Guess what costume I'm wearing to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Mrs Banks Maths
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Zonta District 24 Conference: Undervaluing Volunteering Pt 2
2011 is 10 years + from the International Year of the Volunteers. So where are we 10 years on?
Since 2001 there has been a significant shift in volunteering from a government perspective. This situation was particularly highlighted to the government during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Some 47,000 people volunteered to support the running of the games and the sitting federal government really took notice of the economic value of these contributions.
In the following years the Howard Government ramped up the outsourcing of community services to all range of organisations - most of whom were NFP with large numbers of volunteers. It is a political philosophy as to the responsibilities of state and the involvement of community, however it is my view that the federal government deliberately decided to let the community decide what was important by letting the community members fund those services directly.
However, Melanie's point is that "volunteers are not free". And whilst the government may believe it has a windfall of free labour for services it used to have to fund, Melanie still wants to ensure that volunteers are used appropriately, paid labour is used when appropriate and appropriate value is assigned and captured for both.
Australia has a long history of volunteering and yet in NSW, since the March 2011 State election there has been no appointed Minister for Volunteering and no allocated funding. Despite that we all do it, the State government must think that it is trivial and doesn't justify any recognition.
Melanie wants to change all this.
Melanie wants volunteering to have a central place in society. For the value of our volunteering to be included in the GDP and counted within our key labour force indicators. This is particularly of interest to women because women do more volunteering than men.And the UN considers the labour involved in low level farming, housework and volunteering to be "unproductive" - and it is this work that is more frequently undertaken by women.
In Australia women's lives have changed dramatically, and whilst we are not undertaking subsistence farming it is time that the volunteering work done by women was recognised and valued accurately. Melanie wants our national accounts to expand their coverage; for the national Census to expand its questions on volunteering; for the media to provide more coverage of volunteer events and issues; she wants Australia Post to change these stamps.
I hope I have given you a taste of Melanie's work. She spoke with passion and enthusiasm. She has a clear vision and supporting action plan. She has a positive mindset for what is possible for volunteers - like you and me - here in Australia.
If you are interested in Melanie and her work you can read her book: Volunteering: why we can't survive without it. And then you can think what YOU want out of your volunteering and how you are going to best contribute your time.
PARTICIPATION TIME
Volunteering Australia is working to collect valid data on this subject from volunteers like you and I. GO AND DO THEIR SURVEY NOW! It is open until 6 November 2011.
Take the opporutnity to reflect on your own volunteering whilst providing some free data for the cause - cause that's what you do when you're a volunteer at heart!
Since 2001 there has been a significant shift in volunteering from a government perspective. This situation was particularly highlighted to the government during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Some 47,000 people volunteered to support the running of the games and the sitting federal government really took notice of the economic value of these contributions.
In the following years the Howard Government ramped up the outsourcing of community services to all range of organisations - most of whom were NFP with large numbers of volunteers. It is a political philosophy as to the responsibilities of state and the involvement of community, however it is my view that the federal government deliberately decided to let the community decide what was important by letting the community members fund those services directly.
However, Melanie's point is that "volunteers are not free". And whilst the government may believe it has a windfall of free labour for services it used to have to fund, Melanie still wants to ensure that volunteers are used appropriately, paid labour is used when appropriate and appropriate value is assigned and captured for both.
Australia has a long history of volunteering and yet in NSW, since the March 2011 State election there has been no appointed Minister for Volunteering and no allocated funding. Despite that we all do it, the State government must think that it is trivial and doesn't justify any recognition.
Melanie wants to change all this.
Melanie wants volunteering to have a central place in society. For the value of our volunteering to be included in the GDP and counted within our key labour force indicators. This is particularly of interest to women because women do more volunteering than men.And the UN considers the labour involved in low level farming, housework and volunteering to be "unproductive" - and it is this work that is more frequently undertaken by women.
In Australia women's lives have changed dramatically, and whilst we are not undertaking subsistence farming it is time that the volunteering work done by women was recognised and valued accurately. Melanie wants our national accounts to expand their coverage; for the national Census to expand its questions on volunteering; for the media to provide more coverage of volunteer events and issues; she wants Australia Post to change these stamps.
 |
| Instead of designing a unique stamp, Australia Post just stuck the Volunteering logo as an attachment on an existing stamp |
I hope I have given you a taste of Melanie's work. She spoke with passion and enthusiasm. She has a clear vision and supporting action plan. She has a positive mindset for what is possible for volunteers - like you and me - here in Australia.
