IAPES LIBERTY BELL Volume 2, Issue 3 May 2001 Calendar Jun. 16-21: 88th Annual Educational Conference and Convention - Little Rock, Arkansas Jun 30: Deadline for submission to July Liberty Bell IN THE SPOTLIGHT Spring is Sprung! Our Spring Institute is now history. It was held April 26th and 27th at the Holiday Inn West in Mechanicsburg. Chapter President Alan Williamson welcomed the participants to the excellent facilities. Robin Parsons Parsons, from Development and Training told us all about "Who Moved the Cheese?" Her hat was worth the price of admission. Mike Mrvichin, our District III Representative from New Jersey, gave us a Region Update report. After his presentation, we indulged in a round of nomination which resulted in an election making Acting Treasurer Audrey Bergstresser Treasurer Audrey Bergstresser. In a novel and instructive presentation, representatives from BETO Region 5 told us of the pains and rewards of their transition to a customer-focused agency. Dolores Geesaman, Larry Fitzgibbon, Sharon Royer, Bill Piatak, Rose Ann Miller and Dennis Burns did an excellent job of describing their experiences from a poignant and personal point of view. On Friday, we heard an OVR success story as told by Steve Nasuti. He spoke on managing change in OVR. "Change" seems to be a topic that is on everyone's mind these days. Audrey Bergstresser presented a video on Opportunity in the Workplace and led a lively discussion thereafter. Our final speaker before the closing Luncheon was Bob Kerr Kerr, who gave us an on-line NetG demonstration. NetG is education-in-a-browser. There are a variety of on-line courses to learn the various applications that are becoming part of our every day work experience. The Institute concluded with a luncheon that featured Secretary of Labor and Industry Johnny Butler as speaker. Mr. Butler gave a rousing talk and left us with a great deal to think about. Throughout this issue, you will find snapshots from the Institute. To those of you who attended — Thank you. Those of you who did not attend missed a fine event. You can recover, however, by planning to attend the Fall Institute in October. Details to RETIREE'S CORNER Geri Shaner The Golden Spike For my first article I would like to share with you some information sent to me by John Grier, one of our fellow retired IAPES members. Sometime in December 2000 I received the following letter. Dear Geri,. Uncounted numbers of spikes anchoring the rails across the continent guarantee continuity of the railroad service. The Employment Service in a variety of forms works similarly, while adjusting to legislative vagaries and local whims. As a beneficiary (Post WW II, 1946) of The Service, and often partner, volunteer and amplifier of its unique activities over a half century, I must always speak up in behalf of the original service and the dedicated professionals who have worked to honor the basic concepts of the Service over the decades. Discovery during a “retirement housecleaning” of the souvenir spikes remaining from that Spring trip in the Midwest prompted the expression of sentiment and appreciation tagged to The Spike. However corny this icon may seem, perhaps it might act as a paperweight as well as a reminder of the inherent integrity and viability of the Employment Service basic to the daily work throughout the world’s greatest economy. Sincerely, John J. Grier ATTACHED TO THE RAIL SPIKE IS A CARD THAT READS: THE GOLDEN SPIKE In the Spring of 1967 some students of the Clinton, IA Job Corps Center and I went across the river to Southern Illinois to witness the decommissioning of a spur of the Southern Illinois RR that was part of the initial construction of the first cross-country railroad, the Union Pacific. This spike held a rail laid in 1863. It is one of a handful given our little group as an appropriate souvenir for a special workforce program that itself aimed to be nationwide. (I’ve added the gold color to symbolize the relationship with the original nationwide railroad.) The Employment Service is the “Golden Spike” that holds together the workforce information system: keeping it on the rails. J. J. Grier 12/ 00 I would like to thank John for providing us with this very interesting information and trivia. I am sure it was of great interest to everyone. FOCUS ON VETERANS Tyrone T. Dancy From the Desk of The Veteran's Chair I thank the executive board for making this year; the year Pa. IAPES Chapter honors Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans by permitting disabled veterans to join our chapter at a reduced fee. By this act, we are recognizing and honoring the men and women of Pennsylvania who incurred disabilities while in service to our country. A new stamp is scheduled to be issued in May. The stamp features a photograph of the United States flag and the phrase, “honoring veterans.” As a way to continue our acknowledging and honoring veterans, I urge members, their families, friends and colleagues to purchase and use this stamp on all their mail. I’m hoping that, by using this stamp and placing it upon an envelope, the act will serve as a reminder to all that the men and women of the wars of yesteryear and the skirmishes of today have given so much in order for us to enjoy our democracy. There is a campaign in progress; it is