Celebrities on Marriage Equality

We’ve got a slew of new celebrity endorsements and comments on marriage equality for you.

MATTHEW MORRISON SHOOTS PSA FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN: Let’s start with Glee’s Matthew Morrison – he’s doing a video for HRC, releasing a new album, and donating part of the proceeds to fight for marriage equality. Gay Star News reports: Earlier today, he released new video for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in which he speaks out for gay marriage… ‘I’m thrilled to join HRC in their vital work to bring full equality to all Americans,’ Morrison said in a statement. ‘At this decisive moment, when there is so much work still ahead, I’m standing with HRC and LGBT people across the country until this fight is won.’ EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROES SUPPORTS MARRIAGE EQUALITY, The folksy rock group Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes also came out for marriage equality today. Dot429 reports: The band isn’t only influential on a musical note but in the political sphere as well. Drummer, Orpheo McCord, and accordion player and keyboardist, Nora Kirkpatrick, revealed their opinions on same-sex marriage in an interview with 429Magazine. “I think anyone should do what they want” Nora said. Orpheo continued, “I think it’s awesome.” Although the two band members couldn’t act as the spokes-people for the whole band, Nora took 429Magazine aside to say that if she had to guess, “everyone is for it.” I’ve liked them since I heard “Home” in a local coffee shop a few years back. Now I have a another reason. NFL ALLY CHRIS KLUWE LANDS NEW TEAM, WILL STILL PUSH FOR EQUALITY, Gay ally and NFL player Chris Kluwe just got picked up by the Raiders, and is still speaking out for marriage equality. TwinCities.com reports: “I’m excited to be an Oakland Raider and be playing in California,” Kluwe told Brendon Ayanbadejo, the former Baltimore Ravens linebacker who now writes for FoxSports.com. The former UCLA punter added that “Now, my family can actually come to games.” … “I’m still going to be myself socially and continue to tweet and interact with my fans,” Kluwe said. ZACHARY QUINTO SAYS MARRIAGE EQUALITY IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME: >Star Trek star and openly gay actor Zachary Quinto put in his own two cents o marriage equality – SDGLN reports: “Being the first sitting president in the history of the United States to acknowledge his support for marriage equality is a huge step and is not to be underestimated,” Quinto said. “I think we have a lot more work to do, but I think everybody’s unified behind the cause. You can see now we have 13 states in the union that have adopted marriage equality, and that’s an unstoppable wave as far as I’m concerned,” he added. “Whether it comes from the federal government or all 50 states just find their way to it, I feel like it’s only a matter of time at this point.” ALL LIVING DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES NOW BACK MARRIAGE EQUALITY With the addition of Walter Mondale and Michael Dukakis, every living democrat who has run for President of the USA now supports marriage equality. Think Progress reports: Former Vice President Walter Mondale and former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis told Think Progress this week that they support marriage equality. With their endorsements, every living former Democratic presidential nominee is now on record in support of same-sex marriage. Every other living Democratic nominee had previously made their support explicit.
BOY GEORGE WISHES MARRIAGE EQUALITY HAD BEEN MENTIONED IN QUEEN’S SPEECH: And finally, Boy George wishes Prime Minister David Cameron had mentioned marriage equality in the Queen’s Speech. Pink News reports: In an interview with the London Evening Standard, the Culture Club star said: “I am shocked we are still having debates like gay marriage. On one hand, I think it’s very conservative to want to get married, that it’s a case of ‘if we’re more like them, they’ll like us more’. But on the other hand, who cares? The idea that it is somehow going to destroy civilisation is so retarded. Nigel Farage said Cameron was ‘wasting his time’ on gay marriage. Is he stupid? Why should we feel privileged to have equality? I would never vote Tory but I wish Cameron had put it in the Queen’s Speech.” Maybe he’ll bring us luck on Prop 8 here in California.

