Category: Tips for Students

What can you do?

Paul Wagenaar

You probably know several people experiencing food insecurity although you may not be aware they are.

In schools, the quiet child who sits by themselves at lunchtime may not have lunch. The new person who seems to have trouble concentrating late each day because they can’t afford breakfast. That older couple who just had their roof repaired and had to spend money that they didn’t have.

One in five people in our communities are experiencing food insecurity … they need our help … what can you do? Take five minutes and read this.

“People who move rocks out of your path”

Paul Wagenaar

In a book I was listening to recently, the author praised people who take the time to clear obstacles from other people’s paths. The author’s explanation and examples had a very powerful effect on me. The book inspired me to write about people who moved “rocks” for me and for people I have known.

“Nobody seems to want to work today!  We can’t find anyone who wants to work for us.”

Paul Wagenaar

The real problem is some organizations are struggling to find people using tools and strategies that worked in the past but these tools haven’t been updated for the employment environment that exists today. It doesn’t matter if the organization is a “for-profit” or “not-for-profit.” In many ways the problem is a basic supply and demand problem, however, there are many more variables in the equation today than ever before.

Job Loss Trauma … finding a way back

Paul Wagenaar

My posts are about things that I know, things that I have seen, experienced, or situations where I helped people and organizations. This post is about a trauma that is common, many people have suffered through it in the past, some are experiencing it right now, and still, more will experience it in the future.

Mistakes were made …

Paul Wagenaar

Yesterday I read a report on why a community garden was rejected by complaints from its neighbors. The comments had a profound impact on me. As an advocate for vulnerable people, I was dismayed, angry, and shocked that any group of Canadians could be so incredibly self-absorbed and uncaring. The more I thought about it, the more upset I became. Then I reread the complaints and I realized what might be the reasons.

Organizational Fear … what are your people afraid of?

Paul Wagenaar

Admitting fear makes someone vulnerable. Being vulnerable is not something that many people are willing to discuss.

To reveal the fears in your organization there must be a culture of non-judgment, open communication, and earned trust. If those three elements are in place, then by listening and watching it is possible to identify fears and the people who are suffering.

Revisiting Red Teams

Paul Wagenaar

Looking at new ideas and concepts through the eyes of the fearful and the critical can better prepare organizations for unintended consequences. Taking this empathetic approach can reveal weaknesses and potentially fatal issues. This process is called RED TEAMING.

Period Poverty

Paul Wagenaar

As a society, we have two responsibilities; the first is to illuminate period poverty so everyone can help to reduce the stigma that exists in schools, at home, and in work environments. Second, we can ensure that the supply of the right products in the right quantity is accessible to anyone who needs them.