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| News from SELP | Spring 2010 |
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 SELP is always on the prowl for ways to make your organization smarter, more powerful and better run, so that you can be an even stronger advocate for the environment. This issue of SELP's quarterly newsletter brings you ways to save money on payroll taxes, earn money through Twitter, tips and tools for making efficient use of your most precious resource, your time, and a cool social media tool that may reduce household energy use. Plus: improving your leadership skills in fifteen minutes, and the story of the Texas Conservation Alliance's success against plans to dam the state's last remaining unfettered river. Onward and upward. Warmly,
Melissa Gavin
Acting Director State Environmental Leadership Program |
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 Making the HIRE Act Work for You
If your organization is starting the slow uphill climb toward economic recovery, you may be interested in learning about how the HIRE Act can help you.
Beginning February 3, 2010 and ending December 31, 2010, employers who hire individuals who have been unemployed for at least 60 days will not have to pay the employer's 6.2 percent share of the Social Security payroll tax for the new hires. For a new hire with a salary of $45,000 this represents a savings to your organization of over $2,000. The new employees must sign a statement certifying that they were unemployed during the 60 previous days. Employers can claim the new incentive on employment tax forms for the second quarter of 2010. Visit the IRS website for more information on this payroll tax exemption for hiring unemployed workers. |
| SELP Welcomes New Board Member
SELP is delighted to welcome our newest board member, Don Strait, Executive Director of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Don was elected by the board at SELP's February 26 meeting. Welcome Don! |
Using Social Media to
Earth Aid Dashboard | Lower Household Energy Use
Using social media and the lure of friendly competition, EarthAid is a new social venture that seeks to induce individuals to lower their energy consumption. This free service enables individuals to track their electric, gas, and water usage in one place online and compare their usage with others using social media tools. Participants also receive customized tips to save and earn points that they can redeem for discounts at participating local businesses through the first-of-its-kind Earth Aid Rewards Program. Use it to spur competition among your friends, family and organizational members. Read more... |
 Fifteen Minutes to Better Leadership
The science is unequivocal. Meditation can help relieve tension and anxiety, improve mental clarity and boost happiness. But meditation can also help you become an even better leader. Now, through Leadership Landing, you can take advantage of free guided meditations focused on a different leadership attribute (self-awareness, bravery, kindness, innovation, inspiration) per session. Meditations are offered on alternating Mondays, at 9:00 am Pacific via teleconference. No prior meditation practice required. Visit Leadership Landing for more information. |
Photo credit:
Adrian Van Dellen  | Spotlight on Success:
Victory for Texas Conservation Alliance & the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge
SELP member Texas Conservation Alliance scored a huge win for Texans recently. Years of legal wrangling ended after the Supreme Court declined to take up the case against the US Fish and Wildlife Service in a suit brought by the City of Dallas and the Texas Water Development Board. The two sides sparred over plans for land along the banks of the Neches River, the last remaining unfettered river in Texas. While the City of Dallas and the Texas Water Development Board proposed building the Fastrill reservoir by creating a dam on the Neches, the US Fish and Wildlife Service moved to protect the stretch of natural beauty by designating it a national wildlife refuge. The first trial ended in favor of the refuge. A subsequent appeal in the 5th US Circuit Court also ended in the refuge's favor. By declining to hear the appeal against the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Supreme Court has paved the way for the expansion of the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge, allowing it to expand from 35 acres to 25,000 acres along the upper Neches River. "It's just a great victory for the people, culture and history of East Texas," said Richard Donovan, board director of the Texas Conservation Alliance. Read more about the victory... |
 Top Reasons to Use Twitter
Marly Schuman, UW TechShop
It is time to face the facts: social media is here to stay. You'll be well-advised to make your peace with it and then make some room for it in your organization. If you have been one of the many Twitter deniers, here are several reasons why it is time to welcome this great tool into your organization's communication toolbox. You'll especially want to check out reasons number 3, 4 and 7. Read more...
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 Pages, Profiles and Groups: Sussing Out the Best Way to Present Your Organization on Facebook
Annie D'Amato, SELP Policy Intern
Within the SELP network alone, nearly 90% of members have established a presence on Facebook in hopes of using the world's largest social network to raise awareness and gain support for their organization. As with most things related to technology, advancement is often paired with confusion. This article focuses on sorting out the confusion between Facebook Profiles, Groups, and Pages, as well as offering a few tips for those who are ready to take their Facebook Page to the next level. Read more... |
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Upcoming |
 Webinars
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
2 pm Eastern
To register:
Avoiding an Information Avalanche:
Web Tools and Tricks to Help You
Work Smarter Today
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
2 pm Eastern
Big Ideas, Small Steps:
Translating Strategic Plans
into Work Plans that Work
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
2 pm Eastern
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