United Way Essays - Humanitarian Aid, United Way Of America

United Way There are approximately 495,000 taxexempt/nonprofit organizations in the United States (excluding churches) that may receive taxdeductible contributions. ?Of those with incomes above $25,000, roughly 55,000 are classified as human service organizations and another 28,000 are health related (Hodgkinson and Weitzman, 1996).? The term nonprofits refers to these health and human service organizations. ?The types of health and human services that nonprofit organizations provide include housing and residential care, youth development, recreation, services to children and families, employment assistance, crime and delinquency prevention, food and nutrition, and substance abuse and addiction treatment (Hodgkinson and Weitzman, 1996).? However many organizations are much more than just helping the sick and feeding the poor. They help so many people in their time of needed, some through programs and others through services in the committee. There are so many different needs that people had not just the hungry and the sick. Through a vast network of volunteers and community agencies, United Way throughout America help meet the health and human-care needs of million of people every day. United Way's 110 year history is built on the proven effectiveness of local organizations helping people in their own communities. The United Way system includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers. Through a single community-wide campaign, United Way volunteers raise funds to support local agency service providers. In total, voluntary contributions to United Way support approximately 45,000 agencies and chapters, helping millions of people from all walks of life and income groups. Apart from the government, United Way supports the greatest variety of health and human services in the country. In 1997-1998, ?United Way volunteers raised $3.4 billion (Young, Hollister, and Hodgkinson, 1998).? Which was used for human services ranging from disaster relief, emergency food and shelter and crisis intervention to day care, physical rehabilitation and youth development. That was 4.7 percent increase over the $3.2 billion amount raised in 1996. Because of the vast network of volunteers and the simplicity for corporate payroll deduction, administrative expenses for the largest United Way average about 13 percent of all funds raised. This low figure compares favorably with the suggested Better Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35 percent. Each volunteer ensures that every group receiving funds are a non-profit, tax-exempt charity governed by volunteers. Each charity is to submit to an annual, independent financial audit, provide services at a reasonable cost, and maintain a policy of non-discrimination. During United Way's extensive annual citizen-review process, local experienced volunteers assess community needs and determine how to distribute funds so that donors know their money is serving the most pressing community issues and reaching the people who are most in need. How much of the contributions reach community charities? The real advantage of United Way is its ability to raise money for the organizations it funds far less expensively than they ever hope to do. They keep fund-raising costs low, allowing nearly all of your contributions to go directly to community charities. On average, local United Ways nationwide distribute to community charities approximately 85% of the dollars raised compared with only 70% or less for other charities. Last year United Way funded over 45,500 agencies whose programs help people who really need help. They developed programs such as promoting health and preventing diseases. Other strong programs that they developed were for the strengthening of families. They found that today parents have problem caring for a families and having a loving relationship with the children. Last year 25% of all the funds the United Way and the local United Way went to programs to help parents keep on track. To add to the local programs local have the United Way has start, by themselves or with other agencies, many different programs nationwide. Even thou that United Way is thought as a charity they help some many people. And these are some of the nationwide programs that they fund. Since 1983, Congress has appropriated $1.7 billion for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. The National Board composed of six voluntary agencies (including United Way of America) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, uses specific selection criteria to award grants to those civil jurisdictions in greatest need

Affirmitive Action essays

Affirmitive Action essays Affirmative Action began in an era when minorities were highly under represented in universities and employment. Unless one was racist, most agree with the need of affirmative action in college admissions and in the workplace. With so much of Americas work force made from inter-raced schools now, some may question whether racism really is the problem anymore, and many college students might answer yes. We see it on college campuses today, and we are not sure why this is. Prejudices, self-segregation, political correctness, reverse discrimination, and ignorance all are put into a group of opinions surrounding affirmative action and racial issues today. One may feel that affirmative action in universities is the answer to the end of racism and inequality. If more black students get into good colleges, more of them will go on to even out the uneven numbers in the work force. Barbara Ehrenreich believes when we see ninety percent of leadership roles in the business world held by white men, we begin to doubt others exist in that field. With so many minorities in low roles, people begin to believe the white man is best for the top jobs (Ehrenriech 114). But with positive affirmative action laws at work, people should begin to recognize that minorities are just as good or better in the typical white mans job. Ehrenreich also believes affirmative action should guarantee that the best person no matter the race gets the job or gets into the school until it is all evened out (Ehrenriech 114). When blacks read false statistics about their failing race in articles sometimes it builds anger toward whites. The media shows that they are still not going to overcome the white man at the rate they are going. Affirmative action might not create racial unity even if we do reach an equal world we dream of though. The evidence is on the college campuses today. Though numbers are not near equal, minorities are a big part of university...

