Ramifications of the Ukraine Refugees.

 

Lithuanian-American Club of Central Illinois and The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois will be hosting the Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Laura Dean as she talks about the ramifications of the refugee and displaced person crisis caused by the Russian attack on Ukraine. This free event will be held at the Lincoln Library on Saturday, March 26 at 2 pm.

The greatest humanitarian crisis since World War II has been created as millions of Ukraine civilians have been forced to flee for their lives. Mainly women, children, and the elder have flooded into the neighboring countries, whose resources have been stretched to the breaking point. The overburdened systems have led to uncertainty and confusion abound, making the refugees more vulnerable to human traffickers. Those, who remain behind in Ukraine, face shortages in the basic necessities--food, water, medical attention, and safe shelter. Bodies are buried in mass graves as indiscriminate bombing makes it too dangerous to retrieve them for proper burial.

Currently, Laura A. Dean is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Millikin University. From 2014-to 2016 she was an Assistant Professor at Clayton State University in Georgia. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 2014 with a Ph.D. in Political Science. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (2013) and a Master of Arts in Political Science (2011) from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts in International Studies focusing on Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies (2006) from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Arts in World Politics (2003) from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Dr. Dean researches gender and political issues focusing on public policy, migration, and gender-based violence in the former Soviet Union. Her research has been supported by the American Association of University Women, Social Science Research Council, Fulbright Program, Rotary Foundation, and appeared in The Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis, Human Rights Review, Journal of Baltic Studies, Journal Teorija in Praksa, and Femina Politica, the Feminist Journal of Political Science. In the summer of 2016, She was a Title VIII Summer Research Scholar at the Kennan Institute, part of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Dr. Dean is the author of Diffusing Human Trafficking Policy in Eurasia forthcoming in 2020 from Policy Press at the University of Bristol and distributed by the University of Chicago Press in the US. She is the adviser of the Model United Nations Club, chair of the Fulbright Committee, and a member of the Gender Studies Committee and the International Programs and Policies Committee. She also serves as head of the Research Committee on the Central Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force and is a Regional Faculty Associate with the Russian, East European, and the Eurasian Center University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Laura Dean's website

How to successful develop business connections

 

 How introductions make connecting more successful

The new face of networking

Both in-person and online, networking remains an important element of promotion and marketing strategies. The events have been designed to bring people together in a safe, comfortable setting in which they can expand their business network, client base, and find necessary resources.

With most in-person events you are given a name tag as you walk into a sea of people. Other than what is printed on the tag, the attendees know very little about each other. Who do you talk to? What's the best way to approach others? Do you just walk up and start talking? What do you say? What is the best way to meet the people you are looking for? The event becomes little more than a series of cold contacts or the equivalent of a speed dating event with most people standing around feeling awkward.

Most online events start with a summit or seminar in which one person or a small group shares their experience and expertise, while others listen. Attendees usually can private message each other, yet in doing so their attention is diverted from the speakers. Sometimes these events break into small groups, in which the members are more able to share and learn about each other. But this contact venue is only viable during the event. The members must quickly exchange their information or the ability to connect is lost at the end of the event.

In both cases, the art of relationships building has gotten lost in the sea of collecting business cards or contact information as the attendees race against the clock to meet as many people as possible. Under these circumstances, it's impossible to develop long-lasting business relationships.

Catalytic Connections doesn't host large networking events, it arranges introductions. Rochelle Arjmand finds connections the same way she chooses her clients. She learns about their businesses but more importantly, she learns who her clients are as people. What they are passionate about? The information gives her the ability to find who and what they need because she has the same information about the people they are trying to meet. However, she does so much more than send a connecting email with simply bios and the reason for the introduction. She brings them together for three-way calls, zoom chats, or in-person introductions. In many ways, Rochelle Arjmand can be described as a conduit in which others find common ground and reach their goals. Her passion is to bring others together to make positive things happen for all involved. A natural connector, Arjmand is best known for connecting people with others that most think are impossible to reach and then having them work together to create a bigger, better vision.

