Alexandria Jaycees: Have Fun. Do Good!

Cathy's "Great Places to Eat": Satay Sarinah

Yummy. As the name implies, the satays at Satay Sarinah are the highlight of the menu - chicken and beef are my faves but they have lamb, tofu and shrimp too, with Jasmine rice. I discovered this Indonesian restaurant during one of the Alexandria Jaycees' "International Nights" - periodic (for awhile we met monthly) dinners out at ethnic food restaurants around the area.

The restaurant is in the shopping center near Giant and the Dunkin' Donuts on Van Dorn - 512 S. Van Dorn Street [Directions]. Washingtonian magazine named Satay Sarinah among their top cheap eats in 1999, 2003, 2004, and 2005. The staff is great, and will tell you about their experiences growing up in Java or Bali. Check it out!

Volunteer for Life... an Hour at a Time

"Volunteering doesn't have to be a one-time experience. For many, it's a lifetime activity." While I can't pin down the exact source of this quote, I know there are millions of people across the globe who share this sentiment. Why do so many give their time and try to make a difference in others' lives? I think it's the chance to make a real connection with other human beings - and valuing that connection.

What I see in the majority of the volunteers I've worked with is not an "us" and "them" mentality, but a "we." As in, we're all in this together and we're all responsible for helping one another when we need it and celebrating our joys and successes as well.

All of my colleagues in the Alexandria Jaycees, for instance, believe that the chance to make a real difference in someone's life - whether by teaching him to read, helping her feed their family for a few days, or even just listening to her - is in and of itself a gift. And, I can't tell you how much it's meant to me in my own life when I've received the gift of someone's attentive kindness when I just needed to talk.

I'm inspired almost daily by the Jaycees I know. They give so much of themselves - not just their time and talents (which are considerable gifts) but of their compassion and empathy. And their joy.

And, it's not just through organized volunteer groups that I see the incredible gift of caring and moments of true connectedness given - I see it in the daily kindnesses volunteered to co-workers, family and friends who need a hand or an ear; to strangers on the Metro; to people standing in line at the grocery store; and to people you run across in the course of your everyday routine.

But, I think belonging to a volunteer group, whether it's the Jaycees or some other organization, increases the impact you can make.  There are so many ways to get involved - not only through the Alexandria Jaycees or Arlington Jaycees (or any other chapter of the Jaycees) but by searching (by zip code or your interest area, such as helping children - or by your skill sets) Volunteermatch.org or the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau (AVB). All of these websites have volunteer opportunities for numerous Alexandria organizations, such as ALIVE!, Rebuilding Together Alexandria, the Campagna Center, and the Red Cross.

It's an incredibly wonderful feeling to know that you're making a difference in the lives of Alexandrians - even if you can only give a few hours per month. One of the best things I get out of being a Jaycee is that I have an opportunity to give an hour a month - or a couple of hours a week some months - to connect with people in all walks of life. How are you connecting with others in your life?

Podcast Episode 1: Blogs

As I prepare for the seminar I'm teaching tonight for the Alexandria Jaycees, "Blogs, Podcasts & Wikis, Oh My!" it occurred to me that I should record a podcast series, with each episode focused on one of those topics, to demonstrate the concepts.

This podcast episode [Download bpw-1blogs.mp3 ] focuses on blogs: what they are and how they differ from websites. It's 2 minutes and 45 seconds long, and unfortunately, since I'm recovering from a cold, my voice sounds a tiny bit hoarse.

I suspect it will be helpful now to define what a podcast is! A podcast is simply an audio file that can be listened to online or via your MP3 player, while you’re commuting, working out, or just multi-tasking. Podcasts include songs, seminars, and even performances, such as stand-up comedy or concerts. Enjoy!

Sets in the City

Volleyball, anyone?  I don't know about you but I'm not into your typical Winter sports, like skiing, snowboarding, etc. But - volleyball. That's a different story! I bet you didn't know that the City of Alexandria runs several co-ed adult sports leagues throughout the year.

I've played in the recreational division of the City's volleyball league, and it's a fun way to get some exercise and meet new people. And, of course, hitting the bar after our weekly game is a great way to unwind!

Even if you've not played much before, you can join the recreational division (there is a competitive division for experienced players). To participate, you must sign up to be part of a team; there is a team fee that usually breaks out to about $50 per person per season. If you're not a City resident, there is a $25 extra charge.

The City does keep a list of people not affiliated with a team, so you can form a new team if you'd like - though my friend Chris is looking for some new teammates, and the Spring '08 season is here. The season runs April 7 through mid-June for playoffs, so if you're interested, email him a.s.a.p.

