Category Archives: Golden Rule

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Elon Musk attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An ... [+] Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Tech billionaire Elon Musk may be inching closer to ending his feud with Twitter, and on Tuesday revived his $44 billion deal to take control of the social media platform. However, the same day he began another feud this time with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after Musk offered his solution to ending the war, even as Ukraine's forces were engaged in a successful counter-offensive.

The Tesla CEO took to Twitter to suggest that to reach a peace deal with Russia, which had invaded Ukraine in late February, the government in Kyiv should give up territory that Moscow had seized in 2014. Musk further argued that Ukraine should adopt a neutral status, drop any bid to join NATO, and also called for the United Nations to oversee a new referendum in the territories that Russia has looked to annex.

In a post on Twitter, Musk used the argument that Crimea had been historically part of Russia until it was given to Ukraine under the Soviet Union in the 1950s. He further suggested a drawn-out war could not end with a Ukrainian victory. Musk then launched a Twitter poll that asked users whether "the will of the people" should decide if the regions should remain part of Ukraine or become Russian territories.

Those comments were not received well by Zelensky, who accused them of being pro-Kremlin. The Ukrainian leader has pledged to recover all territories taken by Russia, including Crimea. He posted his own Twitter poll that asked the question, "Which Elon Musk do you like more?" The options were "One who supports Ukraine," or "One who supports Russia."

Musk quickly countered, "I still very much support Ukraine, but am convinced that massive escalation of the war will cause great harm to Ukraine and possibly the world."

In fact, the tech entrepreneur has provided considerable aid to Ukraine.

Musk's SpaceX company shared its Starlink satellite system that helps deliver Internet access to areas that lack coverage. At the time, Zelensky personally thanked Musk for the equipment that he said would help maintain communications in cities under attack. Yet, in April, Musk also announced that as a "free speech absolutist" his Starlink system would not block Russian state media outlets that spread propaganda and misinformation on the war in Ukraine.

Russia Weighed In

The Kremlin also joined the exchange on social media on Tuesday.

"It's very positive that such a person as Elon Musk is trying to look for a peaceful settlement," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said via a tweet. "As for the referendums, people have voiced their opinion and there could be nothing else."

The United States and most Western governments have refused to recognize the results of the recent referendums, arguing that residents were forced to vote oftentimes at gunpoint.

Realpolitik

In many ways, Musk's comments are in line with the concept of "realpolitik," where one engages in diplomatic or political policies based primarily on considerations of given circumstances and factors, rather than strictly binding itself to explicit ideological notions or moral and ethical premises.

"I don't think there is anything wrong with what Musk said, but he broke a golden rule of the D.C. national security establishment: (admitting) that Ukraine may very well have to give up something in order to gain peace," explained Harry J. Kazianis, senior editor for 19FortyFive and president of the Rogue States Project.

"Surely that is terrible if that does come to pass, but Musk in some respects is laying the groundwork for what will be an imperfect peace when it comes to ending the Ukraine conflict," Kazianis said via an email. "Wars in real life don't end in happy fairytales where all sides come home from the battles alive and peace is achieved where everyone wins."

Instead, the fighting could stop, yet there may not be a permanent peace in the region.

"What I think Ukraine and many others are reacting to is the reality that at best the conflict will be the biggest frozen one ever think the Korean War ending but worse or a peace deal that neither side loves and could see a war start again in a few years," Kazianis continued. "Musk tapped into that raw nerve, and while he might get attacked for it, at least he started a debate on how the war ends. And that is certainly better than talking about nuclear war all of the time."

Social Media Is The Wrong Forum

Many have argued that social media, especially Twitter, was the wrong forum for Musk to even bring up his recommendations on how the war could be resolved.

"You can see that Zelensky saw this as a critical information space event that he, personally, as president, had to respond to. He's very media savvy," said Dr. Matthew Schmidt, associate professor of national security and political science at the University of New Haven.

"He knows something like Musk's tweet could gain traction and shift the narrative toward forcing Ukraine to negotiate with a man set on their country's destruction," added Schmidt.

Musk has a huge following, but he remains a businessman and tech entrepreneur not an expert in geopolitics, or even international negotiations. The fact that he is offering advice could actually hurt the peace process.

"This is the risk of social media it can give anyone with a following, or who has the chance of getting one by going viral, the power to shape the way a global audience understands an event," suggested Schmidt. "It gives them the chance to make policy on things they don't have a legitimate say over. Musk is not an elected official of Ukraine. He has no right to shape their future."

Read more:

Elon Musk Offered A Solution To Ending The Ukraine War On Twitter Is Social Media The Place To Shape A Country's Future? - Forbes

Pickleball is, according to Sports & Fitness Industry Association research, Americas fastest growing sport. The ease of access, simple gameplay, nonstop action, and social connection all make pickleball an instant attraction. Like any love affair, though, there are inherent points of contention injuries, controversies, and the finer points of how to play pickleball being common sticking points. While The Manual has done its best to address the first two points, its critical to understand the finer elements of gameplay.

