Myka 9 andHand Solo Records artists, Mickey OBrienand Ultra Magnus, along with local support fromConika, will perform at The Loft in the Algoma Conservatory of Music this week.

Myka 9gained popularity in the underground rap scene of 1990s LA. He has a fast-paced and melodic lyrical style influenced byjazz. He is also a memberHaiku D'etat and The Freestyle Fellowship.

Mickey OBrien, a rapperfrom Sudburyhas lyrically rich and multi-genre tracks, focusing on mental health, relationships, and workers empowerment.

Ultra Magnus is a rapper who has been touring around Canada for the last few years as part of the duo of Ultra Magnus and DJ Slam!

Conika is ahip-hop MC andpoet from Garden River whose songsfocus onemotion and personal experience.

Their performance will kick offon July 10at 7 p.m.

For more information, read the news release below:

Dryer Fire, in collaboration with The Algoma Conservatory of Music and with the generous support of Village Media, presents underground hip hop legend Myka 9 on tour with Hand Solo Records artists, Mickey OBrien (Sudbury) and Ultra Magnus (Toronto), along with local support from Conika. They will perform on Sunday, July 10, at 7 p.m. at The Loft at The Algoma Conservatory of Music, 75 Huron St.

Myka 9 has been referred to as your favourite rappers favourite rapper. Known initially as Microphone Mike, the artist made a name for himself in the underground rap scene of 1990s LA. His lyrical style is fast-paced and melodic, drawing heavily on jazz influences. Hes a member of influential groups Haiku D'etat and The Freestyle Fellowship.

Mickey OBrien is a rapper hailing from Copper Cliff, just outside of Sudbury. His tracks are lyrically rich and multi-genre, touching on themes of mental health, relationships, and workers empowerment, reflecting his reality as a working-class Northern Ontario artist.

Ultra Magnus grew up in a highly isolated part of Canada, but thanks to the advent of the internet, he discovered hip hop decades ago and obsessed over it. He has been touring Canada for the last few years as part of the duo of Ultra Magnus & DJ Slam!.

Conika is a skilled hip-hop MC and spoken word poet from Garden River who explores emotion and personal experience through her rhymes.

This will be the first hip-hop show presented at The Loft. The space, located on the third floor of The Algoma Conservatory of Music, is a gorgeous venue with incredible acoustics. This is sure to be a show not to be missed!

This is an all-ages event. Tickets are $25 and are available through The Algoma Conservatory of Music website and the Dryer Fire website.

Facebook event link can be found here.

For more information, contact Nicole Dyble at dryerfiressm@gmail.com.

Visit link:
Myka 9 and guests play The Loft this week - SooToday

Assertiveness remains an essential tool for a successful career in nursing. Although this quality is rooted in communication skills, possession of good communication skills does not guarantee assertiveness.

Many literature sources have highlighted the importance of assertiveness in care delivery, expression of needs, affirming self-values and building interpersonal relationships.

There is also evidence of non-assertiveness, predominant among overseas nurses, and its correlation to human factors, unfair treatments, and conflicts in workplaces.

We may observe that people from varying ethnic backgrounds assert themselves differently from the way we are used to

Ordinarily, certain factors affect assertiveness but there are factors peculiar to overseas nurses, which cause their assertiveness to wane over time.

This is an issue that deserves urgent attention to ameliorate the associated mental stress, under-representation, bullying, dissatisfaction, and poor retention.

Therefore, this piece is aimed at understanding how assertiveness may regress instead of improving timely for overseas nurses and useful tips for self-help and supporting them.

Communication is a means of exchange. By this, we can send different messages through both verbal and nonverbal means.

While we may be fluent in a language largely representing the verbal aspect, the non-verbal means which constitute an immense part of the communication piece remain greatly influenced by culture and learning; so is assertiveness.

Eye contact, tone, posture, hand gestures, and when and how they are used accord some cultural essence to our communication.

Therefore, there is no one way of being assertive. Under normal circumstances, everyone understands their individual needs and can express them in unique ways without being confrontational and that is assertiveness.

In other words, we may observe that people from varying ethnic backgrounds assert themselves differently from the way we are used to.

When we assert ourselves, we intend to transmit an honest, clear, and understandable message. In return, we expect an understanding, positive action, information, and a good experience.

However, many overseas nurses often find themselves in a different situation where their messages are often misunderstood, misinterpreted, denigrated, or blanked, producing a negative experience.

Nurses have reported being perceived as mean or aggressive, or unsure of themselves due to their hand gestures or tone of voice.

Also, the discouraging responses they received when they assert themselves are widespread. Typical examples include, and are not limited to:

Consequently, a once firm voice begins to waver. Eye contact becomes effortful, and an accumulated feeling of disrespect and being judged naturally put them on the defence.

At this point, it is pertinent to mention that nurses in a new environment may experience diminished self-reliance due to unfamiliarity; they are not surefooted and would be asking a lot of questions.

Invariably, they will assert their needs how best they know and should be understood and valued. Bear in mind that assertiveness requires some mental energy, and can be given up when constantly challenged with negative responses.

To buttress, even people who are developed in assertiveness may not always be mentally prepared to be assertive.

Nurses should accommodate and treat each other with utmost respect irrespective of background

So, without appropriate support, overtime, overseas nurses may begin to conceal their true feelings resulting in low self-esteem, compromised patient care, and a lack of courage to escalate concerns, or even venture for higher positions.

Therefore, there should be an empathic connection to their needs to lend them that mental empowerment to be assertive.

Nurses should accommodate and treat each other with utmost respect irrespective of background. An understanding that colleagues can do things slightly differently will create more room to sincerely connect to their needs.

It is also this understanding that will help you appreciate their normal behaviour. This is not synonymous with saying that overseas nurses do not have their weaknesses, just like every other human.

Instead, this is an awakening for nurses to be culturally aware of others to avoid picking the wrong message.

