The
Monthly E-Newsnote for Centerpoint Institute for
Life and Career Renewal November 2006
connectingpoint
…inspiring people to discover
creativity, passion, and renewed commitment in life and at work
”Be
thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on
what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.”
--Oprah Winfrey
As the
busy-ness of the holidays approach, take a moment right now to relax and catch
up with all that’s happening at Centerpoint. Also, plan to stop by between now
and the end of the year to spend an hour in our peaceful and renewing location
reading a book, sitting and listening to the calming sound of the fountain, or
strolling around the campus through the fall leaves and greenery. Most of all,
remember to breathe!
In this
issue
Click on
the following links in order to jump ahead
o
Can You
Spare a Bit of Time For…?
In this
month of Thanksgiving, Centerpoint has much for which it is grateful. In last
month’s e-newsnote, I mentioned that the board was holding
a visioning session. An amazing group of 22 people attended with a range
of connections to Centerpoint. Some hadn’t even heard about us before they
came; others had been involved for many years. They came from a variety of
backgrounds, ages, and brought an abundance of experience and insights. We are
so thankful for their generous time and support.
We began
with the question: “What
does Centerpoint need to do/be in order to build on what we’ve already
accomplished and create a viable and sustainable future?” As the board continues to sift through all of
the feedback for the next steps we need to take, I’d like to share some of the
major themes that arose. As you read through them, I hope there are areas that
draw you in and inspire you to help out!
1)
Centerpoint as an
organization needs to step back and develop a concrete, specific business plan. We have a broad strategic plan but the
group was clear that we needed to articulate a more specific roadmap for the
future.
2)
Expand the Board. We need more hands helping including
those with expertise in the areas of marketing, public relations, human
resources, and business development.
3)
Find new and/or
alternative funding sources.
To establish an organization with financial viability and a sustainable, abundant
future, Centerpoint needs to look creatively at positioning, branding, pricing,
targeting new markets, and other sources of funding.
4)
Create an alumni
network. We have
developed a very large alumni group over the past almost 15 years but have not
as yet found a way to tap it effectively. There is so much potential for
building community and connections and we need to find ways for alumni to be an
ongoing part of this.
Personally,
my goals are clear: write the book based on the Centerpoint Cycles of Change,
find more avenues for public and keynote speaking (especially paid gigs J),
do more TV and radio interviews, and continue to lead Centerpoint through its
upcoming growth and development.
If you want
to learn more about how you can get involved in any of these initiatives or
have additional ideas and resources that we need to know about, please contact me or our board chair, Rhonda
Brown. We’d be most appreciative.
I wish you
and yours a peaceful and renewing Thanksgiving!
Carol
Vecchio
Co-Founder
and Executive Director
A Note from Megan
As November
rolls on by and we grow closer and closer to the holiday, I can’t help but hear
my Mama’s voice asking me “What are you thankful for?”…I won’t tell you what my
rebellious, very disrespectful teenage response was J. As
I get older I feel like I am becoming more aware of the little things and actually
being thankful for them; like having a job, food in my belly, a roof over my
head and most importantly family and friends. So, just a quick little reminder
to be thankful for your surroundings, for the hardships we endure, the changes
to come and the life we have been blessed with.
Megan Murphy
Front Office Manager
Don’t Forget!
The
office will be closed Thursday November 23rd and Friday November 24th
due to the holidays. Have a safe and happy long weekend; see you on Monday at
10 am!
Planning Ahead…
Give
an experience instead of “stuff” this holiday season. Know someone with whom
you’d like to share the gift of a Centerpoint service? We offer Gift
Certificates in any amount. You can purchase one for a particular workshop
(like Passion Search) or for a few individual career counseling sessions. Or,
if you prefer, choose a dollar amount and leave it up to the recipient to
decide which services would fit him/her best.
Contact
Megan by phone 206.686.5433 or email to arrange this special gesture.
Wouldn’t it be great to assist someone you care about find their way through
their life and career changes?
FYI:
Next month we close for the holidays on Friday, December 22nd at 3
pm and reopen on Tuesday, January 2nd at 10 am.
Wednesday,
Nov 29: Cycles Of Change™ Open House
Join us November
29th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm here at Centerpoint to find out more about
our professional certification program.
