Pivot Point - Success is a Journey!

Everyone seems to be talking about the new artificial intelligence - ChatGPT. ChatGPT is OpenAI which is short for Open Artificial Intelligence. In essence it is an artificial intelligence research organization founded in December 2015 by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, Wojciech Zaremba, and several other prominent figures in the field of AI. OpenAI's mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity.

In this coffee break episode, I will give a brief description of ChatGPT and what uses it can have for job search. For more information, join Tailored for Success on July 12th 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST for a lunch & learn on the topic. To register got to: https://ChatGPT_for_the_Job_Search.eventbrite.com

This podcast will discuss several aspects of the power and influence of mothers: (1) the power mothers have on their families and communities, (2) the importance of self-care for mothers, how mothers overcome challenges and how mothers empower the next generation.

Happy New Year!  2023 is predicted to be a good year for job seekers, career changers and employees in general.  Stay up to date on what employers  want in candidates by listening to this week's Coffee Break.

For more information on the topics discussed in today's podcast:

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics December 2022 Jobs Report - https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

2. Strumpf Associates Center for Strategic Change - https://www.strumpfassociates.com/2023/01/05/lunch-with-lori-2022-12-1/

3.  Free & Not Free (but worth it) Professional Development Websites 

 - CareerOneStop www.careeronestop.org

- Coursera - www.coursera.org

- Linkedin Learning - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ (first month is free)

4.  LinkedIn and Your Personal Brand - https://youtu.be/27-PcXVqpzY

5.  Tailored for Success Reimagine Your Career Workshops

Is there a job seeker in your life that you want to support during the difficult holiday time?  Are you a job seeker looking to give people ideas of what to buy you for Christmas that will help in your job search?  Then consider these 12 ideas for gifts for job seekers.  Info for some of the items mentioned in this podcast:

1. Tailored for Success Career Closet - https://www.tailoredforsuccess.org/career-closet

2. LinkedIn Premimum - www.premimum.linkedin.com; comes with a one month free trial

3. How to find industry subscriptions: https://guides.lib.unc.edu/market-research-tutorial/trade; to help individuals stay current in their chosen field.

4. Audible - www.audible.com

5. Grammarly - www.grammarly.com (free) but the premium subscription is very helpful for job seekers

6. Entertainment Subscriptions - https://decider.com/article/gift-streaming-subscriptions/

7. Sensory Fidget Toys for Adults - www.amazon.com, search on "sensory fidget toys for adults"

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Tailored for Success, Inc. 

Having an internship is an opportunity to learn about a company, network and gain new skills.  This podcast is a light hearted interview with Asiah Wotring who was the Legislative Intern for the Department of Children and Families in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Hear how Asiah obtained this amazing internship, what duties she had and what work she produced as a result.  

The inspiration for this podcast came from our Coffee Break: Internship Tips.  A recording is available on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/5auWZ0mUS1M

To reiterate, the top 10 tips for Internship Success: (1) Learn about the Company; (2) Manage your Time; (3) Ask Questions; (4) Accept all Assignments; (5) Have a positive attitude; (6) Know the Expectations of the Internship; (7) Seek Feedback; (8) Take Notes; (9) Develop your Skills, and (10) Dress Appropriately.

For more information on Rise Above Foundation, visit their website: https://weriseabove.org

Transcript:

Since founding Tailored for Success, my motto has been “Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day”, but “teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime”.

Which is why I really like the book, I’m reviewing today – Get Hired Now by Ian Siegal, CEO of Zip Recruiter.  This book teaches the job seeker to fish metaphorically in the job market. Although it is a thin book – less than 200 pages, it’s not a book with “5 latest tips to get job” or a book with hundreds of pages that take you through step by monotonous step in the job search…it’s for people who don’t have the time, patience or luxury of taking months to learn how to find a job.  The book give practical, well researched information on what you need to know if you are in the job search process.  The layout of the book is with short but specific chapters on that I believe every job seeker should know regardless of where they are in the job search.  For example, the book teaches you:

1.   How to find the right jobs to apply to (emphasis on jobs plural). Gone are the days where you apply to a few jobs and hope for the best.

