Five Ways to Upsell Your Writing Services

Five Ways to Upsell Your Writing Services I’m grateful to be a freelance writer and making a living from something I love. In fact, I’m so grateful that I sometimes sell myself short and accept less pay than what my writing is worth. So how did I begin to expect and receive fair pay and even upsell my services? In her Forbes article, â€Å"How to Get Paid What You’re Worth,† Liz Ryan writes â€Å"†¦you will have to negotiate, and youll also have to say No to the wrong opportunities.† Saying â€Å"no† to some projects opens doors to better pay. Here are a few tips to help you upsell your writing. 1.  Ã‚     Emphasize relevant credentials and experience. I selectively combine both direct and indirect experiences to apply for a gig. For example, if I’m proposing a piece on Mideast refugees, I explain why my previous writing as well as my Middle East living experience qualifies me as the best writer for top pay. 2.  Ã‚     Relate your query to the publications specific need or growth potential. Your sailing expertise may seem detached from a prepper blog, but you could explain how preparing for the unexpected is an essential skill that can benefit preppers using water routes during an apocalyptic event. Craft your query to emphasize water escape preparations as a new niche topic for the publication. 3.  Ã‚     Analyze clients job description to counter-offer services that better meet the need. Twice last year I was asked Another client requested a high-level manuscript review, but then also mentioned comment balloons and line edits. I explained the difference and advised her that if she wanted detailed feedback rather than a summary, she should consider the line edit. She happily paid several hundred dollars more. 4.  Ã‚     Follow up for additional projects. Several previous clients indicated they might have additional work down the road. I politely waited a year or so, and then contacted them to follow up. Most were ready to assign new projects, while one had postponed the idea. My initiative paid off, sometimes more than once as additional projects were developed. 5.  Ã‚     Ask high and accept lower at a fair rate. Some projects have more bargaining flexibility than others. When feasible, consider taking the risk to ask a higher price, and then settle for a lesser amount that will meet your project expectations. However, keep in mind that you may risk losing the project in these situations. In fact, that happened to me recently. I refused a ghostwriting book project that was priced several thousand dollars lower than the work merited and lost the deal. No regrets! As a writer, you set the bar for acceptable pay. Don’t settle for less than you deserve and look for opportunities to upsell your services.

Sociology the Namesake (a Movie by Nira Mair 2007)- Does Culture Affect Behavior Essays

Sociology the Namesake (a Movie by Nira Mair 2007)- Does Culture Affect Behavior Essays Sociology the Namesake (a Movie by Nira Mair 2007)- Does Culture Affect Behavior Paper Sociology the Namesake (a Movie by Nira Mair 2007)- Does Culture Affect Behavior Paper Essay Topic: The Namesake Sociology 201 Does Culture Affect Identity and Behavior? A Movie-Thesis Based on the Movie: The Namesake by Mira Nair (2007) Based on the Novel By Jhumpa Lahiri Does culture affect identity and behavior? The Namesake is the story of Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli from their traditional arranged marriage in Calcutta, India, to their immigrant life in America and the family they raised in the suburbs of New York. The film explores cultural identity and tends to reflect at key turning points in the story on the Russian â€Å"pet† name, Gogol, that Ashoke gave his son in honor of the author of a book he had been reading on a train prior to its crash. The parents cling to their Indian heritage and watch in quiet dismay as their children embrace and favor American culture. Though Gogol embraced his name as a child above his formal name of Nickhal, he changed it to Nick in High School after being teased and learning of the author’s dysfunctional life and asked his father why he had been given the name. Ashoke tried to explain by giving Nick a copy of the book, The Overcoat by Gogol, but sensed that Nick was not able to relate to the depth of the gift and the meaning behind his name at that time so Ashoke ended the conversation with the statement that one day Nick would understand that they â€Å"all came from Gogol’s Overcoat. As time passed, life experiences brought the family to a turning point where Ashima began to accept the Americanized life choices her children were making, yet upon the death of his father, Nick began to reflect on how his American ways distanced him from his parents during his teenage years, and as he mourned his father’s death, he began to respect and embrace his Indian heritage and discovered the deeper me aning of the name his father gave him, which was symbolic of Ahoke’s decision to immigrate from Calcutta to the United States. The main themes throughout the movie are family, culture, identity, and change. The Namesake is full of examples of contrasting cultural behavior. Ashoke and Ashima willingly agreed to their arranged marriage while in contrast, their American-born children grew up to make their own life-partner choices which Ashima eventually accepted. Ashoak and Ashima are shown as bilingual, yet their children are always shown speaking only English. Additionally, Ashima is shown throughout the movie wearing a traditional sari whereas her children are dressed American style. It is subtly implied that Ashoke and Ashima probably did not have intercourse after their arranged marriage until they arrived in New York. In contrast, Nick is shown as an adult having premarital sex, and while preparing his American girlfriend to meet his parents, he explains that Indian culture frowns upon public displays of romantic affection and that he had never seen his parents touch. He instructs her to not kiss or touch him in his parents’ presence; however, with no disrespect intended, she quickly forgets and also innocently insults them calling them by their first names. Moushimi, The Bengali woman Nick eventually marries with his mother’s blessing, confessed to Nick that she adopted a promiscuous lifestyle while living in Paris, yet Nick does not object and instead enjoys the benefits of her uninhibited sexuality, a decision which later hurts him when he discovers she is having an extramarital affair. A subtle, perhaps unintended message the movie implies is that a higher level of respect toward parents, sexuality, and marriage is more prevalent in Indian culture in comparison to American culture, and that immigration abroad can cause breakdown of those traditional values for immigrants’ children who are raised in America and other countries who have adopted Western Culture.

Health and Happiness Democracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health and Happiness Democracy - Essay Example Studies from California to Michigan established that social connectedness is one of the most powerful determinants of well being. According to the study, frequent participation in community activities and social gathering reduces the risk of having diseases like cancer or heart attack. On the other hand, sociologist James House and his colleague stated that social connectedness also contributes to the biomedical risk factors such as cigarette smoking and obesity. Researchers are not sure why social cohesion affects the well-being of an individual but they proposed theories why social cohesion matters. First, social networks offer assistance thereby, reducing mental and physical stress. It reinforce healthy norms and able to organize politically to ensure first-rate medical services. Another researcher named Lisa Berkman speculated that social isolation is a chronically stressful condition to which the organism responds by aging faster.

Managment-- managing change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Managment-- managing change - Essay Example The chosen company is a ship broking company that acts as the intermediate source between the ship owners and clients who want to transport their goods by means of ships. The clients present their requirement of the delivery time and the amount of dry commodities that are required to be transported. The sales executives of the chosen company browse through their database of ship owners whose service attributes and routes comply with the requirements of the client. The status of the shipment orders are tracked by the shipment tracking department until the orders reach their destinations. An interview was scheduled with the management executive who headed the technological change in the company. The analysis of the company’s transition towards technological infrastructure gave useful information about the strategies that are adopted in the real world. Journal papers, articles and organizational reports were also studied for the theoretical information about the respective topic. 2. Drivers of Change According to the information provided by the executive, the drivers of the change in the company can be categorized into two types; internal and external. 2.1 Internal Drivers The sales executives had to access the database of the ship owners whenever a shipment request was received from a client. It involved excessive traversals through the database and extensive calculations of several factors such as shortest route, cost effective route and rates of the routes. Such processing consumed lot of time of the sales executives, due to which they could not cater all the requests from the clients. Denial of service to clients often led to more business for the competitors. The calculation of the routes and costs was not always error-free since it involved manual processing. The shipment tracking department did not have a reliable system to track the status of the orders. Another aspect that led to the technological intervention in the company, involved the lack of a ny software application or tool to evaluate the performance of the company. The top management had to rely on the reports that were generated by the respective departments; these reports were manually made after the accumulation of figures for generated revenues, losses etc. The technological change had been a part of the company’s long term goals but never materialized since the top management was not totally committed to the cause. An organizational change cannot prove to be productive for the company if the support of the top management is not present (Joanne 2002). When the external, as well as internal factors accumulated, the top management decided to fully commit to the technological change in the company. 2.2 External Drivers Other companies in the ship broking industry had started to focus on the technological integration in their companies. The market positions of the competitors started improving since they were able to cater to more clients and earn more profits d ue to their organizational change. Clients of the modern times even prefer technological processes and operations since they are error free and fast-paced. External changes play a vital role in signaling the need for changes in the internal processes of the organization (Mackenzie n.d.). 3. Perspectives of Change Three systems were planned to be deployed in the organization. The relevance