called “the Purple Heart Stamp Campaign.” I’m a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Inc. ( MOPH), comprised of combat-wounded veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal by the government of the United States. The Purple Heart medal is our nation’s oldest military decoration. It originated during the revolutionary war. Initially called the “Badge of Military Merit”, it was created by our first president of the United States, General George Washington. Today the medal is awarded to those who have been wounded by enemy gunfire while displaying outstanding gallantry and valor. This medal is one of the most prestigious to be awarded by the government of the United States. As a result of the requirements of the Purple Heart medal, reserved only for those who have made great sacrifices in service and defense of our nation, they deserve to be recognized by a U.S. Postal stamp. The image of the Purple Heart has come to represent all that is admirable and honorable in the men and women wounded or killed in action, and it signifies the glory of their patriotism. Therefore, an effort is currently underway to petition the U.S. Postmaster General to authorize the creation of an official U.S. postage stamp displaying the image of the Purple Heart medal. (To see that image go to: www.purpleheart.org.) Please join me and encourage others to write a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General urging the authorization and creation of the Purple Heart stamp. For example, the wording of your letter could be something like this: “Dear Dr. Noelke, Chair: On behalf of over 1.3 million Americans who have earned the Purple Heart medal in defense of our nation, we urge you to recognize their front line Valor through the issuance of the Purple Heart stamp.” You can send your letter in support of the Purple Heart stamp to: Dr. Virginia Noelke Chair of the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee Room 4474E, U.S. Postal stamp Development 475 L’ Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20260-0010 On July 7th, 2001 I’m dedicating my radio program, the Veterans Hour broadcast to the wives of disabled veterans by airing their stories and hearing about what it’s like to be married to a combat wounded veteran, particularly the severely wounded. What are the hardships and pain? Were you married before your husband was wounded? In what way did things change? Did you marry after he was wounded? Does your husband’s wounds create additional stresses? If so, how do you cope? It is time to hear from the heroic women behind the wounded combat veterans. I’m sure some of you have stories to tell. If you are interested in participating or know of someone who may be, please express your desire by emailing me. Tdancy2502@aol.com or call me @ 215-560-5465. The Veterans Hour radio program is aired the first Saturday each month from 6-7pm on WADS-AM (1480) Philadelphia the voice of the veterans community for 10 years. Ponder this: the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” THE PRESIDENT'S PEN Alan Williamson Networking — A Path to Individual Growth and Success An ingredient to excelling while going through change is to develop and practice the ability to effectively network with peers. An excellent opportunity to do this is while attending one of the Chapter’s Educational Institutes or an International Conference, like the one in Little Rock, Arkansas in June 2001. Human beings are social creatures and our relationships are crucial to our happiness and satisfaction, if not to our very existence. I believe most people really enjoy being nice to one another and helping each other when they can and that is what networking is about — developing relationships with people that have interests and concerns similar to your own. Many of these people will talk with you because they have an interest in both you and they succeeding. Many professionals complain that they don’t know enough people to allow networking to work for them. How many is enough? Keep in mind that you don’t have to know a great many people at the beginning. Everybody knows somebody. Start with the few you already know and allow them to introduce you to folks they know. Pretty soon you will have plenty of contacts. What do you talk about? Your purpose for networking is to get advice and information about trends in your area of interest such as your program area. In order for that to happen, you have to get to know yourself and you have to make some effort to get to know others. You have to be open to new possibilities. It is no secret that we talk most easily with people we know and with whom we are comfortable. This means for every person you talk to, you will need to establish or develop some rapport. In effect, you have to get them to like you. Use whatever time you need to accomplish this and take advantage of whatever you have in common with the other person. For example, you can begin by learning: - how they got into their line of work - how their work is going now - how they like their work - names of others you can talk to in order to learn more Here are some do’s and don’ts of networking that I have found to be effective: Do: - give as much information as your are seeking to receive - follow up on leads you get - call members of your network at times other than just when you need something - take advice when you have asked for it - deliver on your promises - circulate at network meetings - support and promote other people as well as yourself - know your skills, accomplishments and goals - have a ready supply of business cards to exchange so you have a record of names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the individuals you talk to Don’t: - be afraid to ask for what you need - pass up any opportunities to network - be discouraged if someone is unresponsive to your networking overtures - expect any group to meet all your needs Finally, I want to give you seven good reasons for developing your networking skills: 1. Improves your personal growth. 