Critical in website up-keep during the shut-down environment
&
​Inspiration for Human Powered Vehicle

This person is

What the bottom two pictures are becoming (an HPV Human Powered Vehicle) would not be this far along without the lady above.

It all started over a year ago. Over food (me homeless; she one of the volunteers who bring food to the park for the homeless). Then conversations.

O.K. I am narrowing the field of possibilities for identification.

Then, conversations about food and the large quantities that are wasted. This led to her volunteering to take several buckets of food waste for composting, which lasted several months.

Then, we talked about potential electrical power options for my laptop to work on this website. With this, I now have an inverter system and several batteries. She takes the batteries, in rotation, to recharge them and bring them back.

Recently, conversations about a Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) and how I planned to break world speed and load carrying records for HPV's.

With this, I had to choose between saving food waste from the landfills or the HPV. I chose the HPV. Bugs will digest landfilled food waste for now.

This busy woman, a mother, a professor, a volunteer who helps feed homeless, and I am certain among many other activities I know nothing about. This buy woman takes the time to shop for the components for the HPV, food and personal items (sometimes out of her own pocket). As you see from the photos, I am not very easily mobile ---- yet.

Her volunteer with food for homeless differs greatly from most others who have been serving homeless in McPherson Square Park in DC. Most come in and cannot seem to get rid of their wares fast enough with their video recordings of the event. Most simply assume that every homeless person needs a toothbrush, toothpaste, sandwich, bar of soap, washcloth, etc. every week. So they bring the same package for everyone.

This woman, at least in my specific case, as with two other people who bring things for the homeless in this park, she customizes several care packages to the homeless person's tastes and needs. With this process, very little, if any of these care packages gets wasted.

I will present this little write-up for her approval to see if she wants her name and/or organization specifically listed so that you too might donate to her and/or her organization directly; as a thank you from me.

She has shopped for and delivered most of the materials you see in and on the cart.

Taking Care Of Our Nation's Veterans;

A Respectful Demonstration By  Geoffrey Nimmich gnimmich@yahoo.com

For more details on the following content -- contact: Geoffrey Nimmich gnimmich@yahoo.com

Below: Photos of Geoff and signs at White House, Washington, DC. 

​

A RESPECTFUL DEMONSTRATION
TAKING CARE OF THE NATION’S VETERANS
When it comes to supporting our Veterans, it should not matter whether you are a liberal, conservative, Republican, Democrat, Independent or completely nonpolitical. We should all unite in providing for our freedom protectors. Maybe you can join this peaceful demonstration for 5, 10 or 30 minutes; show your support. Our show of support for Veterans addresses three issues: 1) in some cases, retired veterans must fund, from their retirement, the amount authorized for a service related disability; 2) the discouraging manner that VA Benefits processes, handles and pays disability; 3) numbers reflecting the factual cost of fully supporting our Veterans. Many questions, some answers and a growing need to do the right thing.

COMBINED RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY PAY
In 2004 Congress passed a bill (CRDP) changing the laws concerning concurrent payment of retirement pay and service related disability pay. Prior to this law an eligible retiree had to choose their retirement pay OR authorized disability pay; although both were “earned” they could not receive both. This law changed policy in a positive direction. It did not go far enough. It provided relief to retired veterans that possessed a VA disability rating of 50% or more but left those with a disability rating of less than 50% forced to continue funding their own disability. Any person who serves for over 20 years in the military absolutely deserves their earned pension. (A member of Congress must only serve 4 years to get a life-long pension.) If during the time of that service, the member is injured and disabled in a service related manner, they should receive appropriate compensation too. Current law allows the retiree to receive their earned retirement and disability if the disability reaches a certain level. But retirees with lower disability ratings effectively lose their well-deserved benefits since it is deducted from their well-earned retirement. Those funds are tax free, a benefit worth maybe $200 a year, but that is almost insulting. The erosion of benefits has been severe. An individual joining the service in 1970, after serving 20 years honorably, was promised FREE life-long financial support for him/herself and a surviving spouse. The same for medical, dental and eye care. Those benefits were taken away, the retiree now pays for those promised benefits. And, certain retirees must fund their own disability. Some members of Congress want to repeal the 2004 law and return to telling our Veterans they must choose which of their fully earned benefits they wish to receive. These represent broken promises to our freedom protectors