A Contrast and Comparison Between Two Historical Bands Essay Example for Free

A Contrast and Comparison Between Two Historical Bands Essay Both Metallica and Ozzy have suffered tragedies in regard to their band members. In March 1982, Randy Rhodes, the lead guitarist for Ozzy’s band, died in a plane crash. This was not something that anyone, let alone Ozzy, would have thought would happen. Randy was afraid to fly, but he was convinced by the pilot of the plane that it would be a safe flight, and he would not perform any crazy stunts like he normally did when flying the band. However, the pilot couldn’t resist doing a â€Å"fly by† and when the plane buzzed by the home, the pilot got too close and the wing clipped the house causing the pilot to lose control and crash the plane. This tragedy devastated Ozzy; Randy was like a family member to him. For a while Ozzy was not sure he wanted to continue in the music business and almost ended his career. However, he eventually realized Randy would want him to continue and so Ozzy continued to make music. Metallica also lost a band member in a tragic accident. In September 1986, while the band was on tour in Sweden, the driver of the tour bus lost control causing it to crash and flip several times. Band member, Cliff Burton, was asleep in the back of the bus and when the bus began to flip he was thrown out of one of the windows. The bus landed on top of him and he died instantly. Cliff was the bassist for the band and they loved him like family, but they believed the band must continue so he was replaced. Despite continuing with their lives, the rest of the band will always remember Cliff, and he will live on in their hearts and also in their music. As with many heavy metal bands, Metallica and Ozzy have also dealt with alcohol and drug addiction. This led to legal and personal issues within their lives. Ozzy was banned from the city of San Antonio for urinating on the Alamo while inebriated. During another one of his drunken binges, he tried to strangle his wife, Sharon. Metallica’s problems with alcohol did not lead to expulsion from any public place, or any form of attempted murder, but at one point they did treat one of their band members, Jason Newsted, very badly. The explanation from every band member, for their mistreatment of him, is that they were mourning the death of Cliff Burton, and this was therapy for them. They did often treat him as if he were an outsider and not a true member of the band. They hazed him terribly and treated him as if he were their lackey rather than a true band member. On one the albums, And Justice For All, they went as far as to turn down his bass, so he is not even heard on the album. The hazing, drinking, and drug abuse lead to strife within the band, and contributed to Jason leaving. Eventually the lead singer of Metallica, James, went to rehab and spent three months working on getting sober. Both Metallica and Ozzy have been sober for over five years now. Another way in which the bands are similar is that both Metallica and Ozzy have had their share of controversy, furthering the belief in the heavy metal band stereotype. Ozzy was known for theatrics and stunts during his concerts which furthered the public’s perception that he was a devil worshipper. At one point in his career, Ozzy bit the head off of a bat at one of his concerts. It was thrown onto the stage and he maintains that he was not aware the bat was real until after he bit off the head. He also bit a doves head off, while intoxicated, during a meeting with some record company executives, furthering the belief that he is a Satanist. Metallica is not known for wild theatrics during their concerts but their behaviors after their concerts, as well as their professional dealings, have been a source of controversy within their career. They were the first band to sue Napster for piracy which really angered their fans. Their excessive use of drugs and alcohol, as well as their sexual promiscuity while married, also altered fan’s view of them. The drugs, alcohol and loose morals have all led to changes within the band’s lives. When Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield became parents, they decided to change their ways, become sober, and believe in more than money. When one thinks of heavy metal music and artists, they often think of devil worshipping and substance abuse. While in some cases this is true, that is not the case with Metallica and Ozzy. In fact, what most people do not realize is that both bands and their members are Christians. Ozzy always has been a member of the Church of England. It is well known that he prays before each performance as well as professing his beliefs in several of his songs. Metallica members are born again Christians and they profess this in many of their songs as well. While it is true that Ozzy and Metallica both have song lyrics that contradict their religious view. Songs such as Jump in the Fire by Metallica, with lyrics such as â€Å"Follow me now my child. Do just as I say. Jump by your will or be taken by force, I’ll get you either way†, are primarily for shock value. Many metal bands completely fit the stereotype of being drug addicted, alcoholic, and Satan worshipers. However, some bands, such as Metallica and Ozzy Osborne, have managed to overcome these addictions and are Christians. They love the metal sound, music, and beat and continue to make the type of music they are known for without the lifestyle of most metal bands. Both bands have had their share of controversy throughout their careers but have overcome this controversy and continue to have a large fan base, even after all these years. These two bands are very similar in many ways: they have stood the test of time and continue to have their fans despite some of the crazy things they have done. Metallica continues to make music while Ozzy now focuses more on family for various reasons, but their music continues to touch the lives of their fans, and no matter what happens, that will never change.

Mary Crawford: The Satisfying Heroine Essay -- Literary Analysis, Jane

In Mansfield Park, Jane Austen presents her readers with a dilemma: Fanny Price is the heroine of the story, but lacks the qualities Jane Austen usually presents in her protagonists, while Mary Crawford, the antihero, has these qualities. Mary is active, effective, and witty, much like Austen’s heroines Emma Woodhouse and Elizabeth Bennet. Contrasting this is Fanny, who is timid, complacent, and dull. Austen gives Mary passages of quick, sharp, even occasionally shocking, dialogue, while Fanny often does not speak for pages at a time. When she does, her speeches are typically banal and forgettable. In Mansfield Park, Austen largely rests Fanny’s standing as protagonist on the fact that Fanny adheres to the moral standards of Austen’s era. Mary Crawford makes a more satisfying and appealing heroine but due to her modern-era sensibility and uncertain moral fiber, she cannot fulfill this role. Part of what makes Mary Crawford an appealing candidate as a heroine of the story is her ability to take action. Throughout Mansfield Park, Mary is an energetic participant in the activities of Mansfield Park, such as taking part in many conversations, arguing her own point of view, riding horses, entertaining herself and others with her harp, and acting in Lover’s Vows. Fanny pales in comparison in terms of her level of activity. In regard to riding, Fanny is attended to when she rides, either by a groomsman or her cousins (Mansfield Park, 59). When Edmund decides to procure Fanny a horse, he does so in consideration of her health, not her happiness, as he means to â€Å"procure for Fanny the immediate means of exercise, which he could not bear she should be without† (Mansfield Park, 32). Edmund’s concern is that the horse is good for Fanny’... ...n presents her ambiguously between morally reprehensible and simply blunt and ahead of her time. Mary Crawford is not the heroine of Mansfield Park. Heroines in Jane Austen’s novels end up married to a man they love and this is not Mary’s fate. Mary did have the opportunity to become a heroic figure but did not take it. If Mary had changed her ways, put her feelings for Edmund above her desire for wealth, her character development and change of heart would have made her acceptable to the Regency Era audience. However, she is steadfast in her opinions and makes no concessions. Mary’s stubbornness, disregard for standards of the times, and wittiness makes her unfit as a heroine when the book was published. However, in contemporary times these characteristic appeal to audiences, as one is more likely to relate to Mary’s practical, although controversial, opinions.