2. You meet new friends. 3. Increases your personal recognition. 4. Encourages you to attend professional seminars. 5. Develops your leadership skills. 6. Increases your self esteem. 7. Helps you gain technical and professional skills. I wish you well in your efforts to develop and apply your networking skills. Remember, you only get out of things what you put into them. IAPES LEGAL ISSUES William Moulfair Legislative Update Workgroups are being established nationwide to address various initiatives facing the publicly funded workforce development system. The US Department of Labor (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is convening six workgroups to help overcome Workforce Investment Act (WIA) implementation barriers. The ETA workgroups will look at: 1. One-stop service integration and cost allocation 2. Registration, eligibility, tiers of service, and expenditures for WIA adult and dislocated worker services 3. WIA Individual Training Accounts and Eligible Training Providers 4. Youth Program services 5. Attracting and retaining employers on Work force Investment Boards (WIB) 6. Strengthening Youth Councils Each workgroup is to consist of five state, five local, and five federal representatives, as well as representatives of other one-stop partner programs, where appropriate. The workgroups are scheduled to meet three times between May and September 2001. To help support the new occupational coding system, O* NET, which is replacing the old Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) system used by Job Service, the National O* NET Consortium is establishing a DOT to O* NET Conversion Workgroup. This workgroup will assess progress in converting from DOT to O* NET, and identify resources and assistance to complete the transition. The workgroup will be comprised of state and federal program experts. In other news, US Senate Majority Whip Don Nickles said he wants to include in a bill to raise the federal minimum wage a provision that would reduce the current capital gains tax from 20 to 15 percent. Other provisions expected to be included in the proposed bill include several tax cuts for small businesses and self-employed individuals. US Senate Republican leaders appear to be willing to agree to a $1.00 an hour minimum wage increase; but they also seek labor law changes that could allow employers to address flexible working hours and overtime compensation for hourly wage earners. President Bush has said he supports a minimum wage increase if states are allowed to opt out of it. US Senate Democrats, led by Senator Ted Kennedy, are asking for a $1.50 an hour increase in the minimum wage over three years. US House leaders from both parties are taking a “wait and see approach” on the minimum wage increase. The IAPES Liberty Bell is published bi-monthly by the PA Chapter of IAPES and is distributed for the information of the membership. Submit articles and information to Editor: Rich Wertman at rwertman@dli.state.pa.us, E-mail drcs@enter.net or Mail to: Dianne Bott 1405 Labor & Industry Bldg. Harrisburg, PA 17121 Officers: President: Alan Williamson President Elect: Paula Bauer Secretary: Vicki Bloes Treasur: Audrey Bergstresser MEMBERSHIP UPDATE Membership Report Membership is the lifeblood of IAPES, constituting about 80 percent of the association’s income and operating revenue. The peak membership attained by IAPES was in 1977, when totals reached 33,503. Since that time, and especially since the 1980s, declining membership has been the trend. As of April 2, 2001, membership for 2001 totaled 12,516 worldwide. Historical records indicate that the association’s penetration rate to employment, unemployment, training and related programs’ total staffing is about 33 percent, despite the fact that IAPES is the only professional and educational association that supports the system’s grassroots employees. IAPES is committed strongly to reversing this trend. In August 2000, I met with Alan and Paula to set our membership goal for 2001. After some discussion, we decided to work to increase our membership by 10 percent, for a total of 135. I am very happy to report that as of April 20, 2001, we had reached that goal. We have now exceeded our goal. At our Spring Institute we acquired four (4) new members, which brings us to a total of 139 members. Please welcome the following new members to our organization: Deborah Breuer, DPW, Cumberland County; David Burns, BECS, Lewisburg Job Center; Lovinia ( Bonnie) Carter, Private Sector; and Sharon Hoban, TPCL, Cumberland County CareerLink. You may wonder why we are