Just as the overseas nurses strive to understand and imbibe the culture in the UK, other colleagues should make a reciprocate attempt to understand them.

Evidence indicates that a positive work ethic facilitates the adjustment of overseas nurses to their new workplace environments.

On the other hand, overseas nurses should refrain from building their personal experiences around that of others.

Ward managers and other staff should support international nurses to be at their best

While there is evidence of unpleasant experiences among overseas nurses, nurses should learn from those experiences rather than personalise them. Rid yourself of biases and embrace your unique journey.

In addition, overseas nurses should normalise reflective practice. Reflections allow you to learn and improve from your experiences. Again, clarity of message cannot be over-emphasised.

Focus on making your message as clear as possible. Consider talking at a slower pace and steady pace to limit the number of aye, aye that you get each time you talk, as a feeling of not being understood can thug at your confidence.

Some are keen on achieving a near British accent at the detriment of clarity. While acquiring an accent can give you a sense of belonging, it should not be a primary focus. Importantly, negotiate with colleagues and consider a compromise where possible.

In conclusion, the international nurses in the UK are among the best in their nations. Therefore, ward managers and other staff should support them to be at their best.

We can collaboratively promote a culture that builds a trusting relationship and supports assertiveness among overseas nurses.

Chinenye Ubah is lecturer, adult nursing, Anglia Ruskin University

Read the original post:
'Easing the strain on overseas nurses' assertiveness' - Nursing Times

Marines and Navy sailors from the USS Bataan stand on the flight deck during their arrival for Fleet Week 2022 in New York. In the wake of the Supreme Court's historic term, some service members and veterans are speaking out. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images hide caption

Marines and Navy sailors from the USS Bataan stand on the flight deck during their arrival for Fleet Week 2022 in New York. In the wake of the Supreme Court's historic term, some service members and veterans are speaking out.

For the first time in her life, Marine Corps Capt. Meleah Martin is refusing to wear American flag attire this Independence Day. Instead, she told her family that she will only wear pride colors and apparel. Not because she's unpatriotic she's spent approximately 16 months deployed overseas as an F-18 pilot. But because she believes her constitutional rights are under attack.

Martin said it's been disheartening to witness liberties such as the right to protest or to cast a ballot come under attack in recent years. Those frustrations turned to devastation for her with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stripping away the constitutional right to an abortion. Martin hopes to someday start a family, but as someone who identifies as a lesbian, she's scared her right to marry and have children may also be in danger.

As a result of these fears and frustrations, she said she doesn't look at the American flag the way she used to.

"We swear an oath, 'To support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic' ... Well, it's time to start worrying about the domestic, because clearly we have more of a problem here than we do anywhere else," Martin said, noting that her views are her own, and not a reflection of her unit or the Marine Corps. "It's really disappointing when something like this happens, because, like, how do I defend that?"

And she's not alone.

The American military and its more than 1 million active-duty troops is traditionally seen as apolitical. But in the wake of a historic Supreme Court term that has shifted the nation to the right on everything from the Second Amendment and abortion, to the separation of church and state, service members and veterans on both sides of the political divide are finding it increasingly difficult to remain quiet.

For some, the shifts brought on by the court are cause for celebration. For others, their sentiments amount to a loss of trust and confidence in political leaders, and growing frustration with the country they are sworn to defend.

Victor LaGroon is a chairman for the Black Veterans Empowerment Council, which works to better the lives of Black veterans across the country. He's worked with veterans and their communities to help protect their right to vote. Victor LaGroon/Victor LaGroon hide caption

Victor LaGroon is a chairman for the Black Veterans Empowerment Council, which works to better the lives of Black veterans across the country. He's worked with veterans and their communities to help protect their right to vote.

Before serving as a chairman for the Black Veterans Empowerment Council, Victor LaGroon served as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army. His job at the time was to help gather information so that commanders could make methodical choices on the battlefield.

He uses the skills he acquired in the Army to better work with politicians in hopes of achieving equal access to benefits and protecting the rights of Black veterans. One of the campaigns he's passionate about is ensuring that Black veterans, as well as their families and communities, have the right to vote. He feels his work is more important than ever, given the growing number of states that have moved to restrict voter access since the 2020 election.

Victor LaGroon, left, chairman of the Black Veterans Empowerment Council, moderates a panel discussion with U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, right, last week in Washington, D.C. Michael McCoy/Michael McCoy hide caption

Victor LaGroon, left, chairman of the Black Veterans Empowerment Council, moderates a panel discussion with U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, right, last week in Washington, D.C.

"To have lost soldiers and sailors and Marines and airmen securing other people's right to vote, and then to come home and have your own government obstruct your right to vote is beyond repulsive. It is shameful. It's hateful, it should be illegal," LaGroon said. "We should not allow anyone American who wants to vote, who's qualified to vote, to not be voting. It is a part of the core of who we are."

LaGroon spoke about his grandfather, who was given one piece of advice after returning from World War II: "Don't get caught in that uniform in the South, because they'll hang you." Historically speaking, LaGroon said, Black service members have time and again been willing to sacrifice their lives in defense of a nation that doesn't care about them.

"If we're a nation of freedoms, why is it some freedoms are more valuable than others? That's the question," LaGroon said. "I'm saddened by what we've become. Because I know we're capable of being better."

Meleah Martin, left, her girlfriend, Katelyn Carbajal, right, and Carbajal's daughter Harper, center, in Washington, D.C. Meleah Martin/Meleah Martin hide caption

Meleah Martin, left, her girlfriend, Katelyn Carbajal, right, and Carbajal's daughter Harper, center, in Washington, D.C.

Martin has never been one to draw attention to herself. As an active duty member of the military, she's always been careful about sharing her political beliefs with the public in order to maintain her image as an officer. However, she said the Supreme Court's decision to do away with federal abortion protections was the tipping point for her, and compelled her to speak out.

Over the years many people have asked her what it's like to be a woman in military aviation, a profession historically dominated by men. But that's never bothered her, because she's always seen her fellow pilots as family.