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Brand Anthems: The Newest Marketing Tool

From the opening horns of the Star Wars theme to the rhythmic, non-traditional use of the tuba that foreshadowed the appearance of the shark in Jaws, theme songs have become an integral part of brand marketing. Corporations, organizations, and causes have learned that music not only sets the tone and expectations for presentations but it also standardizes their message among the venues. When used properly, the music becomes synonymous with the brand. making it more of an anthem than a theme song.

When choosing the music, most tend to focus on the lyrics to reinforce their brand's message. They overlook the fact that music has as much power to inspire and motivate as words. When the lyrics and the music work in tandem, they reinforce each other, making the piece much more effective. However, ready-made music can only approximate the message and never will be a perfect fit.

Using existing music can be easier and cheaper in the short run. This is a double-edged sword. By choosing a well-known piece, the commonness of its use dilutes the song's effectiveness. But it could also lead to negative backlash if the artists involved or another company, which has used it, become involved with controversy. Additionally, using copyrighted work in a public venue or for-profit could lead to legal and financial jeopardy.

However, it is unnecessary to settle for a song that almost represents the brand message. Singer and Songwriter, FiZ offers an alternative. He and his Grammy Award-winning team have written for some of the most widely known singers in the world. They are available to create anthems that will highlight the brand message and target the desired demographics. The exclusivity of the lyrics and music will virtually eliminate the negative consequences of using existing music while emphasizing the most important aspects of the brand identity. By commissioning a signature song that has been composed specifically for the individual, company, or organization, it will be possible to develop marketing strategies and frameworks that will set them apart and above the competition.

To commission a brand anthem email Rochelle at CatalyticConnections.com

To commission a brand anthem email

Rochelle at CatalyticConnections.com

WEBSITE

#RochelleArjmand #CatalyticConnections #FiZ #TonydiMattia #NancyMatthews #brandanthem #themesong #brandmarketing #branding #originalmusic #marketingcommunications #promotions

Ethical Content Writing

Many years ago, a psychic service offered me a content writing gig. I had worked for them before as an independent contractor. The pieces I wrote were uplifting, positive, and healing. However, when they changed department managers, the new department head told me that my services were no longer required, which is why I was surprised when he offered to hire me. The job paid better than before. However, after listening to the negative messages he wanted me to write, I turned him down. Instead of attracting new customers with positive messages, he wanted to send out ones that caused others to be fearful, suspicious, and angry—you've been cursed, contact our readers to find out who did it and how to remove it. Your loved one is cheating, contact our readers to know with whom. One of your co-workers is making you look bad, contact our readers to learn how you can find out who and why. 

A good content writer shares information in such a way as to attract and inspire readers to take specific actions. We use words as tools, which can heal or do harm. The messages we send out do have consequences. Using humor, thought-provoking ideas, facts based on evidence, and unique phrases inspire positive responses. But content based on fear, anger, and guilt court negative consequences. More often than not, the messenger loses control of the message as it morphs into monsters that create negative consequences and harmful actions.

Working for others means we control the message, but we can influence the presentation. We also have the power to choose which clients to work with and when to walk away. In the media world, that which bleeds gets the lead, but only in the short term. It's the positive articles that attract long-lasting readers or viewerships. 

Content writers build their reputations based on what they write, how it is written, and the effectiveness of their work. Promotion and marketing campaigns are marathons, not sprints. Sensationalism gives short-term attention, but well-thought-out creates messaging that lasts. Content writers, who work from these concepts, develop good reputations and attract clients.

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Kaleidoscope Film and TelevisionWebsite

Learning how to make growing up less scary

 The Awakening

She awoke and squirmed a little. But only a little for there was very little room. She looked around. She saw no one and nothing. She was alone. Frightened, she began to cry.

