Volunteer of the Week: Jamie Mercado, AMEX

SJN members benefit from the support of our neighbors--individuals and their organizations.

By acknowledging their contributions, we also capture and share our stories.

Jamie Mercado is an employee of American Express Corporation (AMEX). Like many corporations in America, AMEX sponsors an Employee Volunteer Program with a purpose of “faciiltating an active and socially responsible voice for employees in the communities in which they live and work.”

Jamie started volunteering with SJN this spring. When asked how and why she found and chose to volunteer with SJN, Jamie replied, “I found SJN through Google. SJN was the first organization on the list that popped up and I called and spoke to Bill Austin, Chris Vicari and then Raoul Encinas. They were all so helpful and caring! Immediately I felt a connection to their warmth, professionalism, and compassion to help others.”

Jamie brought a team of collegues to SJN, and they were assigned to help with the Mock Interview session on May 26th. “I was hooked on SJN after that and wanted to extend my help.”

For her continued involvement, Jamie participated on a team developing the new curriculum for the Interviewing and Managing Offers module and worked in that effort from May thru August of 2009.

Volunteering Benefits Jamie’s Career
When the curriculum was ready for delivery, Jamie committed to becoming an SJN trainer. “Although I have instructed for about 20 of my 22 years at AMEX, it had always been to internal AMEX employees (both entry level and exempt level) and always pretty small groups of 12-70 at most. Presenting at SJN allowed me to break out of my shell and deliver curriculum to around 180 people, helping to break my fear of speaking in front of large audiences.”

AMEX Matching Gift
As an acknowledgment of Jamie’s volunteer work, AMEX is planning to make a $500 donation to SJN.

SJN members are grateful to Jamie, her colleagues and American Express Corporation for their contribution to SJN. Perhaps other SJN supporters and alumni members have employee volunteer programs or opportunities for matching grants that could benefit SJN as well. If so, contact me to arrange the verification of our 501c3 non profit status and set up SJN as a benefactor of your volunteer service or company grant.

Great knowing and working with you on the SJN team, Jamie!



Christine Vicari
Founder-Executive Director
SOUTHWEST JOB NETWORK
P.O. Box 25674 ~ Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(v) 480 513-1491 - (e) info@southwestjobnet.com
(w) http://www.southwestjobnet.com/

SJN benefits when you order business cards and printing from VistaPrintonline at our website http://www.southwestjobnet.com/business-cards/

Important Notice to Recipients: The information contained in this email has been obtained from sources which we believe to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. The information transmitted by this e-mail is intended only for the addressee and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. If you received this communication in error, please contact us immediately at (480) 513-1491, and delete the communication from any computer or network system. Southwest Job Network (SJN) is not a job placement forum. We do not match candidates to openings nor do we send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment either directly through this group or as a result of association with SJN. BE ADVISED: All incoming correspondence should be business related and respect our User Agreement. All e-mail sent to or from this address will be received or otherwise recorded by the corporate e-mail system and is subject to archival, monitoring or review by, and/or disclosure to any other party as required by law. Although this email and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that might negatively affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by the sender for any loss or damage arising in any way in the event that such a virus or defect exist.

Volunteer of the Week: Al Walsh

SJN Volunteer of the Week: AL WALSH
Events Coordinator, SJN Programs in the West Valley
alwalsh@aol.com

Meet Al Walsh, an affable guy who joined SJN as a recruiter-resource in 2007. This year, Al partnered with SJN Board Members to lead the strategic planning to launch SJN in the West Valley.

To support this expansion, Al established a relationship and formed a partnership with the Glendale Community College Director of Career Services. Working with college representatives, he coordinated room availability, equipment and other logistical tasks to execute successful events at the school.

To staff the expansion, Al recruited, trained and managed a team of 25 volunteers to provide support before, during and after events. He cross-trained volunteers to fulfill complex assignments. This ensured consistent delivery and provided for succession planning. He also coordinated with SJN Board members and other event coordinators to maintain consistent processes at all three SJN locations.

SJN is very proud of Al’s contribution—and throughout all our encounters with him he has been professional, upbeat, dedicated and committed to the success of the endeavors he undertakes and the members he serves.

Many thanks, Al.

All I Want for Christmas is a ROOT CANAL?