“Thank You” Sincerely

I am in a position that I know I have to say something, and I’m just going to write as I think, but I’m not sure what to say, I guess those of you that has been an inspiration to me these last few months, to step out and friend a stranger, I will never find the words, I know I will be forever grateful and hold a special place in my heart for you, and there are a lot of you, I never met before, and still yet have to. Then there are those who are not so sympathetic and screw their face in disappointment, to you I do know what to say, I have spend most of my life living in fear, never feeling content or enjoyed the life that has passed me by now, that you take for granted, spending mine fighting for my right to a normal existence, to enjoy and celebrate life as every other Canadian Citizen. Then one day I said ForK dis, stopping dead in my tracks, the day I said Enough is Enough, kill me if you must, but I’m not going to take it no more, nor am I going out alone, if I go your coming with me, and it will be the greatest battle of GOOD Against EVIL you will ever see. Then I also began to pray, and for the next 12 years or more I would endure Hell on earth, determined to fight to the death. I took everything they threw at me and threw some of it back, because to conquer Evil you must lose the fear, as this is the energy that the evil feeds on. In essence I practiced what I now preach, “Stand UP” for what you believe in, what’s right and be strong and determined, never to back down. After all I did not brake a law or commit any crime, that ons falls on the other side. Yes I have received lots of messages in between the lines, you do not intimidate me nor do I fear you. What I did is what every victim of Bullying has done before me, everybody kept saying, tell your story…tell your story, well that’s exactly what I have been doing, telling my story, it’s just my story makes you feel the fear, more of a horror story, the making of a best seller I’m sure. After a life time of fear and anxiety, once I suffered major panic attacks, but have moved forward from those now. I am sure if some idiot, had stopped you every day and beat the crap out of you, and you never said anything, not a word, just put your tail between your leg’s and crawled away like a coward, knowing tomorrow it would happen all over again and again and again, but you kept his secret and suffered in silence. Do you think that after 12 or 15 years you would finally say, OK that’s enough of that, no one would be able to hold their tongue as well, but ya I’m sure you would, we all would.
So where I am right now, well I stay close to home, you see when the time comes that I must go to the corner store, it’s a big chore for me because to walk out into the unknown, exiting apartment door causes extreme anxiety, I have to motivate and prepare myself, so please forgive me if I lose my footing at times, due to frustration and anxiety, maybe say things I’m sorry for later, it do happen and I am truly sorry to those of you. I have always suffered in my own way but still stuck my neck out to help the other guy, every time, I never put me first and never will. In closing the battle will continue, and I will be right there “living like a warrior” to continue to fight, and stand up for who I am and what I believe in, you see, don’t matter to me what anyone thinks or say, I will not cease until someone listens or I stop breathing…cheers lotsa Love Terry

Matisyahu- Live Like A Warrior (Cover by Johnny Orlando)

Hey guys thanks for checking out my cover of Matisyahu’s HIT “Live Like A Warrior.” This is definelty one of my most favourite videos yet, and i hope its yours too! This video is really important to be, because it shares a VERY important message. This video is in part with Defeat the label, who’s mission is to DEFEAT bullying! Please share this video with anyone, who has even been bullied! I hope this video inspires you to be a leader in your community, and stand up for what YOU think is right!

This video was created entirely by kids, sharing our message! Video, Editing, and Directing was done by my 15 year old sister, Vocals by myself, and the group of kids you see in the video, are all people from my school that believe in the same message as i do! This video is one of many in Matisyahu and Defeat the label’s contest, so please follow this link and vote for me! http://www.MatisyahuWorld.com.

Every 7 seconds a child in the United States is bullied and 50% of all these incidents go unreported. I’m uploading my cover of Matisyahu’s “Live Like A Warrior” in an effort to raise awareness for Defeat The Label, an organization committed to empowering young people to take a stand against bullying in their schools and communities. You can “Live Like A Warrior” and stand for change like me… by submitting your cover at http://www.MatisyahuWorld.com.
Published on May 4, 2013
SHARE THIS VIDEO!!! http://tiny.cc/JOLiveLikeAWarrior

http://Twitter.com/JohnnyOsings

http://Facebook.com/JohnnyOsings

http://YouTube.com/JohnnyOsings

http://YouTube.com/JohnnyLogs

UNITED NATIONS “HUMAN RIGHTS”