Who knows? You might just discover Sets in the City, the Joy of Sets, the Netminders, Serves for Life, Scared Hitless...

Cathy's "Great Places to Eat" : Mancini's Cafe & Bakery

Mancini's Cafe is located on Del Ray Avenue in Alexandria, Va. Two words: the brunches. Let me repeat - the brunches!! Owner/chef Barbara Mancini develops new menus for each weekend, and since I've been going to her restaurant, about 3 years now, I have to say there are 3 or 4 unique and tasty combinations of eggs, fruit, and french toast available every week - yum! My favorite (unfortunately for my waistline) is the red, white & blue french toast - usually on the menu around the fourth of July - it's french toast with strawberries, blueberries... and whipped cream.

Mancinis's is on the corner of Del Ray Avenue and East Monroe [Directions], very close to Potomac Yards. For me, this makes Mancini's not only a great stop for brunch Saturday mornings - after enjoying the greens and yellows, flowers and plants that make eating at the restaurant an whimsical experience - a great access point to Potomac Yards Shopping Center, so I can visit Target, Barnes & Noble and even go see a movie.

And, even on days when I don't want to go out I can get some of the homemade lasagne, baked ziti, chicken pot pie, chicken parmesan, and so much more... one of her half-pans can gives me a bunch of meals I freeze for later. Love that catering menu!! I haven't yet stopped by at lunch or dinner time... but I hear the menu choices are also outstanding.

Let me know what you think!

Jaycees to Jobs: Network, Network, Network

In the real estate market, Realtors repeat this mantra - Location, Location, Location - all the time. It's often a key motivator for buyers in selecting their next home and for sellers in setting a competitive price.

In a job search, the mantra job seekers need to practice is - Network, Network, Network. Some studies show high percentages of jobs - up to 60% in some cases - are found by networking. A friend of a friend might hear about a job opening that hasn't yet been advertised; someone you volunteer with may be searching for someone for a job opening within their company; or your college alumni association may have a job board.

In the past two years I've hired 6 Jaycees from my Chapter for temporary or permanent positions. And, of course the Jaycees offer dozens of chances not only to meet potiential employers, but potential friends as well. During the "Rebuilding Together Alexandria" project, for instance, I saw lots of groups of volunteers talking animatedly and laughing from the belly - you know, those great and geniune laughs that come out when we connect most with those around us (click here to see). Since then, I've seen that same group of people get together on other projects or just going out for dinner.

Where do you start to network? Here's a great overview and action checklist of things you can do to begin using your network to search for a job. The bottom line - create a plan for assessing and developing your network (ideally before you really need it) don't be shy about asking friends, co-workers, etc. for advice, information and referrals.

The Alexandria Jaycees provide over 100 opportunities per year to adults aged 21-40 to meet new people - whether through attending an event, participating in a training seminar, chairing an event or serving on the board of directors. The cost to join is low enough to consider budgeting it - not only for the potential job network but the potential to meet new friends, get to know the Alexandria area, and give back to the community.

Here's a detailed overview from the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal of how to "mine" all of the different places, from your church to industry associations to online networking, that is very helpful.

Need some help in starting conversations? A good basic how-to is How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends, by Don Gabor. He gives an easy-to-read checklist for how to break the ice and keep conversation going.

If you want to read about more in-depth and action-oriented networking, I highly recommend Keith Ferrazzi's Never Eat Alone And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time.

Alexandria Jaycees' Community Impact

I ran across an interesting report a few days ago, and thought I'd share it with you. The report wasn't done this year, but you'll get the idea.

"Volunteerism is an enormous economic force, yet it is never mentioned in business school or in economics departments," says Charles Hoadley, former Chief Economist, Bank of America. The Independent Sector, a think tank that analyzes the nonprofit industry, has released a survey showing one component of that impact:

83.9 million American adults volunteer, representing the equivalent of over 9 million full-time employees at a value of $239 billion.

That prompted me to consider the organization where I spend most of my volunteer time - the Alexandria Jaycees here in Virginia. In our own community, the Jaycees' impact can loosely be measured in the same way as the independent think tank, Independent Sector.

In a typical year the Alexandria Jaycees:

• Help 9 local non profits deliver services to children, seniors or low-income Alexandrians
• Conduct 27 community service projects
• Provide about 300 total hours of community service

And, this is in addition to many training seminars and socials conducted each year. Not too shabby!

Have Fun. Do Good!