VA BENEFITS: HANDLING CLAIMS
While the numbers fluctuate regularly, about 90,000 benefit claims are being processed, every day. The average time to process a claim is over 125 days. That average tends to cover the truth. Once a claim is submitted, an initial review is conducted and in many cases the veteran is asked to submit additional proof to support the claim. It is very important to point out that the computer systems for VA benefits and VA health care are NOT linked. The veteran is forced to access medical records on a very non-user-friendly health care system. They must search to find the appropriate health care record, print it and then submit it to the VA. This causes further delay. Once benefits has all the demanded information they often have to schedule independent evaluations. It is not unusual for it to take 4 to 5 months for benefits just to process and schedule those evaluation requests. A contracted company makes the appointments and contracted providers conduct the evaluations. This might help create independent evaluations but adds additional costs. The lack of common sense and cost control is evident. After benefits receives those independent evaluations further review is conducted often resulting in further evaluations some of which are redundant. Benefits is only interested in the answers they want not necessary the truth. Finally, it is reviewed, and a decision is mailed to the veteran. Yes, it is MAILED. VA Benefits refuses to use phone calls or secured email; VA Health Care uses all modern communication tools constantly. Mailing allows Benefits to further cause unnecessary delay. It is important to emphasize the delays at every point. Facts support that by delaying decisions, VA Benefits hopes that the veteran might just give up or die before they pay a benefit. The average 125 days stated herein is proffered by VA Benefits. History reports thousands of cases where the projected claim resolution is constantly pushed out to first 180 days then 270 days and can creep beyond 365 days. After that maybe never. Many veterans state the moto of Benefits is delay, delay, deny and deny. Is this how we should treat our freedom protectors? These men and women, and their families sacrificed greatly. They deserve better from all their fellow citizens.

SOME NUMBERS
Relevant numbers fluctuate greatly and result in much discussion, below are the available:
There are 22 million living veterans, 6.7 % of our 327 million population ever wore a uniform
There are 2.2 million serving today, only 0.67% of our current population and we need more
There are 2.2 military retirees living today, thousands are over 65 years of age
3.4 million veterans receive service connected disability, 15% over 70% disabled
1 million retirees have disability ratings of which approximately 150,000 are rated over70%
The 2004 CRDP law, deciding which retirees can receive both retirement and disability pay impacts primarily those with disability ratings under 50%; approximately 400,000. While pay for each level of disability varies, the annual expense of those not included in CRDP is about 2.4 billion dollars annually. That is 0.06% of our 4.17 trillion dollars 2017 budget. There is a movement in Congress to repeal CRDP and again force veteran to choose retirement or disability pay. They claim eliminating all CRDP would save 10 billion dollars a year, 2.4% of annual our annual budget. Congress seems willing to take more away from our deserving veterans while including 7.8 billion dollars of earmarks in that same 2017 budget. One earmark alone was “8 million dollars for an aquatic plant control program.” Does that really deserve the same priority as our disabled veterans? Last year our country spent more money taking care of illegal immigrants than on all aspects of veteran benefits. How many of you think our veterans deserve to be the #1 priority?

OUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY
​Considering these facts maybe you can join this peaceful demonstration. Just 5, 10 or 30 minutes would show your support for the protectors of our freedom. This is not a political issue. This is just living up to promises made to those citizens who honored us by protecting our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

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Paintings by Craig Thompson

Craig Thompson: Resume

 Resume ⚾️


Craig Stirling Thompson
1630 R Street #208 NW
Washington DC 20009
cthsdp@gmail.com
2023523217


Education:
1979 graduate of Madison High School (SD)
1983 graduate of the Art Institute if Fort Lauderdale (FL) (AIFL)
transfer from the Colorado Institute if Art (CIA) with a
Continued classes (every one) at American Animation Institute (a Union School) (North Hollywood, CA) (late '80's early '90's)
Member of the Beverly Hills Art League (90's) (Affair at the Gardens)