2.  How to stand out from your competition by creating a memorable moment

3.  How to be great in any interview – whether it’s a prescreening interview, in person or video. And the most important aspect in my opinion – how to follow up after the interview.

4.  The art and science of salary negotiation – According to a 2018 survey of more than 50,000 job seekers on Zip Recruiter, 64% reported accepting the first offer they received. Remember, the first offer from an employer is most likely priced with the knowledge that negotiation is expected.  And just in case you are worried, employers do not rescind job offers because you ask for more…they want to fill positions not get mad at prospects for acknowledging their worth.

5.  And much more

Basically, the book is broken down into three parts, which corresponds to the three main phases of a job search:

1.  The first part is on Getting Prepared – covering resumes – side note: according to CNBC 75% of resumes are never read by a human; polishing your online brand and how to build relationships with networking side note: 85% of jobs are filled by networking.

2.  The second part is on How to find the “right” job – reviewing job search sites – not surprising Zip Recruiter is the best, and he tells you why, but he also reviews the book reviews LinkedIn, specific industry job boards, and how to use a recruiter.  The book also includes in this section on how to find the right job, the tools you should have, how to determine which jobs to apply to, and interviewing (including how to ace a prescreen interview).

3.  The third part is on Getting the job – why it is important to know how to negotiate, and an important element not often talked about – how to quit your current job (i.e., how not to burn bridges).

My favorite part of the book has to be the summary pages of each chapter at the end of the book.  So, if you need a quick answer, on a particular aspect of the job search – that’s where you will find it.

If you are looking for a quick reference guide, because maybe you’ve been laid off or fired. This book is a great place to start. In fact, it even gives you information on what to do if you were laid off or fired to make sure you are taking the right actions to secure your rights.  Or perhaps you recently graduated, are coming out of the military or returning to the workforce after a gap in work history; there is valuable information in Get Hired Now to help you.

Get Hired Now, Ian Siegel, CEO ZipRecruiter

Getting ready to start an internship or almost finished with one?  Learn what you need to do to make the most out of the experience. For additional information on the subject:

1.  Indeed- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/internship-tips

2.  Workitdaily - https://www.workitdaily.com/how-to-be-good-intern/2-walk-in-like-you-have-something-to-lose

3.  YouTube (The Intern Queen) - https://youtu.be/VNSe2kcqO9w

I am starting off my Coffee Break book reviews with the only one that still ranks #1 in the career development world.   What Color is Your Parachute? is the "bible" of how to pursue a career that fits your passions, interests, skills and background.  

First published in 1970, What Color is Your Parachute? is the go to book for anyone seeking employment, returning after a lay off or trying to advance within a career.  Written by Richard N. Bolles who sadly passed away in 2017 after a lifetime of service to job seekers around the world.  For more information: www.jobhuntersbible.com, www.eparachute.com.

Chapters include:

Welcome to the Ever-Changing World of the Job Search

The Job Search is a Mind Game: Here are Ten Ways to Win

How to Deal with Any Challenges You Have in the Job Search

The Flower Exercise: Self-Inventory, Part 1 & Part 2 (not to miss if you are unclear of your direction)

I hope you'll consider adding this book to your personal library and/or reading plan to help you with your career.

Hello friends,  COVID-19 finally caught up with me and my family. I was so proud that in the two years since the pandemic first came to Massachusetts and we were all quarintened that I or my immediate family got sick.  Of course as soon as you start saying things like that God taps you on the shoulder and keeps you from being so prideful.  Anyway, I'm back and have some new ideas for upcoming podcasts I think you will like.  This quick podcast is an overview of those ideas. 