Basic Principles of Democracy Essay

Democracy comes from the Greek word, â€Å"demos,† meaning people. In democracies, it is the people who hold sovereign power over legislator and government. Democracy is a form of government in which power is held by people under a free electoral system. It is derived from the Greek ÃŽ ´ÃŽ ·ÃŽ ¼ÃŽ ¿ÃŽ ºÃ ÃŽ ±Ãâ€žÃŽ ¯ÃŽ ±, â€Å"popular government†] which was coined from ÃŽ ´ÃŽ ®ÃŽ ¼ÃŽ ¿Ãâ€š (dÄ“mos), â€Å"people† and ÃŽ ºÃ ÃŽ ¬Ãâ€žÃŽ ¿Ãâ€š (kratos), â€Å"rule, strength† in the middle of the 5th-4th century BC to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states, notably Athens following a popular uprising in 508 BC. In political theory, democracy describes a small number of related forms of government and also a political philosophy. Even though there is no universally accepted definition of ‘democracy’, there are two principles that any definition of democracy includes. The first principle is that all members o f the society have equal access to power and the second one that all the members enjoy universally recognized freedoms and liberties. There are several varieties of democracy some of which provide better representation and more freedoms for their citizens than others. However, if any democracy is not carefully legislated to avoid an uneven distribution of political power with balances such as the separation of powers, then a branch of the system of rule is able to accumulate power in a way that is harmful to democracy itself. The â€Å"majority rule† is often described as a characteristic feature of democracy, but without responsible government it is possible for the rights of a minority to be abused by the â€Å"tyranny of the majority†. An essential process  in representative democracies are competitive elections, that are fair both substantively and procedurally. Furthermore, freedom of political expression, freedom of speech and freedom of the press are essential so that citizens are informed and able to vote in their personal interests. Popular sovereignty is common but not a universal motivating philosophy for establishing a democracy. In some countries, democracy is based on the philosophical principle of equal rights. Many people use the term â€Å"democracy† as shorthand for liberal democracy, which may include additional elements such as political pluralism, equality before the law, the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances, due process, civil liberties, human rights, and elements of civil society outside the government. In the United States, separation of powers is often cited as a supporting attribute, but in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the dominant philosophy is parliamentary sovereignty (though in practice judicial independence is generally maintained). In other cases, â€Å"democracy† is used to mean direct democracy. Though the term â€Å"democracy† is typically used in the context of a political state, the principles are also applicable to private organizations and other groups. Though democracy has its origins in Ancient Greece other cultures have significantly contributed to the evolution of democracy such as Ancient India, Ancient Rome, Europe, and North and South America. Democracy has been called the â€Å"last form of government† and has spread considerably across the globe. Suffrage has been expanded in many jurisdictions over time from relatively narrow groups (such as wealthy men of a particular ethnic group), but still remains a controversial issue with regard to disputed territories, areas with significant immigration, and countries that exclude certain demographic groups. The contemporary interpretation of democracy from the political point of view is that it is a system of government in which a country’s political leaders are chosen by the people in regular, free and fair elections. In a democracy, people have a choice between different candidates and parties who want the power to govern. The people can criticize and replace their elected leaders and representatives if they do not perform well. The people are sovereign — they are the highest authority  Ã¢â‚¬â€ and government is based on the will of the people. Elected representatives at the national and local levels must listen to the people and be responsive to their needs. That is why democracy depends upon a literate, knowledgeable citizenry whose access to information enables it to participate as fully as possible in the public life of their society and to criticize unwise or tyrannical government officials or policies. Citizens and their elected representatives recognize that democracy depends upon the widest possible access to uncensored ideas, data, and opinions. All people should have the right to form their own opinions and express them individually or in peaceful assemblies. Free societies cr eate a â€Å"marketplace of ideas† where people exchange their views on any number of issues. Although nuances apply to the world’s various democracies, certain principles and practices distinguish democratic government from other forms of government. †¢ Democracy is government in which power and civic responsibility are exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives. †¢ Democracy is a set of principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom. †¢ Democracy rests upon the principles of majority rule, coupled with individual and minority rights. All democracies, while respecting the will of the majority, zealously protect the fundamental rights of individuals and minority groups. †¢ Democracies guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible. †¢ Democracies understand that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society. †¢ Democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people. †¢ Democracy subjects governments to the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system. †¢ Democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation’s unique political, social, and cultural life. †¢ Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices. †¢ Citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms. †¢ Democratic societies are committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise. †¢ Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, â€Å"intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.† Principles of Democracy People from around the world have identified the basic principles, which must exist in order to have a democratic government. These principles often  become a part of the constitution or bill of rights in a democratic society. Though no two democratic countries are exactly alike, people in democracies support many of the same basic principles and desire the same benefits from their government. The following are examples of the principles referred to as signposts of democracy, which will be used throughout this lesson: 1. Citizen Participation One of the most basic signposts of a democracy is citizen participation in government. Participation is the key role of citizens in democracy. It is not only their right, but it is their duty. Citizen participation may take many forms including standing for election, voting in elections, becoming informed, debating issues, attending community or civic meetings, being members of private voluntary organizations, paying taxes, and even protesting. Participation builds a better democracy. 2. Equality Democratic societies emphasize the principle that all people are equal. Equality means that all individuals are valued equally, have equal opportunities, and may not be discriminated against because of their race, religion, ethnic group, gender or sexual orientation. In a democracy, individuals and groups still maintain their right to have different cultures, personalities, languages and beliefs. 3. Political Tolerance Democratic societies are politically tolerant. This means that while the majority of the people rule in a democracy, the rights of the minority must be protected. People who are not in power must be allowed to organize and speak out. Minorities are sometimes referred to as the opposition because they may have ideas which are different from the majority. Individual citizens must also learn to be tolerant of each other. A democratic society  is often composed of people from different cultures, racial, religious and ethnic groups who have viewpoints different from the majority of the population. A democratic society is enriched by diversity. If the majority deny rights to and destroy their opposition, then they also destroy democracy. One goal of democracy is to make the best possible decision for the society. To achieve this, respect for all people and their points of view is needed. Decisions are more likely to be accepted, even by those who oppose them, if all citizens have been allowed to discuss, debate and question them. 4. Accountability As George Washington said â€Å"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence,it is a force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.† In a democracy, elected and appointed officials have to be accountable to the people. They are responsible for their actions. Officials must make decisions and perform their duties according to the will and wishes of the people, not for themselves. Government accountability means that public officials – elected and un-elected – have an obligation to explain their decisions and actions to the citizens. Government accountability is achieved through the use of a variety of mechanisms – political, legal, and administrative – designed to prevent corruption and ensure that public officials remain answerable and accessible to the people they serve. In the absence of such mechanisms, corruption may thrive. The primary political accountability mechanism is free and fair elections. Fixed-terms of office and elections force elected officials to account for their performance and provide opportunities for challengers to offer citizens alternative policy choices. If voters are not satisfied with the performance of an official, they may vote them out of office when their terms expire. The degree to which public officials are politically accountable is a function of whether they occupy an elected versus appointed position, how often they are up for reelection, and how many terms they can serve. Legal accountability mechanisms include the whole legal framework – constitutions, legislative acts, decrees, rules, codes, and other legal instruments that proscribe actions that public officials can  and cannot take and how citizens may take action against those officials whose conduct is considered unsatisfactory. An independent judiciary is an essential requirement for the success of legal accountability, serving as a venue where citizens bring claims against the government. Legal accountability mechanisms include: †¢ Ethics statutes and codes of conduct for public officials, outlining unacceptable practices †¢ Conflict of interest and financial disclosure laws, requiring public officials to divulge the source of their income and assets so that citizens may judge whether the actions of those officials are likely to be influenced improperly by financial interests †¢ â€Å"Sunshine† laws, providing the press and the public access to government records and meetings †¢ Citizen participation requirements, dictating that certain government Judicial review, providing courts the power to review the decisions and actions of public officials and agencies. Administrative accountability mechanisms include offices within agencies or ministries and practices within administrative processes designed to ensure that the decisions and actions of public officials account for the interest of the citizens. Administrative accountability mechanisms include: †¢ Ombudsmen, responsible for hearing and addressing citizen complaints; †¢ Independent auditors who scrutinize the use of public funds for signs of misuse; †¢ Administrative courts, that hear citizens’ complaints about agency decisions; †¢ Ethics rules protecting so-called whistleblowers – those within government who speak out about corruption or abuse of official authority – from reprisals. 