Who we are: The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world’s commitment to universal ideals of human dignity, We have a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights. The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal human rights official of the United Nations. The High Commissioner heads OHCHR and spearheads the United Nations’ human rights efforts. We offer leadership, work objectively, educate and take action to empower individuals and assist States in upholding human rights. We are a part of the United Nations Secretariat with our headquarters in Geneva. The Office’s priorities are set out in two key strategic documents: the OHCHR Plan of Action and its OHCHR Management Plan 2012-2013. These priorities include greater country engagement, working closely with our partners at the country and local levels, in order to ensure that international human rights standards are implemented on the ground; a stronger leadership role for the High Commissioner; and closer partnerships with civil society and United Nations agencies. United Nations human rights system We also support the work of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, such as the Human Rights Council and the core treaty bodies set up for monitoring State Parties’ compliance with international human rights treaties, promote the right to development, coordinate United Nations human rights education and public information activities, and strengthens human rights across the United Nations system. We work to ensure the enforcement of universally recognized human rights norms, including through promoting both the universal ratification and implementation of the major human rights treaties and respect for the rule of law. Our structureWe have an office at United Nations headquarters in New York and offices in numerous countries and regions. In addition to the Executive Office of the High Commissioner and a number of units that report to the Deputy High Commissioner, OHCHR has two major divisions and four branches. To implement our comprehensive mandate, we employ more than 850 staff (last update in April 2007), based in Geneva and New York and in 11 country offices and seven regional offices around the world, including a workforce of some 240 international human rights officers serving in UN peace missions. We are funded from the United Nations regular budget and from voluntary contributions from Member States, intergovernmental organizations, foundations and individuals.
The UN Human Rights Office releases “The Riddle” a video emphasizing LGBT rights as human rights © OHCHR, The Riddle is, WHAT EXISTS IN EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD BUT REMAINS ILLEGAL IN MORE THAN 70 COUNTRIES? “The Riddle”, a video produced by the UN Human Rights Office draws attention to the impact of homophobia and transphobia on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender(LGBT) people around the world. Released to coincide with the International Day against Homophobia, the video features strong statements of support for LGBT rights from both Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay.

The international human rights movement was strengthened when the United Nations General Assembly adopted of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 1948. Drafted as ‘a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations’, the Declaration for the first time in human history spell out basic civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all human beings should enjoy. It has over time been widely accepted as the fundamental norms of human rights that everyone should respect and protect. The UDHR, together with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two Optional Protocols, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, form the so – called International Bill of Human Rights.A series of international human rights treaties and other instruments adopted since 1945 have conferred legal form on inherent human rights and developed the body of international human rights. Other instruments have been adopted at the regional level reflecting the particular human rights concerns of the region and providing for specific mechanisms of protection. Most States have also adopted constitutions and other laws which formally protect basic human rights. While international treaties and customary law form the backbone of international human rights law other instruments, such as declarations, guidelines and principles adopted at the international level contribute to its understanding, implementation and development. Respect for human rights requires the establishment of the rule of law at the national and international levels.
International human rights law lays down obligations which States are bound to respect. By becoming parties to international treaties, States assume obligations and duties under international law to respect, to protect and to fulfil human rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses. The obligation to fulfil means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights. Through ratification of international human rights treaties, Governments undertake to put into place domestic measures and legislation compatible with their treaty obligations and duties. Where domestic legal proceedings fail to address human rights abuses, mechanisms and procedures for individual complaints or communications are available at the regional and international levels to help ensure that international human rights standards are indeed respected, implemented, and enforced at the local level
Because sometimes you have no choice but to demand it.