Well, no, that really wasn’t on my list, but Santa managed to decide that the holidays would be more interesting if I needed immediate dental attention. Fortunately, despite flying cross country (and back), the dreaded procedure was able to be postponed until next Friday.

This situation points to the fact that while we plan good things, often other stuff happens.

Unemployment is part of the stuff of life that hits people the same way—doesn’t happen at a good time and is not welcome when it’s not your choice.

So now what? If part of your year-end news was displacement from steady employment, Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) and the leaders of our group really do understand and want to help.

As a non-profit group run entirely by volunteers who have experienced many career and life transitions, we offer a program of support.

Consider joining us at Temple Chai in Phoenix, our meeting location, on the first and third Tuesday mornings of each month. See the SJN website for more information about our program. The EVENTS CALENDAR offers the meeting schedule and description of presentations planned. The next meeting is Tues, January 6, 2009 – starting 8:30 AM with networking and 9:30 AM with meeting-presentation.

You can expect to be welcomed by caring and friendly people who want to make you part of the group. You’ll be made aware of resources that benefit the job seeker—including resume reviews, a Yahoo Group with information, links, a membership list and prior presentations. You’ll hear guest speakers addressing topics to help your search and have the opportunity to network with business supporters and other job seekers.

At the Jan 6 meeting, Jobing.com Foundation’s Brett Farmiloe and Zach Hubbell will energize the audience with a presentation on Pursuing the Passion.

We hope all the job seekers we meet are back to work very soon and then able to help others still in transition.

Blessings for a great new year!


Christine Vicari-SJN
Founder-President

8/19 9-11:30 AM - State Workforce Initiatives

In August, SJN is hosting two informational presentations (as compared to skill devlopment ones) aimed at sharing resources and initiatives for job seekers.

See our website Events Calendar for program descriptions for SJN events through the end of November.

Join us on Tues, Aug 19, 9-11:30 AM to learn about:

STATE OF AZ WORK FORCE INITIATIVE

Peter Polk, Retired Healthcare Executive and Member, Governor’s Task Force on Aging, Mature Worker Initiative, will discuss the actions being taken by the State of Arizona to promote hiring and retaining the mature worker. Peter has served on the State Mature Workforce committee for the past 6 years, and continues his involvement.

Participants will hear about the changing landscape of work, more generations are working side-by-side, competition for talent is escalating, costs of replacing experienced workers, productivity and business results are linked to work environment, benefits of a multi-generational work place. Tapping into his experience as an executive in healthcare, Peter believes people are more likely to hire you if they like you = keep a positive attitude. How to fit in applies to everyone, not just the mature worker.

Meetings are held at Temple Chai in Phoenix.

We hope to see you then!

Christine Vicari
Founder-Executive Director
cv4support@cox.net

In the month of August, SJN is hosting two informational presentations (as opposed to skill development ones). The first is described below and our website contains an Event Calendar with descriptions of our programs through the end of November.

Did you know that there are government sponsored programs to support job seekers? In some cases, there are even grants available for retraining. We'd like to know more about this--and who is eligible for what kind of retraining, and what are the hoops a person needs to go through to attain it.

Tues, Aug 5 - 9 AM - 11:30 AM
Meetings at Temple Chai in Phoenix

LEARN ABOUT THE RESOURCES OF WORKFORCE CONNECTION

Kathy Thiessen, Site Supervisor, Phoenix Workforce Connection, offers an overview of the Phoenix Workforce Connection One Stop Career Centers and provides information about federal grant funding through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to provide career development and employment search resources to job seekers and business.

Melanie Smith, Workforce Connection Career Advisor/Job Coach, will offer detail about the program services that she provides to those seeking to upgrade skills and/or connect with employment opportunities. http://www.phoenix.gov/PHXWC

We hope to see you then!

Christine Vicari
Executive Director
cv4support@cox.net

Financial advisor-speaker seeks job seeker input

SJN member Michael W. Prahl, Vice President-Financial Advisor from First Financial Equity Corporation, accepted an offer to speak to our group at the SJN meeting on June 3, 2008.
Michael was asked to speak on the financial issues faced by our members, focusing on the decisions and actions to consider during transition.

