Showing posts sorted by date for query community service. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query community service. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query community service. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query community service. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Marketing your Business Yourself

 How to Market Your Business without Hiring a Marketer


Marketing is one of the most important aspects of running a successful business. It is the oxygen of the company, as some say, and they’re not wrong. A strong marketing campaign can help your business get noticed, but it can often be difficult to engineer such a campaign on a strict budget. For some budget-friendly ways to market your business without breaking the bank, try one or more of the following suggestions on how to market your business without hiring a marketer.


This blog contains Amazon affiliate links.



Marketing your Business Yourself



Go Back to School

If you are struggling with creating the next marketing campaign, now might be a good time for you to go back to school and try your hand at a business certificate, specifically a marketing one. 


For example, consider enrolling at the Kelley School of Business, one of the most prestigious institutions in the field. The Kelley Online Marketing Strategy Certificate can be yours in less than five months. 


What’s more, you can take the courses online, which is a lot easier to fit into your busy schedule than heading to class. This program can easily fit into a hectic life, and, most importantly, it equips you with the core concepts and skills that make a good marketer.


Trust in Networking

Many people shy away from networking events because they can take up a lot of time and don’t always provide instant results. Not seeing big results after putting in a lot of work can be frustrating, and you might think, “why bother?” 


But, when you do it right, networking can provide a lot of support. Through a strong network, you can find new opportunities naturally for your company. 


Networking generates organic publicity for your company through the people you meet and the opportunities they bring with them. So, free up your calendar and look for some networking events!


Ask Your Customers

Often, businesses shy away from asking their customers to refer others, but that is an excellent way to generate more organic traffic. By offering your existing customers an incentive for every referral, you motivate them to go out there and bring you more customers. 


For example, you might offer them a discount or a coupon. These new customers are a lot more likely to trust your company if a friend recommends you, rather than if they found you accidentally online.


Experiment with Free Trials

People love a freebie, that’s a given. So, if someone has the chance to try out your service for free for a limited time, they are likely to try it and invest some time in it, to “make the most” out of their trial. 


By the time the trial is done, they will like it so much that they will invest in the full product. This trial could be as short as a week or even extend to a month.


Final Tip: Get Involved with the Local Community

Often, marketers “overshoot it” by trying to cater to a global audience. But thinking small can be infinitely more effective if done right. You can stay involved virtually too. Find local groups on Facebook.


Affirm your presence through various local events (related or not to your field.) The more times people see you and your brand mentioned, the more likely they are to trust you.



If you still need help, we're happy to act as your marketing consultants! With over fourteen years of social media marketing experience, we can direct you to the easiest ways to market your business online.





Educational Scholarships for Homeschoolers

College Scholarships for Homeschool



How do homeschoolers get a proper undergraduate education? Wondering how to pay for college? As long as the parent/learningcoach/teacher/caregiver/ keeps track of their student's classes and attendance with a transcript, college applications are no different for a homeschooler than for a public school student. In fact, the word on the street is that many universities seek out homeschooled students because of their enrichment activities, volunteerism, and community service. But, how do homeschoolers pay for college? Of course, a job is a great way to start, but students can supplement their college tuition with an educational scholarship. Are there specific educational scholarships for homeschoolers? Sure, homeschoolers can apply for most college scholarships.


Educational Scholarships for Homeschoolers
Educational Scholarships for Homeschoolers.


Be sure to check the entrance requirements to see if the school requires SAT or ACT scores. Many students score better on the ACT. Perhaps, this is because the ACT allows the use of a calculator for all math questions. The higher the score, the more likely you will win a scholarship. Here's an article that does a great job of explaining the differences between the ACT and the SAT and why one might be better for your homeschooler than the other. The SAT gives diagrams with math formulas, whereas, the ACT expects these formulas to be set to memory. However, this gift of formulas doesn't mean the overall score will be higher on the SAT. Do your research. Despite the cost, it is often a good idea to take the test more than once to improve the score. Sure, it's a hassle, but the second time around, the student knows what to expect, has less nerves, and will likely improve their score. Even a few points can improve chances for an educational scholarship for your homeschooler.