Enjoy the Journey

This episode focus on how some quick tips to build a powerful LinkedIn Profile.  There are seven key sections you want to focus on when creating and/or updating your LinkedIn profile. The seven sections are: (1) profile photo, (2) headline, (3) summary, (4) experience, (5) education, (6) skills, and (7) recommendations.

For a full video on how to improve your LinkedIn profile, check out this recording of a recent Tailored for Success webinar: https://youtu.be/UO0QnI00ofc

Need a headshot photographer recommendation?  Try Kevin Thai, Three Circles Studios (https://www.threecirclesstudio.com) or Norman Jaillet (https://www.normanjailletphotography.com)

You've heard the old adage - You can't judge a book by it's cover! Unfortunately, people make judgements about people all the time based on how they look and their unconscious biases.  Listen and learn how you can combat unfair judgements against you in an interview situation.

For more details on:

Shopping online thrift stores - Styled by You on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2ZoxqOMWg6E

LinkedIn and your personal brand - YouTube: https://youtu.be/27-PcXVqpzY

Ever wonder why you are not succeeding as fast as you want to? Maybe your thoughts, and/or the people you surround yourself with are the reasons.  

Want to know the top ten resume tips for 2022?  Listen to this episode of Coffee break and get ready to update your resume.

Articles to help you update your resume:

1.  CareerOneStop - https://blog.careeronestop.org/4-essential-resume-tips-for-2022/

2.  Indeed - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/classic-resume-template?aceid=&gclid=CjwKCAjwlcaRBhBYEiwAK341jVnkesg9iyZSWPUk3TpB81-2lZvNSZqHg3ngVJCVFLd2-7-lyZhB0RoCVbgQAvD_BwE

3. The Muse - https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-make-a-resume-examples

This week's coffee break will focus on what DEI is, the effect the pandemic has had on DEI, and how to evaluate whether a company values DEI. This podcast is a companion to the podcast interview of Tissa Hami of Korsi Consulting (S2 E6)

For a list of suggested questions to ask in an interview to evaluate a company's DEI, email me at ehart@tailoredforsuccess.org and put "DEI Interview Questions" in the subject line. 

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.  Subscribe to our Youtube channel and visit our website www.tailoredforsuccess.org for more career and professional development information. 

On Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. EST, I will be hosting a webinar on Virtual Interviewing.  During the webinar, we will review 10 tips and strategies for rocking any virtual interview. To sign up for the webinar, visit Tailored for Success website: www.tailoredforsuccess.org/upcoming-webinars

If you can't join the webinar, check out the replay on the Tailored for Success Youtube channel  to get detailed information on these 10 tips:

1.  Test Your Technology

2.  Your Background is Important

3.  Dress the Part

4.  Smile, You're on Camera

5.  Take your Time Answering Quesiosn

6.  Items to have during the interview

7.  Be Yourself

8.  Make a Connection

9.  Send a Thank you

10.  Bonus: Stay Positive

Did you miss the webinar?  Then check out the recording on our Youtube channel!

Self-Care is more than a catch phrase, in 2022 its vital to our mental health. Listen to 8 dos and don'ts for self care taken from Success Magazine's Instagram page.  Do you have any self-care tips to share?  If so, please post in the comments so we can all help each other.

Where to learn more about self care:

1. Success Magine 

https://www.success.com/what-good-self-care-looks-like/

2  The Ultimate List of Self-Care Blogs 

https://medium.com/@KaylaEMatthews/the-best-self-improvement-websites-you-should-be-visiting-in-2017-2fbaeef30092

3.  Self-Care Podcasts

https://www.verywellmind.com/20-best-self-help-podcasts-to-listen-to-4771309

The information here is purely a recommendation and is not a replacement for professional medical help. 

This Coffee Break is on the subject of procrastination.  In his best selling book "Eat That Frog", Brian Tracey gives 21 suggestions for how to stop procrastinating and achieve your goals.  In this podcast, I will focus on the first three which are foundational to the rest: (1) Setting the table, (2) Plan Each Day in Advanced and (3) Practicing the Law of Three.