Michael wants to know your specific issues in order to tailor his presentation more specifically to those needs. One of the items Michael will address is the need for interim, affordable health insurance.

Please write to me with issues or questions, and I will relay them to Michael.

Many thanks,

Chris Vicari, Founder-Executive Director
Scottsdale Job Network - SJN

P.O. Box 25674 ~ Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(e) info@scottsdalejobnet.com (v) 480 513-1491
(w) http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/

LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisvicari

SJN benefits when you order business cards and other printing
from VistaPrint online at our website http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/business-cards/

Reality and Hope

On Tues of this week, Channel 3 TV News came to an SJN meeting and conducted interviews with some of our job seekers, taped Matt Moran's presentation and interviewed me as leader of the group.


This media interest was coordinated through the efforts of SJN VP-Bill Austin. SJN was fortunate to have the exposure for our community service work, and we hope it will bring positive results for our job seekers.

The evening's televised report edited a lot of positive things shared. My comments were condensed to one statement that went something like this:

"We have seen an increase in attendance since January from 70 and to a current attendance of 85-100. "

What was not added was my perspective that I attributed this growth in part to the positive reputation of the group and the impact we are having on individuals and families.

There are industries hard hit by layoffs and that is impacting many people and SJN’s growth. For me, the volunteer work we do at SJN--and at least my personal mission—is to be a resource to workers and ease the burdens on families hard pressed by economic downturn. We “light the path” to re-employment and offer ourselves as a source of hope. This happens whether there are two people in a meeting or 102. . . and yes, we’ve done our presentations with both!

I am proud to know SJN is making an impact in many lives. What better volunteer work would I want to do as a retired worker myself?

I encourage job seekers to look for the opportunities, build your networks, offer to be resources to others—and oh yes, as I told the reporter, go outside your comfort zone to make connections!

Blessings and good wishes,


Christine (Chris) Vicari
Executive Director
Scottsdale Job Network (SJN)
info@scottsdalejobnet.com
http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/
V-mail: 480 513-1491

5/14 - SJN at Jobing.com EXPO, Glendale

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) Executive Director, Christine Vicari, and Board member, Eric Walton will make an appearance at the Jobing.com Career Expo at the University of Phoenix (Cardinals Stadium) in Glendale on Wed, May 14, 3:30-4:30 PM. SJN is offering a workshop on Networking and will also talk about the services SJN offers to those in career transition and employers looking for talented workers.

The Expo runs from 12 Noon - 5 PM and we hope to meet many of you there.

NETWORKING AS A JOB SEARCH STRATEGY

Phoenix is the largest small town in America! To get a job in this town, you HAVE to network. Come to this workshop to enhance your networking skills. This session is more than just a talking head, we will conduct an exercise that is guaranteed to help you network. Discover how to make each networking meeting memorable for your audience and learn how to connect to the companies and jobs you really want.

Read more about SJN at our website and consider joining us at our next meeting on 5/20, 9 AM. See http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/

Exploring Your Passion Workshop 5/27 9A-4P

SJN is hosting a special workshop for job seekers on May 27, 9 A - 4 PM, "Exploring Your Passion and Putting it to Work." The program description and registration link are shown below.

We received this inquiry: Does this workshop identify job titles that fit the strengths, talents and preferences we'll be recognizing?

Please read response from workshop facilitator, Maria Wojtczak:

We have shortened the workshop title and refer to it as the Passions workshop. The actual title is Exploring Your Passion – and Putting it to Work, the key word being exploring. This isn’t something you get done in a day. From the feedback I have received from previous participants, it raises new questions and gets people to think and look at the next phase of their life in a different way. This is work that requires thought, reflection, trial and error and honestly, sometimes, just dumb luck!!

Identifying job titles that fit particular strengths is not the objective for this workshop. The purpose and objectives are to:

• Explore individual desires, strengths, and talents in order to create a vision fueled by passion.
• Identify potential “stuckness”
• Utilize different tools and approaches to identify patterns in our life
• Begin to identify our strengths and talents
• Begin to identify a personal vision

Exploring Your Passion – Putting It To Work
(a special workshop for job seekers)

TUES, MAY 27, 2008 9 AM - 4 PM

Description
"Do you love what you do?" If you're one of those "lucky ones" who can answer a resounding "Yes!" to this question, then this seminar is not for you. But, if you're not, then you've probably asked yourself if there's a job or career out there that's a better match than what you've experienced - one that can be more satisfying and have more meaning in your life - and how you might go about finding it. This workshop is designed to help people who have asked themselves those questions.