But in the wake of the court's abortion ruling last month, she said can't shake the feeling that she is on uneven ground.

"I've truly felt extremely equal to my peers and I've had a wonderful time in the military, but now, you know, I do I have one less right," Martin said. "And it is a right that has to do directly with my personal body."

Marine Capt. Meleah Martin performing preflight inspections on her F-18 aircraft. Martin is concerned not just about her right to get an abortion, but the threat of not being able to marry the woman she loves one day. Gregory Oh/Gregory Oh hide caption

Marine Capt. Meleah Martin performing preflight inspections on her F-18 aircraft. Martin is concerned not just about her right to get an abortion, but the threat of not being able to marry the woman she loves one day.

When it comes to talk of the future, she and her girlfriend often discuss marriage and raising children. And though her partner already has a daughter, the two talk about artificial insemination and who would carry their child. But now she's concerned about what that could look like should a pregnancy put her or her partner's life at risk.

Martin is scared she may find herself at a duty station in a state where abortion is outlawed. If she and her partner needed to travel to have an abortion, Martin would need to have a leave request approved by her commanding officer, who might have differing views on the issue.

"I'm not saying that commanders don't have the interests of their sailors and Marines and soldiers in mind. But on, say the worst-case scenario, right, that commander has a very strong belief and is very much against abortion and knows what you're trying to do to take leave, they can just deny your leave without repercussion," she said. "I understand that that is like a very, very severe estimate, right? Or like, that is the worst-case scenario. But it's not necessarily out of the cards."

An additional fear that weighs on Martin is whether she and her partner will be able to get married in the not-too-distant future.

In a concurring opinion to the Supreme Court's abortion ruling, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court's legal rationale in overturning Roe could also be applied to overturn other major cases, including the court's decision to legalize gay marriage.

His words shook members of the LGBTQ+ community, including Martin, who now worry that the conservative majority on the high court could strike down their right to marry.

"We thought The Handmaid's Tale was, you know, just an entertaining show, but we're honestly headed back towards that direction, you know what I mean?" Martin said. "It's just sad to see. It's crazy."

Natalia Ketcham and her husband, Dallas Ketcham. She has always been against abortion and was glad to see the Supreme Court's decision last month. Although the conversations surrounding abortion are polarizing, she hopes people can come together to talk about it and other important issues. Natalia Ketcham/Natalia Ketcham hide caption

Natalia Ketcham and her husband, Dallas Ketcham. She has always been against abortion and was glad to see the Supreme Court's decision last month. Although the conversations surrounding abortion are polarizing, she hopes people can come together to talk about it and other important issues.

Twenty-three-year-old Natalia Ketcham has two months left on her enlistment with the Coast Guard, after which she plans to attend school to become a dental hygienist. She's originally from Miami, but is stationed outside of San Francisco. Like Martin and LaGroon, she too is concerned about the state of things, albeit for different reasons.

Ketcham has been against abortion since she was a pre-teen. Her stance doesn't stem from her Roman Catholic beliefs, she explained, but from her love of life itself.

"I firmly believe that abortion is not a constitutional right, we all have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, first and foremost, life," she said.

When the justices voted to return abortion laws to individual states, she was elated. However, as a staunch anti-abortion advocate, she believes there's more work to be done.

"I think that this is a great first step in advancing our generations, our future generations, and I think that's great. But we are nowhere near done," Ketcham said. "So as happy as I am, I am not complacent with where we are at. And I think that's important for pro-lifers to really understand, is that our struggle is not done."

Ketcham said she stands against abortion across the board, including in cases of rape or incest. Her belief that abortions should be illegal stems from what she sees as an unborn child's right to life, which in her opinion, supersedes the right to an abortion.

She's also against the argument that abortion should be legal in instances where the mother may be forced to choose between her life and that of the unborn child.

"If I were put in ... that situation or scenario, I would proudly give up my life for that [of] my child," Ketcham said.

Instead of funding clinics where abortions are performed, she said she wishes the funds would be redirected towards women's health care, adoption services and child support initiatives.

The conversations surrounding abortion are polarizing to say the least, Ketcham admitted, but she also believes they're important conversations to have. She hopes people can come together to talk about issues that are dividing the country to try and bridge a nation divided.

Members of the Oath Keepers at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in military-style attire. One-in-five of those charged during the attack on the Capitol were veterans, which leaves some veterans worried about how that will affect how the public views them. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP hide caption

Members of the Oath Keepers at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in military-style attire. One-in-five of those charged during the attack on the Capitol were veterans, which leaves some veterans worried about how that will affect how the public views them.

Investigations into the January 6 attacks revealed that approximately 1-in-5 defendants charged for the siege of the Capitol were veterans, NPR previously reported. LaGroon said the news troubled him because he worried those individuals could be seen by some to be a representation of the veteran population.

The thought of veterans across the country joining extremist groups or supporting white supremacy hurts all veterans, LaGroon said, which is why it's important that those who served stand up and speak out.

"If we're not giving people an alternative perspective of who we are, people aren't going to want to hire veterans, they're not going to want us as neighbors, they're not going to want us to marry into their families, they're not going to want to be our classmates in school, because, you know, why? Someone has hijacked our image," he said. "Now we're kind of stuck trying to convey and convince people, 'Oh, no, we're actually better than that.' Are we? Because we got to show it."

Service members and veterans can be found on both sides of the political spectrum, LaGroon said. But most veterans, he believes, find themselves in the middle, often playing peacekeeper between veterans with strong views on the left and the right.

And though it's easier to sit back and remain disheartened about what's taking place across the nation than speak up and risk ridicule, LaGroon said, there's too much at stake to let that happen.

"I think that we have to recognize that we're in the fight, and we have to get in the fight, right? And look, a lot of us are tired, man. You know what I mean?" LaGroon said. "We wore the uniform, we came home, we're acclimated we got it together somehow and we're just trying to enjoy life. And time and time again, thing after thing, we keep seeing our nation needs us more today than it did when we were in uniform."