"Have Fun. Do Good.” I love this phrase - I think those are both great goals for life (though not necessarily in that order!). No matter what your profession, age, or ethnic background, we can all find meaning in this simple philosophy. It’s the reason I joined the Alexandria Jaycees in 2002 - the promise having fun while doing good things in the community and for my own personal development.

Since I joined, I’ve met new people, made new friends, explored the DC metro area, developed new skills and of course contributed to making ours a better community. I suspect you have had a very similar experience if you’ve been active in any Jaycee Chapter across the world.

Having fun and doing good, to me, is not just about giving back to the community. To me, “doing good” can also mean “doing good” things for my career, my friendships, and my professional development – and doing these things in the company of friends. In fact, I think that one of the cool things about being an active Jaycee is the promise that we can both have fun and do good - in just one organization. 

2008 promises to yield more professional training, more socials, and more opportunities for community service. By being a Jaycee, you have a chance to change your world - by having fun and doing good. I hope you'll use this blog for inspiration to begin - or continuing to - volunteer in your community.

Jaycees to Jobs: Developing the Job Skills You Need

Whether you're looking for a job (or looking for a promotion) in the nonprofit sector or in the for-profit realm, having the right skill sets is key. But what if you don't have any (or enough) job experience in an area - such as fundraising, management, or marketing - that is required for the job you want? How will you ever get the experience you need to move up or change careers?

One way to gain "transferable skills" is to volunteer with an organization that will allow you to learn and then try out the skills you need. Transferable skills are those skills you learn from your college courses, volunteer work, hobbies, sports, etc. and that can be used on the job.

Here is a good list of the skills you may want to develop further to take your next career step. Many of these skills can be developed by volunteering with the Alexandria Jaycees - such as public speaking, event planning, interpersonal relations, management, communications, and research & planning. You can gain these skills by working with one of our vice presidents or directors on specific projects/events as well as by serving on the board of directors (which requires your active participation in projects). If you're interested in doing any of this, contact me and I'll be happy to share more or help you develop a plan for making your Jaycee experience helpful in your job search.

Of course, once you identify and develop your transferable skills, you need to work them into your job search or career advancement plan. Here's a simple outline of the steps to take to communicate your skills to prospective employers.

Living in Alexandria: Greener Transportation

I know many of us are doing what we can to conserve our natural resources - and there are a lot of great websites out there that can help us do that. One major way we can help improve our environment is through our daily transportation choices. Whether you're interested in reducing your carbon footprint through greener transportation options or don't want the expense of a vehicle, you'll want to check out several alternative transportation options for living and working in Alexandria.

Car-Sharing

If you only occasionally need a car, check out Zip Car or FlexCar. For a period of time the City of Alexandria will provide a monetary incentive to City residents and businesses to encourage use of car-sharing services in the City by reimbursing (on a partial basis) residents and businesses for first-time memberships to either car-sharing company. Both of these car-sharing services have rental locations at many of Alexandria's metro stations.

Slugging

Those of you new to the Northern Virginia area may think slugs are slimy gastropods... well, you'd be wrong. Slugging is a free form of transportation that metro DC commuters use to get around the area. Motorists pick up "slugs" from established slug lines around the area and then are able to drive in HOV lanes.

Slugging has its own rules of etiquette - one important convention is that slugs do not initiate conversation - only the drivers do. Typically slugs read or listen to an iPod. Another important rule - no money or gifts are to be given. Drivers pay for their own gas.

Ridematching

There's a regional network of transportation providers, Commuter Connections, that gives a good overview of these and other commuter options. Carpooling, or "ridematching", is one of the options available. You can check the list of available carpool partners or add your own name to the list online, or call 1-800-745-RIDE (7433). The website includes an option for a "guaranteed ride home"... not sure if this works, so let me know if you're using this service!

Metro

The area's metro transit system is one of the best in the country - for only a couple of dollars you can travel to almost anywhere in the area. Buy a Smart Card and park at metro stations to ride into DC, VA or MD - here's the metro map. The metro website even has a trip planner to make it easy to figure out when trains come and go and how to get around. As someone who gets lost every time I go into the District, I really appreciate the Metro for trips to the Smithsonian (Smithsonian stop on the Blue or Orange Lines) and The Verizon Center (the Gallery Place-Chinatown stop on the Yellow or Green Line).

For those of you new to Metro - here are two helpful tips: 1) there is no eating or drinking on the Metro. 2) when riding on the escalator PLEASE stand on the right and walk up on the left. Standers on the left side will be asked (sometimes not so politely) to move to the right by busy commuters.