Proceeding Cautiously on Anti-Bullying laws

Published on May 9, 2013,Topics Crane’s, Canada, United States, Nova Scotia. he is checking what other jurisdictions are doing to combat bullying before bringing in its own legislation here. Suffice to say, the incidence of bullying in our schools has captured public attention in Canada and the United States as a result of recent teen deaths that have been linked to bullying, particularly online bullying. The Nova Scotia government recently passed legislation cracking down on cyber-bullying, and Opposition MLA Olive Crane asked government members in the house last week what the Ghiz government was prepared to do to address bullying. In her appeal, she referred to a student she knows who had to change schools three times because of bullying. Legislation is important, she told reporters, because it reinforces the message that bullying> has consequences. Crane’s concerns are justified, and she was right to raise the issue in the house. But Education Minister Alan McIsaac, who responded to Crane’s questions in the house about legislation, was equally justified in his response: that although bullying is a “serious problem,” the province is examining what’s being done elsewhere before drafting its own law. He has talked with Justice Minister Janice Sherry and her officials about bringing in legislation, but couldn’t give a time frame as to when this might take place. Judging from the increasing public concern over the incidence of bullying in our schools, it’s clear that governments need to address this through either amended or new legislation. But in our haste to do something, we may be overlooking some of the thoughtful research and experience occurring in other areas. Obviously, as a society we are entering a new phase where bullying is no longer viewed as a prank or mere mischief. It’s unacceptable and by many people’s measure, some of it amounts to criminal behavior that must not be tolerated. That said, we also need to identify effective ways of dealing with such behavior. Taking time to study how other areas are dealing with bullying could help us craft a law appropriate to this province.A safety matter. The City of Charlottetown has reopened the cycling lane in Victoria Park – a move that should win approval from cyclists themselves and all believers in active forms of transportation. But the city should also make a greater effort to ensure that other users of the park know they should leave the cycling lane to the cyclists. It’s a matter of public safety. for the last couple of years, the city has reserved the inside lane of the road through Victoria Park for so-called wheeling traffic specifically cyclists and roller bladders, for safety reasons, walkers and runners are discouraged from using the cycling lane, yet every year, between May and October when the cycling lane is open, walkers and runners are occasionally seen using it. This is an accident waiting to happen. Cyclists may not be in a position to stop for walkers or runners seen suddenly in their path. For their safety and that of others, it’s best for walkers and runners to exercise elsewhere. Let the cyclists and Rollerbladers have their designated lane through the park to themselves for these few short months

“Be Yourself” / In memory of Ryan Patrick Halligan 1989 – 2003

The one thing that took me by surprise, the ones you least expect were victims of Bulling themselves, in fact I consider them to be fine examples of what upstanding young men should be, strangers to me really, but stepped in and out of the goodness of their hearts, not because someone asked or forced them. So thank you guys Thomas, Edwin and Shane you give new meaning to the word “Friend” if I may give you a small bit of advise my friends, keep Love in your hearts at all times, that way there will never be room for hate so if you have not watched the video, may I suggest you check it out, it may just inspire you to….cheers

Peace and love Friend I will really miss you

As we find relief for a portion of our problems, we must look backwards yet again, we have yet again failed another 13 year old kid, it’s so hard still to comprehend, I guess when I here yet another kid gone to suicide, it hits to close to home for me, causing my own terrible memories to resurface, remembering the hurt and pain I felt, yes it’s very hard still for me, it’s said that if we never face our fears, then we shall never conquer them.

If We Only Knew, If He Only Told Us, October 7, 2003 will always be the day that divides my life. Before that day my son Ryan was alive. A sweet, gentle and lanky thirteen year old fumbling his way through early adolescence and trying to establish his place in the often confusing and difficult social world of middle school. After that day my son would be gone forever, a death by suicide. Some would call it bullycide or even cyber bullycide. I just call it a huge hole in my heart that will never heal. Our son Ryan was a sweet, gentle and very sensitive soul. He was born in Poughkeepsie , NY just a week before Christmas. That Christmas, Ryan was the best present of all. As he grew, his affectionate way made it irresistible to hug him and feel him hug you back. He had the magic ability to bring a smile to anyone that looked his way. As he grew, he developed a wonderful sense of humor too. And when we moved into new neighborhoods twice during his life, kids quickly gravitated to his warmth and friendliness. But there were early concerns with Ryan’s speech,language and motor skills development as he neared kindergarten. Ryan received special education services from pre-school through the fourth grade. We will always be grateful for the entire staff at Hiawatha Elementary School in Essex Junction for being so wonderful and caring for our son. The special education team there fell in love with him and his drive to do his best every day. By the time he reached the fifth grade, he was assessed to be on grade and no longer needing specialeducation services. But as he became older, he also became more aware that he was not as academically strong as most of his classmates. This began to bother him deeply as he headed into middle school. He had to work much harder at homework, re-reading assignments several times to comprehend the material. He was hard on himself, no matter how much we tried to lessen the academic pressure and focus his awareness of his other strengths.