View post:
Veterans worry about the erosion of their constitutional rights - NPR

The Native Economic and Financial Education Empowerment (NEFEE) program is a Federal Reserve System effort led by the St. Louis Fed to reach a historically underserved population with economic and financial education. We support the prosperity of Native nations by providing economic and financial education in partnership with Native partners and other Federal Reserve banks who offer economic and financial education programming.

The Native Economic and Financial Education Empowerment program combines the public service mission of the Federal Reserve, its commitment to serving underserved populations, and its expertise in economic education. Since 2018, we have provided economic and personal finance education for tribal nations and Native communities and organizations throughout the country.

We believe economic and personal finance knowledge helps foster resilient and healthy individuals, families and communities. We respect the unique challenges that tribal nations face as sovereign governments to enhance the financial well-being of their people.

Our core work includes partnering with tribal nations to provide economic and financial education programming to their members and citizens. We offer in-person and virtual programming for Native educators; develop economics and personal finance curricula for use in classrooms and youth programs; and conduct research to measure the efficacy of our programs.

We are dedicated to increasing opportunities for members of Native communities to develop financial skills, especially for Native youth. Investing in education for youth can have significant returns. Not only can it benefit individual young people and their families, it can also help develop youth to be future leaders and contributors to their communities by preparing them to make important financial decisions.

We believe greater access to economic and financial education helps advance a more inclusive economy for all.

We have extensive experience in teaching economics, personal finance, curricula development and conducting outreach to underserved communities. We provide high-quality resources and professional development to improve instruction. Our resources and professional development programming are all free.

In its work with tribal nations and Native communities and organizations, NEFEE incorporates personal finance and economic education into a broad array of programs across generations, including programs for:

We acknowledge the importance of language and culture in education and value opportunities to highlight them to better engage Native students and foster a more inclusive learning environment. We partner with tribal nations to incorporate their Native language and culture within curricula in a variety of formats.

Megan Cruz leads the NEFEE outreach effort.

megan.cruz@stls.frb.org

Megan Cruz

The Federal Reserve Board announced on Oct. 13, 2021, that it joined the Central Bank Network for Indigenous Inclusion, which fosters ongoing dialogue, research and education to raise awareness of economic and financial issues and opportunities for Indigenous economies.

The Boards participation is supported by the Native Economic and Financial Education Empowerment (NEFEE) program at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve of Minneapolis. Along with Indigenous partners, the network is a collaboration with Te Ptea Matua (the Reserve Bank of New Zealand), the Bank of Canada and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Continued here:
Native Economic and Financial Education Empowerment (NEFEE) - Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

SAN DIEGO, June 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Out-of-state applicants for rental properties increased 42% from 2020 to 2021, according to a new analysis of TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) data. In that same period, rental applications in rural areas increased 28%, while urban rental application volume rose just 10%. The primary driver of these trends appears to be rising housing costs and the widespread availability of remote work, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TransUnion is presenting its findings at the National Apartment Associations Annual Apartmentalize conference. They are also available in the Quick Guide, How COVID-19 and Remote Work is Reshaping U.S. Rental Demand.

With remote work firmly in the norm, weve seen renters actively seeking new locations that better suit their budgets and lifestyles, said Maitri Johnson, vice president of tenant and employment screening at TransUnion. While many are going out-of-state to sunnier environments, were also seeing a preference for rural areas and exurbs that have more space and a lower cost of living, but also a relative proximity to cities and airports.

Texas saw the largest increase between 2020 and 2021, with more than 310,000 new residents. Meanwhile, New York had the highest decrease, losing more than 319,000 residents. Generally, the cross-state migration patterns show more people leaving the Rust Belt and Northeast in favor of the Southern Atlantic and Mountain states, as well as Arizona and Texas1.

Affordability an issue

Overall occupancy of U.S. rentals reached a record 98% in January 20222. This may have been driven in part by an influx of homeowners who capitalized on their home equity by selling while housing prices were at an all-time high, and renting until valuations come back down. When looking at rental applications from 2020-2021, there was a 37% increase in applicants who had sold their home within the past year and a 16% increase among applicants with an outstanding mortgage.

The higher costs for home purchases simultaneously kept many younger adults from becoming first-time homebuyers. However, the same inflationary trends have impacted affordability in the rental market as well. Rent prices increased 14% between 2020 and 2021 while the median income of applicants has only increased 6% over that same time. Predictably, delinquencies on rent payments have increased. Whereas on-time rent payments were at 96% in January 2020, they had dropped to 92% at the end of 20213.

Demand is clearly very strong right now, which is all the more reason for a thorough rental application screening process with an emphasis on income and debt ratios and their effect on affordability, said Johnson.

Incoming immigration boom

There are signs that the housing market is cooling down as the Fed has bumped up interest rates several times already this year, which means renters can expect to continue renting until economic stability is regained. That said, TransUnion analysis suggests immigrants may well buoy the rental markets high demand over the long term.

Citing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Joint Centers for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the report provides highlights about this populations participation in the rental market.

In 2022, immigrants represent more than 14% of the total U.S. population. That percentage is expected to grow through 2060, when the U.S. Census Bureau projects immigrants to represent 17% of the nations population4.

Because people who immigrate to the U.S. tend to remain renters for long periods, there is likely a compounding effect to this sustained increase, said Johnson. The current demand resulting from the housing market may subside as home prices come down, but this population will likely keep rental demand elevated over the coming decades.

As immigrants navigate the housing market, they may have questions about how credit works in the United States. This TransUnion blog answers common questions about building credit as an immigrant, including tips on how to establish a credit history.

Tips for renters

As with owning a home, renting can have an impact on consumers credit. For starters, a rental application may include a credit check. Depending on the service your landlord uses, this may result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can cause a temporary dip in your score, said Margaret Poe, head of consumer credit education at TransUnion.