Pickleball rules might be easy to understand, but, like anything, its in the specific details that things can get muddy. Were here to clean that up today, reviewing some of the most unusual and lesser-known pickleball rules and regulations to make sure that matches remain friendly.

Lets just get an easy one out of the way first. USA Pickleball deems that, except for prescribed or necessary devices like hearing aids, players shall not wear or use any form of headphones or earbuds during competition play.

This is, of course, up to the people on the court, but in general and during serious play, personal audio equipment is a no-no even if Rage Against the Machine brings your game to another level.

Generally, pickleball is played outside. This means hats, sunglasses, goggles, sweatbands, and other gear are included in what players wear. In the course of vicious rallies, these accessories can fly off causing at least an interruption in concentration. When then, does this equipment loss also result in point loss?

According to The Pickler blog, a fault occurs if an item lands in the non-volley zone in connection with a volley a volley defined as hitting the pickleball before it bounces. In other words, if a player strikes the pickleball in the air and a towel flies off into the non-volley zone, its a point for the other side. If the discarded item lands in the non-volley zone off the bounce, then no fault.

If equipment lands anywhere outside of the non-volley zone, on the court or not, play keeps going. This applies even if the pickleball hits the lost item. Obviously, its going to be tough to gauge the bounce off of a dropped hat or shirt, so make sure to keep things tight lest you lose a point.

Pickleball might be a loose game to play, but players are expected to control their apparel and keep their equipment in playable condition. Quick adjustments to apparel and equipment tying shoes, cleaning shades, adjusting hat, etc. are allowed between rallies. Time-outs and the two minutes between games are to be utilized for more complicated adjustments and replacing gear. Per USA Pickleballs Official Rulebook, if a player or team is out of time-outs, the referee holds the key to determining the need for an equipment change or necessary adjustment, allotting a potential two-minute timeout.

Speaking of time, pickleball smartly instituted a 10-second rule to discourage those players who take forever to serve. (You know who you are)

The USA Rulebook applies to both servers to receivers, each of whom is allowed up to 10 seconds after the score is called to serve or be ready to receive. Its the servers responsibility to make sure the other side is ready, but that 10 seconds is technically ticking as soon as the referee calls out the score.

If 10 seconds elapse without a serve, the ref can issue a technical warning. If this delay continues, referees can choose to award the opposing team a point. Again, this also applies to the receiving side, which has to be ready to receive the serve once the score has been called. Other than a distracting strategy, allowing more than 10 seconds between points drags the game out and lessens the competition if players are allowed to recuperate after every tough rally.

Competitors who need a break can call time before the serve. The rules allow players and teams two one-minute timeouts per each 11-point game. For 21-point games, this rises to three timeouts allowed.

As for serving, its pretty simple and there tends to be a lot of leeway in recreational pickleball, but there are some rules about the serving motion pickleballers should be aware of, especially in more solemn competition. For more serious players, lets turn to the International Federation of Pickleball Official Tournament Rulebook.

Per the IFPs official tourney rules, the serve must be made with an underhand stroke so that contact with the ball is made below waist level (waist is defined as the navel level).

Why is this important? Well, overhead shots produce more power. Skirting the gray area of this rule could give players a slight edge. So, if the paddle head strikes the ball above the belly button, this results in a fault. This is so important that the IFP even defines what underhand means.

The arm must be moving in an upward arc and the paddle head shall be below the wrist when it strikes the ball (paddle head is that part of the paddle excluding handle. The highest point of the paddle head cannot be above any part of line formed where the wrist joint bends).

Again, pretty simple with plenty of gray areas in action. This cuts out slicing, smashing, and top spin, unless players can achieve that via underhand serve. For a more in-depth exploration of the underhand serve, check out the Pickleball Channels extended guide:

Pickleball regulars likely know that when serving, the ball must clear the kitchen line. The kitchen is the seven-foot-long no-go zone for volleys. The line is two inches thick and a players serve cannot touch any part of this line, needing instead to completely clear it for a valid serve. If the ball hits the kitchen or the kitchen line, its a fault.

Its also a fault if the pickleball grazes the net before landing in play space. The rule used to be that clipping the net then landing in the serving box was a let (like tennis), but that has evolved with the game.

Once a successful serve has landed, the ball is in play and can now land on any court line to stay in play. The only time lines are out is the back of the kitchen on a serve.

Speaking of line calls, this category lays out a few guidelines for line-calling. In general, pickleball is for fun, so its helpful to take a do unto others attitude unless money or professional rankings are on the line.