Work:
Bakersfield, CA for a graphics co. (Did housing track logo, mostly 3D schematics) (1984)
Subia, Hawthorn CA (Locheed, Hugh's Aircraft, AiroSpace tech art, graveyard 3 years, 1984-1987)
High Life, Los Angeles, CA (hand painted comforters, etc., (made the cover of Bullocks) (1987-1988) (ran the airbrush room mostly) (ask Fred M. Davis of Eagle Entertainment Group at eaglegp@aol.com)
Freelance Artist in Hollywood, CA (early & mid 90's) for Philosophical Research Society, Laurendale, Boy London, California Safe, My Co, & more.
Westernworld Video Tape Company (1990-1993) Driver in vault, 3/4" QC, Head of NTSC Tape Room (worked on shows like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Movie Greats Network, Woopie Plus One, Soul Train, reruns of Mash, Fantastic World of Hanna Barbara, Mr. Bogus, etc.) (studied single frame stop advance, animations)
Driver (1994-2014) Vault at Unitel Video, Super Shuttle, Semi Driver, Yellow Taxi, Metro Taxi
Volunteer at William Thomas Memorial Antinuclear Peace Vigil (2014-now)
Freelance fine artist (2017-now) Acrylic on Canvas


Exhibits:
('Don't remember chronological order) Lizard's Coffee Shop Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood (3 shows 3 consecutive months), Onyx Coffee Shop Vermont in East Hollywood, 2 times a year for 3 or 4 years at affair in the Gardens, Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, a Coffee Shop in Culver City, CA, a Coffee Shop on Beverly Blvd. off La Brea in Hollywood, several other coffee shops in L.A., and a painting or 2 in PenDragon Gallery for quite a stint.


Web Pages:
craigthompson.artweb.com
www.ArtWanted.com/cthsdp

Some of Craig's activities

 28 Trajectories
I NEED you to tell me what it is, to get out of my self, & serve others, because for me, it is the 3 stances of the White House Peace Vigil (Which are #NoWar #NoNukes #NoHumanRightsViolations) AND my future family & art projects AND my 6 Internet trajectories, Which are:


Hollywood South Dakota Productions (HSDP)
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=156971451110506&ref=content_filter


Playgrounds for Orphanages (PforO)
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4255818/
https://m.facebook.com/PlaygroundsForOrphanages/


Homeless Stairway Networking Cooperative (HSNCoop)
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4905833/
https://m.facebook.com/HSNCoop/?ref=content_filter
See: www.invisiblepeople.tv (Mark Horvath's)


God, family, & Country
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8530855/
https://m.facebook.com/GodfamCntry/


Global Goals Economic Capitalistic Think Tank
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8666766/


Illegal Drugs Are UnConstitutional
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=215093961997462&ref=content_filter)


AND Global Goals. The 17 Global Goals are: 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 3. Good Health & Well-Being, 4. Quality Education, 5. Gender Equality, 6. Clean Water & Sanitation, 7. Affordable & Clean Energy, 8. Decent Work & Economic Growth, 9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, 10. Reduced Inequalities, 11. Sustainable Cities & Communities, 12. Responsible Consumption & Production, 13. Climate Action, 14. Life Below Water, 15. Life on Land, 16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions, 17. Partnerships for the Goals.


BUT I need team. I can't do it alone. That's 28 choices. So I ask again, what is it for YOU, & how can I help? Please take a moment out of your day, to answer this question honestly. ?? What is it?, for you?, & how can I assist? Help me get out of myself. I will be happier.


Blessed be,
CST
Craig Stirling Thompson
cthsdp@gmail.com

View some of Craig's paintings

Craig S. Thompson graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, transferring from the Colorado Institute of Art, with an AS in Science of Art in 1983, continued at the American Animation Institute. Was a member of the Beverly Hills Art League. Freelance artist (PRS, Laurendale, California Safe, Experts at Law, Boy London, MyCo, etc.), tech art for Subia (Lockheed, Hugh's Aircraft, AiroSpace), Paint acrylic on Canvas now in NW DC, mostly 16X20s &  24X36s. Can do your portrait for $150. $50 per hour commission (anything you might want me to paint.

Sold, a portrait of Mr. Blowe

16X20 $250

24X36 $700

Virginia State Butterfly 16X20 $250

Add shipping, handling, and insurance via pay pal to cthsdp@gmail.com\

​

The USA’s moral & ethical values are falling...

