When All the Women Are Gone
Note: This website is the storyboard for the visual content of my master's thesis.
Women of all races and nationalities are faced, daily, with the threat of violence by a partner, a family member, or a complete stranger. It is the unfortunate plight of all women. Because all women are at risk, it is important to study the impact that violence has globally so that the international community can develop solutions that will rescue women from this constant threat.
When All the Women Are Gone is a white paper that discusses a range of violent actions that women endure all over the globe. The title suggests the most sever, yet, possible outcome for women if this epidemic of violence is not halted.
View the site: When All the Women Are Gone
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Writing Sample: Report
Contracting an Information Services Agency to Develop, Implement and Maintain a Records Management Program
INTRODUCTION
Background
Why Build a Records Management Program
Changes in federal laws concerning the retention of business records has put a spotlight on the need for developing policies to manage this area of an enterprise. The increase in litigation has also contributed to this need. Many companies rely on sparsely formed records policies and loose delegation of records responsibilities to a variety of staff members. This methodology often proves to be faulty because job descriptions are not revised to include records management duties and so employees can easily deny accountability when problems arise. When faced with litigation and compliance with federal regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, a company’s failure to have staff dedicated to managing its records can lead to serious legal troubles.
A records information management program will rectify problems posed by litigation and non-compliance with federal and local laws regarding records retention. Developing an in-house records management program will involve recruitment and training and the added expense of dealing with turnover rates. Contracting a company that specializes in records management design, development, and implementation will lower costs, save time, and insure the availability of trained professionals to maintain company records.
Problem
Failed Corporate Recordkeeping
There have always been state and federal rules regarding the retention and destruction of records produced by businesses. However, the inappropriate destruction of records by infamous companies such as ENRON Corporation and its accounting firm, Arthur Andersen, resulted in a stricter federal law being passed to dissuade such behavior in the future. Today, companies that fail to implement a records management program may be in violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Sarbanes-Oxley ushered in new records retention regulations and added penalties more severe than former records specific laws. “Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the government can bring charges of obstruction of justice if a company destroys potentially relevant records before a subpoena is issued. Violations are punishable by a fine and up to 20 years in prison” (ARMA International, 2008, p. 4).
In addition to assuring compliance with federal regulations, a records management program will protect an organization in the event of litigation. This becomes an even greater point to focus on when electronic records are considered. E-mail, voice and text messages are all considered company records, but this is not often made clear by a company’s senior management. According to HR Focus (2008) only “…21% of organizations [have] given employees a formal definition of “electronic business records.” Since, as the article emphasizes, all records produced by a business can be subpoenaed, it is crucial that all members of an organization clearly understand how records should be managed and eventually destroyed. A solid records management program can make this happen.
Purpose
Program Recommendations
The purpose of this report is two-fold: to recommend the development of a records management program and to argue that the program should be established and run by an outside information services agency as opposed to in-house staff. A records management program will keep the company compliant with state and federal regulations. If the program is contracted out, there will be the added benefit of achieving the goals of a records management program without the costs associated with recruitment, hiring, training new, permanent employees.
Read the entire report: Contracting an Information Services Agency
INTRODUCTION
Background
Why Build a Records Management Program
Changes in federal laws concerning the retention of business records has put a spotlight on the need for developing policies to manage this area of an enterprise. The increase in litigation has also contributed to this need. Many companies rely on sparsely formed records policies and loose delegation of records responsibilities to a variety of staff members. This methodology often proves to be faulty because job descriptions are not revised to include records management duties and so employees can easily deny accountability when problems arise. When faced with litigation and compliance with federal regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, a company’s failure to have staff dedicated to managing its records can lead to serious legal troubles.
A records information management program will rectify problems posed by litigation and non-compliance with federal and local laws regarding records retention. Developing an in-house records management program will involve recruitment and training and the added expense of dealing with turnover rates. Contracting a company that specializes in records management design, development, and implementation will lower costs, save time, and insure the availability of trained professionals to maintain company records.