Find out
all the details on our website.
Please call 206.686.5433 or email us to register.
How Introverts Can Thrive in an Extroverted
World
Do you naturally identify
as an introvert? Do you get a little overwhelmed when you need to meet and talk
to new people? Well not to worry, we have a class for you! Join Jo Kelly Welch
on December 2 and 9th to learn strategies that you can put into
practice to help you communicate more effectively, especially with people you
don't know, non-members $77, member price $66. Please call 206.686.5433 or email us to register.
Early Career
Passion Search
A Passion Search
class designed specifically for people in their 20s and 30s. Explore your own passion in a group of your
peers. Join facilitator, Cody Strauss
beginning Tuesday evenings on December 6th from 6:15-9:15pm. Please
call 206.686.5433 or email us to register.
LifeWork Renewal
If you or someone
you know is in need of gaining a fresh new perspective on the changes you have
been experiencing in your life and work then this just might be the right fit! Upcoming classes: condensed session (includes
Associate Membership) Thursday November 30th with
Passion Search
Uncover what gives your
life meaning and purpose. Create a
clear, compelling vision for your next chapter. Upcoming classes: Thursday
evenings from 6:30-9pm with
If you are interested in
a class but have scheduling conflicts, Centerpoint keeps track of requests for
date and time changes or additions.
Individual sessions are also available. Please contact us
for more information.
Also on the calendar…
KPLU Advanced
Education Fair
There is no
single location where people interested in an advanced degree can go to find
out all the local offerings and speak to representatives from colleges and
universities. Many people in the area
are finding that they need that extra degree to compete in the workplace, but
don’t know where to start. This event is designed for them - to allow them to
interact with educators, get a true feeling about the programs as well as the
people.
The Details
When: January 16, 2007, 3-8pm
Where:
Who will be there: Local, regional and
national colleges and universities
Who will attend:
What
will happen: There will be a combination of panels,
workshops and speakers along with the Universities present. We anticipate panels on practical matters
such as “How to Finance the Degree” and some inspirational subjects based on
personal success stories. Carol Vecchio of Centerpoint will provide a workshop on
“How Does an Advanced Degree Fit Into Your Future?” and they are working on a
keynote speaker for the event as well.
Stay tuned
for more info!
Can You Spare a Bit of Time
For…?
Catalog
Distribution: It’s
that time of year again! The catalogs have gone to press and we’re awaiting
their arrival. This means we need distribution volunteers to help contribute
their time and transportation in getting Centerpoint’s catalogs to certain
areas in and around
Career Forum: Do you have a passion for writing?
It can be anything from technical, creative, grant, freelance, musical, etc.
You name it we want it! Next trimester we are sponsoring a career forum focused
on as many aspects of writing as we can manage. We are in need of a few
dedicated volunteers to help assist us in putting together all the minor and
major details in order to make this event successful. The work for the project
begins today and the actual forum will be held on Thursday, March 29 from 6:30
to 8:30 pm. If you are ready to volunteer your time, energy and creative
brainstorming capabilities then please, don’t hesitate and contact us today!
As a
non-profit organization, Centerpoint strives to serve the community in every
way possible. We need your help to do that. Following is a list of items that
Centerpoint will need to help us move forward technologically and in our services.
We would love it if you could donate an actual item, but of course we’d also
accept a cash donation to cover the costs! donate
Besides the tax deduction, you or your organization will be publicly recognized
by Centerpoint Institute for your contribution.
Digital
Audio Recorder (2) (~$40 each)
Digital Camcorder
with Internal Hard Disk Drive (1)
DVD Player
(VCR combo would be great!) (1)
Adobe
Creative
Upgrade to
FileMaker Pro 8.5 (1 @ $99 only available at this price until December 6, 2006)
FileMaker
Pro 8.5 (3 @ $299)
Centerpoint Institute for Life and
Career Renewal
4000 NE 41st Street
Building D, Suite 2
Seattle, Washington 98105-5428
tel/fax: 206.686.LIFE (5433)
www.centerpointonline.org
...inspiring
people to discover creativity, passion, and renewed commitment in life and at
work
Office Hours: Monday –
Thursday 10am to 6pm, Friday 10am to 3pm
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