interested in increasing our membership numbers so early in the membership year (January 1 through December 31, 2001). Each chapter’s voting strength for the annual convention is based proportionately on its membership. Two at-large votes are given to each state, US territory and Canadian province. In addition, each of the states, territories, provinces or represented corresponding political subdivision of other countries receives one vote for every 100 (or major fraction of 100) full members in good standing, as shown by the International Secretary-treasurer’s records exactly 30 days before the annual convention’s opening date date. Transmittal cutoff for voting credentials is May 16, 2001. This means that the number of members submitted to International by that date will determine the number of votes Pennsylvania has. The May/June issue of Workforce Professional will contain coverage of the Executive Board Meeting, which was held March 21-24 in Raleigh, NC, as well as full texts of proposals to change the Bylaws, Handbook or other documents and/ or official IAPES publications as required by the IAPES Constitution. These changes may require a by-state vote. This is where our voting strength is important. Membership Awards May 16th is also the deadline for submitting nominees for International Membership Awards. • International Membership Contest – The chapters with the highest percentage increase from the previous year in each of three groups (large, medium and small) win this contest. As of April 2, 2001, PA had reached 100 percent of the previous years membership (126). We are now at 110 percent (139). • President’s Special Award – Awarded to the chapter with the highest percentage of member retention during the membership year. As of April 2, 2001, PA is at 83 percent. • January Jumpstart! – The winners are determined as the chapters transmitting: 1) the highest percentage of their previous year’s total membership – PA was 79.4%; 2) the most new members – PA had 12; and 3) the highest percentage of renewals – PA was 70%. Deadline for transmitting, with full payment, to the Executive Office was January 22 ( postmark date). The Chapters earning top honors in the annual membership growth and retention contest are: Alaska – highest percentage increase over previous year’s total membership – increased 300%; Louisiana – most new members – 223; District of Columbia – highest percentage of membership renewals – 100%. Bronze Key Award – Presented to all individuals who sign 10 new members during the membership. Nominations may be submitted at any time during the membership year, but only those received by the Executive Office by May 16th will be recognized during the convention in Little Rock, AK. To date, PA has no Bronze Key winners for 2001. • Gold Key Award – Presented to the individual who recruits the most new members during the membership year. • Keeper Korps – Presented to the individual from each chapter who is most responsible for membership renewal achievement. As a result of her efforts, Immediate Past President Diane Bott will be nominated for this award. She was responsible for the renewal of 27 members as well as convincing three ( 3) members to rejoin the Chapter. • International President’s Honor Roll – Recognizes all chapter members who are active during the association year, and contributed to the association’s overall goals and objectives not only by recruiting members, but also by participating in activities and promoting leadership. As a result of her efforts, Treasurer and Education Chair Audrey Bergstresser will be nominated for this award. She has also served as Program Chair, has attended at least 75 percent of all state and local sponsored activities, and has recruited more than 10 new or renewed members. To date, Audrey has recruited 13 members – three new and 10 renewed. Remember! There is still time for YOU to be eligible for an award. Just remember – all you need to do is “Just Ask!” Thanks to all of you who have contributed to reaching our goal. Below are listed those individuals whose name was listed as “Recruited by” on membership applications submitted to me. • Audrey Bergstresser – 13 (3 new, 10 renewed) • Tony Betti – 5 (3 new, 2 renewed) • Vicki Bloes – 1 (1 new) • Diane Bott – 6 (3 new, 3 renewed) • Tyrone Dancy – 2 (1 new, 1 renewed) • Minta Johnson – 2 (2 renewed) • Mary Lynn Kowalski – 1 (1 new) • Angela Lenzi – 3 (3 new) March Madness Contest Winner • Marcia Levitsky – 5 (3 new, 2 renewed) • Brian Rice – 1 (1 new) • Geri Shaner – 3 (3 renewed) • Janis Sloka – 1 (1 new) • Justin Sweeney – 1 (1 new) • Steve Wantz – 1 (1 new) • Kathy Watazychyn – 1 (1 new) • Alan Williamson – 3 (2 new, 1 renewed) March Madness Contest Winner You all received information regarding the March Madness membership contest. The winner would be the one individual who recruited the most new members during the month of March. We are pleased to announce that the winner is Angela Lenzi from the Mercer County CareerLink. Angela and her new recruits, Roberta Crandall, Lila Savage, and Vincent Darcangelo, will be treated to a lunch of pizza. Moe Simmons, Greg and I will travel to the CareerLink to help celebrate with Angela. I would like to also announce that Roberta and Lila are employees of one of our partners – Green Thumb, Inc., of