To read more about how to stop procrastinating and get things done, check out the book "Eat That Frog" by Brian Tracey which can be found in most libraries or you can purchase it on Amazon.

This is a new segment of Pivot Point, Success is a Journey called "Coffee Break".  In the time it takes to make a cup of coffee, you can learn about a topic to help support your career growth.  Every week I will discuss a topic that I hope will help you "get from where you are to where you want to be" (to quote Jack Canfield) that I think is perfect in these changing times.  The world of work is constantly changing and we are not going back to normal (thank goodness), so it's time to think differently.  I hope this little coffee break will help.

This week's topic is SMART goals, which is a acronym  for making sure your goals are achievable. The acronym breaks down like this:

S - stands for Specific

M - stands for Measurable

A - stands for Achievable

R - stands for Realistic

T - stands for Timely

To receive a free handout with specific steps to making SMART goals, email us at: tailoredforsuccessinc@gmail.com and put "SMART Goals" in the subject line.

Sometimes when you start down a career path, it is hard to tell where it will lead.  However, if you embrace who you are and use all your life experiences, you'll be prepared when opportunity knocks. This sums up the career trajectory of my guest - Liliana Patino.

Liliana Patino is the Director of the Family Resource Center in Everett, MA.  The Family Resource Center (FRC) is one of 20 FRC's I'm Massachusetts, whose mission is to assist families and especially children requiring assistance (CRA) who are in danger of not graduating from school.  

Liliana shares her inspirational journey from coming from Columbia when her mother decided to immigrate here.  Although there were language barriers, her mother gained the help she needed through a social service agency that worked with families.  This agency treated Liliana's mother with dignity and respect and Liliana never forgot the impact it had on her mother and entire family. 

In this episode, Liliana will speak about her career and how going back to school for her Masters, landed her at Eliot Community Human Services and from there to running the Family Resource Center.

A few takeaways from this podcast include:

- the importance of internships to launching a career

- how you should listen, learn and make connections in every position you are in

- the value of treating people with kindness

- the importance of not downplaying your skills - be your own self-advocate

Helpful links:

Eliot Community Human Services:  eliotchs.org

Family Resource Center - Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EliotchsFRC

Cambridge College:  cambridgecollege.edu

In this episode, I sit down with Sara Scheckles of Sara Sounds to discuss her career as an audio book narrator.  We discuss not only her career but the nuances in the audio book industry.  Sara details how she got started in this industry, the tips she has for anyone considering this career, what she is working on now, how she has to hustle to get wok and the drawbacks and pitfalls of doing this work.  

Sara's website: https://sarasounds.com/

Want to hear samples of Sara's work? https://sarasounds.com/home#demos

Recent Work Featured on this Podcast:

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley 

The Making of Americans by Gertrude Stein

Growing Old - Notes on Aging with Something Like Grace by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

Tips and advice:

1. Make a commitment and do the work.

2. Invest in the development of your career.

3. Talk to people doing the work, but not just people you know - go outside your comfort zone.

4.  Be a listener to audio books.

5.  If you are interested in this career: find a quite place in your home, get an audiobook you are interested in, set aside several hours and read by yourself.

6.  Find out who are the reputable coaches in the industry and pick someone who has recorded a significant number of titles (not just someone who says they can coach you).

#1 Helpful Resource:

The Narrators Roadmap by Karen Commings  - website: https://www.narratorsroadmap.com/ 

In 2015, Tailored for Success was given a grant to start a program to assist women veterans called - Boots2Suits, A Program for Women Veterans.  Since the program began, we have been working to increase awareness around the issues affecting women veterans. This episode is a lighthearted but honest look at the issues affecting women veterans.  Mary-dith Tuitt tells her story of joining the Navy right after high school, pivoting to bootcamp and working on the flight line.  