Problem
Failed Corporate Recordkeeping
There have always been state and federal rules regarding the retention and destruction of records produced by businesses. However, the inappropriate destruction of records by infamous companies such as ENRON Corporation and its accounting firm, Arthur Andersen, resulted in a stricter federal law being passed to dissuade such behavior in the future. Today, companies that fail to implement a records management program may be in violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Sarbanes-Oxley ushered in new records retention regulations and added penalties more severe than former records specific laws. “Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the government can bring charges of obstruction of justice if a company destroys potentially relevant records before a subpoena is issued. Violations are punishable by a fine and up to 20 years in prison” (ARMA International, 2008, p. 4).
In addition to assuring compliance with federal regulations, a records management program will protect an organization in the event of litigation. This becomes an even greater point to focus on when electronic records are considered. E-mail, voice and text messages are all considered company records, but this is not often made clear by a company’s senior management. According to HR Focus (2008) only “…21% of organizations [have] given employees a formal definition of “electronic business records.” Since, as the article emphasizes, all records produced by a business can be subpoenaed, it is crucial that all members of an organization clearly understand how records should be managed and eventually destroyed. A solid records management program can make this happen.
Purpose
Program Recommendations
The purpose of this report is two-fold: to recommend the development of a records management program and to argue that the program should be established and run by an outside information services agency as opposed to in-house staff. A records management program will keep the company compliant with state and federal regulations. If the program is contracted out, there will be the added benefit of achieving the goals of a records management program without the costs associated with recruitment, hiring, training new, permanent employees.
Read the entire report: Contracting an Information Services Agency
Writing Sample: Funding Proposal
Hue Magazine
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2008, positive images of women of color continue to be illusive in the media. Hue Magazine is a new publication that will respond to this imbalance in the representation of thousands of minority women. We are requesting $500,000 in start-up capital from the New York Angels to launch the publication.
Hue will address the concerns of lower to middle income minority women seeking their own images and information about money, family, education, fashion and beauty that fits within the parameters of their lifestyles. The magazine’s office is located in New York City and will be run by the founder, three equity partners, and supporting staff. The magazine is in early production. We are currently recruiting freelance writers and “real women” models for the January 2009 launch.
We hope to meet the following objectives with this publication:
a. To present positive images of women of color.
b. To provide women of color resources on issues that directly impact their lives.
c. To inform women of color about domestic and global issues that affect their communities.
The funds requested will augment previously secured funds for the development, production, and national distribution of the magazine. Future funding has been committed by long-term investment partners. Hue Magazine is also in the process of negotiating reoccurring advertising contracts with major corporations and retailers, which will sustain our product past the projected five year start-up period.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Hue Magazine will celebrate women of color by using real women as models and focusing on the issues that directly affect this demographic including childcare, education, employment, relationships, fashion and beauty, and money. We request financing in the amount of $500,000 to cover expenses associated with start-up, design and production, circulation and distribution.
Historically, women of color (including African American, Hispanic and Asian American, and other groups) have been absent from or misrepresented in print magazines. The standard of beauty offered to women’s magazine readers does not often focus on the attributes of women of color. With 83 percent of the adult African American population and 75 percent of the adult Hispanic population representing magazine readers, presenting images of white runway models as the example of womanhood to strive for is not realistic, nor desirable to the minority community. In addition, many of the women’s magazines on newsstands cater to the higher income members of our population. And even when minority women are showcased, such as in Essence, Latina, and East West magazines, celebrities and not the common woman are usually featured. Hue Magazine will educate and inform women of color about what is happening in their own communities and in the world, while also celebrating the beauty of women that comes in multiple shades.
Read the entire roposal: Hue Magazine
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2008, positive images of women of color continue to be illusive in the media. Hue Magazine is a new publication that will respond to this imbalance in the representation of thousands of minority women. We are requesting $500,000 in start-up capital from the New York Angels to launch the publication.