“What is it, my child?” A soft voice whispered.“Why do you cry?”

Even more frightened, she tried to look around, yet she could not move. She still saw no one. “Who are you?”

“I've been known by many names.” The voice replied. “Most call me Mother.”

“Why?”

Mother chuckled. “Because Little One, from me all life comes. To me, all life returns to rest until it is time to be born to learn and grow. Just as you are doing now.”
She pondered. “Who am I?”

Mother chuckled again. “Long ago when your soul was first born, you were named, Shylon. But now that you are awake enough to ask, you may choose another name. ”

“Shylon?” She liked the sound. “If I can choose any name, I choose Shylon.”

“I approve Little One.”

Shylon ate and slept and then ate some more. After a time she could move around. She shifted and turned. She wanted to know more about this place. But all around her seemed the same. “Mother,” she called.

“Yes, Little One.”

“What is this place?”

“It is your home. It is the safe world that I built for just you.”

“Why does it shrink when I sleep?”

Mother chuckled. “It's not shrinking. You are growing. As you eat, you make room. When you sleep you grow. Soon you will outgrow it and have to leave.”

Leave? Why would I want to do that?Shylon started to panic. I don't want to leave my home. Mother made it just for me. I like it here. Then the idea came to her and she spoke up. “You can make it bigger.”

“No my Little One. I can't do that.”

Shylon started to cry. She didn't want to leave her home. Mother made it just for her. She felt special and loved here. She was happy and safe. She had everything she needed in her world. Why would I want to leave it? Mother must not love me anymore.
“Little One, why do you cry?”

“You don't love me anymore.” Shylon whimpered.

“Why do you think that?”

“You made this place just for me. Why you do want me to leave it?”

Mother chuckled. “When it is time, it will be your decision. Free will is our highest law. Not even I can break it. Nor would I want to. You see, that is how we learn and grow.”

Comforted, Shylon settled back and ate some more. “If I decide to stay here always, will you still love me?”

Mother continued to chuckle. “Yes, Little One. I will always love you. There is nothing you can do that would make me stop.”

There came a time when she had a great deal more room to move. Her food was no longer soft and sweet; instead, it had become bitter and more difficult to chew. The light sometimes made it to difficult sleep. With the light came the heat that made her world seem so much smaller.

The light did help her find the sweet-tasting food, but it also showed how little there was left. Shylon reached for it. An eerie shape moved. Fearfully, she moved to the other side to get away. It moved along the wall, following her. Her fear was quickly replaced by anger. It must have taken my food. That’s why it was gone. She cried out, “Mother! Mother! A monster! A monster! It stole my food!”

Mother laughed. “Little One, it’s your shadow. See as you move so does it.”

How did the shadow get inside my world? That’s not possible. This world belongs to me and me alone. Mother made it just for me! Her anger exploded and she lashed out at it. But it shrank away and disappeared only to reappear someplace else. “Mother, make it go away! It’s bad! It ate my food. All I have left tastes terrible!”

“Little One. Little One.” Mother’s voice began fading away.

Shylon could no longer hear her. She was too busy chasing the shadow. But it always escaped. She squirmed and turned until she was too tired to move. More exhausted than she had ever been, she cried until she had no more tears left to shed.

“Mother, help me.”

But there was only silence. Shylon didn’t know what to say or do. Mother had never ignored her before. Mother doesn’t love me anymore. The thought made her sick. How can I get her to love me again? I don't understand. Why did she stop? I must be bad, Shylon thought. I didn't mean to be. It just happened. The shadow scared me and made me angry. “Mother, if I promise to always be good will you love me again? Please? I’ll be good. I promise. Please love me again!”

“Little One, I will always love you?” Mother's voice sounded strange; it was like she was suddenly far, far away.

Hearing her voice calmed Shylon, but the fear still remained.

“Your shadow was always there. But it was too dark for you to see it until now.”