The USA’s moral & ethical values are falling, making the powers that be, 
Lead us out of Academia, & are turning us into more Latin America. The 1960’s corrupted us. Loving sexually many, not THE FAMILY unit. Allot of this responsibility lies on HOLLYWOOD, now setting bad example, bad morals, bad standards, unlike 1940’s & 1950’s programming giving us hero’s, ethical values, healthy nuclear family principals. Sioux Falls, South Dakota used to have the largest (3 day) Christian Concert bash on Labor-day Weekend, with one also in Texas & one in Haiti. What the USA needs is a REVIVAL. & Catholics are correct with orphans, widows, Vets, & prisoners. For example, see- 
Playgrounds for Orphanages (PforO)
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4255818/
https://m.facebook.com/PlaygroundsForOrphanages/


We need to stand up for what is right. Not War Economy, Green Economy for Climate Change & our Mother Earth. 


Only the rich can afford JUSTICE. When #NoHumanRightsViolations should insure JUSTICE FOR ALL. Genocides are real, see Rwandan History. 


& why no & never Mary Magdalene RIGHT, only Mary Fagdaline WRONG YET?


“Ask not what can your Country do for you, but what you can do for your Country” & your World. Remember to set good example, not bad example. We learn from our parents, & sick behavior passes through generation after generation, until one chooses to heal it, & fights internally for change & healing. Health of Soul, Mind, & Body starts FROM THE INSIDE OUT. 


Think Global Goals-
The 17 Global Goals are:
1. No Poverty,
​2. Zero Hunger,
3. Good Health & Well-Being,
4. Quality Education,
5. Gender Equality,
6. Clean Water & Sanitation,
7. Affordable & Clean Energy,
8. Decent Work & Economic Growth,
9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure,
10. Reduced Inequalities,
11. Sustainable Cities & Communities,
12. Responsible Consumption & Production,
13. Climate Action,
14. Life Below Water,
15. Life on Land,
16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions,
17. Partnerships for the Goals.

How do you, how do we, fit into the scheme of things?


- - - 


We need 8 suits to form
A nonbank bank holding company. We need 100 or 1000 similar companies formed, to create green energy production, displacing nuclear energy & coal or other carbon emitting energy. Even if you don’t care about future generations having a habitable planet, greed alone should move you to being a part of this. Who doesn’t want to become very rich & powerful by giving the world what it needs, clean energy. This is number 7 of the 17 Global Goals, 7. Affordable & Clean Energy, is the solution, not another war effort. For the sake of goodness,  sanity, & reason, become a part of the needed solution. It is that or revolutionize the planet with Tesla’s...




Blessed be,
CST
Craig Stirling Thompson
1630 R Street #208 NW
Washington DC 20009
Playboeehsdp@yahoo.com 
cthsdp@gmail.com
2023523217


Global Goals. The 17 Global Goals are: 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 3. Good Health & Well-Being, 4. Quality Education, 5. Gender Equality, 6. Clean Water & Sanitation, 7. Affordable & Clean Energy, 8. Decent Work & Economic Growth, 9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, 10. Reduced Inequalities, 11. Sustainable Cities & Communities, 12. Responsible Consumption & Production, 13. Climate Action, 14. Life Below Water, 15. Life on Land, 16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions, 17. Partnerships for the Goals.






The leaders are all chicken, & will not allow it, but I have an idea that makes war & nukes obsolete. Nanotechnology assassins. You play chess. Never kill a civilian or a trench soldier again (pawns), by only taking out the back row with nanotechnology. Nanobots, fly up said target’s nose & detonate. Give fair warning. If you do not surrender in one week, we will take out everything over a 3 star general, & take over. Comply. Upstairs will do everything to make it young soldiers continue to die against each other. Say no.


We also need to bring back the May Pole. With that & a REVIVAL, our Country would cure itself.


Mars Cubicles
I Craig, have been homeless on many occasions, once for from April of 2002 til April of 2003 when I explored the East Coast. I leaned many things but some of the most valuable things I learned is how to live like a minimalist. All I really wanted was a dry bed (for the weather) & a locker so I didn’t have to drag around all my stuff, & a charge station to charge up my iPad & or phone. Hence Mars Cubicles was born. The rolling locker would need to be lockable & lockable to something, so I imagined kiosks like the Capital Bike Share have in Washington DC. Solar panels for a charging station. It would be made of the strongest, lightest, weather proof substance from NASA technology. 


