georgia on my mind

Many of you may have heard about the recent heavy rains and flash flooding in Georgia over the past couple days, for those of you who haven't, here's a link to the story as of this morning.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090922/ap_on_re_us/us_heavy_rain_southeast

This was some serious rain in these areas, almost 2 feet of water in a two day span. Believe me; this type of downpour would leave any area in disarray. My heart goes out to the families affected and the people doing all they can to get the situation under control.

As of this morning, this has not been added to FEMA's list of Federally Declared Emergencies but I'm sure Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue will be writing his request if he hasn't done so already. This request will springboard the Federal Government into action to help these communities on a grander scale. I can only hope the counties affected have an up-to-date Hazard Mitigation Plan. This is the key to funding from FEMA for the town and the people affected.

More to come I'm sure,,, I'll keep you posted.

DD

change,, the only constant in life

There's a chill in the air and a change a brewin', you can feel it. As this day marks the official last day of summer, I look into fall as the real season of change. This will be the time of year when all this work of the summer will payoff and I'm sure even more work ensue.

Today I find myself with a long "to do" list which is exciting because with every task checked off, leads me closer to the reality of Each One for US All. Here's what I'm working on today.

1. The Website - The timeline is now official. If you've had a chance to click on the site for Each One for US All what you've found is only a logo. Soon this tool will be the true window to the organization. I am working hard with my designer to capture all the elements to make it as user friendly and as comprehensive as possible. A challenge like most things but all challenges can be overcome with proper planning which we have. The overall outline is my big chore today and I'll be meeting with my writer this week as well.

2. Printing - The designs for my stationery, letterhead and business cards are complete. Off to the printer today to get some ink on paper. It's funny,,, I spent 26 years in the printing industry, running machines for 11of those and selling for the rest, now I find myself on the other side of the table. This should be interesting to say the least.

3. The Video Clip - Over the weekend I put together the storyboards for a video about the organization. This was really cool and I can't wait to complete it. I spent hours sifting through video clips that would capture my vision. I'm amazed at all the resources out there and I'm thrilled to put this project together. I will release it first on this blog when it's complete, so stay tuned.

With the seasons changing, I reflect on the changes we all encounter. I send my thoughts to others going through changes in their own lives and hope that you all find the strength to get through. Like so many people told me,”everything happens for a reason". I've found the best thing to do is to find that reason and start making things happen.

DD

conquering the 1023

"Hey,,, I have an idea,,,,, I want to form a non-profit to provide relief for natural disasters".

Sounded pretty simple when the idea jump into my mind but like most things, the details can be the killer. One would be killer in this process is the dreaded and all consuming 1023 form created by the IRS. This form is the key to 501(c)(3) status otherwise known as being tax exempt. Two beautiful words in the non-profit world. The ability to offer a write-off to the contributors, the true status of a public charity.

Yesterday marked the day that I pressed send on an email addressed to my attorney (pro-bono by the way,, 2 more beautiful words) attached with my completed 1023 form. To say that this was a load off my shoulders would be an understatement,,, this my friends was the biggest step in my mind to make this venture a reality. The details of this form can make people second guess their decision to actually form a non-profit. It makes you think out and state every move you are going to make as an organization. You need to provide details as if you have already been doing this for years and provide financial projections for years to come. As far as challenges one experiences to form a non-profit, this rises to the top of the list. I'm happy to see it moving forward allowing me to continue working on other details.

DD

yard work therapy

Some people pay others to take care of their lawn, some people pay others to listen to their thoughts and sort out their problems. Not me. I use the power of what I call yard work therapy. I find yard work to be very therapeutic. Really,, it gives me time to focus on my thoughts, allowing me to organize other tasks at hand. I spent hours this past weekend trimming and planting at the daycare my wife runs and an equal amount of time at my home. Hours of work means hours of thought. Here's a little more insight.

1. The Board of Directors for Each One for US All is now complete. In the midst of ripping out weeds in the flower bed on Pennsylvania Ave in Morrisville, PA,,, I determined my final selection.

2. The list of key contributing corporations has been determined. As I planted a new maple tree smack dab in the center of that very same flower bed, my top 5 prospective targets came into view.

3. A new idea for the formatting of my website was created. Something about the hum of that weed-whacker really gets me thinking.

I guess it all comes down to who you are. Some people find they think best with isolation and silence. Not me,,, give me a lawn mower and a patch of land needing some attention and I can solve any problem at hand.