“It stole my food!” Shylon whined.

“Shylon!” Mother scolded. Her voice was clear and strong as before. “You know that is not true.”

Surprised by her tone, Shylon became silent.

“No one has taken anything from you!” Mother continued. “You still have food to eat.”

“All that is left tastes bad.”

“There is always bitter with the sweet. Otherwise, you wouldn’t know the difference.”

“I’m sorry!” Shylon cried. “I’ll be happy with the food you give me. I promise.”

“Little One, I would never give you less than what is for your best and highest good. When you learn how to trust you will understand.”

I wish I could believe that. Shylon thought as she cried herself to sleep. She dreamed of a place that was too wonderful to describe. There were colors she had never seen before. There were new sounds that she had never heard before. It was all so bright and beautiful. There were others there that looked like her and many who were much different. She felt safe and happy.

She longed for the dream to continue. But she woke up and her world didn’t seem as wonderful. She had never noticed how dark and small it was before. The light made it easier for her to find the last spot where the food was soft and sweet. She ate it until it was gone then began eating the other until she made a hole and the light streamed brightly inside. It was warm and comforting. It reminded her of the dream.

Her shadow became bigger and darker as it danced on the wall. It startled her at first, but she no longer feared it. Something came through the hole and touched her, but she couldn’t see anything. It was cool, yet not. It smelled sweet. Wind, she thought, but she didn’t know how she knew that. The sounds reminded her of the dream.

Curious, she looked out of the hole. Things moved. Startled, she jerked back. A big piece of the wall fell outward and she could see beyond her little world. Her curiosity overwhelmed her fear and she briefly stuck her head out. But just as quickly ducked back inside. “Mother, what is that?”

Coming in from the outside, Mother’s voice was louder and clearer than before. “That is outside.”

“Outside? Is that were you are?”

Mother chuckled. “Come out and see.”

Shylon looked around. She loved her world. It had kept her safe. But she needed to know what was out there. She wiggled out of the hole. Besides, she thought, I can always go back inside if I don't like it.

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Cross-Branding to Support Veterans

Horses and Heroes is a Reality TV series, which combines the highly effective Peer Support Therapy with Equine Therapy. Unlike most in the genre, it will focus on healing and positive growth rather than endorsing bad behavior. Each season will bring together veterans from WWII to the current conflicts. They will be sharing their challenges and supporting each other as they find new solutions to their physical and emotional challenges. They know the talk because they have walked the walk. They see the dodges and will be able to call each other on them. Sparks may fly. Tempers may flare, especially when they force each other to face their ghosts. But there will also be laughter and fun as they rebuild the comradery, which kept them safe and strong. The snarkiness and practical jokes between the branches don't simply end. There is always room for more. This interaction will help them rebuild that sense of brother and sisterhood they depended on while serving, which will help them reclaim their civilian lives. When it airs, it will reach into the homes of the veterans, who need to hear that they are not alone, and give them information as well as permission they need to also heal. They will help each other find their way back to the world. Veterans can’t go back and make a brand new start, but they can start from now and make a brand new end.

The casting of veterans is extremely important. They can make or break the series. Therefore we will be extremely cautious with each season's cast, but the first is particularly important. Each season of Horses and Heroes will host eight veterans, who will be representative of all veterans. Thus, the cast will be based on diversity and inclusivity for gender, age, ethnicity, and branches of the military. For these reasons, we will be excluding those who propagate religious and political extremism. Horses and Heroes is solely about helping veterans heal and reclaim their lives. Too many have used them as disposable parts of the war machine or as political footballs to further their agendas. Veterans are people. Pure and simple. Horses and Heroes' goal is to empower them to reclaim their lives by helping them face down their ghosts.

Horses and Heroes is not about pointing fingers or creating a political firestorm. It can’t fix the system nor will is it a cure-all. What it will do is show that there are alternatives, which effectively help military personnel and veterans to heal their way home.

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