The interview covers what it was like for her to be in the military as a woman and especially a woman of color.  We also cover the controversial topic of gays in the military and the "inconsistent policies" the military has had concerning gays.  

For the sake of history, it is important to remember that dating back to the Korean and Vietnam wars, the military viewed homosexuality as a “mental defect” and officially bared gays from serving in the military based on medical criteria.  Then in 1982, the Department of Defense officially put in writing that “homosexuality was incompatible with military service”.  Then by the end of the 1980’s the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy came into existence.

In December of 2010, the House and Senate voted in favor to repeal and over-turn the policy known as "don't ask, don't tell." President Obama then signed it into law December 22, 2010. The nation decided that by September 20, 2011, homosexuals would no longer fear discharge from the military by admitting to their sexual preference. Homosexuals have the freedom to serve in the armed forces openly.

Lastly, we discuss the issues affecting women when they transition out of the military and attempt to reintegrate back into civilian life.  The importance of the American Legion and D.A.V. posts and the camaraderie of veterans from Korea to Vietnam to Desert Storm. 

In this episode, I pick. up my conversation with Lovern Gordon, President of Love Life Now (www.lovelifenow.org). The episode begins with a listing of the different types of abuse: coercion and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimizing, denying and blaming, using children, economic abuse and male privilege.  These all come from the Power and Control Wheel by the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence website www.ncdav.org. 

Lovern and I continue our discussion focusing on the warning and tell tale signs that the relationship you are in could turn abusive.  We also discuss the complicated issues of why a person stays in an abusive relationship.  Domestic violence is not black and white; the shades of grey can keep someone in danger for a long time.  

Most importantly, we talk about what bystanders can do to help and how just being a listening ear helps victims.  Below, are the resources listed in the first episode.  My hope is that someone who needs help will reach out or that a bystander will get familiar with the domestic violence resources in their community.  That way, the bystander can (when the time is right) offer suggestions for the person they care about.  

Although Domestic Violence Awareness month is celebrated in October, this issue should be openly discussed all year long.  Thank you for listening and your interest in this important topic.

National Domestic Violence Resources:

• Love Life Now Foundation - 888-LLN-9876; www.lovelifenow.org
  
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE); www.ndvh.org
  
• National Dating Abuse Helpline - 1-866-331-9474; www.loveisrespect.org
  
• Women of Color Network - 1-800-537-2238; www.wocninc.org
  
• Casa de Esperanza - 1-651-772-1611; www.casadeesperanza.org
  
• The National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project - 202-274-4457; http://www.niwap.org
  
• A Call to Men - 917-922-6738; www.acalltomen.org
  
• Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse - 206-568-7777
  

Massachusetts Domestic Violence Resources

• Love Life Now Foundation -
  
• Mass211 - www.mass211.org
  
• Respond, Inc. - www.respondinc.org
  

Further Reading Resources

Mashable - https://mashable.com/article/how-to-help-domestic-violence-survivors-social-distancing-covid-19-coronavirus/

The Joyful Heart Foundation - www.joyfulheartfoundation.org

Sometimes success is getting out of an abusive relationship and reclaiming your identity.  In this episode, I interview Lovern Gordon, President and Founder of Love Life Now Foundation (www.lovelifenow.org).  Lovern is passionate about giving victims of domestic violence the information they need to become survivors.  In this frank, honest interview Lovern describes how her first experience with domestic violence started in her home island of Trinidad

During her childhood she and her siblings were exposed to brutal domestic violence of their father on their mother that was culturally accepted in her community.  After achieving permanent residency in the United States, Lovern began to live a good life of attending college and working in corporate America. Unfortunately, the good life she was building turned dark when she met her abuser and started a two year abusive relationship.  Like many victims of domestic violence Lovern's story started as a fairy tale romance but as you will hear there were warning signs along the way.  

This is part one of a two part episode where we lay the ground work for how abuse can start, answer the age old question of "why did she stay" and finishes with the birth of Love Life Now Foundation.  In part two, we will explore the different types of abuse and the warning signs.