Catastrophe model of construction dispute negotiation behaviour Essay - 4

Catastrophe model of construction dispute negotiation behaviour - Essay Example Two cases were studied in this investigation which can be analyzed further with the assistance of primary research techniques to better understand what occur internally during the negotiation process. The two cases studies which merit other investigative techniques are the Motor Bus Company and Steel Benders cases. The primary research technique utilize to obtain more information about the cases is a questionnaire. There two types of questionnaires utilized: an initial interview and a follow-up interview. Since the interviews are not performed in person they are categorize as questionnaires. The method of invitation utilized in both cases to invite the members to participate is an online invitation to be sent to the presidents of the respective unions in both cases to learn about the perspective of the workers. In the Bus Company Case the questionnaire will be send to the CEO of the company. In the Steel Benders case the employer will be represented by the owners or general managers of 30 construction companies in Japan. The Motor Bus Company is negotiating a resolution between the firm and the employees of the company. Both parties involved in the negotiation have claims regarding the terms of the proposed contract. The first question of the questionnaire seeks to obtain the desired terms in order to renegotiate a collective bargaining agreement. The specific position of each party will reveal the alternative offer to obtain a resolution to the dispute. The second question is a quest to obtain responses and a strategic position in the negotiation process among the people involved in the ordeal. If player A can gain insight about the innate response and acceptance of the offer of player B it can act and propose a counteroffer that may persuade a group to seek an immediate solution to end the dispute. The offer by the company was fair in comparison with the previous, but it was only a bluff since the company felt the workers union

Books about the Phonograph Role in the World Essay

Books about the Phonograph Role in the World - Essay Example This essay presents the list of books regarding the role of the phonograph in the world such as "A Spiral Way: How the Phonograph Changed Ethnography" by Erika Brady, "Edison, the Man Who Made the Future" by Ronald Clark and "The Fantastic Phonograph" by Theresa Collins. The book, A Spiral Way: How the Phonograph Changed Ethnography is an informative book on the topic of the phonograph and gives detailed historical data on the development of phonograph as an ethnographic tool. The source explores the allocation of phonograph as a cultural product that has evolved over time. The book, Edison, the Man Who Made the Future, is advantageous for the students and people who want to gain awareness about Edison as a person who struggled towards making a product that is productive for the future generations. The book not only gives a description about phonograph but Edison and his struggle also. The chapter, â€Å"The Fantastic Phonograph† in the book, â€Å"Thomas Edison and Modern America: A Brief History with Documents† is really beneficial for the topic of my research. This source contains information and reviews given by academic and informative resources of the time when phonograph was invented. The uses of the phonograph along with various purposes of the machine are given in the resource. Allen Koenigsberg’s book contains descriptive information with proper historical accounts of the phonograph’s evolution from 1877 to 1912 and gives an explanation of Edison’s struggle in making phonograph.