Hue will address the concerns of lower to middle income minority women seeking their own images and information about money, family, education, fashion and beauty that fits within the parameters of their lifestyles. The magazine’s office is located in New York City and will be run by the founder, three equity partners, and supporting staff. The magazine is in early production. We are currently recruiting freelance writers and “real women” models for the January 2009 launch.
We hope to meet the following objectives with this publication:
a. To present positive images of women of color.
b. To provide women of color resources on issues that directly impact their lives.
c. To inform women of color about domestic and global issues that affect their communities.
The funds requested will augment previously secured funds for the development, production, and national distribution of the magazine. Future funding has been committed by long-term investment partners. Hue Magazine is also in the process of negotiating reoccurring advertising contracts with major corporations and retailers, which will sustain our product past the projected five year start-up period.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Hue Magazine will celebrate women of color by using real women as models and focusing on the issues that directly affect this demographic including childcare, education, employment, relationships, fashion and beauty, and money. We request financing in the amount of $500,000 to cover expenses associated with start-up, design and production, circulation and distribution.
Historically, women of color (including African American, Hispanic and Asian American, and other groups) have been absent from or misrepresented in print magazines. The standard of beauty offered to women’s magazine readers does not often focus on the attributes of women of color. With 83 percent of the adult African American population and 75 percent of the adult Hispanic population representing magazine readers, presenting images of white runway models as the example of womanhood to strive for is not realistic, nor desirable to the minority community. In addition, many of the women’s magazines on newsstands cater to the higher income members of our population. And even when minority women are showcased, such as in Essence, Latina, and East West magazines, celebrities and not the common woman are usually featured. Hue Magazine will educate and inform women of color about what is happening in their own communities and in the world, while also celebrating the beauty of women that comes in multiple shades.
Read the entire roposal: Hue Magazine
Writing Sample: Speech
Freedom for Survivors of Domestic Violence
As warriors in the war against domestic violence we have all been privy to stories of survivors. Stories that have driven every social worker, court advocate, shelter worker, and call center volunteer present tonight to fight harder for victims of intimate partner abuse. Stories like that of the Chelsea, Massachusetts woman who was unable to complete college courses because her abusive husband controlled her time and her access to transportation and money. Or the Yemeni-American woman from Chicago who was beaten by her husband during three pregnancies, but was encouraged to be “obedient” by her father. And the military wife from Texas who was choked by her husband, an Iraq War Veteran, on Christmas day.
These women all suffered from on-going abuse. Each of them lacked significant education and were rendered financially dependent by their situations. Equipping survivors of domestic violence with educational opportunities and sources of funding helps them to gain the independence that will lead to the end of their abusive relationships.
According to the Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition, one in four women will become a victim of domestic violence. Women with deficiencies in education and limited financial resources are more vulnerable to abuse. As advocates of survivors, we are charged with providing tools that will enable victims to start new lives without falling into abusive relationships ever again. Education and financial independence can end the cycle of domestic violence.
Read the entire speech: Freedom for Survivors of Domestic Violence
As warriors in the war against domestic violence we have all been privy to stories of survivors. Stories that have driven every social worker, court advocate, shelter worker, and call center volunteer present tonight to fight harder for victims of intimate partner abuse. Stories like that of the Chelsea, Massachusetts woman who was unable to complete college courses because her abusive husband controlled her time and her access to transportation and money. Or the Yemeni-American woman from Chicago who was beaten by her husband during three pregnancies, but was encouraged to be “obedient” by her father. And the military wife from Texas who was choked by her husband, an Iraq War Veteran, on Christmas day.
These women all suffered from on-going abuse. Each of them lacked significant education and were rendered financially dependent by their situations. Equipping survivors of domestic violence with educational opportunities and sources of funding helps them to gain the independence that will lead to the end of their abusive relationships.
According to the Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition, one in four women will become a victim of domestic violence. Women with deficiencies in education and limited financial resources are more vulnerable to abuse. As advocates of survivors, we are charged with providing tools that will enable victims to start new lives without falling into abusive relationships ever again. Education and financial independence can end the cycle of domestic violence.
Read the entire speech: Freedom for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