Again applying IFP tourney rules, players on line-calling duty must give opponents the benefit of the doubt to keep up fair play. To define who should make line calls, players can only make calls on their section of the court. Players should not question an opponents call unless the other player asks or if theres an appeal to the referee. Judgment calls should be up to those with a perspective straight down the line. Calls need to be quick and made while the ball is still in play. Pickleball is a fast and furious game and calls can be tough. In general, just give your opponent the benefit of the doubt.

Ethics are important. People who find themselves in constant arguments need to examine either who theyre playing with or how good their eyesight is. Speaking of ethics, spectators may never participate in line calls. High-level pickleball competitions have already had past issues with this. If youre watching a match, you are a spectator and therefore not allowed to have your say. So just zip it and enjoy the match.

Pickleball, like all sports, will continue to evolve with time, play, and technology. What will always remain is the games core philosophy: pickleball is meant to be a fun competition, so the Golden Rule is always a good default. Official rules are there to provide a level playing field and an accurate sport.

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These are the weirdest and least understood pickleball rules and regulations - The Manual

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By Bill Sniffin, publisher emeritusCowboy State Daily

There is not a lonelier highway in America than some of those isolated stretches of pavement that crisscross the Cowboy State. Especially when bad weather occurs.

Last week, we were almost stopped by low visibility on Highway 287 between Jeffrey City and Muddy Gap as we headed from Lander to Cheyenne. Once again, the skies had opened and we were drenched by an epic gully washer.

Luckily, the highway was virtually empty. Nobody coming toward me and nobody was closing in from behind. That 24-mile stretch of highway along the original route of the Oregon Trail was thankfully barren on that day.

Its easy to love that about our roads. We have good highways and often they are almost deserted. Despite all the rain, we could take solace in the fact that at least it was not snowing.

One of the unwritten golden rules of Wyoming is that you NEVER drive past a stranded motorist. Especially on cold, dark wintry days.

Of course, you need to be careful out there and sometimes your Good Samaritan act can be just alerting the authorities that someone is in trouble. But an accident? You gotta try.

Two Routes Can Make Any Trip A Loop

From our base in Lander, there are two routes to go to Cheyenne. On this trip, we did another of my suggested loop drives. We drove south down to Rawlins/ Then, in the face of amazing rain, we took highway 30/287 past Hanna and through Rock River, Medicine Bow, and Bosler, rather than stay on the Interstate. We were already tired of dodging thousands of semi-trailer trucks in the fog and rain on Interstate 80. On our alternate route we were darned lonely.

As we passed Hanna, it was easy to reflect on the terrible mine tragedies that happened there over 100 years ago. Reporter Mark Heinz had a wonderful feature about those events in Cowboy State Daily last week.

Back in Sinclair just east of Rawlins we ate at SuCasa and yes, it was amazingly good Mexican food.

We saw Tucker Fagan of Cheyenne there sitting at the community table with some new friends from around the state. Rather than put people alone in booths, this table for six or eight ends up hosting folks from around the state and they leave having made new friends. Tucker was headed west to Green River for a swim meet for his granddaughter.

We were delayed getting out of the Sinclair area by a gigantic semi carrying the vertical post of a huge windmill. There were obviously some problems and later we heard a rumor that one of these rigs had maybe clipped an overpass, but I am not sure where? The overpass heights are all clearly marked. As big as these monsters are, surely, they would have mapped out their routes so this does not happen?

In Cheyenne, we celebrated the opening of Cowboy State Dailys new office in Cheyenne and then, on Sunday, headed home by the longer route home through Casper. On this date Oct. 2, I could not believe how green the fields and pastures were along Interstate 25 going north. Really in October? It was beautiful and obviously we have not had hard freezes or early snowfalls in most of the state.

I am fond of unique convenience stores and one of the best is the Interstate Gas Conoco Food Mart in Wheatland. Every kind of Wyoming-themed sign or trinket can be found there plus great food and an amazing ice cream store.

Next time you go blazing through Wheatland, take the south exit and visit this unique store. These folks obviously love all things Wyoming. You will definitely find something of interest. (Pro tip: Its book collection is amazing, too!)

It sits next to an amazing family restaurant called Western Skys Family Diner. Well worth the visit.

We always think of friends Ray Hunkins, Chuck Brown, Linda Fabian, and the folks at the Wandering Hermit book store when passing through this Platte County seat. Truly one of the nicest towns in the state.

Broncos Game Helps Miles Go By

I was looking forward to listening to the Bronco game on the radio on this Sunday afternoon but was disappointed to find that it was very hard for my car radio to pick up a signal in the Casper area. Obviously, some station must be carrying the game but I could not find it on the AM or FM dial. Oh well.

Maybe one of the radio stations owned by the family of our presumed newly-elected Secretary of State Chuck Gray carries the games, but I just couldnt figure out the dial. Ultimately, I was able to tune in to KOA out of Denver on my cell phone and connect it to my car so I could listen to that disappointing Broncos performance.