5. Transparency For government to be accountable the people must be aware of what is happening in the country. This is referred to as transparency in government. A transparent government holds public meetings and allows citizens to attend. In a democracy, the press and the people are able to get information about what decisions are being made, by whom and why. 6. Regular, Free and Fair Elections One way citizens of the country express their will is by electing officials to represent them in government. Democracy insists that these elected officials are chosen and peacefully removed from office in a free and fair manner. Intimidation, corruption and threats to citizens during or before an election are against the principles of democracy. In a democracy, elections are held regularly every so many years. Participation in elections should not be based on a citizen’s wealth. For free and fair elections to occur, most adult citizens should have the right to stand for government office. Additionally, obstacles should not exist which make it difficult for people to vote. Free and fair elections allow people living in a representative democracy to determine the political makeup and future policy direction of their nation’s government. Free and fair elections increase the likelihood of a peaceful transfer of power. They help to ensure that losing candidates will accept the validity of the election’s results and cede power to the new government. Elections alone do not assure democracy since dictators can use the resources of the state to tamper with the election process. Free and fair elections require: †¢ Universal suffrage for all eligible men and women to vote – democracies do not restrict this right from minorities, the disabled, or give it only to those who are literate or who own property. †¢ Freedom to register as a voter or run for public office. †¢ Freedom of speech for candidates and political parties – democracies do not restrict candidates or political parties from criticizing the performance of the incumbent. †¢ Numerous opportunities for the electorate to receive objective information from a free press. †¢ Freedom to assemble for political rallies and campaigns. †¢ Rules that require party representatives to maintain a distance from polling places on election day – election officials, volunteer poll workers, and international monitors may assist voters with the voting  process but not the voting choice. †¢ An impartial or balanced system of conducting elections and verifying election results – trained election officials must either be politically independent or those overseeing elections should be representative of the parties in the election. †¢ Accessible polling places, private voting space, secure ballot boxes, and transparent ballot counting. †¢ Secret ballots – voting by secret ballot ensures that an individual’s choice of party or candidate cannot be used against him or her. †¢ Legal prohibitions against election fraud – enforceable laws must exist to prevent vote tampering (e.g. double counting, ghost voting). †¢ Recount and contestation procedures – legal mechanisms and processes to review election processes must be established to ensure that elections were conducted properly. 7. Economic Freedom People in a democracy must have some form of economic freedom. This means that the government allows some private ownership of property and businesses, and that the people are allowed to choose their own work and labor unions. The role the government should play in the economy is open to debate, but it is generally accepted that free markets should exist in a democracy and the state should not totally control the economy. Some argue that the state should play a stronger role in countries where great inequality of wealth exists due to past discrimination or other unfair practices. 8. Control of the Abuse of Power Democratic societies try to prevent any elected official or group of people from misusing or abusing their power. One of the most common abuses of power is corruption. Corruption occurs when government officials use public funds for their own benefit or exercise power in an illegal manner. Various methods have been used in different countries to protect against these abuses. Frequently the government is structured to limit the powers of the branches of government: to have independent courts and agencies with power to act against any illegal action by an elected official or branch of  government; to allow for citizen participation and elections; and to check for police abuse of power. 9. Accepting the Results of Elections In democratic elections, there are winners and losers. Often the losers in an election believe so strongly that their party or candidate is the best one, that they refuse to accept the results of the election. This is against democratic principles. The consequences of not accepting the result of an election may be a government that is ineffective and cannot make decisions. It may even result in violence which is also against democracy. 10. Human Rights All democracies strive to respect and protect the human rights of citizens. Human rights mean those values that reflect respect for human life and human dignity. Democracy emphasizes the value of every human being. Examples of human rights include freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, the right to equality and the right to education. All human beings are born with inalienable rights. These human rights empower people to pursue lives of dignity – thus, no government can bestow them but all governments should protect them. Freedom, built on a foundation of justice, tolerance, dignity, and respect – regardless of ethnicity, religion, political association, or social standing – allows people to pursue these fundamental rights. Whereas dictatorships deny human rights, free societies continually strive to attain them. Human rights are interdependent and indivisible; they encompass myriad facets of human existence including social, political, and economic issues. Among the most commonly accepted are: †¢ All people should have the right to express their ideas and opinions. †¢ All people should have the right to participate in government. Governments should create laws that protect human rights while justice systems enforce those laws equally among the population. †¢ Freedom from arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture – whether one is an opponent of the  ruling political party, an ethnic minority, or even a common criminal – is a basic human right. A professional police force respects all citizens as it enforces the laws of the nation. †¢ In ethnically diverse nations, religious and ethnic minorities should be free to use their language and maintain their traditions without fear of recrimination from the majority population. Governments should recognize the rights of minorities while respecting the will of the majority. †¢ All people should have the opportunity to work, earn a living, and support their families. †¢ Children deserve special protection. They should receive at least an elementary education, proper nutrition, and healthcare. To maintain human rights, citizens in any free society need to be vigilant. Citizen responsibility – through a variety of participatory activities – ensures that government remains accountable to the people. The family of free nations is committed to work toward protection of human rights. They formalize their commitment through a number of international treaties and covenants on human rights. 11. Multi-Party Systems In order to have a multi-party system, more than one political party must participate in elections and play a role in government. A multi-party system allows for opposition to the party, which wins the election. This helps provide the government with different viewpoints on issues. Additionally, a multi-party system provides voters with a choice of candidates, parties and policies to vote for. Historically, when a country only has one party, the result has been a dictatorship. To preserve and protect individual rights and freedoms, a democratic people must work together to shape the government of their choosing. And the principal way of doing that is through political parties. Political parties are voluntary organizations that link the people and their government. Parties recruit candidates and campaign to elect them to public office, and they mobilize people to participate in selecting government leaders. The majority party (or the party elected to control the offices of government) seeks to enact into law a number of different policies and programs. Parties of the opposition are free to criticize the majority party’s policy ideas and offer their own proposals. Political  parties provide a way for citizens to hold elected party officials accountable for their actions in government. Democratic political parties have faith in the principles of democracy so that they recognize and respect the authority of the elected government even when their party leaders are not in power. Like any democracy, members of various political parties reflect the diversity of the cultures in which they arise. Some are small and built around a set of political beliefs. Others are organized around economic interests, or shared history. Still others are loose alliances of different citizens who may only come together at election time. All democratic political parties, whether they are small movements or large national coalitions, share the values of compromise and tolerance. They know that only through broad alliances and cooperation with other political parties and organizations can they provide the leadership and common vision that will win the support of the people of the nation. Democratic parties recognize that political views are fluid and changeable, and that consensus can often arise out of the clash of ideas and values in peaceful, free, and public debate. The concept of the loyal opposition is central to any democracy. It means that all sides in political debate – however deep their differences – share the fundamental democratic values of freedom of speech and faith, and equal protection under law. Parties that lose elections step into the role of opposition – confident that the political system will continue to protect their right to organize and speak out. In time, their party will have a chance to campaign again for its ideas, and the votes of the people. In a democracy, the struggle between political parties is not a fight for survival, but a competition to serve the people. 12. The Rule of Law In a democracy no one is above the law, not even a king or an elected President. This is called the rule of law. It means that everyone must obey the law and be held accountable if they violate it. Democracy also insists that the law be equally, fairly and consistently enforced. This is sometimes referred to as â€Å"due process of law.† For much of human history, rulers and law were synonymous – law was simply the will of the ruler. A first step away from such tyranny was the notion of rule by law, including the notion  that even a ruler is under the law and should rule by virtue of legal means. Democracies went further by establishing the rule of law. Although no society or government system is problem-free, rule of law protects fundamental political, social, and economic rights and reminds us that tyranny and lawlessness are not the only alternatives. Rule of law means that no individual, president or private citizen, stands above law. Democratic governments exercise authority by way of law and are themselves subject to law’s constraints. Laws should express the will of the people, not the whims of kings, dictators, military officials, religious leaders, or self-appointed political parties. Citizens in democracies are willing to obey the laws of their society, then, because they are submitting to their own rules and regulations. Justice is best achieved when the laws are established by the very people who must obey them. Under the rule of law, a system of strong, independent courts should have the power and authority, resources, and the prestige to hold government officials, even top leaders, accountable to the nation’s laws and regulations. For this reason, judges should be well trained, professional, independent, and impartial. To serve their necessary role in the legal and political system, judges must be committed to the principles of democracy. The laws of a democracy may have many sources: written constitutions; statutes and regulations; religious and ethical teachings; and cultural traditions and practices. Regardless of origin the law should enshrine certain provisions to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens: Under the requirement of equal protection under the law, the law may not be uniquely applicable to any single individual or group. Citizens must be secure from arbitrary arrest and unreasonable search of their homes or the seizure of their personal property. Citizens charged with crimes are entitled to a speedy and public trial, along with the opportunity to confront and question their accusers. If convicted, they may not be subjected to cruel or unusual punishment. Citizens cannot be forced to testify against themselves. This principle protects citizens from coercion, abuse, or torture and greatly reduces the temptation of police to employ such measures. 