Great Wilderness Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Great Wilderness Debate - Essay Example Others take it as a cultural believe that a wilderness is an area that has been threatened by growth and development and regardless of what can be done the land cannot show any positive growth (Callicott and Nelson 6). The existing biodiversity set aside an alternative to preserve the land from extinction and the separation of people from nature indirectly suggest the creation that serves as an example of wilderness idea. This topic of wilderness has attracted most of the environmental philosophers and the community at large that innocently believed that the wilderness is a natural holy quiet place. To distinguish between wildness and wilderness, we can create a picture of something that may occur or can be possible in the future by inhabiting nature symbolically. Cronon tries to give and differentiate wilderness from wildness by defining it as the only preservation in the world (Cronon 7). His idea requires a thoughtful study since it is more concern with the creation of human cultu res and civilization in the world we are living in. Civilization on the other hand can be done in a manner that will prevent contamination of the beautiful environment rather than basing the idea to cultures and historical assumptions. We can learn to appreciate and preserve the small and unconventional pieces of land that surround us and be able to conserve and maintain the beauty of the wildness (Callicott and Nelson 541). Taking an example of a tree in a garden and the other one in an ancient place, we clearly see the importance of valuing both trees because by doing so we not only value them but even honor the importance of conserving our environment. It is good to honor any wild regardless of its physical position because a tree is not less wild when it is in the garden than it is in the ancient place. We should take into consideration the fact that the tree in the wilderness and that in the garden require the same factors for them to grow and reproduce and also respect the nat ure. We are to classify an organism as wild or tame according to its context and not by its constitution or position so as to mention the distinction between natural and artificial occurrences (Aitken 5). The belief that wilderness is a virgin pure inhabited land has to be set aside and reclamation of the lands be done in the right manner of conserving the entire land not necessarily the wilderness. Wilderness existed before human refinement expanded and will continue to exist long after the cultures have ceased to exist and the community should adopt and accept to live with these changes. The human-environment interaction has tamed the land in a contrary manner that has influenced and changed the existence of the wilderness by people trying to protect their needs without giving up custody of the land that could be damaged by nature. The mere presence of things done by people does not deprive the official state of wilderness since a wilderness exists in environments that naturally o perate with very minimal human interference. We should provide a safe and caring environment for the benefits of all biological systems and the universe as a whole so as to create a progressive and helpful human-wild interaction. Conservation tips