On another topic, here is where I think we fail our travelers. As much as I love Wyoming roads, I really wish we had decent WIFI service at the rest areas. And good cell service, too. Many of these outposts are in the middle of nowhere but this should be a top priority. People need to be able to communicate during difficult times. It is a safety issue.

We headed into Shoshoni and finally had some good radio signals and listened to the Broncos blow it against the Las Vegas Raiders. New construction at the Fast Lane convenience store in Shoshoni might make it one of the biggest in the state. Its massive. That intersection is one of the busiest in Wyoming and they do a fantastic business.

A column like this about long lonely stretches of road and rest areas should always include the first rule from the 2007 film The Bucket List never pass up a chance to go to the restroom. There are actually two other rules, but I will let you look them up for yourself.

Safe travels. Hope to see you on Wyomings roads.

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

Excerpt from:

Bill Sniffin: There Is A Lot To Like About Wyoming Roads But A Few Things Could Be Improved - Cowboy State Daily

Worthington Industries said Thursday that it will split into two public companies in a move meant to allow each company to capitalize on different growth and value creation strategies.

The Board and management team regularly consider alternatives to unlock the value of our businesses and ensure we are best positioned to serve customers," John McConnell, executive chairman of Worthingtons board of directors, said in a statement. "We recently re-segmented to better align each business with the attractive markets we serve, and the planned separation will further advance those efforts.

The split is expected to be completed by early 2024.

Both businesses will continue to be headquartered in the Columbus area and likely will keep Worthington in their new corporate names, the company said. The new names will be announced before the companies are separated.

Worthington is pitching the separation as a way for each company to have a sharper focus on its markets and priorities. It said the separation will make it easier for investors to understand and value each company.

Worthington Industries CEO Andy Rose will lead one company that will focus on consumer products, building products and sustainable energy products. The company had sales of $1.3 billion for its most recent fiscal year.

Geoff Gilmore, chief operating officer officer of Worthington industries, will become CEO of the other company, a steel processor and producer of electrical steel laminations and automotive products.

That business generated $3.9 billion in sales in the most recent fiscal year.

For nearly 70 years, we have continued my fathers legacy of operating Worthington based on a people-first philosophy, rooted in the Golden Rule, focused on driving shareholder value," McConnell said of his father, who founded the company in 1955. "This approach has enabled us to achieve market-leading positions throughout our businesses. As Worthington plans to become two standalone public companies, these guiding principles will remain intact for both companies.

The McConnell family is expected to continue as a meaningful, long-term shareholder of both companies.

Worthington Industries' shares fell 10% in mid-day trading Thursday after the announcement.

mawilliams@dispatch.com

@BizMarkWilliams

See the article here:

Worthington Industries to split into two companies in 2024 - The Columbus Dispatch

Published 5:33 pm Saturday, October 1, 2022

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at amphitheater in Lake Charles, La., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press)

at amphitheater in Lake Charles, La., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press)

at amphitheater in Lake Charles, La., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press)

at amphitheater in Lake Charles, La., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (Rick Hickman/Lake Charles American Press)

Southwest Louisiana walked the talk on Saturday during the Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Offices Anti-Bullying Walk at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater, shining a light on the impacts of bullying and how to stop it.

My 8-year-old sees a lot of bullying because some kids are really aggressive at his school, Shanyetta Hypolite said as she watched her third-grader getting the left side of his face painted with a yellow-legged green turtle before the walk began. But Sammy takes up for the kids who are being bullied and I think its really cool for kids to learn the words of how not to be a bully and how to be there for other people.

CPSO Enforcement Cmdr. Gene Pittman said bullying has always existed but, thankfully, communities are becoming more enlightened.

You cant fight something that youre not aware of and its events like this that bring awareness to a cause so we can figure out how to fight it, Pittman said.

Pamela Perry, who said she was bullied as a teen, walked Saturday in support of her 8-year-old grandson, Jeremiah, who moved to Salt Lake City two weeks ago.

I called him once he got there and I said, Youre going to meet new friends, and he said, Yeah, Nana, but what about the bullies? and that broke my heart, Perry said. I told him that God was going to take care of him and that if he or anybody around him makes him feel uncomfortable to first tell his teacher and then tell his mom and dad and its gonna be taken care of, everything would be OK. He went to school and the next day he called me and said, Nana, there are no bullies at my school.

Perry said she braved the cooler temperatures during the early morning walk for Jeremiah and all the kids in the community.

Im 61 years old, but I told my husband I was going to walk today, Perry said. I was bullied in high school and I didnt realize it until the awareness came to me. Its been going on a long time so if we can create awareness and make people see how much it hurts, thats a good thing.

Calcasieu Parish School Superintendent Shannon LaFargue said it takes everyone being on the same page to end bullying.