13. Bill of Rights Many democratic countries also choose to have a bill of rights to protect people against abuse of power. A bill of rights is a list of rights and freedoms guaranteed to all people in the country. When a bill of rights becomes part of a country’s constitution, the courts have the power to enforce these rights. A bill of rights limits the power of government and may also impose duties on individuals and organizations. The role of the Non-governmental Organizations In democracies, ordinary citizens may organize independent groups that serve the needs of the community or nation they live in and complement, supplement, or even challenge the work of the government. Such organizations are often called nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, because they are not an extension of the government’s offices. NGOs allow citizens to improve their society by advocating, educating, and mobilizing attention around major public issues and monitoring the conduct of government and private enterprise. NGOs enable citizens from different backgrounds to learn to work together and build the skills, relationships, and trust necessary for good government. NGOs serve a great variety of citizen interests. They may act as social service providers, advocates for the environment or for living standards, work standards, or as the catalysts for democratic change. NGOs often represent the interests of those citizens who might otherwise be left out of national policy de bates. They open the public discourse to people of all economic and social classes and to women and minorities. Funding for NGOs may come from individual private donations, private trusts and philanthropies, corporations, religious institutions, international institutions, other NGOs, sales of goods and services, and even governments. Governments and NGOs frequently work as partners. NGOs may provide local and regional expertise and personnel on the ground for implementation of government-funded projects. NGOs may be politically unaffiliated, or they may be based on partisan ideals and seek to advance a particular cause or set of causes in the public interest. In either model the key point is that NGOs should operate under minimal political control of states. NGOs develop local and international programs in virtually all areas that contribute to the promotion of the principles of democracy, including: †¢ Human rights  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ by promoting international standards and monitoring for violations and abuses. †¢ Rule of law – through low-cost or free legal aid, educating all citizens regarding their rights, and advocating for legal reforms. †¢ Women’s participation – by preparing them for political participation and protecting them from socioeconomic discrimination. †¢ Civic education – through education programs focusing on the role of the citizen in a democratic and diverse society. †¢ A free press – by promoting independent media, training journalists, and setting standards for ethical journalism. †¢ Political party development – through election monitoring by trained domestic observers and nonpartisan voter registration drives. †¢ Government accountability †“ by conducting policy analysis and serving as watchdogs over governmental actions. Democracy in the EU â€Å"The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail. â€Å" These are universal values and not the values of the Europeans alone. Many countries in the world are recognising and implementing these values or at least have written them down in one or the other form. In order to obtain the objectives of the Union based on the afore-mentioned values, the European Union needs certain powers conferred in a legal framework. It is foreseen that these powers must be exercised using the Community method and specific instruments within a single institutional framework. But through the implementation of these universal values, the European Union has become already a success story that is making membership to the Union so very attractive to its neighbours and an example for other regions in the world= More citizens in Europe live in countries with competitive elections, political freedoms and respect for human rights than ever before. Part of this success story can be attributed – undeniably – to the process of European integration. Paradoxically, however, the European Union also finds itself increasingly the subject of general cynicism and dissatisfaction among its citizenry. Therefore, a better understanding of democracy has become vital at all levels of government, and in particular regarding the future of the EU itself. Proposals for the further democratisation of EU decision-making can be pieced together from at least the following four different dimensions of choice: Intergovernmental vs Supranational Under intergovernmental approaches, the EU is democratised through the elected institutions of its member states. In the contemporary EU, for example, each member country has to ratify any change to EU Treaties according to the democratic mechanism of its choice, with referendums being used in some cases and national parliamentary votes in others. In addition, most important decisions have to be taken by the Council of Ministers on which all national governments are represented. Even with majority voting, this allows national parliaments scope to influence the development of EU policy and hold their governments responsible for their behaviour at Union level . They can review the negotiating positions of their governments before meetings of the Council of Ministers. They can scrutinise draft legislation, which has to be circulated to each national parliament in its own language at least six weeks before it is voted in the Council. They also have important discretion in deciding how EU acquis is to be transposed into national law, since directives only require member states to achieve certain results, without specifying the methods to be employed. Under supranational approaches, entirely new democratic institutions are established at the European level. They are purpose-made for the EU’s political system, and they operate with at least some consistency across the Union as whole. So, for example, the European Parliament is directly elected by all adult citizens of the EU. Its powers, are directed to making law for the Union as a whole, and at scrutinising, criticising and controlling the overall performance of Commission and Council in their role as the EU’s double-headed executive. In brief, it has the power to: †¢ Approve or reject the member states’ choice of Commission and Commission President †¢ Dismiss the Commission on a double majority (two-thirds of votes cast, provided that those voting for a censure comprise more than half of the Parliament’s membership). The resignation of the Santer Commision in March 1999 undermined the argument that this was unlikely ever to happen. †¢ Reject legislation in some areas (Co-decision) and amend it in others (Cooperation). The increasing use of the former means that the EP approaches bicameral status with the Council in a political system where rule-making is, arguably, the main activity. Even the latter allows the EP to structure the choices that are subsequently available to the Council. As the previous examples imply, the EU currently mixes and matches intergovernmental and supranational approaches to democratic politics. Consensus vs Majoritarian Democracy Majoritarian democracy is where decisions can be taken by a bare majority of the public or its representatives. Its proponents argue that any alternative amounts to minority rule. Consensus democracy is where the aim is to align policies with the preferences of the greatest number of citizens or their representatives, rather than with those of a simple majority. Its defenders argue that any alternative allows minorities to be excluded and is not, therefore, rule by the people as a whole. Amongst examples of consensus democracy are the following: †¢ Supermajoritarian decision-rules: these require decisions to be approved by more than 50 per cent of representatives. At present the EU employs supermajorities twice over, in both the Council and the EP. Majority voting in the Council requires 71 per cent of the weighted votes of member states. Most powers of the EP can only be exercised on an absolute majority of its membership. Given normal rates of absenteeism this effectively means that a majority of around two-thirds is usually needed in the EP, as well as the Council of Ministers. †¢ Federal systems: these parcel decision-making out between layers of government. It is rare for the EU to be the only body with powers in an issue area. It normally shares jurisdiction with national and sub-national authorities with which it has to co-ordinate its activities. †¢ Consociational systems: these guarantee the participation of all main cultural units in the most important decisions of a political system. In the EU, for example, all governments nominate at least one Commissioner; all member states have a seat on the Council and the opportunity to hold its rotating Presidency for a period of six months; both Council and Parliament over-represent smaller member states in a manner that underlines the principle that it is national communities — and not just citizens — that are units of value in the EU’s political system; and even the Governing Council of the European Central Bank works on the principle ‘one national central bank, one vote’. Direct vs Indirect Democracy Direct democracy is where the people itself takes major decisions of government. The alternative is that they only exercise public control indirectly through appointed representatives. As will be seen below, this distinction is mainly relevant to prescriptions for the democratisation of the EU, rather than to its current practice. Strategic vs Communicative Democracy Strategic models of democracy presuppose that actors have clear and fixed views of their interests. The main goal of democratic institutions is then to find the most efficient means of aggregating the preferences of individuals into collective actions, albeit subject to various standards of fairness. Communicative models of democracy hold that preferences also need to be debated within the political system, either because they are not fully formed prior to a process of discussion, or because group action is so very different from individual action, both actually and morally. A big question for the EU is whether it can develop a public sphere that all citizens can access as equals, and through the medium of which all points of view can be debated and compared. Connecting European citizens to one another — and to EU institutions — raises problems of language, media, party systems and the associational structure of society, almost all of which are presently organised to support national forms of democracy, rather than a European equivalent. The future of a strong European Union with 27 member states and more will only be possible if rules are implemented which make decisions more democratic, more transparent and thus more efficient. A good and democratic society in the European context is a society which is open to reforms or is able to become a better society – I.e. an active civil society. The European Civil Society can give a new direction to politics. Politicians will then follow. Only a European Civil Society which is better informed about European values, objectives and challenges will give Europe a new impetus to the further democratic development of Europe.