Job seekers often limit themselves to what they “have always done” because it was the career that defined them for many years. They tend to lose sight of their many gifts, interests, strengths, and wealth of skills developed through life experience. This workshop utilizes proven tools to help individuals identify their strengths, talents and preferences - what they're basically good at and really enjoy doing, and can prove to be useful in opening up job search options.

Presenter
Maria Wojtczak has 20+ years of organization development (OD) experience and worked with a wide range of organizations. She has worked with Chris Vicari, Executive Director of the Scottsdale Job Network (SJN), offering the Passions workshop and Job Transition workshops for the last five years. Maria currently serves on the SJN Board and is a member of the Curriculum Development Committee. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Maria is the owner of DrivingMBA, a driver tutoring facility here in the Valley http://www.drivingmba.com/

Workshop location
Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839
Click here for a location map on MapQuest

Register via Internet by May 26
Seating is limited to 30 participants and has a minimum enrollment of 12 participants to run the program. Because SJN provides assessment booklets, binder and printed materials, there is a fee of $25 for this event. To register and make payment: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/106918797

Lunch/Snack
Bring a sack lunch and beverages for the day. If possible bring something to share with the group as a breakfast treat in the morning or a snack in the afternoon.

General Inquiries
Contact: David Bell, chicagoman419@yahoo.com

SJN Mixer- Open House 4/29

SJN Mixer-Open House

Tues, April 29, 200
85:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032

Join us for social networking after business hours!

If you heard about SJN and haven’t met us, here’s a great opportunity to get together! Active job seekers, business supporters, recruiters and alumni members gather for social networking, after business hours. In addition to offering an open forum for making connections, the committee organizing this event is planning an exercise to facilitate networking effectiveness, and having a couple of alumni members briefly share their success stories.

Light refreshments offered (no alcohol) and some nibbles.

No Fee—donations appreciated (*see tax deduction tip below).

We look forward to seeing you then.
Members and non-members welcome.

* * * * * * *

TIP: One of our financial members informed us that if you intend to claim meeting and event donations as tax deductions, you need to write a check. Under the new IRS rules, you can no longer claim cash donations as deductions.

Checks are payable to: Scottsdale Job Network.
All donations add up, so please give within your means. . .it makes a difference to have your support!

Sharpen Your Interview Skills in April

In April 2008, SJN will present two sessions from the SJN Curriculum on the Job Search Process covering strategies for successful interviewing. Both Interviewing Skills programs will be facilitated by Jim O’Hara, SJN Board Member and Director of Curriculum Development at regular SJN meetings. See our EVENTS CALENDAR for dates, programs, location and driving directions.


TUES, APR 1, 2008

INTERVIEWING, Part I

In Part I of Interviewing Skills, facilitator, Jim O’Hara, will offer participants a realistic view of interviews. He will address common misunderstandings about interviews de-mystifying the interview process and calming your concerns. Jim will explain the types of interviews you may face and help you prepare to answer questions the interviewer will ask.

* * * * * * * * * *

TUES, APR 15, 2008

INTERVIEWING, Part II

In Part II of Interviewing Skills, Jim O’Hara will present strategies designed to help you address liabilities, prepare your questions for the interviewer, and send your thank you communications. Other helpful hints will be shared that will arm you with a strong preparation and presentation.

After both Interviewing presentations, Jim will be available for Q&A.

Jim O'Hara is one of the founding partners and principal officers of Kellen James http://www.kellenjames.com/ and is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm and the management of significant consulting assignments. Recognized as an authority on sales and marketing management, Jim has held executive level assignments for both national and international firms encompassing a twenty-five year corporate career.

Jim earned his undergraduate degree from the The Citadel and his MBA from Pepperdine University. He has been involved in reengineering, restructuring and merging several national sales organizations and has been recognized for his leadership and professionalism.

Special Announcement: 501(c)(3) Status for SJN

On behalf of the Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) Board of Directors, I'm very pleased to inform you that SJN is now functioning as a non-profit, tax-exempt entity and that donations to SJN are tax deductible. In addition, SJN can now apply for grants, scholarships, awards and other benefits not previously available to us. This is GREAT news for us!