It takes unification of a community and thats why were here today, LaFargue said. Those here will need to go back to their schools and be the voice that we all need if were going to make a difference. It just takes one phrase, one sentence, one word to hurt a student but its important to remember the golden rule: treat other people the way you would want to be treated. Before you say something, pause and think about it.

Alajsa Walker was part of a group of athletes from LaGrange High School who volunteered to hand out free lemonade, tea, soda and water to walk participants.

I feel like its important for us to be here because bullying is a big thing. Cyberbullying is the thing, the senior said. Social media is everybodys life, everything gets posted on social media. I feel like events like this help.

Al Williams, community liaison with the city of Lake Charles mayors office, said the greatest battle one will face in his lifetime is the battle within.

The quickest way to lose the battle with bullying is to lose the battle within your mind and your heart , Williams said. I want to encourage you to know that you must make up in your mind that you have value, that you have worth and that you have a bright future. When you do that, you can begin to affirm who you are and then you can also connect with others who also have the same vibe and energy.

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Walk aims to end bullying in and out of schools - American Press | American Press - American Press

By John Ferguson, CEO, TBM Consulting Group

It wasnt that long ago when US manufacturers could confidently source parts and components from any part of the world and focus their supply chain strategy simply around how to get quality components at the lowest cost. In most cases, and especially when it comes to semiconductor chips, Asia was often the answer.

Then a series of events unfolded that changed the game, beginning with trade conflict between the US and China. Manufacturers began factoring geopolitical risk into the equation to a greater degree. If that didnt convince companies that their global supply chains had inherent vulnerabilities, then the COVID pandemic most certainly did. And ever since, the hits have kept coming in the form of regional conflict, natural disasters, and transportation-capacity shortages.

All have contributed to lesser confidence in supply chain stability, component availability, and lead- and transit-time predictability.

Reshoring chip manufacturing is the best way to alleviate supply chain disruptors

If companies were not thinking about bringing their semiconductor supply base closer to home five years ago, they are now. Fortunately, so is the US government, which is making moves to help strengthen supply chains, mitigate global supply chain risk, and create more viable options to support domestic supply chain strategies.

The new CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in August, is a potential move to help strengthen supply chains, mitigate global supply chain risk, and create more viable options to support domestic supply chain strategies with regards to semi-conductor supply. It promises long-term advantages for companies that rely on the latest technologies and advanced chips to manufacture the cutting-edge products of today and tomorrow.

Already, the act has spurred additional conversations about significant potential private investment in the US semiconductor manufacturing industry. Its impact on the supply of older-generation chips, which are still in high demand, is unclear.

Reshoring takes time that many manufacturers do not have to spare

It is important for manufacturers to understand that none of this is going to happen overnight. The timeframe for increased chip availability in the United States is likely measured in years, not months. Companies that continue to face critical chip shortages in the short term, or those whose supply will not be affected, will need continued focus on solid supply chain strategies. Yes, the future most certainly may look brighter for some, thanks to this legislation. However, there is still much work to be done for companies to keep their operations running and meet demand today.

In other words, manufacturers need to keep up with their own supply chain de-risking strategies, at least for the time being. Because soaring inflation has made building up and storing excess inventory a less viable option for most organizationsassuming they can even get their hands-on excess supply right nowcompanies will need to be more strategic about how they plan for ongoing supply chain volatility and disruption.

Smart strategy and the golden rule can make a difference today

Diversifying the supply base, dual-sourcing strategies, and nearshoring are all smart strategies right now. So is investing in supply chain control-tower technologies that will afford more visibility into the supply chain and give advanced notice of supply chain disruptions. Developing and implementing these tactics, however, also takes time and resources, which many manufacturers currently lack.

Sometimes the easiest and simplest strategy is to focus on better planning processes and more candid and frequent communication with suppliers. This really comes down to the golden rule we all learned in grade schoolessentially treating your suppliers the way you would like to be treated. Showing a willingness to work with your partners, displaying an understanding of their circumstances and needs, and generally being a reliable customer can go a long way in earning you a preferred status among your suppliers. This will come into play if and when suppliers need to allocate among their customers.

Good things will come, but you cant just wait

The good news is the US is taking action to become a leader in latest-generation semiconductor-chip manufacturing. With both the government and private investors involved, a sense of urgency will prevail, and progress should be consistent. Still, manufacturers cannot afford to sit back and wait, and many will not be impacted.

By making their own simultaneous moves to be more strategic with supply chain planning and fortifying supplier relationships, organizations can get ahead, today, while hopefully looking forward to more favorable circumstances tomorrow.

Read more:

The CHIPS and Science Act will de-risk the US manufacturing supply chain - Smart Industry

By Dan Manian, CEO, and Carrie Biggar, Customer Experience Manager, at Donut

Dan Manian, CEO and co-founder of Donut, helps teams foster cultures of connectivity, collaboration, and belonging. You can also find him playing music for business with his band, Mobile Steam Unit, and teaching a lean startup course at Brown University.