National Domestic Violence Resources:

• Love Life Now Foundation - 888-LLN-9876; www.lovelifenow.org
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE); www.ndvh.org
• National Dating Abuse Helpline - 1-866-331-9474; www.loveisrespect.org
• Women of Color Network - 1-800-537-2238; www.wocninc.org
• Casa de Esperanza - 1-651-772-1611; www.casadeesperanza.org
• The National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project - 202-274-4457; http://www.niwap.org
• A Call to Men - 917-922-6738; www.acalltomen.org
• Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse - 206-568-7777

Massachusetts Domestic Violence Resources 

• Love Life Now Foundation - 
• Mass211 - www.mass211.org
• Respond, Inc. - www.respondinc.org

Further Reading Resources

Mashable - https://mashable.com/article/how-to-help-domestic-violence-survivors-social-distancing-covid-19-coronavirus/

The Joyful Heart Foundation - www.joyfulheartfoundation.org

A quick podcast on taking responsibility for your success in life.  

Once you start looking inward as to why you are not achieving the results you want, circumstances in your life will change.  The podcast is a departure from my typical interview of successful people, but I wanted to talk about the first step in getting to where you want in life.  That first step, is taking 100% responsibility.  

To read the book I reference within the podcast, go to www.thesuccessprinciples.com.  

The book title is "Success Principles, How to get from where you are to where you want to be" by Jack Canfield. 

Enjoy the journey!

Black & Golds – Green Dynastea – The Flood

These are just some of the cookie flavors of Top Shelf Cookies.

In 2014, Heather Yunger started Top Shelf Cookies after several job changes that resulted in being told she’d never be promoted because she lacked a degree. Heather didn’t let that stop her and with hard work, passion and determination Top Shelf Cookies became Boston’s Craft Cookie Company that ships cookies to 30 out of 50 states.

To describe Heather, you could use the word “superstitious”.  Like most sports fans, especially in Boston, when you do something and your team wins – you keep doing it.  An avid Bruins fan, Heather decided to take some cookies to one of the home games for luck.

Not just your average chocolate chip cookies, but Black & Golds; cookies that represented the Bruins colors of black and gold and were made of dark chocolate and peanut butter.  The Bruins won that game and Heather brought Black & Golds to every home game. That year, the Bruins won the Stanley Cup and the rest as they say is history – or sweet history in this case.

To learn more about Top Shelf Cookies, and try their amazing cookies: www.topshelfcookies.com

Heather loves talk to budding entrepreneurs.  You can reach her via  email: heather@topshelfcookies.com

For information about Brewing the American Dream small food and beverage business loan program: www.brewingtheamericandream.com

Crowdfunding opportunity - www.kiva.org

In this episode, I talk with Nicole Lawrence O'Brien, the Founder of Ruth's Way for Women.  Ruth's Way for Women is located in Lynn, MA and started as a recovery house for women.  After a few years, the organization pivoted to be a sober home where they provide independent living in a structured environment.  In this way, the women who are in recovery have a safe, secure place for them to heal.  Nicole goes into detail about her own struggle (and awareness) of addiction to alcohol and how she through being a recovery coach empowers women to take charge of their own recovery.  

As Founders, Nicole and I share laughs over the trials and tribulations of starting and running a nonprofit organization.  Some lessons learned include:  (1) Board development - we all start with friends and family, but to grow you have to find people more interested in supporting the mission than supporting you; (2) funding the nonprofit, (3) getting good counsel and reaching out for help.  

Addition doesn't just affect the individual who is abusing substances, it can affect families.  Here are some resources if you are in need of assistance for yourself or someone you know:

Ruth's Way for Women - www.ruthswayforwomen.org

Massachusetts Substance Use Hotline - www.helplinema.org

Alcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.org

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration - www.samhsa.gov

This podcast episode goes into detail about the limiting beliefs we all have at times.  Limiting beliefs which are really excuses, bad habits and rationalizations for not achieving our goals.   The book Once Upon a Cow by Dr. Camillo Cruze uses a parable to illustrate how sometimes what we think are valid reasons for not improving our lives can be shackles to keep us in mediocracy.  