If you are interested in Melanie and her work you can read her book: Volunteering: why we can't survive without it. And then you can think what YOU want out of your volunteering and how you are going to best contribute your time.
 |
| Not available on Kindle - which is sad for us electronic, internet addicted types |
Volunteering Australia is working to collect valid data on this subject from volunteers like you and I. GO AND DO THEIR SURVEY NOW! It is open until 6 November 2011.
Take the opporutnity to reflect on your own volunteering whilst providing some free data for the cause - cause that's what you do when you're a volunteer at heart!
Zonta District 24 Conference: Undervaluing Volunteering Part 1
Melanie Oppenheimer has a personal vision: to have
volunteering recognised for the community value and economic contribution we
are making to Australia.
Sounds a bit businessy and straightlaced at first glance.
Sounds a bit like counting things. And what fun is there in that?
But on reflection think about all the hours we do
volunteering for Zonta. All the money we gather and the long term impact Zonta
projects deliver for individuals and the communities around them. Perhaps I do want to start counting things – cause otherwise
our efforts are “counting for nothing".
 |
| Marilyn makes the argument that economic systems only account for corporate output and not the volunteering or even "women's work" when building stats and GDP calculations |
Melanie opened her presentation with some Australian data:
There are over 600,000 volunteering organisations in Australia, which cover 4.6
million volunteers.
The 2010 Productivity Commission estimated that the Not for Profit sector generated $43 billion in economic value.
That's pretty stunning stuff - who knew we were that busy!
Melanie described the current political view of the
volunteering sector is much akin to the tale of Chicken Little.
 |
| I don't mean the flop Disney version - not that I have seen it to judge - and Yes - I will get my Disney references any way I can! |
We all know the story. Here it is summarised on one page:
 |
| source: politicalhumour.about.com - with apologies to people who like Dubya Dubya |
I bet he wasn't interested in volunteers either. Volunteers ain't sitting on vast oil reserves.
So let's have a look at the story and how it may relate to the volunteering.
Chicken Little is out
enjoying the sunshine when an acorn lands on his head and he becomes convinced
that the sky is falling!
Hang on - why would I bore you with reading when Uncle Walt has already provided a cinematic treat!
The joy of this 1943 clip is how political it is. And that was Melanie's point too
Every tale has a moral – is it don’t be a chicken but have
courage? Don’t believe everything you hear?
Or perhaps we could use it as a more cautionary political
tale where the chicken whips up mass hysteria and the Fox takes advantage of
this, eventually eating them all?
kinda reminds me of this
Anyway - I am sure you can see the relevance of this story to volunteering.
Volunteers need to have courage, to hold their convictions
and continue to deliver without fear or favour. And without kowtowing to
inappropriate forces.
Whatever version of Chicken Little you prefer, Melanie reminds us to be wary of the government's recent interest in volunteering.
In Part 2 I'll lay out her reasons why.
Thanks to Melanie Oppenheimer, Assoc Prof, School of Humanities, UNE and the Zonta District 24 Conference
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Blogging live from Zonta District 24 Biennial Conference
The Zonta District 24 Biennial Conference is underway in Port Macquarie and I am here blogging live!
Frankly the Conference doesn't really offer much in the way of big surprises and breaking news that I post here first. Following Robert's Rules the whole can be a bit slow and tedious.
About 90 women from across NSW are here. I am the only one from Canberra!
We've had an energetic speech about volunteerism, curiousity on social networking and, sorry ladies, fees are going up!
will be back with more soon
 |
| Beautiful Port Macquarie - where it is rainy one day and still rainy the next |
About 90 women from across NSW are here. I am the only one from Canberra!
 |
| Here we all are - listening to candidate speeches |
 |
| Lt Gov. Kerrie, ZI Rep Kathleen (Canada) and DG Carolyn |
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
More Birthdays! (where's the cake??)
This weekend saw the 20th birthday of WDW's Old Key West Resort
So why do we care?
Because it is one of the 3 hotels in which I will be staying on my upcoming trip - YAY! (for me)
The OKW property was opened 20 years ago as Disney's first Vacation Club (think time share) property. The DVC has proven to be a huge money spinner for Disney as theypull in every sucker provide unique and discount holiday experiences for thousands of guests every year. Imagine getting your guests to pay for building the property!! It's a financial planners dream come true.
The property runs very much like any timeshare holiday apartment - buy points in DVC to get access to a range of DVC properties - both the half dozen in the World and some of which are not - such as Hawaii and the US east coast.