Carrie Biggar is Customer Experience Manager at Donut and has led CX teams for nearly a decade at companies like Lyft and Eventbrite. When shes not working or raising her four-year-old, Carrie loves photography, crafting, and Disney.

Raising a child comes with a unique set of difficulties, from sleep training and teething, to meal prep and homework help. Many believe that child care is a full time job, so when you factor in a career and rising return to office mandates on top of pandemic parenting of remote schooling and erratic child care, its no wonder that working parents are stressed.

As leadership teams navigate the future of work and rethink the experiences they offer, considerations for working parents should remain top of mind. When it comes to balancing work and life responsibilities, building a robust support system within the workplace is imperative to ensure working parents feel supported, heard, and have the proper resources to succeed. Early in 2022, our company, Donut, a Slack-integration tool for team engagement, created its inaugural parents & caregivers employee resource group (ERG). Here are some of the vital lessons we learned along the way.

When it comes to parenting, there is no one size fits all approach. The same can be said for work preferences. Since 2020, the workplace has been full of debates over where employees are the most productive, if remote work is here to stay, and what the future of work looks like. While leadership teams may be tempted by uniformity and find it easier if all employees worked in the same way, reality isnt so simple.

Parents have always been caught in the middle of these debates, and tensions have risen with the return to office. For some parents, the office may provide a more focused space for deep work, but for others, remote and hybrid options mean less time commuting and more time spent with family. This flexibility could be the difference between doing a load of laundry, serving breakfast, or even saving some money on daycare.

While some parents may welcome a return to office, it may be burdensome to others. At the end of the day, Donut feels the pressure to be present in person hurts everyone, especially parents. The best outcomes will come from a flexible approach that allows people to do what is best for them. Allowing workers to choose alternate work options can improve employee happiness, retention, and workplace culture overall.

Balancing dual roles as parent and employee can come with an array of unwelcome stigmas, and bearing that burden alone is isolating. Leadership teams should create space for communities for working parents, allowing them a safe place to discuss challenges, bond over milestones, and, when relevant, influence benefits or parental policies.

At Donut, our parents ERG holds virtual, kid-friendly, bi-weekly meetings, where we discuss recent struggles (ranging from potty training to school), as well as parenting wins. Its especially important to share these successes, because for many working parents, its easy to feel like youre never giving 100% to any one part in your life. For our ERG, its important for us to celebrate the moments were proud of and uplift our fellow caregivers. Ultimately, a supportive ERG group can help parents feel like their full identity is embraced, and that they can bring their whole selves to work.

Working parents are a valuable part of any team and, at Donut, were committed to supporting these caregivers, even outside our company. Companies using Donut can set up working parents Slack channels, and schedule 1:1 Intros, where parents are randomly paired to discuss their experiences or challenges, giving them a dedicated space to problem solve.

Were also creating a parenting & caregiver-focused watercooler pack, which well test internally within our ERG before making it available for parents everywhere. Companies using Donut can use these topics in a parenting-oriented Slack channel, and our integration will pose caregiver-centric conversation starters for members to discuss, spanning self-care, proud parenting moments, and more.

As the old adage goes: parents know best. Leadership teams should encourage working parents to voice their opinions and propose the changes they want to see. At Donut, our ERG recently pulled together a proposal that expanded on, clarified, and suggested additions to Donuts caregivers policies, including bereavement policies around child loss and additional accommodations for parentssome of which have already been adopted. By listening to and incorporating these ideas, leadership is not only showing support for working parents, but creating a warmer, more inclusive workplace for all.

Leadership teams often assume that parents cannot or dont want to participate in non-work related activities. But like any employee, its important for working parents to unwind and have a little fun, as well! Leadership teams can dream up fun events for both parents and their wider team. Host a hybrid take your child to work day, and mail company kiddos some cute branded shirts and toys. Then, ask parents to film their kids explaining what their job is (promise youll get some hilarious answers), or host a trivia event or magic show that gets everyone in on the fun. Beyond being adorable, these moments will enable teams to get a deeper understanding and appreciation for working parents and the lives they live.

Inclusive events can also take the form of philanthropy. At Donut, we recently hosted a Backpack Drive to benefit the Kids in Need foundation. Donut donated 25 backpacks, and raised over $600 for school supplies. This team building activity was a fun way to get parents and non-parents collaborating while supporting a worthy cause. The golden rule? Remember that, like with flexibility, every caregivers needs are different, so communicate that its okay if some parents are unable to join.

Overall, the biggest consideration companies should keep in mind is actively listening to parents. When it comes to devising policies and benefits, leadership teams should ensure theyre including caregivers in conversations to make sure well-intentioned policies are hitting the mark. Holding intentional conversations with working parents to find out what they need goes a long way, even if its simply asking, what can we do to make you feel supported? During these dialogues, authenticity and established relationships are important. Leaders should ensure these moments dont feel scripted, but genuine and specific to each individual.