DD

getting back to normal

After a natural disaster rips through a town, it makes sense that time will be needed to clean up and repair. This is a given and something that can take its toll on you. When it comes down to it, a structure can be replaced, new furniture can be purchased and new plants can be grown. The hard part is seeing all the memories destroyed, those intangible items that can never be replaced. I experienced this type of loss in the flood of 2005. Our basement was a storage area for family memories and seasonal decorations. Unfortunately, we lost our share. It took a complete year to understand exactly what was lost. Every season had us going back down to the basement in search of another decoration, only to find that it was swept away and trashed with all the other debris. This is a sad reality but one unavoidable leaving you to buy new things and create new memories being sure to store them in safer places this time.

A quick response to clean up and rebuilding helps drastically when recovering. When things are brought back to the way they use to be, the sense of normalcy comes back allowing you to focus on your everyday things again. When these things are drawn out for whatever reason, you are trapped in the event, causing continuing reminders of the loss and the devastation.

To further add to my point check out this article about Hurricane Ike, one year later - http://www.marionstar.com/article/20090914/UPDATES01/90914006/-1/newsfront2

A year after an event with a blue tarp still on your roof has got to be agonizing. A constant reminder of loss without closure. The article clearly addresses the insurance industry, an industry with billions and billions of dollars given by folks like us in case of an event for piece of mind if something was to happen. This lack of urgency to fix not only the possessions of the people but a portion of their lives is a complete slap in the face. We are constantly being told by the insurance industry to be prepared. In fact, I recall that my home owners insurance goes up every year. The least they can do is be there for us when we're in need.

This all serves as another example of the cracks in the system that will be filled with Each One for US All. Our approach would be a charitable donation to the town that can disperse funds directly to the people to pay contractors to do the rebuilding needed. This will bring closure to the event itself. This also will reduce the amount of claims saving millions in the long run by keeping insurance premiums at a reasonable level. More importantly, it will make the town whole again at a faster pace so people can go on living and enjoying their lives.

DD

september, friends and a coffee mug

When September rolls around it usually brings a few things to mind for me. The end of summer, football season (GO EAGLES!!!), Green Day, (thanks Billy Joe) and back to school. Wednesday night our school district hosted Back to School Night and I ran into a fellow baseball coach I hadn't seen since the beginning of summer. We stood in the hallway amongst the elementary school projects catching up on things. Talked about the kids and fall baseball and as always, work. Part of the reason we fell out of touch was our mode of communication. We, like many out there tended to only use email, this works fine until your email no longer exists. I explained the change which naturally led to the question, "So, what are you doing now?" "I am developing a non-profit for disaster relief", I replied. Suddenly, that all to familiar look came over his face,,, "Uh,,, how does one go about doing something like that?" I answered my usual way, "It's a long process but I have great support backing me up along the way" An easy reply to set my friends mind at ease. Fact is, the details of this venture are staggering.

I was up very late Wednesday night, thinking about the question posed to me and what I'm working on everyday. The research, the marketing, the details of the business plan. Building a Board of Directors, prospecting for a funding base, not to mention, the stress of keeping my family afloat as I follow this dream. I could go on and on but here's the deal. I AM NO DIFFERENT THAN ANYONE ELSE WHO HAD OR HAS A DREAM. I have the same excitement of building something with all the fears that comes along with it. I try to recognize my weaknesses and look for guidance from those who can turn them into strengths. I am driven but what I've seen and learned and the coffee mug that fuels my caffeine fix everyday pictured above, says it all. (thank you very much Gandhi)

If you see that change is needed,,,,, it's has to start somewhere. We all have the power, we just have to unleash it.

DD

P.S. September is also known as NPM or National Preparedness Month, check out the site developed by FEMA and Citizens Corps to better prepare ourselves, our children and our businesses for just about anything - http://www.ready.gov/

the new identity, t-shirts anyone?

The list seems never ending when it comes to what needs to be done when forming a new business. This especially stands true when you're choosing your identity or branding as they say. I knew from the start that Each One for US All needed something powerful, a statement of it's own. Something recognizable when seen,,,, who am I kidding, I just wanted something that would look cool on a T-Shirt. So here it is,,, I'm thinking this will work on any color shirt in one color or two as you see it but I'm open to suggestions and I'm willing to produce one for anyone who wants one. Just send me your size and mailing address in the comment section below and I'll be sure to oblige.
A huge thank you goes out to my longtime friend and colleague Leigh Woolston Karsch who created this artwork. She was able to show me in 5 minutes with a bic pen and a cocktail napkin that she understood my vision as she always seems to do. Leigh and I met in my previous life in the print world. In fact I knew her when she was only known as Leigh Woolston and she's one of those people who knows what she knows, owns it and doesn't make you feel bad about not knowing the same thing. She will take the time to help you understand but make you feel like you understood all the while. Do yourself a favor and check out her business at http://www.lapetitefleuronline.com/ Taking wedding and special event planning to a new creative level. Thanks again Leigh,,, you're too cool.