However, consumers should know that monthly rent payments could be a boon to their credit health, as well. Payment history is one of the major credit score factors, so if your landlord reports your monthly rent to the credit reporting agencies and youre consistently making on-time payments, the history of that account will reflect positively on your report, said Poe.

For more information about the research, read the Quick Guide, How COVID-19 and Remote Work is Reshaping U.S. Rental Demand.

About TransUnion (NYSE:TRU)

TransUnion is a global information and insights company that makes trust possible in the modern economy. We do this by providing an actionable picture of each person so they can be reliably represented in the marketplace. As a result, businesses and consumers can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good.A leading presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, TransUnion provides solutions that help create economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for hundreds of millions of people.

http://www.transunion.com/business

Originally posted here:
Renter Migration Patterns Drive 42% Increase in Out-of-State Applicants as Renters Seek ... - The Bakersfield Californian

Photo credit

Its no secret that employee engagement is a critical ingredient for heightened productivity and lower turnover at work. When we feel heard, valued, and empowered at work, we tend to be more productive, satisfied, and committed to the job. Yet widescale employee engagement seems to be constantly out of reach for a number of companies. After a few decades of steady progress in engagement numbers, 2021 data from Gallup showed the first decline in more than 10 years.

Sure, we can point to myriad factors that might have influenced that drop, including the global pandemic. However, too many company leaders ignore a fundamental truth when trying to help employees realize their potential: They wont achieve long-term engagement with only extrinsic rewards like money or tangible goods. Instead, they need to tap into their teams intrinsic motivators to build a more committed, motivated, and satisfied workforce.

We want to feel like our opinions truly matter. We want to have a say in how things are run. We want the freedom to adapt and respond to problems in real time at work. We want to have some control to set our tasks and make decisions based on whats best for us. Unsurprisingly, according to a Society for Human Resource Management survey, 7 in 10 employees ranked being empowered to take action at work as important to their overall engagement. If youre among that number and are searching for a new job at a company that has a culture of employee empowerment, look for these four features:

1. A company that is a safe space.

One of the biggest misconceptions about empowerment at work is that its something company leaders bestow upon their employees. In reality, we already have the power within ourselves; we just need the space to exercise it. However, its hard to step up to the plate if were afraid well get hit by the pitch.

So, look for a company that fosters psychological safety, allowing you to do great work without a manager or company leader constantly looking over your shoulder to reprimand you if something goes wrong.

According to Timm Urschinger, cofounder and CEO of LIVEsciences, thats all empowerment really is: In essence, the much-talked-about empowerment means nothing more than creating a safe space where people feel encouraged to try new things, make decisions, and not be afraid to be blamed if something doesnt work out, writes Urschinger. In other words, you need to look for a company that nurtures a risk-tolerant culture, promoting spirited debate and inviting employees to experiment.

2. A company with a mentorship program.

There will undoubtedly be more bumps along the road at a company that offers strong psychological guard rails for helping you realize your full potential. Letting you try and fail at work is one thing; leaving you to flounder is another entirely. This is where a companywide mentorship program is essential.

According to a survey by Deloitte and Moving Ahead, 87% of mentors and mentees said that the relationship helped them feel more empowered and confident. Having a mentor will not only allow you to take ownership of your personal and professional development, but it will also help you grow from inevitable missteps that will happen in your new role.

Mentoring our employees through their mistakes will give them space to grow, and will help to create a culture of growth and resilience, explains Ali Novitsky, CEO and founder of Life Coaching for Women Physicians.

3. A company that appreciates its employees.

From the time were small, most of us crave the affirmation of a job well done from our parents, teachers, and even friends. So great is this need that we often perceive neutral reactions negatively.

This applies to the working world, too. When O.C. Tanner asked employees what their employers could do to motivate them to produce great work consistently, almost 40% of respondents said more personal recognition.

During your job search, consider whether the companies youre looking at show appreciation for their employees contributions. Do they consistently recognize team members based on their goals and strengths? Or do they go radio silent when employee engagement week ends?

4. A company with clear expectations.

You dont want company leaders breathing down your neck while you work, but you also dont want to be left twisting in the wind. Without set expectations, employees may be left to wonder where their impact lies and, therefore, fall behind, says Luanne Tierney, chief marketing officer at Betterworks.

Ensure the on-the-job expectations at the companies you apply to are unambiguous, but also leave room for employees questions and feedback. And look for a company where employees inputs on how to refine workplace and job expectations are taken into account.

However, set expectations are only half of the equation. If a company has clear expectations but doesnt provide its employees the time and resources to meet those expectations, it doesnt have a true culture of empowerment.

When you feel more empowered and engaged at work, you can thrive. The question is: How can you recognize a company that has a culture of engagement during your job search? Look beyond quarterly bonus structures or beer taps in the break room. Rather, ask the right questions during the interview and tap your network (and company reviews) to rate a prospective new employer on these four game-changing aspects.

William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and creator of the 360Reach personal brand feedback survey which allows you to get the real scoop about your professional reputation from those who know you.

Link:
4 Things To Look For If You Want A Culture Of Empowerment At Your Next Job - Forbes

The fact that we continue to rely on passwords this deep into the digital age is more than a bit jarring. These alphanumeric scraps, the equivalent of digital skeleton keys, once served as a valuable tool. Unfortunately, passwords are now far more trouble than they're worth. They provide little protection against identity theft, breaches, and myriad other problems.

Yet completely ditching passwords is out of the question at least for now. While they may rank as an almost total security fail and a bane for everyone, they remain an entrenched standard. Consequently, multifactor authentication (MFA) has become a necessity, but it too presents challenges bordering on outright problems.

This is the first of a two-part series about how businesses can adopt stronger and better authentication methods. While there's an immediate need to boost MFA adoption, it's also critical to move to more advanced and secure passwordless frameworks, including those that use biometrics.