Now tent cities are spreading like wild fire in this country. They are dirty, cluttered, unsanitary, eye soars. And their community is comprised of American citizens who have human rights like a bottom line existence. Welfare & food stamps already exist but for many it is not enough for renting. 


Homeless Stairway Networking Cooperative (HSNCoop)
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4905833/
https://m.facebook.com/HSNCoop/?ref=content_filter


Craig S. Thompson 


See also: www.invisiblepeople.tv (Mark Horvath's)

Global Goals -- CHALLENGE !!

What would you do for you & the World, in the World, to promote positive change?

Your Thoughts??

I challenge all friends to all to this list of thoughts about Global Goals, & help distribute...

The 17 Global Goals are:

1. No Poverty:
(place opinions here)

2. Zero Hunger:
(place opinions here)

3. Good Health & Well-Being:
(etc.)

4. Quality Education:

5. Gender Equality:

6. Clean Water & Sanitation:

7. Affordable & Clean Energy:

8. Decent Work & Economic Growth:

9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure:

10. Reduced Inequalities:

11. Sustainable Cities & Communities:

12. Responsible Consumption & Production:

13. Climate Action:

14. Life Below Water:

15. Life on Land:

16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions:

17. Partnerships for the Goals:

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Please do one yourself (email your thoughts to Craig Thompson <cthsdp@gmail.com>

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By Craig Thompson
My thoughts on- The 17 Global Goals are:

1. No Poverty:
Communist out, Socialist bottom line imperative in Capitalist Free Enterprise.

2. Zero Hunger:
Waist rechannnnnnnneled.

3. Good Health & Well-Being:
www.yfoh.com

4. Quality Education:
obsolete? In Wikipedia

5. Gender Equality:
There are only 2 genders in healthy thought of soul, mind, & body. All sickness of any nature, is to be respected, with human rights & dignity, & healed if possible.

6. Clean Water & Sanitation:
From global to individual, this is imperative & key.

7. Affordable & Clean Energy:
Tesla. If not allowed, fight, & Green Energy, solar, wind, tindle, etc

8. Decent Work & Economic Growth:
USA

9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure:

10. Reduced Inequalities:
On a backward swing, arrange to catapult.

11. Sustainable Cities & Communities:
Monorails & Mars Cubicles. Tesla.

12. Responsible Consumption & Production:
Corner Stone, eliminate plastic pollution with hemp cartons etc

13. Climate Action:
Greta Thunberg must not lose, she must be backed & supported in new world design & implementation of revamping, recycling, rectifying

14. Life Below Water:
Fukushima #No2ndFukushina

15. Life on Land:
Dire. Plant trees, stop deforestation, hemp products not wood.

16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions:
#WHPeaceVigil, Justice just for the rich must become Justice for all. God’s Justice & man’s
Justice must be in harmony.

17. Partnerships for the Goals:
#GGECTT, non bank banks, networking

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By: Daniel Kingery

I challenge all friends to all to this list of thoughts about Global Goals, & help distribute...

The 17 Global Goals are:

1. No Poverty:
Working to eliminate poverty tends to ba a fool’s game. There always will be poor, broke, bankrupt, and poverty-stricken people on this or any other planet.
Solution: Make each person responsible for their own financial well-being. But shit happens. If a community or society wants to offer assistance, the assistance should be short term, six months to a year tops. The longer the assistance, the less incentive for the person receiving it to work for themselves. The longer they are on assistance programs, the moree the demand from them.

2. Zero Hunger:
Same as with poverty. Solution: Make each person responsible for their own food supply ( at least to some small degree).

3. Good Health & Well-Being:
Same as with poverty. Solution: Make each person responsible for their own well-being. Every person should know enough about their body and its limitations to be their own primary doctor. Most runs to the hospital can be resolved with basic home remedies. For the more serious, go to a general practitioner. The general doctor can then recommend a specialist, if and where needed.

4. Quality Education:
The key to quality education resides in Teaching a person HOW TO LEAR; not what to learn.

5. Gender Equality:
Generally speaking, none of us are equal. Specifically speaking, we all are entirely equal with regards to the rights we possess. Though we may not be able to exercise a give, desired right as freely, as often, or as easy as another person; this does not mean that the government must make it easy for us. Government is there to help remove those unjust elements. Unfortunately, governments themselves ARE the unjust elements.