Fortune cookie insight

Reblogged from Mike's Daily Blog:

I got this at work Friday. I'm all about it and ready for my next most excellent career adventure. Whatever or wherever that might be. Truth.

What is a life?

AT&T Live Proud

B.P is proud to stand with AT&T on their Live Proud project, partnered with “The Trevor Project” and The Great Adam Lambert, you just have to follow the link below, no worries it’s a facebook page, all you have to do is click like thats it and AT&T will donate $1.00 to the Trevor Project for every like, it’s that easy and it won’t cost you a dime, so come on everybody, get clicking it’s for the kids..click here and your done, https://apps.facebook.com/attlgbtq/ also a bonus, imagine just because you clicked a like button, that one click took you to Hollywood and also got you your very own private concert with Adam Lambert, another bonus it costed you “0″ dollars…if I were able, I would like the page even if I cared not to, but most importantly it may also save a kids life one day, a click to save a life.



AT&T is working with The Trevor Project to help provide support to the LGBTQ community. Like us on Facebook at AT&T Live Proud or retweet specially noted tweets between April 1 and June 30, 2013, and we will donate $1 or $0.50, respectively, to The Trevor Project, up to $50,000, with a minimum of $25, 000.Limit one Like and retweet per person, per account. AT&T´s collaboration with Adam Lambert was based upon Adam´s compassionate work and bold influence in the LGBTQ community. Adam Lambert is a gay activist, a longtime supporter of The Trevor project and a former American Idol.The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Like us here @ https://apps.facebook.com/attlgbtq/

It takes authenticity We were the FIRST major corporation to adopt a policy prohibiting discrimination against employees based on sexual orientation. LEAGUE at AT&T, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies employees of AT&T, is the oldest LGBT employee resource group (ERG) organization in the nation, It takes sincerity, We support dozens of LGBT organizations throughout the country. We´ve donated millions of dollars to support LGBT causes, We´ve donated tens of millions of dollars – and time – to HIV/AIDs charities, It takes consistency, Since 2004 we´ve received a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign´s Annual Corporate Equality Index. We were named one of the “Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees” by Diversity Inc and received the “Corporate Leader Award” from GLAAD. Win an exclusive Fly Away to meet Adam Lambert in Hollywood. The winners will receive travel accommodations, participate in a meet and greet, and be chauffeured to the private concert with Adam Lambert. Submit your photo or narrative, April 1st through June 30th, 2013. No purchase necessary. Contests ends June 30, 2013. Must be 18 or older (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS) Subject to Official Rules. Void where prohibited. Over the past several years, the Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival & Parade has become the 3rd largest in the nation, now attracting over 75,000 participants over the two-day celebration. More than 200 marching groups and floats comprise the parade, representing various religious, human service, governmental and social organizations. Stop by our booth to see AT&T’s latest technology and to help raise funds for LGBT youth in crisis, for more information on the pride of Long Beach: http://www.longbeachpride.com/
The contest Organizing Committee will determine the 10 winners. Participants will be rated on creativity and originality of the photos and narratives submitted. Click here to read Adam Lambert´s Bio.Miami Beach Gay Pride is an extraordinary two-day event that features a Beach Party on Saturday, April 13 and a festival & parade on Sunday, April 14, 2013 with more than 125 LGBT – friendly vendors and businesses, exciting celebrities, musical performances, refreshments, food and family-friendly play area. Stop by our booth on April 14th in Sunny Miami and take advantage of the opportunity to help raise funds for LGBT youth in crisis.