As with every technology, an accumulation of solutions eventually becomes a new problem. Most organizations and many consumers recognize the need to move beyond password-only authentication. Yet two-factor authentication (2FA) and even many MFA techniques were never designed for today's sophisticated digital frameworks.

"When you log into six different systems during the day and each of them uses a different method ... you wind up with two-factor authentication PTSD," says Michael Engle, co-founder and chief security officer at 1Kosmos. "You spend a significant time fetching codes and launching apps."

The mix of methods including time-based one-time password (TOTP), SMS and email 2FA, push-based 2FA, universal second factor (U2F) tokens, WebAuthn, and desktop agents introduce an often-confusing array of options for both companies and consumers. Making matters worse, they deliver varying levels of protection, and most people aren't equipped to understand the pros and cons. For instance, widely used SMS and email codes are easily intercepted or breached when a crook has access to a device. Toolkits that facilitate man-in-the-middle attacks and other password exploits are now widely available on sites such as GitHub.

Consumer and enterprise fatigue is at a breaking point. And while significantly better MFA and passwordless systems are taking shape Apple, Google, and Microsoft have announced they are moving to passwordless sign-ins built on the FIDO2 standard organizations continue to struggle with adoption.

Design, usability, and functionality are all critical. There's a need to convince people to move beyond a basic password and adopt MFA, but it's also critical to deploy higher grade MFA methods while moving to passwordless.

"This requires improved UX and education. There's a need for the process to be seamless," says Don Tait, a senior analyst at Omdia Consulting.

It's a startling and entirely disturbing fact: Despite a seemingly endless string of hacks, attacks, breaches, and breakdowns 81% of hacking-related breaches are caused by password issues only 29% of consumers believe that the inconvenience of 2FA is always worth the security trade-off. About 36% are willing to use 2FA in some cases, depending on the importance of the account.

The reasons for this reticence are at least partly rooted in the nature of today's online world. For better or worse, people expect Web pages to load instantaneously, and they seek access to accounts without any latency even when dozens of APIs and servers around the world are required for a transaction. Remarkably, one study conducted by Microsoft found that the average person only has an attention span of approximately eight seconds.

Yet it's also clear that MFA frameworks can be a big hassle. Oftentimes, it's necessary to request a text code or pull out a phone and open an authenticator app from Google or Microsoft and type in a code. Meanwhile, physical tokens, such as YubiKey, offer stellar security but they can be difficult to set up and use.

MFA participation is ticking up due to the pandemic and ominous warnings about the risks of relying on a password only; Okta found that MFA adoption rose by about 80% during the early stages of the pandemic. However, attacks are escalating and becoming more sophisticated. The net result is a relative move backward.

"There are too many companies giving too little thought to how to implement more advanced MFA and passwordless systems," says Jasson Casey, CTO for authentication vendor Beyond Identity. "You can't build a security architecture without considering design and usability. As the level of friction goes up, participation goes down."

These issues unfold in several ways. Design elements may hide MFA options or deliver confusing instructions for how to set it up. They sometimes provide confusing or ominous warnings that frighten users, or a site or service doesn't communicate the value of using MFA. Frequently, users don't see any compelling reason to adopt this additional layer of security.

"People turn to digital services because they're looking for ease of use and convenience," says Kalev Rundu, senior product manager at authentication firm Veriff. MFA must not be any different. It must fit seamlessly with the broader digital interaction and deliver a clear advantage or other forms of authentication.

Gaining buy-in is critical. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy; the University of California, San Diego; and Facebook found that one of the keys to convincing people to turn on MFA is to present the decision as a personal empowerment choice. This might include a message like, "You can increase your protection against account hacking" or "Protect your account, pages and friends."

When researchers tested this personal responsibility approach with accompanying buttons on Facebook, it led to an uptick in MFA adoption by 33% among 622,419 participants. When users viewed a message about the advantages of being protected, they were 28% more likely to adopt MFA. On the other hand, the corporate responsibility button didn't prompt any change in behavior.

Another technique that boosts adoption revolves around an incentive or a reward an approach that has already gained traction within gaming platforms like Fortnight and World of Warcraft. In 2019, a group of researchers from the University of Bonn and Leibniz University Hannover in Germany found that even a small incentive, such as an upgraded avatar or another small gift, can push numbers up.

Colors, placement, and design elements also matter. Delivering the request at the right moment without interrupting the flow of an interaction or transaction is crucial.

"It must be so easy that doing it for the first time has nearly no friction," 1Kosmos' Engle says. QR codes and push-to-app authentications can help, especially when a user can authorize the sign-in from a separate authorized device.

Still, none of these approaches are seamless and they aren't bulletproof. The future of MFA and full passwordless systems lies in biometrics, FIDO2, and emerging systems that not only authenticate to an account on a device, but also verify a person's identity.

"A new era of authentication is emerging," Omdia's Tait says.

In part 2, Dark Reading takes a look at the rapidly evolving passwordless space and what companies need to do to stamp out passwords once and for all.

View post:
Evolving Beyond the Password: It's Time to Up the Ante - DARKReading

Of course MANifesto has a manifesto. Its right there in the freakin name.

No rush on thinking it all through, though. Catch up with the Toronto Man Band a self-described gaggle of grown-up gays covering songs originated by girl groups belatedly via last summers entirely lovable mid-pandemic debut Pinky Swear and its accompanying volley of glamourpuss videos for tunes like Labelles Lady Marmalade and All Saints One Strike or MANifestos brand-new cover of local 80s one-hit wondertwins Tus Stay With Me and youll soon realize there are numerous layers of subtext and social commentary operating amidst all the fun.

Oh, the layers are many. Theyre plentiful, concurred founder and frontman R. Kelly Clipperton, relaxing over cocktails on his patio with singularly named bandmates Twaine, Dionisio and Brayo after an evening rehearsal in Liberty Village last week. Even in just doing the research for the album and trying to pick the songs and understanding that the majority of them were actually written by men for women to sing for men to sing what a man would want to hear I realized there were even more levels to it, that the Supremes and the Chordettes and LaBelle and the Pointer Sisters were essentially puppets within a concept. So the idea was to take that and pull it back and empower not only us, but the women who originally sang those songs and kind of turn it on itself.