Nurse shoratges Essay

Conferences Webinars Popular Topics Media Relations Career Link Contact Sitemap Top of Form SEARCH AACN Bottom of Form About AACN Mission and Values Strategic Plan Staff Directory Department Directory Bylaws Committees & Task Force Board of Directors Member Schools Affiliated Sites Leading Initiatives Education Resources Publications Research and Data Academic-practice Partnerships Joining Forces Clinical Nurse Leader Doctor of Nursing Practice Public Health Nursing Diversity in Nursing NursingCAS CCNE Accreditation About CCNE Find Accredited Programs Find New Applicant Programs Board Actions & Current Reviews Standards, Procedures, & Resources New Applicant Process On-site Evaluators CCNE webinars Government Affairs About Government Affairs AACN Grassroots Federal Policy Agenda Appropriations Advocacy APRN Advocacy State Advocacy Supported Legislation Policy Briefs Resources Funding Opportunities Archives Membership Members Only How to Join Member Benefits Leadership Development Leadership Networks Leadership Opportunities New Dean Mentoring Program Awards Mailing List Rental Nursing Program Search Faculty Faculty Link Faculty Tool Kits Faculty Webinars Curriculum Guidelines Leadership for Academic Nursing Education Scholar ELNEC Geriatric Nursing Students Your Nursing Career Graduate Nursing Student Academy Scholarships Financial Aid Accelerated Nursing Programs Career Resource Center Home / Media Relations / Nursing Shortage Resources / Impact of the Nursing Shortage on Patient Care News Releases Spokesperson Bios AACN News Watch Position Statements White Papers Fact Sheets Talking Points Nursing Shortage Resources About the Nursing Shortage Impact of the Nursing Shortage on Patient Care Strategies to Resolve the Shortage Legislation to Address the Shortage Snapshot of Today’s Nursing Workforce Report Archives State Work Force Reports Newsletter Subscriptions More Sharing ServicesShare I Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on email Share on print Recent Reports Hospital Nurse Practice Environments and Outcomes for Surgical Oncology Patients In an article published in Health Services Research in August 2008, Dr. Christopher Friese and colleagues found that nursing education level was significantly associated with patient outcomes. Nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-level were linked with lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates. The authors conclude that â€Å"moving to a nurse workforce in which a higher proportion of staff nurses have at least a baccalaureate-level education would result in substantially fewer adverse outcomes for patients. † Effects of Hospital Care Environment on Patient Mortality and Nurse Outcomes In a study published May 2008 in the Journal of Nursing Administration, (see below) which show a strong link between RN education level and patient outcomes. Titled â€Å"Effects of Hospital Care Environment on Patient Mortality and Nurse Outcomes,† these leading nurse researchers found that every 10% increase in he proportion of BSN nurses on the hospital staff was associated with a 4% decrease in the risk of death. Impact of Hospital Nursing Care on 30-day Mortality for Acute Medical Patients In the January 2007 issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing, a new study validates the findings of Dr. Linda Aiken and others that baccalaureate- prepared nurses have a positive impact on lowering mortality rates. A research team led by Dr. Ann E. Tourangeau from the University of Toronto and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Ontario, Canada, studied 46,993 patients admitted to ospital with heart attacks, stroke, pneumonia and blood poisoning. The authors found that: â€Å"Hospitals with higher proportions of baccalaureate-prepared nurses tended to have lower 30-day mortality rates. Our findings indicated that a 10% increase in the proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses was associated with 9 fewer deaths for every 1,000 discharged patients. Is the Shortage of Hospital Registered Nurses Getting Better of Worse? In the March-April 2005 issue of Nursing Economics, Dr. Peter Buerhaus and colleagues found that more than 75% of RNs believe the nursing shortage presents a major problem for the quality of their work ife, the quality of patient care, and the amount of time nurses can spend with patients. Looking forward, almost all surveyed nurses see the shortage in the future as a catalyst for increasing stress on nurses (98%), lowering patient care quality (93%) and causing nurses to leave the profession (93%). National Survey on Consumers’ Experiences with Patient Safety and Quality Information In November 2004, results from this national survey found that 40% of Americans think the quality of health care has worsened in the last five years. Consumers reported that the most mportant issues affecting medical error rates are workload, stress or fatigue among health professionals (74%); too little time spent with patients (70%); and too few nurses (69%). This survey was sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Harvard School of Public Health. Research in Action: Hospital Nurse Staffing and Availability of Care In March 2004, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) issued a synthesis of nursing research studies that details the impact that staffing levels, staff mix, and education levels have on patient outcomes. The report cites studies showing that hospitals with lower nurse staffing levels and fewer registered nurses compared with licensed practical nurses or nurses’ aides tend to have higher rates of poor patient outcomes. Keeping Patients Safe: Transforming the Work Environment Publishing in November 2003, this Institute of Medicine calls for substantial changes in the work environment of nurses in order to protect patients, including changes in how nurse staffing levels are established and mandatory limits on nurses’ work hours. Despite the growing body of evidence that better nurse staff levels result in afer patient care, nurses in some health care facilities may be overburdened with up to 12 patients to care for per shift. Long work hours pose one of the most serious threats to patient safety, because fatigue slows reaction time, diminishes attention to detail, and contributes to errors. Educational Levels of Hospital Nurses and Surgical prepared at the baccalaureate and higher degree level is endangering patients. In an article in the September 24, 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Linda Aiken and her colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania ound that patients experience significantly lower mortality and failure to rescue rates in hospitals where more baccalaureate-prepared nurses provide direct patient care. At least 1,700 preventable deaths could have been realized in Pennsylvania hospitals alone if baccalaureate-prepared nurses had comprised 60% of the nursing staff and the nurse-to-patient ratios had been set at 1 to 4. Unfortunately, only of PA hospitals have more than 50% of the nursing staff prepared at the baccalaureate level. Views of Practicing Physicians and the Public on Medical Errors A survey eported in the December 12, 2002 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine found that 53% of physicians and 65% of the public cited the shortage of nurses as a leading cause of medical errors. Overall, 42% of the public and more than a third of U. S. doctors reported that they or their family members have experienced medical errors in the course of receiving medical care. The survey was conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Hospital Nurse Staffing and Patient Mortality, Nurse Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction According o a study published in the October 23/30, 2002 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, more nurses at the bedside could save thousands of patient lives each year. Nurse researchers at the University of Pennsylvania determined that patients who have common surgeries in hospitals with low nurse-to-patient ratios have an up to 31% increased chance of dying. Funded by the National Institute for Nursing Research, the study found that every additional patient in an average hospital nurse’s workload increased the risk of death in surgical patients by 7%. Having too few nurses may actually cost more money given the high costs of replacing burnt-out nurses and caring for patients with poor outcomes.

