Such a wonderful way to help the homeless this holiday season
During the holidays, people are more prone to donating their time and money to those less fortunate –even though most of these very same people still need assistance throughout the other eleven months of the year…. Volunteering at homeless shelters is definitely a most worthwhile and fulfilling investment, and thankfully, Andrew Hochhauser is able to take this altruistic giving to the next level.
Trial lawyer Andrew Hochhauser and some colleagues volunteer twice a month at Shelter from the Storm in Islington (North London), giving free legal advice on such issues from child custody and divorce… to housing and getting access to benefits. And better yet, this legal clinic inside a homeless shelter has now attracted other law firms wanting to also donate their time and help those “sleeping rough” (as London describes their homeless). Wow, this so fantastic! …considering everyone needs a “do-over” from time to time.
Due to the laws stating that lawyers “need” insurance, it was initially tricky getting Hochhauser to donate his time and counsel at the shelter, simply because “volunteers” are not covered by their firms (another area we can change!). Fortunately, they found a solution by him agreeing “to a partnership with the Islington Law Centre, which is funded by the local council, for insurance.” The next step is for lawyers to represent clients living at the shelter pro-bono. Thank you lawyer in London for doing your part –now, I ask you dear readers: What can you bring to the table to help make someone’s life a little easier?
Banker Bonus Lawyer Who Can’t Cook Helps Homeless at Christmas by Kit Chellel. Bloomberg News.
It’s crucial we keep peeling back the onion layers to find what’s still out of balance in order to rid ourselves of it: “Operation IRS”
Isn’t it interesting how everything seems to be coming full-circle these days? Yesterday, I reviewed a news article about China and their anti-corruption committee probing at the highest levels, while the United States is examining the same issue (abuse of power) within the IRS. It’s that old saying of “what goes around comes around,” knowing that our government is far from squeaky clean.
Darrell Issa (R-CA) is presenting a report today summarizing the investigation of the IRS and their relationship with political nonprofit groups. “Nearly five years after the IRS first began targeting conservative organizations for additional scrutiny due to their political beliefs, the agency has still not escaped the shadow of its misdeeds and abuse of power,” the report concludes.
“It argues that the IRS was swayed by rhetoric from Democrats calling for tougher rules on nonprofits’ involvement in politics –and blames senior IRS executives for failing to tell Congress what they knew about these efforts…. That revelation led to the resignation of acting IRS commissioner Steven Miller and the suspension and retirement of Lois Lerner, the director of exempt organizations.”
While it’s never my desire for someone to be jobless without the ability to pay bills, etc, corruption at the deepest levels must be exposed in order to stop it from happening. This is the only way (bringing it into the Light) to move forward and cut out the rotten parts of our institutional systems.
Issa Exits With Final Parting Shots at ‘Abuse of Power’ in IRS by Richard Rubin. Bloomberg News.
Gen Y leading the way toward business reform
Lastly, dear Ones, I really enjoyed this article, acknowledging how the needs of Gen Y are different than the previous generations. For example, unlike the Baby Boomers and Gen X, Gen Y (born between 1980-2000) distinctly needs much more immediate and positive feedback. “They’re hugely more likely than Gen-Xers and Boomers to want feedback on how they can improve their performance and make sure they’re doing everything right,” says writer Neil Howe, who co-authored Millenials Rising in 2000.
Most members of both previous generations typically believe that these “kids” are simply naïve, and after paying their dues, they will “see and learn” how business is conducted in the real world, and then be forced to grow up. However, I do not believe that’s in the cards for this generation. In fact, it is my belief that these “kids” are here to teach us a new way. Just like our beloved Indigos –of whom many of this generation are– Gen Y will change what’s out of integrity in business too.
Let’s face it, commercial businesses (eg, fashion, entertainment, medicine, sports, and finance) are probably the most out of balanced industries there are. They are writing their own ticket, treating (or mis-treating) others however they choose without regard for huge monetary losses (such as homes and cars), transferring millions of dollars between hands without the blink of an eye. “It’s a dog eat dog world out there. Sometimes you win some, sometimes you lose. That’s life in the Big City,” are unconscious programmed reactions to witnessing a father, or a wife –and their children– fall into oblivion by losing their job, home, dignity, and self respect.
Yes, the reality of business outside the office can be devastatingly cut-throat in our current society. Thank Goddess our beloved Gen Y’ers march to the beat of a different drummer and are pushing for change by starting inside the office. Role modeling to us “seasoned” grown-ups that greater and more meaningful communication is most advantageous, in addition to the necessity for genuine encouragement and positive feedback. This way we are re-learning to respect one another, being mindful of individual needs. In turn, bringing more integrity into business, as we become more and more conscious of people’s feelings.
Just like we personally must turn inward and work on ourselves if we want to change the outside world, so too Gen Y is working on the individual companies, helping them learn to treat their own employees with respect and integrity, which will result in this goodwill energy radiating outward into corporations and industries around the globe! Gen Y: Changing the world one company at at time.
This Top Ad Agency Rearranged Its Office Around Millennials by Belinda Lanks. Business Week.
Merry Christmas to all of you, including to my own families: At home, across this globe, and here at the Golden Age of Gaia. Whether you celebrate it directly or not, let us all remember to “live” the reason for the season, which is to love one another without judgment –no matter what your beliefs, culture, or religion. Until next time….
We Are All One
Gavin