6. Clean Water & Sanitation:
EVERY individual (inclusive of every business) becomes personally responsible for the waste they generate, and to make certain it get to a certified reprocessing facility. More info can be had in the Solid Waste, Sewage, Hazardous, & Other Wastes — 100% No Landfills section at the Programs and Projects page of CleanHonestGov.Com

7. Affordable & Clean Energy:
Go to the Solid Waste, Sewage, Hazardous, & Other Wastes — 100% No Landfills section at the Programs and Projects page of CleanHonestGov.Com

8. Decent Work & Economic Growth:
Go to the Proposed Trust Account System section at the Programs and Projects page of CleanHonestGov.Com

9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure:
This is also covered in the Proposed Trust Account System section at the Programs and Projects page of CleanHonestGov.Com

10. Reduced Inequalities:
We must realize and accept the facts that every person is unique. Not everyone is going to have enough money. Not everyone is going to have a house or enough food. Yet everyone possesses the exact same list of rights, from which, they choose to exercise the ones they like to the degree they can personally afford. It is not the government’s duty to make certain that everyone has money, house, food, clothes, medicine, etc. The government’s duty is simply to make certain that there are no unjust activity by or against the individual in the pursuit of their happiness and possessions. Otherwise, this is covered throughout CleanHonestGov.Com

11. Sustainable Cities & Communities:
This is also covered in the Proposed Trust Account System section at the Programs and Projects page of CleanHonestGov.Com

12. Responsible Consumption & Production:
Go to the Commercial Industrial Development Investments section at the Programs and Projects page of CleanHonestGov.Com

13. Climate Action:
This is already addressed in several of the above locations of waste, commerce, and communities.

14. Life Below Water:
This is already addressed in several of the above locations of waste, commerce, and communities.

15. Life on Land:
This is already addressed in several of the above locations of waste, commerce, and communities.

16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions:
Pretty much sums up the purpose for CleanHonestGov.Com

17. Partnerships for the Goals.
When, we the people, of this planet finally realize that we are responsible for our respective governments, and we learn to properly count our votes, which is detailed here, How Reading & Math Stop Political Corruption, we soon realize that we have allowed our governments to destroy our vote by passing laws that violate the sovereignty of our collective votes, which is the majority of the TOTAL NUMBER of people registered as voters.

Please do one yourself (email your thoughts to Craig Thompson <cthsdp@gmail.com>

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Planning an Effective Political Campaign When You Have a Disability

Content by: Ed Carter ed@ablefutures.org

Planning an Effective Political Campaign When You Have a Disability
Part of the ongoing work of advancing the rights of persons with disabilities involves supporting those who are considering a political campaign. Running for office can be time-consuming and emotionally demanding, however, so if you’re considering a run, Clean Honest Government shares how to start a successful campaign.



Put together a great team.
No political campaign has ever been won solo. It is invariably a team effort, but it starts with you. Self-confidence is not only crucial when you run for office, but it also shows that you believe in yourself. And this is paramount when finding a team that supports you 100%. When putting together your team, prioritize diversity as well as talent. Look for freelance speechwriters, social media managers, and personal assistants who are deeply committed to your core values and your political goals. You may also want to hire a campaign manager, depending on what office you are running for and the scope of your campaign. In addition, decide if you need to hire professionals to assist you in the challenges particular to your disability. This might include drivers, interpreters, or transcriptionists. Hiring other persons with disabilities can help you put together a campaign that represents the needs of your entire community.

If running your team gets overwhelming, here’s a productivity tip: track your time efficiently! Manage payroll with the help of a user-friendly system that also offers a mobile app version so you can track and approve timesheets on the go, as well as seamless integrations with key software, like your payroll platform.



Get campaign funding.
Financing a campaign can be expensive. And it can also be stressful, especially if it’s a grassroots effort and you’re running against more seasoned politicians. Don’t forget, however, that your platform is important — once you get your voice out there, you will attract the interest of many like-minded donors in your community. Before you start fundraising, have a plan in place, as well as a target goal. Take advantage of different ways to seek donations, from fundraising events to personal meetings to online fundraising efforts. And be aware of the ethics surrounding campaign financing, so you don’t spend any of the funds you raise improperly.