Pastoral Ministry Essays

Pastoral Ministry Essays Pastoral Ministry Essay Pastoral Ministry Essay Your story does not need to be the same as everyone else, it will be mysterious Clarity of calling often needs to come through community 2/4/15 Do you think youre call will ever get fuzzy? It will. Revisiting your calling is important and necessary Vocational calling All Christians are called to service Big issues in ministry- helping others discern their call, hopefully discerning before in college Pastors have a unique call William Temple and his 3 fold call Called to Christ Called to the People of God Called to Service/Mission Breadth of calling (you want people to discover the fullness of their calling) To work (vocation) To marriage (or singleness) To family To community (Church) To service Common Good Call to Pastoral ministry It is like the calls to other ministries Different realm in the church Churches are different creatures than other humanitarian/non-profit organizations Different rhythms (weekends evenings) Work on day no one works, work stuff at nights Call into ministry Inner sense Of Call from God (Pieties) External call sending people of God (home congregation) receiving people of God (we want you! Two stage call 1st call called to preparation (seminary) 2nd call called to pastoral ministry called to missions (cross-cultural) allied to non-congregational ministry sometimes there is a call to a specific pastoral identity preacher/teacher pastoral care pastoral counseling childrens ministry youth ministry administration missions evangelism ministry tensions generalist or specialist pastor or entrepreneur interim or semi-permanent career or vocation denominations world Christianity vs. loca l expression 2/6/15 ministry in different contexts national institutional example: local pastor that is a part of a national organization and receives the image of what that organization is experiencing national contextual example: being a pastor in 2015 is different that in 1886. The two worlds are very different local institution each individual church has a history that you need to learn and study. What are the tensions in the church, what are the successes, how has God moved in the past local contextual church lifestyle movements cant keep their momentum forever and at some point they need to establish order/institutionalize. The organization/movement becomes a monument, which is solid/lifeless agents that will kill churches adultery (10 years to get back to normal) bad preaching bad people churches in denominations will have records on file to help display what stage f life the church is in independent churches will have reports, you want to look over 10 law-grace spectrum competing values, we affirm that there is grace but theres also a place for law seen in the first 10 minutes heavy in law- youll leave feeling burdened heavy in grace- leave feeling good about love but discouraged looking around at the people how does the church deal with divorce? Non-reconciliation habits hard-living people are people who are still rough around the edges welcome in the church? Questions like Who would not feel welcome here and why? Church government Hierarchal One leader who makes decisions for all Example: Roman Catholic Church Congregational Every decision is ran through the congregation Representative Body of elders who make decisions together When interviewing for a church position, ask How are decisions in this church made? What were the last 5 and how was it? How well does the church allow for outliers? Denominational? Baptist Presbyterian Pentecostal Anglican Congregation Non-denominational Disadvantages to being here because there are less people you can be connected with, more difficult to get that first job 3 church paradigms Christendom Congregations Parish-based, denominationally loyal Attraction church Competition, best programs Full service, 24/7 Example: Burger King have tryout way Hardest church to pastor, consumerist animal that is never satisfied Mission church Recognize the need to be a missionary outpost to reach people for Christ since no one was coming to church 2/11/15 notes in journal 2/1 3/15 sometimes a church does not want a strong leader because they want someone that they can domesticate, or make into whatever they want them to be if they give you responsibility but no authority, then say no you always want to hear about the relationship with the previous pastor snoop around aka a search committee member youre getting closer to for a drive and ask about the skeletons if the previous pastor broke the churches trust, itll take S to rebuild 10 if they committed adultery or embezzled impression without expression will lead to depression case study reflection when coming into a church with trust for the pastor, it is easy to do things quickly in this si tuation, there is limited power available to the 29 year old pastor. If the pastor were to try and call a meeting to kick her out ,they would themselves probably be voted out always think about what you are leaving or the pastor after you what is the mission of the church long term solution lead deacon training for about a year to help them understand the role slowly lead that group off until a new deacon group is ready to come on work around and isolate the virus build healthy situations because they will help the sick systems lead bible studies in your house be with the people Worship issues (continued) Helpful websites COLI Song Select Hymnal. Org Worcestershire. Org Systemic. Com Leading worship Preparation of heart Heart needs to be ready on Sunday morning Cant stay up late on Saturday nights. They are a runway to Sunday morning ND need to be taken seriously Careful planning Be 6 months out preaching 1 month out of planning for worship Practice readings Thoughtful prayers Transitions Help the whole thing have a seamless whole Who are you leading? Regular people who dont know some of the things you know, they are not seminarians Churches are on 4 way axiss Where do you plant the church? Horizontal-vertical axis Community -? congregation Formal informal axis Contextually Is your service open to outsiders or structure so that only people who are familiar with church will be comfortable? Unstated narrative in worship Theres a story going on in your worship, what is your story? In every way you design worship, youre teaching your congregation something 2/25/15 worship as a performance audience is God actors are the congregation the worship leader or pastor is the stage director sacraments placement in the service naturally a response to the Word youre hearing Gods word through the sermon and then through the sacrament youre touching it Eucharist- a good touch issues of children and families example of best friends baptizing each other free worship usually does earlier spontaneity?