Clipperton, already well established in Toronto as the frontman for bands such as Merkury Burn and Kelly and the Kellygirls not to mention a photographer, occasional playwright and hairdresser of no small repute had been toying with the idea of forming a mature, out-and-proud version of the typical, dubiously heterosexual boy band for more than a decade when he finally forged ahead and recruited the MANifesto lineup through contacts in the worlds of music and theatre in late 2019, just in time to have the whole project derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chemistry between the nascent MANifesto lineup (originally a five-piece) was so evident to all involved that the men decided to steam ahead amidst the lockdown era, kicking out harmonious covers of the Pointer Sisters Automatic, Girls Alouds The Promise and the Spice Girls Say Youll Be There before finally electing to release Pinky Swear last September even though there appeared to be little foreseeable opportunity on the horizon to actually take their decidedly theatrical oeuvre to the stage.

I just felt that we didnt have a choice. It was, like, We cant sit on this. Itll disintegrate. Itll just go away, said Clipperton. Ive always wanted to sing with other gay men. All the projects Ive ever created have been very diverse with regards to gender and sexual orientation and race and sound and everything and its always been like that, but Ive never really had the opportunity to do something that felt really at home for me.

Even with the number of gay men who are pop stars who are now out and doing their own work, Ricky Martin released a video just recently and theres, like, zero homo-evidence. And hes been out for 15 years now. Theres still no gay evidence. Its all still kind of washed over. Its still too dangerous. Ive always said that gay men are the last greatest taboo. Lesbians will always be accepted because straight men think lesbians are for them, right?

MANifesto finally gets to stage its long-delayed, official coming-out party towards the peak of Pride celebrations on Friday at the Buddies in Bad Times theatre with an elaborate stage show entitled MANifesto Are Gay.

Needless to say, theres a lot of pent-up performative energy waiting to be unleashed after two years in stasis.

Its definitely gonna be a bit of a spectacle, said Traine ahead of the performance. We want to stand out a bit and we want to have a lot of fun but we also want to share the connections to all the talented people around us we have in our own lives. So weve got dancers, weve got singers, weve got costumes, weve got projections

Weve got makeup. Weve even got some Cirque de Soleil s-t happening, added Dionisio. We wanted more pyro but its not in the budget. However, were gonna be on fire. I cant hardly wait.

If theres a more sobering side to all the camp and conviviality of the MANifesto experience, its embodied by the groups unflinching support of Rainbow Railroad, an organization that helps LGBTQ people from countries where being queer is a genuine threat to their lives and livelihood escape to more accepting climes. All proceeds from Pinky Swear are donated to Rainbow Railroad and MANifesto has vowed to advocate for the non-profit as long as it has a platform from which to sing out.

A native of Uganda, Brayo has personally benefited from the charitys good deeds, having arrived in Canada just in time to experience the last true Toronto Pride party to go on before the pandemic three years ago. His story is, sadly, a reminder of why events like Pride have come to exist in the first place.

My social media accounts are still monitored by my persecutors. They still monitor. My family is home so anything that they see I do, they know they cant attack me directly so they attack my family. So thats a dilemma, he said. But when I got here and I saw the way people were free and enjoying life I made it my personal vendetta to support Rainbow Railroad. And when I shared my stories with these queens, they all got on board.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be registered Torstar account holder. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free)

Sign In

Register

View post:
Amid Toronto band MANifestos camp and conviviality theres a message of empowerment - Toronto Star

As life circumstances change and grow, many women find themselves in positions of financial independence for the first time later in their lives.

When Im partnering with women on their financial journeys, I truly believe a trusted relationship between us with shared experiences allows for honest questions and honest answers. My clients and the other women in their lives can feel comfortable sharing any financial fears and doubts, while also confident in telling me their goals and ambitions without feeling self-conscious.

With new financial knowledge in hand, these women come to see they can make brave choices and create a new way forward theyd only imagined before. This freedom and self-empowerment comes from venturing into financial decisions on their own, with support from advisors and advocates like myself and my partners. Now financially independent, women can achieve personal and retirement goals they didnt realize were possible before.

Sometimes women choose to leave neighbourhoods behind, buying a new style home theyd never imagined owning before. Other times, they can reach their financial goals and take the trip thats always been at the top of their wish list. As they find financial independence, the options become endless.

Financial freedom looks different for everyone. The transition can be difficult and uncomfortable, but having support along the way can help women find their way and create new possibilities. The results may be different than they imagined, but with a detailed financial plan and the support of a trusted advisor partnership, they have the support they need to navigate the changes to their financial situation.

As women meet with trusted financial advisors and forge a path for a brave new future, here are my top tips for getting the most out of their money.

Advisors are not here to pass judgement on where youve come from. By sharing where youre at right now, and what you hope to accomplish with future funds, will help you and your advisor make realistic divisions with your money.

Be open and honest about exactly what you hope to gain and achieve in your future

Its important for your advisor to understand your financial goals so they can put together a plan that works for you and will help you achieve those goals. Even if a goal feels too big, your advisor can help you determine if its a possibility or find alternative goals based on your financial situation.

As you move into a brave new financial future, its important to leave behind any poor memories from past financial experiences. Some decisions and outcomes in the past may have negatively affected you without having had your input. Find an advisor who listens to your hopes and concerns, working with you to find financial success.

You shouldnt feel intimidated by your financial advisor. As you learn about your money, ask questions, learn more about your financial situation and uncover whats possible.

I have helped women transition through many life changes, including losing a spouse, losing a lifelong home, changing careers, unexpected retirement and children moving back home.

Watching women thrive through challenging parts of their lives is such an empowering experience for me. I enjoy watching women come into their own and make their own choices; realizing a new life is possible for them and their loved ones.