So, the schooling is done. The tests are taken. How do homeschoolers apply for scholarships for their education? Are homeschoolers eligible for scholarships? Of course, when reviewing college scholarship opportunities be aware of the applicant requirements. Also, think about your homeschooler's background, even consider their quirks and hobbies. While most educational scholarships are athletic, academic, or need based. there are many scholarships with completely random requirements. Write an essay about motivation to keep goals for the Dr. Summit Shah scholarship. Skilled in duck calling? Have a strange name? Yes, there's a scholarship for that. Check out these unusual scholarships for college.

Scholarships for College


Federal Financial Aid is available for those in need. Always, fill out your FAFSA first. Federal aid is available for colleges and technical career schools. After that's done, it's time to think outside the box. Start searching for the perfect scholarships for your child's personality.

Many homeschoolers love to teach themselves music. Got a ukulele player? Yep, there's a scholarship for ukulele.

Want to run a grocery store? Then, you'll want to apply for an Asparagus Scholarship for Grocer Students.

Like to sculpt? Apply for an Ice Sculpting Scholarship.

Chicken keeper? Poultry Scholarship.

On a bowling team? Bowling Scholarship.


You get the idea. The educational scholarship options for homeschoolers and public school students are endless. Do the research early and score as many scholarship opportunities as possible for you secondary education goals. If you're lucky, you'll get more than one scholarship, so apply for as many as possible.

Concerned you aren't preparing your child with the proper homeschool high school education? There are many online homeschool high school options to help you keep track of attendance, transcripts, and the courses necessary for college. Here's a list of our favorites: Time4Learning High School, Acellus, (they also have a less expensive app option for high school) and Connections Academy (free online public school.)


Veterans Day Lesson Ideas for Elementary and Middle School

Armistice Day or Veterans Day Lesson Ideas


When is Veterans Day? In the United States, we celebrate Veterans Day (also known as Armistice Day) on November 11. You probably know a war veteran:  a school teacher, a principal, a grandparent, a cousin, or a member of your church. Just ask! Often, when we think of Veterans, we think of historical wars and senior citizens, but there are many young war veterans these days. We hope you'll try some of these Veterans Day lesson ideas and then go out into your community and thank a war veteran.

Scroll down for Veterans Day Videos for Middle School and a fun song for preschoolers!



Veterans Day Lesson Ideas for Elementary and Middle School


What can you do to teach about and help celebrate Veterans Day? Educate and engage with a history lesson or simply thank a Veteran. You can do both, when you combine a Veterans Day history lesson with a letter writing campaign. We found some awesome, editable letter to soldiers and thank you card templates for elementary at TeacherSherpa.com.






Hop over to TeacherSherpa to find printable Veterans Day games and activities to add to your lesson plans.

Get more Veterans Day Printables or printable Letters to Soldiers that will work for Middle Schoolers too.


**------------------------------------------**


Hey kids, did you know War Veterans are men and women who served in any branch of the military including the National Guard? You may know a veteran who served in one of these wars:

World War 1
World War 2
Vietnam
Korean
Iraq
Afghanistan

Called Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to include American veterans of all wars. On November 11, we honor the wartime service of men and women in all branches of the armed forces.

Here's a quick video that gives a great explanation on the history of Veterans Day.

Brainpop has a nice video about the armed forces.

Check out PBS for Veterans Day Lesson Plans for all ages.

Veterans Day activities for middle school (grade 6-8.)


Veterans Day Videos for Middle School


Middle School Veterans Day video from Scholastics.


War Videos from Crash Course in US HISTORY:

World War 2



Korea and Vietnam



Iraq



Here's another video and activities about Vietnam from Brainpop.


This cute song from Kiboomers is fun for preschoolers.




Fun Fact:

Veterans Day is not Veteran's Day because it is not a day owned by Veterans. If it were a day owned by all Vets, it would be called Veterans' Day. Veterans Day is a day to celebrate Veterans. Yep, I've been messing that up for years, and I know the rule. Childrens' not Children's -  Child's not Childs' - Kids' not Kid's.

