VA is now accepting applications for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). The program provides 12 months of training assistance to qualified unemployed Veterans at the full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). You must pursue a program approved for VA benefits offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to a high demand occupation and result in an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree or a Certificate.

Image: 123greetings

Earlier this year, I said I would take lead in creating report cards for city services. Let’s start with the Chicago Public Library. What are some things you would grade them on?

Some suggestions to get you started:

• Level of service
• Cleanliness of library
• Hours of operation
• Book selection
• Professionalism of staff

Please note that these report cards are being created to reduce complaints and to start conversations. So, what what would you like to see on a Chicago Public Library report card?

As a former Englewood resident who is on a mission to be paid as much as or more than Jennifer and Derrick combined, here are my thoughts on that topic.

First, please know that people do what they want with their money regardless of how much they make.

Second, why should J-Hud and D-Rose buy up blocks and create programs in Englewood? They aren’t the only people living in or are from that neighborhood who have money. Does this person say the same thing about the people who have businesses in the community, who drive across the city to get to their neighborhoods,  but are not giving back? Most importantly, would the residents appreciate the efforts?

Third, I am certain that people would not feel this way if Jennifer and Derrick did not have celebrity status.

Fourth, without actually knowing, I am certain these two Chicagoans contribute to charitable causes near and dear to their hearts. If those causes are not in Englewood, then, oh well.

Fifth, would this person have the same expectations if J-Hud and D-Rose were white?

Sixth, do giving back always have to be financial? If these two people conducted FREE workshops  in the communities of their choice, that’s giving back.

Seventh, what is this person doing to contribute to the community? She’s giving her opinion on what Jennifer Hudson and Derrick Rose should do, but what is she doing to make a difference?

Eighth, why don’t people just mind their business?

Here’s my point. It is not Jennifer Hudson’s or Derrick Rose’s responsibility to rebuild Englewood. But I would encourage them to continue to be positive role models, and to let young people know that their dreams can come true with lots of hard work.

Images: Chicago Now and inquisitr

Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec

If you are an entrepreneur, inventor or a creator of any kind, you may have a chance to pitch your business to the Sharks on Shark Tank. Read more details on ABC Local.

CHICAGO OPEN CALL: FRIDAY, MAY 11TH
Embassy Suites — Chicago Lakefront
511 North Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Do you  have the nerve to go for the audition?

Image: tv.msn

If you are, let’s interview and show the world your products and services. Contact me so we can share your story today!

Image: cyberpetrol

Image: East County Magazine

Blog Your Community News

Blogs are some of THE most powerful, multipurpose tools created. And they are especially useful for communities where there are no media outlets or other means of sharing your neighborhood news. Let me share the top 3 reasons why someone in your community should be blogging.

Share Community News. Period.

If mainstream media isn’t covering stories and there are no community newspapers, the possibility of any news about neighborhood happenings are slim to none. More like none. Blogs make it easy to share this information.

Build relationships

These bonds can reach around the world. Remember, there is a reason why the Internet is called the World Wide Web. Once you put anything on a blog, it is available for everyone to read. You can possible gain worldwide support for a local issue.

 Create an Online Community 

Interaction on blogs allow for community building. Wouldn’t it be great if you actually got the people in your neighborhood to bond online? You can discuss how what’s happening with the city and state affects your community. You may even get enough support to change things you don’t like. Other topics worth mentioning include the lack of jobs and after school programs for young people; the absence of jobs for adults;  the poor education of our children which is contributing to the school to prison pipeline; and how the residents can get together to try to make things better.

As I stated earlier, you should find out if there is a blogger covering news in your community. If there isn’t, this is the perfect opportunity for you to serve your community through blogging.  If you want to start a blog and need help getting started, contact me. In the meantime, take the time to find out if there is a blogger covering news in your community, and come back to let us know their names and the names of their blogs. We would love to support them.

Image: mlmiseasyonline