SJN has been a charitable organization from day one, and relies on volunteer support, donated meeting space, community support and small monetary donations to offer services. My vision has always been to operate as a 501(c(3)non-profit corporation to obtain tax advantages for donors and the funding needed to sustain and grow this group. The SJN Board, members and supporters have worked with me to establish the group as a valuable community resource for our neighbors in career transition. We are committed to offering support without requiring membership dues or meeting fees that could place an additional burden on members during a period when they cannot afford that burden.

At the Feb 5, 2008 SJN meeting, we asked members to help us over the last hurdle to apply for 501(c)(3)tax exempt status with the IRS. We also shared our 2008 financial needs and asked meeting participants to help us by increasing their meeting donations to $5. We explained there would be NO GATEKEEPER at the meetings, that is, no one will stop participants at the door requesting money. Voluntary donations are put in a donation basket located at the coffee station. Since that request, donations have increased, and if sustained, we should be able to meet operational needs.

We have postponed some needs since our inception, choosing instead to focus on building services. Last week, thanks to board, member and community donations, Form 1023 applying to the IRS for tax-exempt 501(c)(3)status was completed and mailed, enabling SJN to begin functioning as a tax-exempt, non-profit entity.

We will continue to need volunteer and community support to operate this group, and we anticipate many exciting developments in the years ahead as a result of the 501(c)(3) designation. THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to making this possible and for your support of the Scottsdale Job Network.

Sincerely,

Christine Vicari, President
Scottsdale Job Network, Inc.
Email: cv4support@cox.net
V-mail: (480) 513-1491P.S.

If you have any questions, please contact me after March 27.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, checks are payable to Scottsdale Job Network, and can be mailed to: Scottsdale Job Network, P.O. Box 25674, Scottsdale AZ 85255-2755. If a receipt is desired, please request one.

PAYPAL:There's a link on the top left of SJN's website for making donations via PayPal. http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/

Creating Leads and Networking 3/18 at SJN

TUES, MAR 18, 2008, 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

NETWORKING: WHAT DOES “AIR” HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

“I called a friend of mine, John, and asked him if there was an opening at his company. He said he wasn’t sure, but didn’t think so. I also called three other friends and told them I was looking for work. I asked them that if they heard of anyone who was hiring, would they please let me know.” I spent the whole morning on the phone networking.” Sound familiar? Most people know what networking is—and don’t do it OR some think they are networking, but aren’t doing it correctly. Did you know that 75-80% of jobs are attained through networking? Believe it or not—it is true!

Join us when Martha Rockwell, member of the SJN Curriculum Development Committee, delivers a presentation that will take you through the steps of the networking process! It is not as difficult as you might think. The best part about networking is that it gives you more control of your job search. Learning to network correctly will change your attitude toward this very important area of the job search process. Martha will give you a way to put some “AIR” into your search--- come and find out how!

Martha graduated from ASU with a degree in Education. Certified by the PARWCC (Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches) and licensed by the State of Arizona as a career coach, she is owner of A+ Resumes & Career Coaching.

The Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a group of job seekers and others volunteering their time to help them in their career transitions. The group attracts speakers from industry, technology, government, finance, coaching and recruiting to discuss job search fundamentals including how to develop a marketing plan, write a resume, network, interview and negotiate offers.

Charitable Group
In October, 2007, SJN became a charitable corporation in the State of Arizona. In March, 2008, we mailed our application to the IRS for tax exempt 501c3 status.

Meetings
Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 A.M. We meet at and use space donated by Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839. Click here for a location map on MapQuest. Job seekers are offered the opportunity to network, learn new job seeking skills, and work with people who genuinely care about you and your job search. See our EVENTS CALENDAR for meeting dates and programs scheduled.

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a non-profit community group of business leaders and volunteers. SJN provides education in the job search process and all attendees have the opportunity to meet and work with people who offer support and guidance during employment transition. We are not a job placement forum, and we do not match candidates to openings nor do we send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment either directly through this group or as a result of association with SJN.

