing Access and Opportunity" — is especially important as the nation’s economy begins to recover from a global pandemic, which caused unique challenges for people with disabilities.
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Tell Congress to Act Now to Provide #Relief4Charities
Congress has a number of pressing issues before them. One issue that appears to have overwhelming agreement from both sides of the aisle and the Administration is that additional COVID-19 relief is needed. Yet, how much relief and when to provide it continue to be sticking points in negotiations — which appear to be at a standstill.
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Are you #VoteReady?
Goodwill Industries International (GII) is excited once again be part of a national effort to strengthen our democracy by promoting National Voter Registration Day on September 22. As a nonpartisan holiday celebrated by a diverse coalition of organizations and individuals across sectors and across the country, National Voter Registration Day is the perfect opportunity to get involved.
Congress Needs to Act Immediately to Provide #Relief4Charities
There’s a “pool committee” in my community comprised of a group of volunteers who conduct rigorous cleanings of the pool and patio furniture so residents can enjoy it over the summer. The chair of the committee makes a loud declaration whenever new people enter the gates and reminds them of the pool rules regarding limited capacity, etc. He begins every announcement by stating, “There’s still a pandemic going on.” As Congress continues to engage in partisan politics, they could benefit from this reminder.
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Building a Better Back to School
For many students, this back-to-school season brings with it a host of new and unprecedented challenges to achieving educational goals. Across the country, local Goodwill organizations have partnered with community colleges to support low-income and non-traditional students in accessing and completing programs that lead to in-demand credentials.
Be an Informed Voter
At the time of this writing, the Republican National Convention (RNC) is wrapping up. The RNC came on the heels of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which convened last week. Thomas Jefferson once wrote that a well-informed electorate is a prerequisite to democracy, and we encourage you to read through the priorities and platforms that were unveiled during the conventions.
Voting in the Time of COVID-19
The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. Just over 55 years ago, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. I've always enjoyed the process of voting, reflecting on the sacrifices people have made so I can exercise my right, chatting with neighbors from my community, thanking poll workers and campaign staff, and of course receiving my "I voted" sticker.
Deal or No Deal
Another week has passed, another 1.2 million Americans have filed for unemployment, another slew of businesses have shuttered their doors, and hundreds of thousands of people have tested positive for COVID-19 while another several thousand have lost their lives — and yet there is still no agreement on the next round of congressional relief for the nation. This process is frustrating and exhausting, but we cannot give up our pursuit.
Heroes or Healers – We Need #Relief4Charities
House Democrats passed the HEROES Act back in May as their opening bid in the next round of COVID-19 congressional relief. The title is short for Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act. Senate Republicans countered this week with the HEALS Act, short for Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools Act.
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