The Miami Beach Pride Comity: http://www.miamibeachgaypride.com/
For more information about The Trevor Project visit: http://www.TheTrevorProject.org
click here and like the page: https://apps.facebook.com/attlgbtq/ thanx for all your help..lotsa luv.

Quote of The Day

Reblogged from The Inspirational Haven:

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." - Leo Tolstoy

True dat................

“Best Moment Award”

Awarding the people who live in the moment, The noble who write and capture the best in life, The bold who reminded us what really mattered – Savoring the experience of quality time. My ACCEPTANCE SPEECH again leaves me speechless,
“WOW” is my first thought, yet another award “Best Moment Award” for just doing what makes me feel good, helping and supporting others on their journey of life, which to me are all best moments, hopping they don’t trip over the same hurdles. Thank you so very much Michael for nominating me, When I first came across your blog http://justmikemon.wordpress.com/ “Michael’s Monday blog”, it reminded me of a terrible story from when I was just a kid, ever since I can remember, know body liked Monday’s, and still don’t. I always wondered why as a young kid, only to find out awhile later, well I guess it’s a dull day, also the first day back to work after the weekend, having to regain your cookies and get back to the swing of things for another five days, for some a realization of a boring or job they hate, but certainly not a reason to go on a killing spree, anyway of brightening up that day is cool with me, but OK if you can’t, so hats of to you sir for making Monday a better day your choice of calling your blog Michael’s Monday Blog was a eye catcher for me, now I see why. I find your writing to be of great interest and very informative in deed. My favorite post of yours is “Are You Tired Of Waiting On God” it made me think like most of your writing, also a quote from that blog post I want to respond to, yes I think it is better to wait for God forever than to turn your back on Him, even if you die waiting, it was how he wanted it to be.
So out of respect for those that sadly lost there lives on that Dark Monday, the young lady who made that terrible decision and what she proceeded to do is frightening, but very real, and now just a moment in history, so if I may, here’s a breif bio of what transpired that terrible Monday. The Boomtown Rats are an Irish New Wave band that had a series of Irish and UK hits between 1977 and 1985. The group is led by vocalist Bob Geldof, The song “I Don’t Like Monday’s” is my pick for Best Moment in time and you sir open that memory I had forgotten all about, that Brenda Spencer, a 16-year-old San Diego high school student who lived across from an elementary school.On Monday, January 29, 1979, she opened fire on the school with a rifle, killing 2 adults (including the principal) and injuring 9 kids before going back to her home. Police surrounded her home and waited for 7 hours until she gave herself up. In that time, she spoke with a reporter on the phone. When asked why she did it, she replied, “I just started shooting, that’s it. I just did it for the fun of it. I just don’t like Mondays. I just did it because it’s a way to cheer the day up. Moving on nobody likes Mondays.” so I dedicate the song in remembrance of that MONDAY and your excellent blog and writing, keep up the great work, again Thank you very much…lotsa luv (T.K)

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Yet again having to chose is difficult but seems that everyone, all bloggers will get the recognition and appreciation that is well deserved for the time and efforts you put into your writing and blogs, great job and keep the pen moving. With out further a due, My Choices for “THE BEST MOMENT AWARD ARE”

Life after Anorexia, Bullying, and Suicide attempts

http://syannecenteno.wordpress.com/

Disability Watchdog

http://disabilitywatchdog.com/

oheyitsanjie

http://oheyitsanjie.wordpress.com/

davepipernoLife unedited….I don’t know any other way!

http://davepiperno.com/about/

imconfident

http://imconfident.wordpress.com/

Grandma Says..

http://crankycaregiver.wordpress.com/

FORTYTWOWRITES

http://fortytwowrites.wordpress.com/

LUCYWILLSRECOVERS
My Journey from Addict to Advocate, Wife and Mother

http://lucywillsrecovers.wordpress.com/

The list goes on as do we all, so keep sharing your thoughts, sometimes just when you think nobody is listening, you are actually a life line to another who happened on your blog, because at the heart of a personality is the need to feel a sense of being lovable without having to qualify for that acceptance.