CONTACT US:
Email: info@scottsdalejobnet.com
Web: http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/
Voice mail: (480) 513-1491

DEVELOPING YOUR RESUME - 3/4/08

Have you written four versions of your resume and are still dissatisfied? Do you keep changing it time after time and wonder if the document is effective? Have you been posting your resume on the Internet and not getting results? Do you worry because it looks weak and doesn’t contain powerful accomplishments?

Join us on Tues, March 4, 9 AM, when Martha Rockwell, member of the SJN Curriculum Development Committee, will deliver a presentation that will take you through the steps of writing a resume. Learn the components of a well-written document that gets results! She will cover the following areas: types of resumes, headings and what to include, how to write an effective summary and accomplishments and posting your resume on the Internet. Bring your resume and you will work to improve it.

Having graduated from Arizona State University , Martha’s background includes career advisement, education, and sales. Certified by the PARWCC (Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches) and licensed by the State of Arizona as a career coach, she is owner of A+ Resumes & Career Coaching.

SJN Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 A.M. We meet at and use space donated by Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839. Job seekers are offered the opportunity to network, learn new job seeking skills, and work with people who genuinely care about you and your job search. See our website http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/ for future meeting dates and programs scheduled.

Employed SJN Members and Recruiters Attend SJN Meetings - Take the opportunity to speak with recruiting agents and company HR representatives who attend our meetings. They are available from 9 AM and some stay until the end of the meeting.

Resume Reviews - At each meeting, a representative from the Resume Writers Council of Arizona will be available to critique resumes and offer improvement suggestions from 9-9:30 AM.

Web site - Additional resources are provided online through our website http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/ including resources for basic needs, links to key job boards, map quest to our meetings, articles that have helped others, a list of volunteer opportunities, a reading list and more.

Volunteering - Whether you are a current job seeker or you are working and want to help people in job transition, there is a place for you to volunteer. Member participation is essential. It helps establish a stronger support program for those who follow. We encourage members to take part in the operations of the program in whatever way they can. See our website http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/ for more about ways to make a contribution.

Open Invitation! Anyone interested in the support we provide is welcome. We do not require membership dues or meeting fees to allow everyone who is in job transition to be able to participate. Since our program is unfunded, we suggest that participants make a voluntary donation of $5 per meeting. When we have an all-day workshop, we do need to pass the costs along to participants.

Questions? Contact us at: info@scottsdalejobnet.com and see our website: http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/

Networking at SJN Meetings

Networking is an important part of what we offer at SJN meetings, and it starts at 9 AM, a half hour before the program starts. This 30 minutes offers a great opportunity to speak with recruiters, employers and other members who are interested in you. Many employed supporters attend from 9 AM, and are not able to stay through the meeting to network after the meeting ends.

Starting 9 AM, it is the time to pick up contacts, job leads, offer help to others, get your resume reviewed and develop relationships with others in the group.

Don't miss the opportunity! Bring a business card, your resume, a smile and a firm handshake and make some great connections starting at 9 AM!

Upcoming programs from SJN Curriculum on the Job Search Process:

Creating Your Vision and Personal Marketing Plan
Feb 19, 2008 – Facilitator: Jim O’Hara

Developing Your Resume
March 4, 2008 – Facilitator: Martha Rockwell

Creating Leads, Networking
March 18, 2008 – Facilitator: Martha Rockwell

Interviewing Skills, Part I
April 1, 2008 – Facilitator: Jim O’Hara

Interviewing Skills, Part II
April 15, 2008 – Facilitator: Jim O’Hara

Negotiating the Offer
May 6, 2008 – Facilitator: TBA



Christine Vicari, Founder & Exec. Director
Scottsdale Job Network - SJN
P.O. Box 25674
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Voice mail: (480) 513-1491
Web: scottsdalejobnet.com/
E-mail: info@scottsdalejobnet.com
SJN: Empowering Career Transitions

Why does SJN support PV Food Bank?

SJN encourages meeting participants to bring non-perishable food items to the SJN meetings. Your donations support the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank (PVEFB) http://members.cox.net/d-marks-phx/foodbank/index.shtml

Recently, one of our members asked me why SJN supports this cause. The reasons are valid. Despite living in an affluent area, we have neighbors who are hungry. Often their situation is exacerbated by unemployment. . . the focus of SJN's community service. Also, PVEFB is a favorite charity of the Temple Chai community which is supporting SJN, and we wanted to align with the Temple's effort.