Derek Bentleys Last Thoughts Essay Example

Derek Bentleys Last Thoughts Essay Example Derek Bentleys Last Thoughts Essay Derek Bentleys Last Thoughts Essay Essay Topic: The Heart Goes Last I dont believe this is happening to me! I have only one hour of my life left before my death sentence is carried out! None of this would have happened if I had not got involved with Chris Craig, and formed a friendship with him and his mates. They were a very bad influence on me. If Id never met Chris, what would I be doing now?Im outraged that I have received a much more serious, fatal sentence than Chris, who is serving only ten years in prison! Ten years only for murdering someone! It wasnt me who killed the cop, it was Chris! I never pulled the trigger! Im completely innocent of murder! As a result of my friendship with Chris, Im going to die in less than an hours time. Its all because of him!I mean, I didnt even try to run off when I had the chance. For goodness sake, it was I in fact that helped the cops catch Chris. I never meant shoot the cop Chris! when I said let him have it Chris! I meant let the cop have the gun Chris! Those stupid cops took the wrong meaning, and so now Im stuck here in here ready to die! I didnt like that judge either; I reckon he was biased. Hell find out sooner or later that he sentenced me for no reason, and so will others. I was treated very unfairly in that courtroom. Some people will pay for this! Oh yes, they will get hurt, just like theyve hurt me!Where did it all start? When did I make the mistakes that led me here? I remember, it was on the 2nd of November, when I went out and met Chris outside the sweetshop, along with Frank and Norman. I regret going out that night now. I should have stayed home with my family. I should have listened to my parents.I can recall Chris, his gang and me all talking; then Frank and Norman left. Chris and I then caught a bus to Croydon. On the bus, he handed me a knife and a knuckle-duster, which I never even used! I wasnt planning on using them either! I should not have accepted them from Chris. I should have said no right then. I guess I was under peer pressure then. I remember Chris carry ing a revolver and a sheath knife. We got off the bus at West Croydon station. Chris intention that night was to rob a butchers shop, and if need be, use the lethal weapons. That was the purpose of him carrying them. We went down Tamworth Road. As we saw a light and heard sounds inside the shop, we had a change of plan, and so went away. This time we were headed for a sweet shop. I can remember that I was still looking inside the shop to see if anyone was there, while Chris had already climbed over the 6ft iron-gate. I should have not gone up with him. It was my last possible chance to escape from this fatal plan, and I unfortunately blew it! I should have realised there would be consequences like this maybe, and also that there could have been witnesses such as the Wares, watching. I was caught red-handed!I dont want to die; I still have lots to live for. Im only 19 years old for Christs sake! People these days should show some mercy! Not even a quarter of my life has passed yet! M y life has definitely gone to waste. Im dying for no reason! I wonder how it feels whilst being hung and dying?! Will it hurt? What happens afterwards? Will I be sent to Heaven or Hell, or is there no such place? How long will it take for me to die? Im not frightened of death at all. Just nervous and curious. Id told dad that too. The time seems to pass so fast! Only forty-five minutes to go now!I wonder what the hell Chris is doing now? What does he think of all this? Whether he is regretting everything? Whether hes thinking about me, and what Im doing? And what about his family? His parents? Do they care as much about Chris as mine do for me? What do they think about me? Do they realise or even care that my sentence is unfair? Do they know and care that Im dying because of him?! I do hope they realise that it should be Chris who is sentenced to death instead of me! It should be him being hung in less than forty minutes from now!I wouldnt want to be Chris. Id prefer to be myself an d die rather than be him. I would hate to live with a guilty conscience, knowing someones dead because of a crime that Id committed. I would simply hate to live a life like that! The clocks ticking fast. Im living my last half hour.Ill certainly miss my family. I want to be with them now, and see them again. Im more anxious about leaving them more than anything else. Id do anything and give away every possession I have just so that I could live to see and be with my family. I hope they clear my name. I really do. How do they feel about his situation that Im in now? Are they petrified? Worried? Nervous? Angry? Are they thinking anything at all?I would like to wish them good luck for everything in the future. I want to thank mum and dad for raising me, and Iris for supporting me and being a great sister throughout my life. I hope my younger brother listens to mum and dad and does what hes told. I wouldnt like to think that he grows up to be someone like me! A betrayer to my parents, b ut most of all a traitor to the family name. I know I have made a bad impression and have been a bad influence on my younger brother, but I hope he learns from it; Ive, without doubt, learnt from my mistakes in the past, and I know I cans redeem myself now as its too late; but my younger brother can still fulfil mum and dads wishes by becoming good and by doing as hes told.At least all is not lost for my parents. As a result of me not listening to mum and dad, look how Ive ended up! I am so repentant and most of all ashamed of myself! I would have liked to be someone everyone younger could look up to, not like this! Not a criminal! Im sure mum and dad would have wanted that as well; some sort of role model, as it were. I do hope indeed that they forgive me for everything bad Ive committed.Anyway, I want my family to keep their chin up, and to look after each other, and all the animals in the house. I wish I could tell them this myself in person, and also that I LOVE YOU ALL! Thank y ou all ever so much for what youve done for me. Youve all always been there for me, especially for when I needed you.In the end, I reckon the truth will eventually come out. Justice will prevail. People will know I am not the bad guy. JUST FIFTEEN MINUTES TO GO! Only just fifteen minutes left of my wasted life!Im more fearful of how my family will be treated after Ive been hanged. Thinking of what position my family will be in actually makes me terrified. Think about how people will treat them. Will they feel sorry for them because of my loss? Will they be spiteful and malicious towards them? How will people remember me? A fully-fledged criminal or an innocent 19 year old who was wrongly accused of murder and therefore hung?I believe the guards are coming in now. I can hear their footsteps. Shall I wait for them to enter? Shall I plan to retaliate as soon as they come in? Oh, what shall I do?! I think Ill wait. Im waiting for death. Mum, dad, please forgive me! God, please forgive m y sins. Im extremely remorseful for anything I have done that goes against your will. Oh God, theyre here! I dont know what to do! They are getting me up. Its all happening too fast! Its very hard for me to think this, but I am in fact breathing my last few breaths now! I dont believe this is happening! NO!They are treating me very roughly. I wonder what was in that drink they gave me. It didnt taste nice at all. Theyre taking me somewhere. I can see the very last thing that will ever touch my throat. The guard just said it wont hurt. Ill take his word; at least it will clam me down a little.Daylights gone. I shall never see light again. This is the last time Ill ever see the world. Im in complete darkness now. This is it. I feel my legs tightening ever so hard. OUCH! Now I can hear the loud noises of chains rattling. This is the first time Im actually feeling horrified since I was sentenced. I want to panic, but I cannot go anywhere. I want my mum. I want her to hug me one last tim e. I want to hold my family and kiss them all goodbye. I can hear my heart pounding violently. God save me! Goodbye Derek..

Political Comic Strip & Character Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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Training and Career Development Strategies help to solve IT Thesis

Training and Career Development Strategies help to solve IT Professional Retention in Vietnam - Thesis Example on then on how to help the IT professionals actually realize their role in making a better Vietnam through embracing the international practices of being an IT worker. Since it is understood that the birth of IT in the country still remains to be young, it may not be that easy to help the people within the country realize that they are indeed doing an important job for their country. (Belinda, 32) Some may even loose interest once faced with too much pressure at work thus simply decide to change their career concentrations to less stressing ones compared to that of the IT operations that they are involved with at present. Hence, in this section of the study, understanding how to effectively motivate the said professionals of Vietnam through an effective management approach and efficient training procedures shall be well discussed. Because employees need to learn how to work with new equipment-such as word processors, computers or possible, robots, companies are finding that they must offer proper planning programs that are often sophisticated enough to support the skills enhancement needs of the employees. Training and development include all attempts to improve productivity and competencies of the employees. Training focuses on short-term skills, whereas development focuses on long-term abilities.(Neelankavil, 1992, 33) It should be noted though that both training and development programs include three steps: (a) assessing the needs of the organization and the skills of the employees to determine training needs, (b) designing training activities to meet the identified needs and (c) evaluating the effectiveness of the training. Some common training and development activities are employee orientation, on-the-job training, job simulation and management training. (Hubert, 2006, 437) (a) Employee training is the activity that initiates new employees to the organization; to fellow employees; to their immediate supervisors and to the policies, practices, and objective