Read this article:
Forging a new financial future: How women can empower themselves by taking control of their finances - SaultOnline.com

Manifesting is a hot topic now, with social media videos aplenty teaching you how to conjure up anything from the perfect boyfriend to a new Beyonc album. Fun fact: I wrote this article two days before Queen Bey announced Renaissance, her first album in six years (!!!). Now, I'm not going to take full responsibility for this, but please think of me kindly as you jam on your hot girl walks this summer.

But manifesting is far more than a TikTok trend. Its a centuries-old practice spiritual experts swear can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. And all it takes is a mindset shift.

Simply put, "manifesting is the practice of changing your thoughts, words, and feelings to attract something you want into your life," says Juliette Kristine Conner, a manifestation coach. Manifesting is also called the Law of Attraction for this reasonyou are attracting things into your life.

In essence, this practice is all about being the creator of your own reality (Plot Girl Summer anyone?). Its about taking the big swings and embracing whatever stumbles you inevitably experience as part of the process. Your life is literally a choose your own adventure novel, and the sooner you realize that the better off you'll be.

For first-timers, this can all sound a little abstract and "woo-woo," but when it comes down to it, changing your thoughts can truly change your life, says Conner.

"Manifesting moves you from a victim mindset to one of personal empowerment," she adds. Imagine this: Youre on your lunch break at work, and you go to Starbucks for a delicious iced mocha when the inevitable happens. A crack in the green straw leaves you with mocha dribbling all down your new Zara top. You could (and I certainly have) let your thoughts spiral. Maybe you think "This ALWAYS happens to me" or "They really should have better quality straws."

But instead, think of this minor setback as you might if it were to happen in your favorite rom-comfull of opportunities for excitement. Your stain may lead you to strike up a conversation with a coworker when borrowing Tide to Go, which leads to an impactful new friendship. Or perhaps, on your sprint home to change, you run into your next great love. This type of thinking can wake you up to endless possibilities in your life (a.k.a. manifestations) and stop you from blocking them with your Negative Nancy attitude.

"This simple shift can make you more optimistic... leading to a happier life," says Conner. "You start to see the control you have over your life, instead of feeling helpless."

There are many different ways to manifestthe 369 method, visualization meditations, and vision boards are among the most popular. (More on those techniques in a sec.) But ultimately, whatever practice works for you is what you should stick with.

Still, a few things remain important across the board, says Adora Winquist, who has spent over twenty years supporting others to find physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing.

This is Conners favorite manifestation method and the most beginner-friendly, she says. Although it is much easier to create a digital vision board (shout out to Canva and Pinterest), Conner recommends breaking out the magazines, scissors, and glue for this one.

"You can throw together images online quickly, and without intention," says Conner. Not only does working with real materials force you to slow down and be more cognizant of what images deserved a coveted spot on your vision board, but a physical boardsomething concrete that you can hang wherever it'll be seen regularlyis far more powerful.

Because a vision board serves as a daily reminder of your desires, "this is an anchor bringing you to your future manifestations," says Conner, who manifested a trip to Bali with a vision board. In her twenties, Conner created a vision board with a photo of a person getting a massage at a spa overlooking the ocean in Bali. Less than six months later, her now-husband got a job offer in Bali and invited her to come with him. Not only that, but his job was actually at the same resort the photo on her vision board was taken. (Is it cold in here, or does everyone have goosebumps!?)

Washable No-Run School Glue

Women's Health Magazine

$7.00

The 369 manifestation method is simple to DIY: Write down the goal, desire, or feeling you want to call into your life (ex. "I am wealthy" or "I am at peace") three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon, and nine times at night. Repeat daily until you succeed in your manifestation.

All you need to do for this technique is make sure you have a piece of paper or a notebook, and a writing utensil of your choice. May I suggest a gel pen? No one said manifesting cant be fun, people!

But just FYI: While the 369 method might make you feel like you're harnessing some magical energy (because you are within yourself), it doesn't work like magic. The method works because repetition keeps your most important desires at the forefront of your mind, so you're more inclined to take the necessary steps to achieve them.

Beyond being consistent in this manifestation practice, Winquist also encourages her clients to keep an open heart and to make sure their nervous system is at ease while they are writing. This can even be used as an extra step in your existing meditation or breathwork practice.

This option is great for the avid meditator or a more ~advanced~ manifestor, says Conner. It is exactly what it sounds like: sitting and envisioning your life with the object or the feeling in it already.

Conner recommends pairing this technique with a vision board, so you can look at something before you close our eyes and really drop into the feeling with meditation. Btw, you don't have to go it alonemany guided manifestation videos already exist on YouTube.

Winquist has another excellent tip for this type of manifesting that plays on our natural inclination for negativity. Because the mind tends to attach more easily to negative thoughts, why not use that to your advantage?

If you are manifesting a new designer dress, for example, you might think about bringing it home and finding a small stain on it. "[That visualization] occupies our inner Debbie Downer," she says. "When we give the mind the tiniest bit of negativity to focus on, it gives it a hook to the experience."

It is important to remain in the present and positive, Winquist says. She recommends starting all of your affirmations with "I am" so it is as if your work has already been a success.

Speaking of affirmations... incorporating those into your day is one of the fastest ways to change your mindset and get what you really want, says Conner. You can think of them as a manifestation jet pack.

Affirmations, or positive statements, repeated slowly and consistently could be the extra push your life needs.

But make sure you make this a regular practice. "Just like going to the gym once isn't going to give you a six-pack, saying affirmations a few times isnt going to work," says Conner. Flex those mindset-changing muscles!

Some people believe that you can manifest negative things in your life, but Conner says not to worry about it. Don't even let it cross your mind (seriously). After all, its the thoughts you think most frequently that will create your life.

BRB, I've got some manifesting to do...

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Read more:
How To Manifest Your Desires In 3 Ways, According To Experts - Women's Health