In fact, this blog was originally titled 'A Kid's Creative Chaos' then I dropped the 'A' and kept the logo, 'Kid's Creative Chaos.' It took me years to realize my error. Humiliating. In my head, it was still one kid's creative chaos (my son's.) Now, I just incorrectly call it 'Kids Creative Chaos' because it looks better.  Sigh. The more you know, the more you realize you don't know.


Recommended:

Veterans Day Crafts and Decor

Community Service Projects


Follow us on Pinterest for more lesson ideas for homeschoolers and elementary.



Service Projects for Teens: TeeChip Care

Teen Service Project Idea: T-Shirts


This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of TeeChip.Com for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

TeeChip Care is a Great Way for Teen's to do a Service Project.


We're always looking for a great service project for teens and families. TeeChip is a great way for anyone to raise money or earn money online. So, if you have a family vacation coming up, you need money for a school band trip, or you want to raise money for a local family in need, TeeChip is a wonderful way to raise the money you need. We like it because of the TeeChip Care program. Through TeeChip Care, excess products or products that don't live up to their high quality of standard are donated to NGO's. If you are looking for a great way to get teen's involved in community service, this makes an ideal service project for teens. Enjoy! Sign up an organization in need for TeeChip Care: Request form. If you know of an NGO that needs hoodies for the cold-weather or just a shirt to cover their backs, get in touch with TeeChip Care.


Service Projects for Teens: TeeChip Care


Activities for Martin Luther King Day

MLK Activities to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day

When is Martin Luther King Day? It is celebrated on the third Monday of January. In the United States, many schools and businesses have the day off to celebrate. What do you do to remember MLK? We have many Martin Luther King Day Activities on the blog. In this post, we're sharing free printable signs for a Martin Luther King rally or impromptu parade and a book review for "I am Martin Luther King".  Enjoy!



Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Print these signs and then glue a large craft stick between two printed rally signs so that you can flip it over for a different message. Reduce the size of the image to 5 x 7, and it becomes a sign for classroom desks. Just use a popsicle stick, make a clay base, and display on your desks! Keep scrolling for book review and chance to win.

I have a dream free printable sign.
I have a dream free printable sign.


Activities for Martin Luther King Day: Peace Sign Printable
Peace sign free printable.





"I am a man" rally image photograph.

I am a man downloadble sign for MLK Day.
I am a man downloadble sign.



I am a woman printable sign for MLK Day.
I am a woman printable sign for MLK Day.




We shall overcome photograph for MLK Day Rally.
"We shall overcome" photograph for MLK Day Rally.

We shall overcome free pritnable sign.
We shall overcome free printable sign.





Equal opportunity and human dignity rally photograph.
"Equal opportunity and human dignity" rally photograph.


Equal opportunity and human dignity printable sign activity.
Equal opportunity and human dignity printable sign activity.


Martin Luther King Book for Kids Children
"I am Martin Luther King" by Brad Meltzer.

It might seem strange to imagine Martin Luther King, Jr. as a child, but just like you, he was once a kid too. Even then, he knew things weren't right. He dreamed of change. Learn how he made a difference with his rallys and marches when you read the latest book from the "I am" series. "I am Martin Luther King", by Brad Meltzer, tells the story of this great historical figure. It is told from the point of view of a child.

We love the "I am" books and use them in our history lessons for homeschoolers. You might like this lesson on Ameila Earhart.



Recommended:

I am Martin Luther King Biography Book for Kids

Free Martin Luther King Classroom Skit

Handprint Dream Catcher Craft

Community Service Ideas


Community Service Ideas for All Ages

Volunteer for Service Projects in the Community

Whether you are planning Community Service Ideas for teens, a church, adults, or a sorority or fraternity, we've got some community service projects that are good for all ages. Volunteering is good for the soul, and it is a resume builder. You never know when that thing you loved doing one summer will turn into a full-time career. Enjoy!

Community Service helped land first job
Community Service helped land first job.