To drive accountability, Donut holds regular leader meetings, where we talk through these topics and look for ways to implement the changes weve discussed with parents, and other underrepresented groups. A way to ensure regular check-ins with parents are happening is to ask leaders if theyve gotten feedback on a new policy or retreat, and then well discuss what those key learnings were. When soliciting this feedback, be mindful of getting input from leaders with diverse representation on their teams, to ensure inclusivity.

By extending the support offered to working parents, leadership teams can reduce the burden these employees feel and improve their overall sense of belonging. While it may take a village to raise a child, it takes an inclusive, supportive workplace to ensure working parents are given the resources to succeed.

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It takes a village: How Donut empowers working parents (theirs and yours!) - Quartz

On September 25, the same day New Yorkers finished celebrating the 10-day San Gennaro Festival in the citys Little Italy, the Italians, elected the countrys farthest-right government since the fall of Mussolini.

For the past 96 years, the festival, which attracts over a million people each year, has been organized by New Yorks Italian-American community. Over four million Italians immigrated to the US between 1880 and 1920, with hundreds of thousands settling in New York City alone, making Italian-Americans the largest ethnic group in the New York metro area.

Its ironic, therefore, that in Italy Giorgia Meloni was elected mainly by rallying against two political boogeymen the obscure bureaucrats of the European Community in Brussels and undocumented immigrants. It is clear that the progressive movement was not capable of taking advantage of the current immigration crisis to reaffirm and remind their electors about the value of solidarity and the importance of denouncing selfishness, egoism, and individualism. Do you think the Italians in Italy know about their historical exodus to the US a century ago? How many documentaries in Italian have been made about this historical period?

Italians-American have had an influence on everything in the US, from cuisine to the arts to sports to politics. Today, opportunities for other cultures to contribute to American life are being thwarted. Instead, thousands of asylum seekers coming from Central and South America are being bused from the border states to so-called sanctuary cities like New York by right-wing governors, not for their benefit but just to earn political points. NYC Mayor Eric Adams dispassionate statement on the crisis reveals his deep discomfort with the issue and highlights his unpreparedness to address this humanitarian disaster. Its difficult to imagine, but, as in the past with Italians, New Yorks future depends on what will happen to this new wave of immigrants from Central and South America.

In fact, right-wingers are taking advantage of the dehumanized political identity of the Left in the West. In Italy and in New York, the Left should seize this opportunity to redefine immigration and the meaning of solidarity. They should remind people of the Golden Rule, shared by most of the worlds religions, to treat others as you want to be treated.

As Colombian president Gustavo Petro said in his historic UN address on September 20, You observe that people are filling up with hunger and thirst and migrating by the millions towards the north, towards where the water is; then you enclose them, build walls, deploy machine guns, and shoot at them. You expel them as if they were not human beings. You reproduce five times the mentality of those who politically created the gas chambers and the concentration camps, you reproduce on a planetary scale 1933.

Italians on Sunday got a step closer to exposing their deep contradiction. Forgetting about their own history will have dear consequences for the generations to come.

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New York and the Italian Contradiction - PRESSENZA International News Agency

Over the last few years, Hudsonites and organizations have been teaming together with the common and universal goal of inspiring others to join them in following one rule the golden one.

A simple eleven words guide Hudsons Golden Rule initiative.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

When Mayor Rich OConnor was in grade school, he was provided a ruler, along with his paper, pencils and desk. On it read the Golden Rule.

We knew the Golden Rule after the first week in first grade, OConnor said.

Each morning, as the school would stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, they would say the Golden Rule, too.

Though, he admits as a first grader he may not have understood the principal, by third grade he began to grasp the concept and it has stuck with him ever since.

The Golden Rule is a principle of all major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Native American spirituality and secular ethics, reads the 40,000 bookmarks distributed around the city over the last few years as part of the Golden Rule initiative in the City of Hudson.

These, along with about 300 yard signs and 15,000 stickers are daily reminders of the principal.

The initiative began as a response to, most notably, the political tensions and polarization, happening not only in Hudson but across the country.

Hudson has been designated a Golden Rule City.

It appeared though that wasn't just going to go away, OConnor, one of the initiators of the movement, said. So we needed to do something.

Step one was to recognize that there was a problem. That was followed up by a plan to address it.

You cant just proclaim that were going to be a Golden Rule City and not put any meat on that, he said. We have to do something.

Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Boy Scouts, Youth Action, and the library are some of the many partners and organizations who jumped on board to float the Golden Rule around Hudson.

Everybodys in, OConnor said.

Larry Szyman, campus and community pastor at Faith Community Church and part of the Ministerial Association, took on a big role, helping lead the initiative.

Though reflected in many religions, the Golden Rule initiative isn't affiliated with a religious organization or political incentives.