RULES:
Winners re-post this completely with their acceptance speech. This could be written or video recorded.
Don’t forget to celebrate with your followers! Tweet your success with hashtag #MomentMatters. Congratulations, winners!
RESOURCES:
What makes a good acceptance speech?
Gratitude. Thank the people who helped you along the way
Humor. Keep us entertained and smiling
Inspiration. Make your story touch our lives
Get an idea from the great acceptance speeches, compiled in MomentMatters.com/Speech
Display the award’s badge on your blog/website, downloadable in MomentMatters.com/Award
Winners have the privilege of awarding the next awardees! The re-post should include a NEW set of people/blogs worthy of the award; and winners notify them the great news.

Australia: Workplace Bullying: A Message for all Employers

Read this very carefully, this is the steps we all need to take, I like the entry that if it cannot be settled between the party’s, then the employer will face other charges, plus from the employee, certainly a government of the people…cheers and again Bravo, Bravo
The Australian Federal Workplace Relations Minister, Bill Shorten, recently announced changes that will allow employees to seek assistance in respect of workplace bullying from the Fair Work Commission (FWC). The proposed new laws seek to cut through the current complex processes available to employees under state health and safety laws and seek early intervention in bullying claims. The new changes will require the FWC to deal with any application urgently. The Potential Changes, The Commonwealth Government has announced it will hurry through amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) creating a new cause of action in relation to workplace bullying. The amendments are proposed to take effect from 1 July 2013. Definition of Bullying, The changes will adopt the definition of “bullying” set out in the Draft Code of Practice Preventing and Responding to Workplace Bullying. “Bullying” will be defined as “repeated, unreasonable behavior directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety”. Importantly, the changes will clarify that the definition of bullying does not include reasonable management action, including performance management conducted in an appropriate and reasonable manner.Process to Resolve Complaints, Mr Shorten announced that the new process will permit workers who believe they have been bullied to make a complaint to the FWC, which will be required to list any application within 14 days of the complaint. The changes will also enable the FWC to make orders in relation to the complaint, and/or to refer the complaint to the relevant state health and safety regulator. Early reports suggest that any new FWC processes would be similar to those currently in place for unfair dismissal and adverse action complaints. This would include a compulsory conciliation conference, which is intended to quickly resolve the dispute to the parties’ mutual satisfaction and avoid the need for arbitration or court action. Where conciliation is unsuccessful, the amendments to the Fair Work Act will enable FWC to make civil orders in respect of claims. Current penalties under the Fair Work Act are up to AUD33,000 per breach, however, the Minister has advised that he will consult with business before confirming such penalties will apply. What does this mean for employers? Currently, victims of workplace bullying may seek to have their complaints addressed under many different legislative regimes. If an act of bullying is serious enough to pose a risk to health and safety, employers and employees may be liable under the relevant state health and safety legislation. In addition, in Victoria, legislation created as a result of the Brodie Panlock case enables criminal prosecutions in cases of serious workplace bullying. Both of these actions are initiated by state prosecution authorities rather than the individual employee. The changes foreshadowed by the government suggest that for the first time individual employees (rather than regulators) will be able to bring claims against their employers for workplace bullying. This is a significant change in workplace law and if it proceeds is likely to result in an influx of claims from employees. As yet, no draft legislation has been tabled regarding these significant changes. This is expected in the autumn session of parliament and we will provide a further update once the legislation is tabled. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Dear Boss, I Quit!

Reblogged from oheyitsanjie:

Top 10 Reasons Why Good Employees Quit
From Shel Myeroff

According to the US Department of Labor and Statistics, turnover can cost an organization 33% of an employee’s total compensation including both salary and benefits. But the impact is not only financial it also affects employee morale. Therefore, it would be prudent for hiring managers to focus on reducing turnover rates but in order to do that they must first understand the reasons why employees quit.

Read more… 726 more words