Why get kids involved in community service? 


The benefits of getting them involved in community service include:
  1. learning to network
  2. self-esteem
  3. building experience for their resume
  4. gaining ways to stand out from the rest
Community service will help them land a job, because it shows that they are helping out in an area where they will be working. 

Community service is also a way that kids can earn scholarships.  It's a great way to help them stand out on college applications. Below are several ideas for getting your kids involved.

Volunteer for Service Projects in the Community
Packing Goody Bags for Shelter.


  • Park Clean up- great for all ages -when you take them for a play date or to hang out start with a little clean up. 
  • Collecting can food-also great for all ages, although they may not want to pull the wagon along. However, this is perfect use for a little red wagon if you have smaller children. The kids can put signs on the side and be a rolling advertisement as they go through the neighborhood. (Recommend that an adult accompany children for this project unless they are older and go in groups, ie:Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Youth Group).
  • Face painting booth -age really depends on your child's ability- if you have an artist child that wants to help raise money for a project they can set up a booth at a community event or they can volunteer their talent. 
  • Soles 4 Souls- all ages -check out the link to get involved with this organization. Luckily in our area the kids are able to donate at school and the Interact club handles the boxing up etc. 
  • K Kids- check out your local Kiwanis chapter, they may already have a K Kids club set up at a school near you.  In the local club here the kids are as young as 1st grade and work with a Kiwanis sponsor on various initiatives. 
  • Youth As Resources- this organization allows your family or group to help out the community through various ways. They have a day of caring that you can participate in or they provide grants to youth led programs.  Check out Youth As Resources in your area to see when the grant cycle begins(Note:not all areas offer grants). 
  • Volunteer for Halloween- around Halloween time teens can help by being part of the Haunted House crew.  

Volunteering for Easter Egg Hunt
Volunteer opportunities are everywhere- just ask the Easter Bunny.
  • Volunteer for Easter Egg Hunts- yes it is way to early to think about Easter but someone needs to hide the eggs. Teens can help with the event and enjoy watching the kids take off after what they have hidden. Or they can be the mascot for the event.
  • Have a Lemonade Stand-how is this community service? The money made can go towards any charity the the community. It also helps the children learn to be entrepreneurs. 
  • Arrange for a caroling session at a Retirement Center- for all ages. The kids will love hearing the stories and seniors at the center love seeing the youth. 
  • Clipping Coupons- did you know that you can send the military expired coupons and help them out? Not only does this option help the military but if you wanting to build motor skills in younger children this is a great way. To find out more about how to send expired coupons or ones that you are not able to use click on clipping coupons. 
  • Sending cards to the military- click on link to learn more about sending words of encouragement to troops. 
  • Making cards for retirement centers-all ages -you can do a variety of cards with messages in them or the kids can create plain cards for the seniors to give to each other. 
  • Assemble boxes for the local shelter- local shelters always need everyday items. Contact your local shelter to see if they need toiletries or paper goods. Have the kids set up a box at school and then deliver when they have enough to fill.
  • Gift Wrapping for the Holidays- Amazon offers shifts for teens and adults to come in and wrap presents and earn money for their charity or project. 







Recommended:

Kids Guide to Service Projects*

Make Cookies



5 Earth Day Activities for Adults

5 Adult Activities for Earth Day

Looking for something to do around the office to celebrate Earth Day? These 5 Earth Day activities for adults will help you have a fun and enriching celebration. When is Earth Day? Earth Day is April 22.

This post contain Amazon Affiliate Links. 
If you click and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. Thanks for that!




  • In the Fall of every year, Indianapolis, Indiana has a day of community service. Indy Do Day is a mini vacation from the office. We think incorporating something like this into an Earth Day celebration would make an awesome experience. Get the whole office on board. Plant a community garden or better yet, make it personal. Find local senior citizens in need, and do some yard work, gardening, or recycling for them. Find a way to give back to your community that will have an impact on the environment.