Another special thanks goes out to my one true inspiration and the love in my world, Jacqueline. You listen, you suggest, you challenge, you care, you believe. I couldn't do this without the love you show everyday. You've put me back on track so many times,,,, thanks again for this one.

DD

common sense right??

If you woke up in the morning and you noticed you had a flat tire,,, would you change the tire before you drove?
Silly question right? Of course you would, because driving a car with a flat tire would cause even more damage than the flat tire itself. Simple right? If you can take action to prevent further damage or injuries you take it.

Now take a look at the article attached.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090907/ARTICLE/909079989/-1/NEWSSITEMAP

We have seen the effects of natural disasters, specifically hurricanes in the past. As the article states "Hurricanes pose the most dangerous, destructive and widespread natural threat to the nation". Still, when it comes to funding for solutions to reduce or eliminate damage of this type of natural disaster, we are in a reactive mode. How is it that we can afford the additional costs after the fact when we can't afford the upfront costs for prevention? More importantly, it's not just money we're talking about, there's a life factor as well. Prevention WILL SAVE LIVES!

Now is the time to look at a different approach.

DD

changing the rules

The mitigation process for natural disasters from what I gather is a staggering effort on the part of the Emergency Manager in towns across our nation. Plans must be updated on a continual basis to assure coverage and grants from FEMA. With all that said, it still gives the town no guarantee that they will be approved for funding and if they are, still no guarantee as to when the money will arrive. The waiting list is long and as time goes by, people across our country continue to deal with the events of a natural disaster sometimes years after the fact. Remember, mitigation is to help reduce or eliminate the effects of a reoccurring natural disaster, waiting for funds only guarantees that if the town is hit again, there will be nothing in place to prevent further damage, leading only to more damage.

If this wasn't hard enough to deal with, now FEMA is considering a new policy to reduce it's contributions starting on the third similar occurrence over a ten year period. Now don't get me wrong, I agree that if towns aren't using mitigation funds to actually prevent the affects of a disaster, we as tax payers shouldn't be footing the bill over and over again. However, this reduction of contribution is going to leave gaps for finding solutions and ultimately hurt the town and towns people in the process. I would think this type of pressure will only lead to more property buy-outs instead of investment in finding and implementing new solutions.

Here's the article - http://www.gsnmagazine.com/cms/features/news-analysis/2509.html

FEMA is looking for opinions on this policy change and will be accepting them until October 13th, so let your voice be heard at www.regulations.gov and citing docket number FEMA-2008-0006.

Remember, another approach to this is in the works. Each One for US All has been established to fill the void where government grants fall short or fall off completely. Now more than ever the support from each one to help all is needed. Together we can provide the funding for new ideas, solutions and a solid future.

DD

spreading the word

Like I said before, "Inspiration comes in many forms" the trick I guess is allowing yourself to be inspired.

Today I was inspired by an old friend, when I think back she is one of the people that I can say that I've known the longest in my life. We met when I was three years old, a toddler moving out of the row homes in Northeast Philadelphia, entering the new adventure of the sprawling suburbs. We were close in age and she became my sister's close friend, but we shared a lifetime as next-door neighbors growing up as we all do. Had our share of ups and downs but really experienced growing up together. She, like many others I grew up with, still refers to me as Danny, to some, that will never go away. Yesterday she reached out to me as a fellow blogger now 3,000 miles away. Her words of support reminded me once again what I'm trying to accomplish and the importance of staying on the path. I thank you Shady Lady.

This morning I awoke to yet another message from my old friend, doing not just what old friends do but doing what any inspired individual would do if they allowed themselves to be inspired. Her Blog - http://behindbigshades.blogspot.com/ had a post about me today. I encourage you to check out her blog, not just to read about me but, just to see her blog. Shady Lady has a multitude of posts and an extremely creative site. Believe me, she could find other things to write about. But she didn't today. Today she did her part, she did what she could to spread the word about something she cares about. She read my words, gets it and is doing her part to tell others. Once again I thank you Shady Lady, I am truly humbled.

This all serves as a reminder to me and hopefully to others that real change can be inspired by one but it sometimes takes many more to reach the goal. If you're tuning in to something and you like it,,, share it. If you disagree,,,, communicate that as well. The power of all this technology doesn't have to stifle our communication skills, it can and should enhance it, allowing our words to be heard, louder than ever before.

DD