Network effectively.
When you launch your political campaign, this means widening your network beyond the circle of friends and associates who are already eager to support you. Reach out to influential community leaders, business owners, and officeholders who you think would be likely to endorse your run. If you haven’t already involved yourself in the public life of your district, now would be a good time to start attending councils and meetings. If your disability makes it more difficult for you to attend public events in person, you can ask your personal assistant to help you — or even, in some cases, be a spokesperson for your campaign. Make a point of networking especially with activists in the community of disabled persons and leaders of disability-awareness groups.

​

Advertise your campaign.
No matter how excellent your platform may be and how innovative your proposals are, this won’t get you very far if voters are unaware of your campaign. Look into which advertising venues will be most effective in your region and for reaching your potential constituency. Radio and television ads, newspaper stories, and political signs are all great ways to get your name and message out there but don’t neglect to take advantage of social media, too. Use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter not only to advertise your campaign but also to interact with voters, answer their questions, and take note of their concerns. Because social media allows you to expand your reach affordably, it can help level the playing field between you and better-funded opponents.

Persons with disabilities who hold office can have a powerful impact on their communities, both via increased visibility and real, meaningful policy influence. Running for office is one way to make a meaningful difference for other persons with disabilities and for your society as a whole.

​
Image via Pixabay

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5 Tips to Start a Local Business and Support Your Community

Photo by Dan Smedley on Unsplash


Becoming a business owner is a big step for you and your community. Entrepreneurship can help you form connections, support your neighborhood, and allow you the freedom to work for yourself. Embark on your journey toward business ownership with these tips from Clean Honest Government.
Why Start a Small, Local Business?Starting a business can feel daunting when so many big box stores and corporations take up space in the economy. But local small businesses are crucial for communities and have countless benefits.


Small business owners provide local jobs, keep money in the community, and contribute tax revenue for local growth. Despite their smaller size, local companies tend to care more about their neighbors and seeing the community thrive. If you want to make a difference, growing a business is one way to do so locally.
Check Off Business Task BasicsEntrepreneurship can be thrilling, but there are some boxes to check before ordering products or hiring staff. For example, most businesses require a license to operate, depending on what you sell and where.


You might also decide to file business formation paperwork for unique benefits. Forming an LLC helps protect your assets, offers tax advantages, and provides flexibility.


When it comes to funding your venture, personal finances or loans might be a solid place to start. However, many grants are available for various types of businesses. Search for small business grants in your industry to find financing possibilities.
How to Engage with the CommunityIf you already have a great business idea, the launch might be the easiest part. Once you’re open for business, though, finding customers and connecting to the community can be challenging.


Getting involved locally is one way to make connections and showcase your business. Most cities or major counties have a Chamber of Commerce; search for nearby chapters and get connected.


Offering services or supplies to schools and local organizations is one way to chip in and also save on taxes. Reaching out to your neighbors, including schools, could build relationships that help your company succeed.


Networking with other small businesses is another way to build community. Joining other stores to offer customer discounts, reciprocal programs, or rewards deals could help generate more business for everyone.
Embrace Small Business MarketingEven with local support, marketing is crucial to elevate your business to the next level. Many entrepreneurs want to avoid spending money, especially in the early stages of business development, but marketing is a necessary expense.


The U.S. Small Business Administration confirms that the average business spends anywhere from one to four percent of its revenue on marketing efforts. Spending more may not always be the solution, but tracking revenue and results will reveal trends and successes.


Some simple marketing methods, both online and off, may involve low costs but big returns. For example, branded business cards leave a lasting impression on prospective customers. You can easily design business cards with pre-made templates, then customize them to fit your branding.
Add to Your EducationMany entrepreneurs build skills informally, but if you have reservations about diving in without a formal education, it might be time to go back to school. Earning a degree equips you with business skills and boosts your confidence.


Online degree programs also make it easy to brush up on professional skills while getting your brand off the ground. Try this for a degree in accounting, management, business, or communications. Higher education may also provide mentorship and other networking opportunities.


Whether you go back to school or dive right into creating a company, small business ownership can be life-changing. Keeping your community in mind at each growth stage ensures mutually beneficial business relationships that will help you grow—and support your community.