Sharon. Congratulations Angela! MEMBERSHIP AWARDS REPORT Minta Johnson Award Recipients Honored at Spring Conference As a result of a December 15, 2000, memorandum from Deputy Secretary of UC Pro grams and President- Elect Alan Williamson, soliciting nominations for the 2000 IAPES/L& I Pride Awards Program, a total of ten (10) nominees were received. After a thorough review by Awards Chairman Tony Betti, Vicki Bloes, Tyrone Dancy and me, two of the nominees met all the criteria for submission to International for judging. Those submissions were returned to me by Mike Mrvichin, District 3 Representative, at the Spring Conference indicating that PA’s submission had not won awards for the categories of Award of Merit – Group, or Veterans Services Award – Service Delivery Office. The main obstacle that the chapter faced in submitting nominations to International was the membership requirement. For individual awards, the nominee must have been a member during the year preceding the Awards year as well as the current Awards year, i.e. 2000 and 2001. For group awards, two-thirds of the group participants must have met the membership criteria. However, the PA chapter decided that the membership requirement would be waived for nominees at the state level. As a result, five nominees were recognized at the Awards Ceremony held during the luncheon at the Spring Institute on April 27, 2001. Each recipient received a certificate presented by Secretary Johnny Butler. Those recipients were as follows: • Award of Merit – Group Award: Presented for “Solving the Puzzle of Customer Satisfaction” course, Development Team. Nominated by Vicki Bloes. Accepted by Linda Lentz. • Veteran Services Award – Small Office: Presented to St. Marys CareerLink. Nominated by and accepted by Charles Finger. • LVER of the Year Award: Presented to Charles Koegler. Nominated by Carole Pipetti. • Process Improvement Award – Multi Office: Presented to the “UC Tax Information Line” Workgroup. Nominated by Laura Reohr. Accepted by Scot Miedrich. • Team Excellence Award – Multi Office: Presented to E. A. W. Committee’s Development of the Plan for ES Participation in CareerLink Enrollment Process. Nominated by Linda Trimpey. Accepted by Marcia Levitsky. Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to those of you who took the time out of your very busy schedules to write the nominations. Awards Update In a recent communiqué from International, we have learned that the criteria for submission of Awards as well as the categories of Awards have been revised. During the 1999/2000-program year, the Executive Board formed a committee to look at the IAPES Awards program and how well it reflected the current Workforce Development arena. The committee found many areas that were outdated, inconsistent and under-recognized. The program is now divided into two broad areas: Advancing Workforce Development and Advancing IAPES objectives. A standardized nomination form has been developed for each area, eliminating the separate form for each award nomination. There are now separate point systems for judging the winners versus Chapter Achievement points in most categories. One of the major changes relates to membership status. As noted above, in order to submit a nomination to International for judging, individuals had to have been members for the previous as well as the current membership year, and two-thirds of the participants in a group initiative must have been members for the same period. As a result of the revised IAPES Award Program, International will begin accepting nominations regardless of member status. Additional points will be awarded during the judging phase for nominees who are members. Another major change involves the awarding of points for Chapter Achievement. This is the category that measures the quality, quantity and effectiveness of services provided by the state chapters. It is the chapter’s performance evaluation. Points are now given for International Development and for Retiree. However, in order to end the on-going battle over the equity of points awarded for Membership activities, International will give recognition, but there will now be NO points given for Membership. What this means to PA is that we will have a better opportunity to qualify for recognition at the International level since we will not have to compete against larger states which historically have 100 percent participation in membership activities. Look for the announcement of our Awards Program in the Fall. If you have any questions, your Sub-chapter Chairperson should have received a copy of the 2001 Revised IAPES Awards Program. Listed below are the Sub-chapter Chairs: • Sub-chapter Chair – West: Martha Kraus, Work Phone: (412) 664-6908; e- mail mkraus@dli.state.pa.us. • Sub-chapter Chair – East: Marcia Levitsky, Work Phone: (610) 270-1329; e- mail: mlevitsky@dli.state.pa.us. • Sub-chapter Chair – Central: Tony Godlewski, Work Phone: (814) 947-3788; email: agodlewski@dli.state.pa.us. • Sub- chapter Chair – Central Office: Tony Betti, Work Phone: (717) 772-8827; email: abetti@dli.state.pa.us. Again, thanks to all of you who submitted your co-workers for one of these awards. Next year we should be able to submit more nominations for International judging. Congratulations to All of the Winners