Like all Disney resorts Old Key West has a theme. This one is based on the Florida Keys islands that are off the tail of Florida. cue Bertie Higgins:
Let me add that not only does that chair fold out to a single bed, the couch goes out to a queen - so the villa sleeps 5. Also not shown is the laundry room: off the bathroom the laundry room has a full size washer, dryer, safe, vacuum cleaner (yeah right) extra bedding etc.
 |
| Lighthouses are essential in Central Florida - even more so, if like this one, they contain a sauna |
Because it is one of the 3 hotels in which I will be staying on my upcoming trip - YAY! (for me)
The OKW property was opened 20 years ago as Disney's first Vacation Club (think time share) property. The DVC has proven to be a huge money spinner for Disney as they
 |
| I know - but it's late at night, and this was the fastest cartoon I could find. Sometimes I look hard, sometimes not. What do you damn people want from me??!! |
Don't let your kiddies watch this video - several now illegal activities are portrayed.
I really think Eleanor La Gore should have been in that video? She is SOOOO Florida Keys
Back from that little diversion.
Disney has given this an old-southern-Florida-holiday-timeshare-apartment-complex-on a golf course-theme. Pastel shades, timber floors and blinds, palm trees. In fact I am not sure there is even a hidden mickey in the place.
I've just realised .... that's exactly what OKW is ... you know what this means ???
OKW is the only part of WDW that is real! I go to WDW cause everything is FAKE FAKE FAKE - but this resort actually is the very thing it copies! I don't want real .... I'm so confused!
 |
| As a community service I have labelled the real timeshare resorts and the fake Disney timeshare. |
Oh - with that mind twist gone - let's get back to the overview.
Being the very first DVC property, OKW set the standard for what was to come. Self contained apartments, no maid service, no room service, no porters, no elevators and your own washing machine. The joy of OKW is that it has the largest rooms on property, and they were just refurbished in 2010. Look at the shot above and you can see the new floors, blinds, granite benchtops, paint, tiles, couches (or maybe upholstered) - re-painted furniture etc
Have a look at this walk through video where we open the door, wander around and to get a good view of the whole room. All to the sounds of Disney tunes Caribbean steel style! (see we all have a little bit of Eleanor inside each of us ...take it way boys....)
Let me add that not only does that chair fold out to a single bed, the couch goes out to a queen - so the villa sleeps 5. Also not shown is the laundry room: off the bathroom the laundry room has a full size washer, dryer, safe, vacuum cleaner (yeah right) extra bedding etc.
Anyway - so how come I am staying on DVC property? Surely Mrs Banks hasn't wasted hard earned money invested in her next 37 years of holidays in Disney resorts? Oh don't be silly - no no no no.
You can stay at these resorts as a hotel guest, paying cash. Way too much cash. The cheaper option is rent DVC points off a DVC member (who has discovered that he cannot really afford everything that goes with that bi-annual WDW holiday.) Mrs Banks happened to secure me a discount cash rate last February.
I'm all ready to sip my pina colada's from my balcony overlooking the golf course, with the sound of fireworks off in the distance. I'm getting used to it already.
photos were sourced from Walt Disney Company, AllEars.net, Mouse Planet, Medresorts.net,
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Think Pink - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Internationally, October is breast cancer awareness, and Zonta is there.
One of my fellow Club members said the other day that everyone she knows, knows someone who has faced breast cancer.
For me, it was my mother. As she is still alive some 30 years on, everything went successfully for her!
I have worked with a man who had breast cancer in both "breasts" (not really the time for a man boob joke - and I am resisting the temptation to post a link to the Seinfeld episode where Kramer and George's dad invent the "man-sierre")
I have a number of topics to post this month leading up to the International Breast Cancer Day on October 24.
I am going to open with a controversial topic: pinkwashing. I have covered this before, but in 2011 we have a new development.
But first I wonder if you watched the Gruen Planet tonight? For my non-Australian readers, GP is a comedy styled, panel discussion show about the advertising industry, and GP did a session on "pinktober" - the pinking of products in the name of 'cause related marketing'. Is it helping or just cashing in??
I thought the panel gave the topic a good run around the kitchen table - I was impressed that they discussed a range of perspectives and not just fell into the 'bad, large multinationals taking advantage of the advocates'.
Have a look at the show and see for yourself. (I am hoping to replace this with just the pinktober piece eventually - for now you'll have to get to 21:50 mins to see the piece.)
This show gave me a new lead - there is a new Canadian film to be released in 2012 : Pink Ribbons Inc. The film asks the overarching question: "Each year, millions of dollars are raised in the name of breast cancer, but where does this money go and what does it actually achieve?"