Earth Day Activities for Adults
Indy Do Day activities are perfect for Earth Day. Photo from Indydoday.com
  • Another, simple way for adult co-workers to celebrate Earth Day is to go on hike! Sure, you'll get some complaints. Plan ahead, and make it a field trip of sorts. Make sure everyone comes prepared with water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and bags to collect any trash you find along your journey. 
Everyone needs the fresh air. It is a great way to bond with your office mates. You'll feel like you are playing hooky, but use the time to brainstorm ideas to make the office more green.

simple way for adults to celebrate Earth Day
A hike is a simple way for adults to celebrate Earth Day.

  • Have you ever been to a recycling plant? We have. It is a very interesting experience. Most people are surprised to discover all of the different things that can be recycled. Find an incentive (maybe a gift card) and then ask your co-workers to bring in some recyclable items- not trash! Think real recyclables like an old, broken, bronze lamp, metal scrap, old appliances... Collect all the aluminum cans from the office and take them with you (rather than letting the recycling truck pick them up as usual).

Now, take a caravan to your local recycling plant! We go on Saturdays and have to wait in a long line. They pay with a receipt that you cash out at an ATM like machine. After you go, you'll understand why so many people offer free pick up of old appliances. You might even want to become a dumpster diver.


The cash for junk is pretty impressive, especially when you think about it being trash that you saved from going into a landfill!


Get Cash for recycling metal.
Get cash for metal at Ray's Recycling plant.

What about that gift card? Award it to the co-worker whose junk brought the most coin! What? You think they don't deserve it because they already got a big payoff? Use the money you earn from recycling to donate to a save the earth cause.




  • Get a group of adults involved in Earth Day activities by volunteering in a preschool, shelter, or nursing home. Find some fun Earth Day crafts like the ones below, and take the day off while you educate and enrich the lives of others. 

Help children grow an indoor garden.

Make an Earth Day Pin Craft.


Whatever you choose to do, have fun, and make a difference!


Recommended:

Christmas Games for the Office Party

Ways for Kids to Celebrate Earth Day

Visit a Nature Park

When Rivers Burned: The Earth Day Story 

Earth Day - Go Green Adult Organic T-Shirt

October Calendar of Special Days and Unique Holidays for Kids 2020

Printable Unique Holidays and Special Days October Calendar 2020


The FREE Printable October calendar 2020 is full of fun autumn activities. It's fall in the states! Time for carving pumpkins, hiking, and enjoying friends and family around a campfire. It is also full of fun, unique and special days and holidays for kids. What will you celebrate? Enjoy!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.


October Calendar of Special Days and Unique Holidays for Kids 2020



This Free Printable October Calendar of Special Days and Holidays can be edited to your liking. Just save a copy and rename it. Click the link to download and save yours!




OCTOBER 2020 Calendar of Special Days


October 2 World Farm Animals Day



World Farm Animal Day
Farm Animal wall art available at Tinytotties.com


Read the Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown and make a paper barn and silo from an envelope and cardboard tube.

Pretending with Farm Animals
Trader's Point Creamery near Indianapolis offers Farm Tours.

October 4 - National Taco Day
October 6 World Habitat Day

Habitat for Humanity joins with partners around the world to rededicate to a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Show your support by attending a local World Habitat Day event or organizing one in your own community!


World Habitat Day - Get involved!



October 10Angel Food Cake Day


Spooky Angel food cake by Matthew Mead. See the link below to get his book.
We found this spooky angel food cake from the book Cakes for Kids: 35 Colorful Recipes by Matthew Mead. The best part is, you start with a store bought cake. Easy and fast! We once make a pumpkin from a store bought cake. Hmm... I wonder if I have any pictures.
October 14  - National Dessert Day
This is my kind of day! Yum!  Want to learn how to make doughnuts at home? Just click the link for a fun recipe to make with kids on National Dessert Day!

October 15Global Handwashing Day
I like this day too! I like to wash my hands, even better I like other people to wash their hands! I know my germs; I don't know theirs!


October 25 - World Pasta Day
You should make some Harvest Skillet Pasta with the kids.

October 30 - National Candy Corn Day
Make Candy Corn S'mores!