Take aways from this podcast:

- limiting beliefs can keep you bound in mediocracy

- to have success in life you must face adversity 

- be careful not to learn to accept your circumstances, even if you are dissatified

- a "cow" represents every excuse, pretext, rationalization, justification, lies or fear that prevents you from living the life you deserve and were meant to live.

Kisoboka means "it is possible" in the Uganda language.  Kisoboka Uganda is a Lexington, MA based nonprofit that has had a significant impact on a village in Uganda called Bakka since 2008.  Hear from the co-Director of Kisoboka, Sandy Gannon of how she first learned of the issues affecting the village from a visiting pastor from Uganda.  Upon hearing of the need, she decided to help by raising funds and collecting clothing for the people of the village.  Upon arriving in Bakka, Uganda, Sandy was struck by the lack of running water and no electricity even though Bakka was only 17 miles from Uganda's capital, Kampala.  

The children she met on her first trip to Uganda were suffering from malnutrition, had extended stomach due to worms, lice and no clothes.  But the joy in their hearts for God touched Sandy and she made a promise to devote the rest of her life to helping these children.   Sandy and her team in the United States and Uganda have helped hundreds of children get access to education, helped adults start businesses and has been instrumental in creating 8 bore (water) holes to provide clean water to the village. 

This is part 2 of a discussion of how David Hart came to be an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Part 2 details how his brother, Christopher, was given a seat in the Melrose public school system.  This seat only was given because of the fierce advocacy of his father, Charles Hart.  Charles founded the parent's advocacy group CCMR (Concerned Citizens for the Mentally Retarded) in 1974 after connecting with parents from neighboring towns that also needed services for their children. 

Christopher lived at home until he was around 11 years old, then went to Hogan Regional Center to live.  Hogan was a center of excellence and Christopher received amazing care, love and support.  Although Christopher was safely placed, the advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continued through CCMR, Charles and David Hart.

This podcast chronicles the beginning of a parent's advocacy organization that was incorporated in 1974 as the Concerned Citizens for the Mentally Retarded; now known as "CCMR".  CCMR was founded by Charles Hart and a group of parents from the former Hogan Berry Parents Association.  Charles was a fierce advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a result of having a son, Christopher, with profound mental retardation who subsequently became medically fragile.  CCMR advocated both locally and nationally for the rights of a segment of the population that is often forgotten.  

This two part interview is with David Hart who at 19 sat in on an ISP (Individual Service Plan) meeting for his brother Christopher.  Christopher was at the time nonverbal, medically fragile and living in Hogan Regional Center in Danvers.  David became interested in advocacy as a result of this ISP meeting.  Because the representatives from Hogan were talking about Christopher in the first person - explaining to David and his parents what Christopher likes, wants and feels.  Which made David ask the pivotal question "When did Christopher start talking"?

In this podcast, I explore the difference between luck and opportunity.  Sometimes, we all make excuses for why things are not working out, it's only natural to get discouraged.  When you are feeling like this, I recommend the book "One Upon a Cow" by Camillo Cruz.  It's a quick read but has an profound message of not using excuses to keep you from succeeding.  Oftentimes we rely too much on excuses - not being rich enough, smart enough, having the right connections, whatever it is.  But how often do we look inside ourselves to see what could or is holding us back.

If you want a fuller explanation of the book Once Upon a Cow by Dr. Camillo Cruse and Victor Hanson, watch the Youtube video.

Once Upon a Cow - Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KpeWgTVoyI&list=TL9b6L8il_vxs

In this first episode of Pivot Point, I talk about how COVID-19 has forced many people including myself to pivot.