Gender Differences in Crime

Gender Differences in Crime Criminal patterns by women and by men have both similarities and differences. Women and men are more prone to committing minor substance abuse and property crimes, rather than serious ones like murder or robbery. The main gender disparity in criminal activity is that men commit offenses at a higher rate than women do, except for prostitution (Heidensohn). Gender difference is more distinct in serious crimes, while it is least discernible in petty ones, which is a phenomenon called gender gap in offending (Rennison, 2009, p. 172). Particularly, it has been evidenced that 19% of criminal act perpetrators are women, yet they are also more likely victims of crime: as of late 2009, two women are slain every week by a former or current partner, and 44% of violent crimes against females are domestic (White, 2010). Meanwhile, women have been imprisoned for offenses like possession of stolen property, theft and drug charges. Other characteristics of female offenders include, (i) 15% have been confined to a psychiatric hospital, (ii) 40% have been drug-dependent since the year prior to their imprisonment, (iii) 20% have been in rehabilitation (White, 2010). A new focus of criminology is the study of criminal careers and although research on this topic has been limited to violent offenses, it has been established that (i) women perpetrate violent crimes to a much lesser degree than males; (ii) the criminal careers of violent women start and reach its peak a bit earlier than men; and (iii) to thoroughly comprehend the gender gap in crime, variables such as age and gender must be taken into account (Rennison, 2009). According to Callie Marie Rennison, race has always played an essential role in violent offending (175). She pointed out that minorities make up a large population of offenders. For instance, Rennison cites data from the U.S. Department of Justice gleaned from arrest reports and victimization surveys attesting that Blacks are disproportionately found among violent offenders (Rennison, 2007, p. 175). She also lamented the fact that studies on gender gap have largely omitted gender and age, and joins the call for moving beyond simple comparisons of offending by gender (Rennison, 2007, p. 175). Evidence attests that there is a substantial overlapping in the social perspective of criminal acts perpetrated by men and women (Hall, 2009, p. 5). To note, it has been proven that female and male offenders both usually have low socio-economic standing, come from minority groups, unemployed or under-employed, and poorly-educated (Hall, 2007). In light of these social implications on gender disparity in crime, there have been questions on whether biological factors could be stronger determinants in crime as compared to social factors. Here is a look at the differing theories on crime and gender disparity. Traditional theories about gender disparity in crime are, Anomie, Labeling and Personality Theory. Anomie postulates that females commit crimes at a lower rate than males because they are less subjected to cultural pressures to achieve success materially (Hall, 2007). In Labeling, parental acceptance of violence, neighborhood and home violence all increase the odds that a male will be involved in crime and violence (Ramoutar and Farrington, 2005.) Males who have had episodes of severe punishments at home for misdemeanors were less likely to commit property crimes or violent offenses. Meanwhile, men who were labeled negatively by people in his environment, and men who had poor self-esteems, were twice as likely to participate in violent and property crimes (Ramoutar and Farrington, 2005, p. 563) On the other hand, women who perceived that they were negatively labeled tended to participate in violent crimes, but females who have been at the receiving end of violence were more likely to be involved in both petty and violent crimes (Ramoutar and Farrington, 2005.) In contrast with their male counterparts, being subjected to severe punishments at home due to misdemeanors, increased females tendency to commit violent crimes. The most dominant personality dimensions that are associated with crime are self-centered orientation, low empathy, venturesomeness and impulsivity (Ramoutar and Farrington, 2005, p. 558). Male offenders were characterized by enjoyment of intense and new endeavors, as well as by risk taking all descriptive of venturesomeness. They also had low rates of empathy. In female offenders, venturesomeness and impulsivity were reasons for criminal behavior; and, self-centeredness increased female offending by 100%. Female offenders were not characterized by low empathy and low empathy (Ramoutar and Farrington, 2005). Biological Perspective The biological perspective on gender differences in crime rate points out that genetics determines the criminal behavior of a person. Neurochemicals trigger the behavioral tendencies and patterns in the human brain. One of these neurochemicals, monoamine oxidase (MOA), is linked to antisocial behavior: low levels of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) cause disinhibition, which, in turn, can result in aggression and impulsivity (Jones 2005). MOA has intertwining functions with other neurochemicals that have already been associated with criminal and antisocial behavior, like dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine are also closely linked with the personality factor of psychosis (Jones 2005). On the other hand, serotonin affects brain development, and low levels of serotonin plays a significant role in triggering bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression. Moreover, serotonin is closely linked with aggression, which can be a trigger for criminal behavior. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters of the brain that provides feelings of pleasure, and thus, motivates people to do certain acts. A study conducted by Katherine Morley and Dwayne Hall in 2003 showed that there is an association between violent offenders and the dopaminergic pathway (Morley and Hall, 2003). Basing on these information, it could also be plausible that genetics plays a role in criminal behavior. Hence, supporters of the biological theory in criminal behavior assert that crime rates may be curbed by monitoring offspring and immediate family of known criminals, so that they may be tested for MAO (Morley and Hall, 2003). On the other hand, critics point out that this is not easy to accomplish because of m oral implications youngsters could be classified as potential criminals even if they have not committed any offense yet. Also, there is the ever present fear that governments may start using drugs to wage battle against crime, instead of addressing relevant social problems. It is important to recall that gender disparity in crime high level of male offending in comparison with females is absolutely accepted by criminologists. It is also important to note that gender disparity varies according to time, geographic area, race and age of the perpetrators. If gender disparity is indeed caused by genes, then the former will not vary as it does according to time, geographic area, race and age of the perpetrators. Thus, the biological theory is rather inadequate to explain gender differences in crime rate. New Female Criminal Freda Adler, a criminal professor at Rutgers University, published a book in 1975, entitled Sisters in crime: The rise of the new female criminal (Adler, 1975). The profile of the new female criminal, as explained by Adler, was considered as the most powerful and influential expert on female criminality more than three decades ago. According to Adler, the feminist movement may be credited with promoting positive changes in womens lives, i.e., social position, employment, marriage and family (Hamilton, 2010). She noted that women used to have the same hopes and ambitions as men, but they have not been able to attain these because of oppression towards their gender. Womens liberation changed all these, as females began to be empowered to pursue their dreams and ambitions and achieve them. However, Adler explained that womens lib had a darker side (Hamilton, 2010). Just as they were being productive, they were also pressing into crime (Hamilton, 2010). Women began to compete with men, even in the criminal world, wherein they were attempting to carve their own niches. And just as women became stevedores, soldiers, lawyers and doctors; they also became terrorists, embezzlers, forgers and burglars (Hamilton, 2010). Adler theorized that with womens liberation, a new breed of women offenders had come on the scene. She noted that the feminist movement created structural opportunities which women took advantage of by adopting the same characteristics as men: risk-taking, aggression and assertiveness. These, she said, were also the same qualities that enabled men to commit crimes. Adler has since, authored three more books on the topic, but modern times has seen critics bringing down her theories. For one, Adlers theories are weak in the sense that there are no supporting research evidencing that females who lived liberated lives committed more crimes than their more traditional peers. In addition to this, while it has been proven that most women offenders come from the lower socio-economic ladder, these same women rejected feminist ideals as distinctly middle-class. Moreover, feminists themselves shot down her theories, stating that these undermined the good intentions of womens rights (Hamilton, 2 010). Thus, it may be said that the new female criminal is more of a myth than reality. Which Theory is Correct? There are certain things to consider before determining which theory about gender  differences in crime is correct. Women have been engendered by moral principles which inculcate nurturing values in them, which restrain them from committing injurious deeds to others. Hence, females were less apt to commit crimes than the male counterparts, because of their nurturing and dependent nature (Cole and Smith, 2007, p. 57). Moreover, the criminal environment demands violence and physical power, which may account for lesser frequency and seriousness of crimes committed by women. Male have enhanced physical prowess and strength needed to commit graver crimes (JRank, 2010). In addition to this, women who wanted quick money but had no other means of getting it had opportunities to go into prostitution rather than commit crimes (JRank, 2010). Taking into consideration all these information, majority of studies concede that traditional theories are not given the deserving credit for explaining the patterns in criminal activity as it pertains to gender differences. Most of these theories are backed by hard evidence, and have outlasted the numerous modern theories that have sprung up and just as quickly, debunked by one study or the other. Majority of theorists agree that traditional perspectives are inadequate in explaining gender disparity in serious crimes, but a painstaking study of available data from research and experiments reveal that there is simply not much information in this area. Thus, the trend towards studying gender equality/inequality in criminal behavior must be continued, taking into consideration both traditional and biological perspectives, towards learning more about serious crimes. In doing this, the greater goal of curbing crime rates through significant research may be achieved.