Make candy corn s'mores with candy corn marshmallows
Make candy corn s'mores with candy corn marshmallows.


October 31 - Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween, of course.
Halloween, is our favorite holiday! You'll find lots of diy costume ideas and Halloween treats for kids- just do a search in the sidebar for more fun ideas! Get started with, Things to do with Pumpkins.



Recommended Reading:

Halloween Is... by Gail Gibbons

The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons

The Pumpkin Book


March Calendar of Special Days and Holidays for Planning Activities for Kids

2017: Need some unique holidays to add to Classroom curriculum or After School Activities? 

We've got those and the traditional ones too. March 2017  is almost here. March brings the promise of Spring!  What activities will you plan? Did you know March is National Craft Month in the United States. Here are some fun days and an editable printable calendar for MarchEnjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

March Calendar of Special Days and Holidays for Planning Activities for Kids
March Calendar for Planning Kids' Activities.

March Holidays and Special Days






Recommended:


Which Girl Scout Cookie is your Favorite: It is National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend

What is National Girl Scouts Cookie Weekend and the Girl Scout's Cookie Championship?

It's cookie time! Girl Scout Cookie time that is. All over the nation girls are selling cookies and setting goals for the National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Championship.


Every year, the Scouts set their New Year resolutions, but the scouts are far more likely to stick to their goals than everyone else.
Baking Cookies for Community Service project.
Our scout loves cookies so much, she bakes them as a community service project!
Why is that?
Did you ever wonder what your cookie money goes toward? You may have seen a note about the personal goal for the Girl Scout that sold cookies to you, but that is not the only purpose the money serves. 
This post is sponsored by the GSUSA, but the words and stories are our own.
samoa girl scout cookie - be a girl scout
Samoas our a favorite Girl Scout Cookie.
Each troop gets a portion of the money. Depending on how the troop runs, it could go toward a pooled troop goal or the individual scout's goal. When the girls start as Daisies and every year on up to their Senior year, they set goals.  Some girls are motivated by the prizes that they will earn.  Other girls are motivated by a trip or special event.  
One of our local troops does a Powder Puff Pinewood Derby
The Girl Scouts have set up fun ways to help each girl achieve their goal. The girls can log into a program and track their goal along the way. They also learn about safely using social media to pass along the word about cookies.  #CookieBoss
Have you seen the poll on Facebook? Like the post if you are a fan of Thin Mints or Share it if you are a Samoa's fan? Vote for your favorite Girl Scout cookie! Which will be the National Champion Girl Scout Cookie? Check the GSUSA Facebook page to find out. 
Girl Scouts have four different bakeries in the country.  Depending on where you are, you could get cookies from two different girls and get two different cookie flavor choices. But, never fear, the past champions Thin Mints, Samoas, and Do-Si-Dos are produced nationwide.
trefoil girl scout cookie picture
 Trefoils- another top seller for our troop.
This year, our girls are spending some of their troop money to go to the local local SkyZone, another part of the money will go toward a troop goal for a trip, and the last of their hard earned money will go toward a community service project.

Troop 507 Vest
Our troop numbers and unit.

Our girls are in between the Silver and Gold awards so they are talking about a helping an animal shelter as a community project. The Girl Scout Gold Award is equivalent to the Eagle Scout Award. The girls have to choose an individual project and plan and work over 100 hours on something that will benefit their community. A pretty lofty goal, but they are willing to spend the hours needed to make a difference in the community. Planning will start at the end of this school year. Check back here for updates on their projects and if they meet their goals. 
The girls would love to hear about what other scouts are doing around the country. So, if you have a scout (boy or girl) please comment and let us know what your troop has done.
If you want to keep up with GSUSA happenings Follow them on Pinterest or Like them on Facebook.  #CookieBoss

Sign up for our free newsletter!



Recommended Reading:



Here Come the Girl Scouts!: The Amazing All-True Story of Juliette 'Daisy' Gordon Low and Her Great Adventure*


Girl Scouts: A Celebration of 100 Trailblazing Years*