Szyman explained that it is political in the sense that it has to do with the body politic, the people, but it isnt partisan.

The Golden Rule initiative is really about ourselves.

Its not a way to point fingers at our neighbors, but rather an invitation to contemplate our own actions, responses and relationships with others in our communities and beyond.

The Golden Rule cannot be coerced, its something that's got to be internalized, Szyman said.

There arent metrics for an initiative like this, but OConnor hopes it has had some part in creating a more welcoming and respectful community. A community that prioritizes listening and understanding those with different opinions than our own. One that finds ways to appreciate and acknowledge the importance of peaceful disagreement. A population that uses the Golden Rule as a personal reflection tool.

Its not about perfection, but rather about progress.

As a way to celebrate those values and the community of Hudson, the Golden Rule initiative is hosting its first ever Booyah.

Booyah is a thick stew, typically cooked in large quantities in a kettle outside. Believed to have European origins, Booyahs is a beloved practice in much of the upper Midwest.

Taking notes after North Hudson Pepper Fest hosted one last fall as a fundraiser, the City of Hudson will have its own on Oct. 1 and all are welcome, Hudsonite or not.

The cooking will begin in the wee hours of the morning, but the celebration will begin at 2 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m.

The free family event will feature the Booyah, which includes chicken, beef, pork, potatoes and vegetables, as well as games, activities and visits from Clifford the Big Red Dog, Pete the Cat, Cinderella and emergency vehicles.

Cost of the Booyah varies. Other available food will include hot dogs, baked goods, beer, soda and more.

Though the event is temporary, hopefully making an appearance once a year, the Golden Rule initiative is here to stay. At the moment, there are no plans of slowing down or ceasing celebrating the principal.

Yard signs are still available and often able to be found at community festivals and events, but can also be picked up from the mayor at City Hall, 505 Third St., or from the Hudson Area Public Library, 700 First St.

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"Everybody's in" on the Golden Rule | Local News | hudsonstarobserver.com - Hudson Star Observer

My journey has spanned both the brokerage side of the industry and the carrier side. Now Im on a new and unique journey in the world of technology as a start-up that serves carriers and brokerages, Riviezzo said.

The EVP, who began his insurance career as a broker with Marsh, is among a panel of insurance leaders speaking today on the importance of personal branding at theWomen in Insurance summit in New York. Reflecting on his own personal brand withInsurance Business, Riviezzo embraces the Golden Rule in building client relationships and trust.

Brokers are very close to the client and need to earn trust. Earningsomeones trust is never something you should assume. Trust is earned over time when you demonstrate integrity and transparency, he added.

As part of Brizas senior leadership team, Riviezzo owns the full customer lifecycle for Brizas carrier, brokerage, and technology partners, championing customers in decision-making across the organization. Before joining Briza in 2020, he spent over six years at AIG as director of the firms US client engagement practice.

Ive worked hard throughout my career to be accessible to my teammates, colleagues, customers, and clients. I try to provide an overabundance of transparency and honesty in my work. Hopefully, when you put that into the marketplace, that is reciprocated back to you, he said.

For Riviezzo, transparency goes a long way in helping promote that trust and fostering a healthy exchange between broker and client.

I always think about how I like to be sold to through very consultative, trusting, long-term relationships with people I have done business with outside of the industry, he shared withInsurance Business.

Its because Ive had a good experience that I become a repeat customer, and a lot of that experience is tied to someone treating me the way I would want to be treated.

Building a brand as an insurance professional takes not just years of hard work but also guidance from those who have seen and done more. Mentorship is key to getting to unlocking new opportunities, learning experiences, and networks.

Ive benefited from several mentors throughout my career who were exceedingly generous with their time and candid feedback about things I did well, things I could have improved upon, and opportunities that might have been outside my scope or purview, Riviezzo reflected.

With more experience under his belt, Riviezzo serves as a mentor for early-career professionals a role that he said he continues to grow in and finds more valuable over time.

I think a good mentor can often put things into perspective.A lot of life is like going to an art museum. Sometimes we stand too close to the art and need to take a quick step back to get the full picture and truly appreciate the artists intent. Mentors have that ability, explained Riviezzo.

Conversely, because Ive been the recipient of strong mentorship, Ive felt a strong desire to give that back and provide the next generation with the proper guidance and support to be successful.

He observed a certain amount of undue stress among younger professionals, who may feel pressured to raise their profile quickly to distinguish themselves in a competitive market. But Riviezzo counsels patience for the next generation of insurance leaders.

It takes years, sometimes decades, to fully mature and develop a personal brand. Its not something that comes from a box, that you can add water to and stir, and is instantaneous, he noted.

A personal brand comes after partners, customers, clients, colleagues, and friends see a repeated pattern of positive behavior that emanates from your work and the way you interact with others.

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How a Golden Rule helped one insurance leader with his brand - Insurance Business