Diamonds in the Rough :: Nature Rocks Outdoors Essays

Diamonds in the Rough Nature is full of many awe-inspiring things, from majestic mountains to carpets of flowers. There is much artistic creativity inspired by nature, but it is often of valleys, and streams. Rarely do we see the smaller pieces that make up such grand pictures. There are few people who appreciate the beauty of a single leaf, or a single drop of water. It is even rarer to find a person who finds beauty in a rock. For most people rocks are only beautiful if polished up and set in gold or silver. I am certainly no exception, however, I am often intrigued by the lower class of rocks. It takes a child, or an adult in touch with their inner child, to find the potential of the average, dirt covered rock. Through the eyes of a child, each rock takes on a personality, be it a country cousin or a snooty countess. Come through the eyes of a child and experience the beauty and majesty of a rock, from the simple stone to the classy diamond. On our daily journeys we often pass by the humblest of rocks, those that decorate our gardens, or the ones that are simply buried in the dirt at the park. Most of us see a rock, if we see it all. These quiet stones are the lowest caste of the rock world, but they do not lack their own impressiveness. They come in all shapes and sizes, from large and smooth, to small with jagged edges. They even come in different colors and patterns, swirled greys, and pale creams, deep browns, and smooth reds. Like fingerprints, or people themselves, no rock is like any other. These rocks are a chid’s friend, another door to the imagination. Children use them to build houses for gnomes, and pretend they are people. We adults simply smile and indulge the child, never once looking beyond the rock. Yet sometimes I find myself imagining this plain grey rock’s journey. Did it form in the bowels of the earth, from molten rock? Did it work its way to the surface over cen turies of time?