It is not my intention to bash fundraising although sometimes I have my doubts - much like the raised eyebrows in the Gruen Planet clip. Not having seen the whole film I can't comment but I will be watching for it's release. I have a belief that everyone shares the same positive intentions: who ever gives a dollar and all the organisations involved in breast cancer - all want to help and assist the situation. In the GP clip discussions are opened with an important line: "first, it's worth separating breast cancer from the actual "pink" extravaganza". And I think that articulates my personal starting point too.
I feel more secure than ever that my club has made the right decision to donate directly to the breast cancer research at John Curtin School of Medical Research at Australian National University; and that the Zonta Breast Cancer Cushion project is useful, necessary and impactful - whilst being a totally transparent project - every single cent raised, every single hour spent goes direct to the woman in her moment of need.
One of my fellow Club members said the other day that everyone she knows, knows someone who has faced breast cancer.
For me, it was my mother. As she is still alive some 30 years on, everything went successfully for her!
I have worked with a man who had breast cancer in both "breasts" (not really the time for a man boob joke - and I am resisting the temptation to post a link to the Seinfeld episode where Kramer and George's dad invent the "man-sierre")
I have a number of topics to post this month leading up to the International Breast Cancer Day on October 24.
I am going to open with a controversial topic: pinkwashing. I have covered this before, but in 2011 we have a new development.
But first I wonder if you watched the Gruen Planet tonight? For my non-Australian readers, GP is a comedy styled, panel discussion show about the advertising industry, and GP did a session on "pinktober" - the pinking of products in the name of 'cause related marketing'. Is it helping or just cashing in??
I thought the panel gave the topic a good run around the kitchen table - I was impressed that they discussed a range of perspectives and not just fell into the 'bad, large multinationals taking advantage of the advocates'.
Have a look at the show and see for yourself. (I am hoping to replace this with just the pinktober piece eventually - for now you'll have to get to 21:50 mins to see the piece.)
This show gave me a new lead - there is a new Canadian film to be released in 2012 : Pink Ribbons Inc. The film asks the overarching question: "Each year, millions of dollars are raised in the name of breast cancer, but where does this money go and what does it actually achieve?"
It is not my intention to bash fundraising although sometimes I have my doubts - much like the raised eyebrows in the Gruen Planet clip. Not having seen the whole film I can't comment but I will be watching for it's release. I have a belief that everyone shares the same positive intentions: who ever gives a dollar and all the organisations involved in breast cancer - all want to help and assist the situation. In the GP clip discussions are opened with an important line: "first, it's worth separating breast cancer from the actual "pink" extravaganza". And I think that articulates my personal starting point too.
I feel more secure than ever that my club has made the right decision to donate directly to the breast cancer research at John Curtin School of Medical Research at Australian National University; and that the Zonta Breast Cancer Cushion project is useful, necessary and impactful - whilst being a totally transparent project - every single cent raised, every single hour spent goes direct to the woman in her moment of need.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Walt Disney World 40th Birthday today!
If you have the fortitude, here is the 1 hour "Wonderful World of
Disney" original broadcast of the grand opening. I enjoy it more for
seeing what Florida and the fashions looked like 40 years ago. Full of
Disney celebrities, 1971 dance moves and dodgy character costumes.
I swear this is the inspiration for Eleanor LaGore, and what Julie Anthony does to Zippeedeedodah is pure inspiration for what Gina Riley did to "I was only 19".
Bob Hope does a clean version of his usual schtick, and those Country Bears are still performing today!
The character orchestra was shipped out to Tokyo Disney years ago, and replaced by the fab Philharmonic 3D film.
If you can get through to 57 mins, Bob returns with a touching tribute to Walt Disney and described a bit of the philosophy behind the park.
Bob's closing line sums up what I suppose I experience when I walk through that entrance tunnel at the Magic Kingdom - a return to the child that lives in all of us.
Happy Birthing Walt Disney World
I swear this is the inspiration for Eleanor LaGore, and what Julie Anthony does to Zippeedeedodah is pure inspiration for what Gina Riley did to "I was only 19".
Bob Hope does a clean version of his usual schtick, and those Country Bears are still performing today!
The character orchestra was shipped out to Tokyo Disney years ago, and replaced by the fab Philharmonic 3D film.
If you can get through to 57 mins, Bob returns with a touching tribute to Walt Disney and described a bit of the philosophy behind the park.
Bob's closing line sums up what I suppose I experience when I walk through that entrance tunnel at the Magic Kingdom - a return to the child that lives in all of us.
Happy Birthing Walt Disney World
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