You can learn more about PVEFB on their website: http://members.cox.net/d-marks-phx/foodbank/index.shtml or read an excerpt below:

WHAT IS PVEFB'S MAIN OBJECTIVE?

. . . to provide emergency assistance to individuals living within the boundaries of the Paradise Valley Unified School District. PVEFB distributes food to families that would otherwise go hungry. The emergency provisions provide wholesome, nourishing meals to families in need. They bridge the gap until a long-term solution can be arranged.

HISTORY:

Feeding the hungry in our area had been the responsibility of various religious organizations. An increase in demand prompted the Greater Paradise Valley Community Council to form a subcommittee to study the hunger problem. Using surveys and projections this group concluded that there was a need for a non-governmental community based organization to service the hungry – so the Greater Paradise Valley Community Assistance Team (GPVCAT) was formed in April 1986.

The goals of the organization were to have a permanent storage facility for food, within our service boundaries, which would be available to clients referred by religious and charitable organizations. To facilitate this goal the first efforts were to locate a site and interest a core of volunteers to handle requests and stock food supplies.

Thanks to the encouragement and financial and logistical support of many businesses and religious institutions in our community, office and storage space was made available. A temporary location was established at 4242 E. Greenway Rd. Food drives conducted by area schools and businesses filled the shelves. By early 1987 we were in business.

A search for a permanent site led us to our Shea Plaza location in October 1987. The name GPVCAT was replaced by our business name Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank. We occupied a space rent-free until 1997 when a change in ownership necessitated our signing a lease agreement. New space was prepared and made available to us at our present location
We are governed by a Board of Directors, meeting four times each year, made up of community business and civic leaders. Our connection to the business, civic and religious community is essential, as we must not only solicit food donations but also monetary contributions to offset our fixed costs.

We should all be proud of our part in the success of the Food Bank. Our motto, "Neighbors Sharing - Neighbors Caring," summarizes our commitment to our community.

I hope you will continue to keep this community need in mind and bring non-perishable food items to the Temple Chai when you attend SJN meetings. Our next is Tues, Feb 5, 9 AM.

Thank you for your support of this important effort.


Christine Vicari, Founder & President
Scottsdale Job Network - SJN
P.O. Box 25674
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Voice mail: (480) 513-1491
Web: scottsdalejobnet.com/
E-mail: info@scottsdalejobnet.com
Empowering Career Transitions

Curriculum on the Job Search Process

The Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) Curriculum on the Job Search Process has been designed to provide the training and practice that job-seekers need to be successful. Workshops will be offered at the SJN bi-monthly meetings starting in February 2008. Job seekers can start at the beginning of the curriculum and work their way through the entire process or come to workshops of particular interest.

The new program will launch on February 5, 2008 and will be facilitated by experts in the training and career transition fields. The training areas will be:

Session 1 Feb 5, 2008
Understanding the Emotions of a Career Change
Facilitator: Maria Wojtczak

Session 2 Feb 19, 2008
Creating Your Vision and Personal Marketing Plan
Facilitator: Jim O’Hara

Session 3 March 4, 2008
Developing Your Resume
Facilitator: Martha Rockwell

Session 4 Mar 18, 2008
Creating Leads, Networking
Facilitator: Martha Rockwell

Session 5 Apr 1, 2008
Interviewing Skills, Part I
Facilitator: Jim O’Hara

Session 6 Apr 15, 2008
Interviewing Skills, Part II
Facilitator: Jim O’Hara

Session 7 May 6, 2008
Negotiating the Offer
Facilitator: TBA

At SJN, we do not require membership dues or meeting fees. However, participants are asked to make a donation that will help cover our program’s operating costs. A recommended donation is $5 per meeting.

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a non-profit community group of business leaders and volunteers. SJN provides education in the job search process and all attendees have the opportunity to meet and work with people who offer support and guidance during employment transition. We are not a job placement forum, and we do not match candidates to openings nor do we send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment either directly through this group or as a result of association with SJN.

CONTACT US:
Email: info@scottsdalejobnet.com
Web: http://www.scottsdalejobnet.com/
V-mail: (480) 513-1491