From Tragedy to Resiliency: Incorporating Stories into Advocacy Efforts

Like many Americans, the Boston Marathon bombings have led me to experience a roller coaster of emotions. One journalist noted that marathons are a place where news bumps into you. One doesn't have to seek out a story. A colleague from another organization asked me if I had a standard presentation on incorporating stories into advocacy and I pointed him in the direction of our My Story initiative. I ask you to share your uplifting story, think about how you weave those stories into your advocacy, and be sure to recognize when news bumps into you.

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‘All Thrifty States’ Comes to the East Coast with Goodwill Industries® as Educational Partner

Jenna Isaacson—independent visual journalist, Goodwill® blogger and lover of all things thrift—recently left Washington, DC, on a thrifting expedition for her documentary photo project All Thrifty States: A Visual Journey through America’s Collective Closets. Goodwill Industries is an educational partner and sponsor of the project and upcoming book that demonstrate how purchasing used items is not only environmentally friendly, but a healthy alternative to the consumerism that has pushed Americans’ spending habits to the max.

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Give Old Furniture a New Life with Fabric and Mod Podge

So, you thrifted a piece of furniture that you love, but it needs a serious facelift. If the size, design, and functionality are perfect for your needs, but the unfinished or outdated surface could use a little work, here’s an idea for you: add fabric instead of paint! This is such a fun way to

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Project Declutter: Spring Cleaning Challenge!

What if a magazine sent a professional organizer to your home for a huge makeover? This April’s issue of Woman’s Day kicked off the first in a four-part series called “Project Declutter.” I worked with two families, one in Illinois and one in Michigan, and we tackled their closets, kitchens, home offices and other trouble spots. I’m so excited to share the results!

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America’s Budget Process: A Return to Normalcy?

In 1920, presidential candidate Warren Harding campaigned on a “return to normalcy” promise after the end of World War I, a war that unhinged most of Europe from aristocratic rule and left many more people disillusioned. After the calamity of the Great Recession of 2008-2011, many Americans also became disillusioned with their government. What Americans needed was for their elected leaders to work together to right the ship of state. What they got instead were constant ideological battles, an inability or unwillingness to work together, and threats of government defaults, shutdowns and sequesters. But this year Congress might have finally woken up and listened.

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Atlanta High School Students Showcase Thrifted Fashions through ‘Prom Remixed’ Essay Contest

Goodwill of North Georgia recently teamed up with fashion blog The2econdFloor.com to hold a Prom Remixed Essay Contest for students at Grayson High School in Loganville, GA. Three students won the contest after writing a 500-word essay about their view on incorporating used and/or repurposed clothing into their personal style.

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