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October 2023
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Supporting Veterans in the Workplace4/4/2023 In 2021, about 19 million individuals in the US were veterans. These individuals have the skills and training to help address the country’s workforce shortage. Unfortunately, over half of these individuals said finding a job was a top transition challenge.
Although it’s generally not a concern for military veterans to worry about finding a job, a 2022 study by Forbes revealed that many of them cite mental health issues as a reason for being unable to find a job. Also, over a quarter of unemployed veterans have no desire to work. Employment instability can lead to various issues, such as an increased risk of experiencing mental health issues. Despite the obstacles that military veterans face on their path to success, I believe that there are still steps that organizations can take to support them in their employment and improve their rates of success. One of the most important factors businesses can consider when supporting veterans is their willingness to provide them with the necessary resources and support. Here are four steps that leaders and companies can take to support military veterans in the workplace. Share which resources are available Consider providing benefits such as health insurance and other perks. When supporting military veterans, ensure the resources are easily accessible and have no negative consequences. This will help combat the confusion that many veterans have when it comes to seeking treatment. Offering generous health benefits can boost the happiness and productivity of your employees. Studies have shown that happy employees are more productive. Actively combat stigmas in the workplace Make sure that your employees know that you value their well-being and health. This can be done through regular communication and by establishing a supportive environment. In addition, leaders should regularly inform themselves about veterans’ challenges and obstacles. Some veterans avoid discussing their issues because they fear being fired or damaging their relationships. The workplace should be a safe environment for those needing to discuss their problems. Support training and upskilling Although many military veterans receive specialized training, it’s not always easy to repackage these skills and transfer them into the workforce. There are many programs that can help both civilians and veterans find their footing. Training programs designed to support civilian and military communities can help make the transition easier. An effective and more efficient workforce can help lead to a happier life. Start an affinity group Various companies have employee resource groups designed to help create a more welcoming and diverse work environment. An affinity group for veterans can be a safe space where former service members can bond and share their experiences. Leaders must take the time to address their employees’ mental health concerns, especially those at risk. Not only will it improve the company’s bottom line, but it will also give veterans the support they need to succeed in the workplace.
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Debunking Myths About Lobbying4/4/2023 As the racial justice movement in the US has gained momentum, many nonprofits are now looking into how they can address the systemic injustice that has affected the country. While we have already advocated for a mission, changing the legislative structure to address these issues can be hard.
Many nonprofits are concerned about the potential impact of political advocacy on their operations. This is due to the IRS’s vague laws regarding the extent to which certain charitable organizations can influence legislation. Many nonprofits are also surprised to learn they can freely participate in lobbying and advocacy activities. Here are some common myths about these activities. Myth #1: Advocacy and lobbying are the same Advocacy aims to support a cause and help achieve legal and social change. Since many nonprofits are focused on addressing specific issues, they are constantly engaged in advocacy. The Alliance for Justice claims that lobbying is not exclusively advocacy. A project must involve communicating with legislators about a certain legislation to be considered a lobbying activity. It must also urge the public to contact the officials concerned. The IRS places restrictions on the activities of nonprofits in lobbying. Nonprofits need to know that they can still participate in advocacy activities without worrying about IRS restrictions. Myth #2: Nonprofits can’t lobby The IRS has regulations and policies requiring certain charitable organizations to follow to maintain their tax-exempt status. Despite these restrictions, certain nonprofits are still allowed to participate in lobbying activities. These activities can be carried out if they pass either an expenditure or substantial parts test. The expenditure test allows organizations to report their activities related to lobbying. However, activities that are aimed at influencing legislation are prohibited. The IRS also provides guidelines that can help determine if certain activities are in compliance with the lobbying laws of nonprofits. Myth #3: Nonprofits can’t get involved in public policy Although nonprofits can’t influence legislation, they can still participate in public policy discussions if they are focused on educating the public. This is because legislation and public policy are interrelated. However, since lobbying can affect a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status, the organization’s involvement must be restricted. Recent Posts |