Party City’s Post

In a couple weeks, we're all going to be gathered around a bounty of food and taking stock of the wonderful things we have to be thankful for in this life. I know that I've been truly blessed. As the start of giving season arrives, I wanted to use my platform to shed some light on a special cause that means a great deal to me - onesimplewish.org. One Simple Wish is a non-profit agency that connects children in foster care with items, experiences, and necessities that they so desperately want, and in many cases, need. You may not know this about me, but I grew up in a foster home - not as a foster child, but rather my mother and father opened their home to hundreds of foster children throughout the years. As I grew up, and became aware of my surroundings, I saw the struggle that many of the kids went through. I saw how lucky I was, and I saw how lucky many of those foster children were to have landed with Barb and Jim, in our home. My Mom and Dad did everything in their power to make the foster kids feel some kind of semblance of a family unit. I also saw how hard my parents strived to give the foster children, whether they were with us for a day, a year, or a decade, the best life they could. Now, There's many foster parents out there who don't have the means to purchase many additional things beyond basic necessities for their foster children. And, when it comes down to it, just opening their home in the first place is above and beyond the call. Considering how hard it is already on the children - being in the system as they call it - for me, anything I can do to make those kids feel a little more how my mom and dad made their foster children feel, well, that's my goal. Thanks to onesimplewish.org, a $40 hoodie purchase for a boy in Ohio, or a $100 clothing gift card for a young girl in Maine, could go such a long way for the foster parents, and of course the foster kids themselves. With onesimplewish.org, there's also no age limit, so former children of the foster care system can also request items like flowers for their wedding - you know, something that our parents, in a traditional familial unit, would probably offer to pay for. Former foster care children who graduated, may not have parents capable of offering that. That's where you and onesimplewish.org come in. Please take the time to check out onesimplewish.org, and bring some joy to a child in foster care, bring some relief to a foster parent, or help a foster care graduate with something small that would help them live a more "normalized" life.

Communities are supposed to be fun! 🎃👻 1. Run a report of anyone that signs into your community today 2. Create a special Halloween badge and grant it to them 3. Repeat for other holidays (Valentine's, St. Patrick's, etc) 4. Watch what it does to community culture and engagement on holidays Option: Tie the badge to some sort of engagement activity like changing your profile picture to a character/costume, posting a picture of their costume, sharing their favorite Halloween recipe, engaging in a contest of some sort, etc. Is it going to have the biggest impact? Probably not. Are you going to endear yourself to your members and inject some magic into the experience? Absolutely, and that's worth something in the long-run.

🎉 TGIF LinkedIn Fam! 🌟 As I reflect on my time at my last company, ponder my core values, and navigate the ever-changing dynamics of life on this planet, ONE word stands out to me — COMMUNITY. I joined my previous company because I felt a sense of community.  I push for inclusion because I want a stronger community.  I strive to curate meaningful experiences in my neighborhood, fostering connections and building a sense of community among residents. It's why I love working in the world of events so much -- bringing others together and creating a community, even for short periods of time. 🌐 I've heard many of you discuss this topic before but something just clicked this morning during the chaotic carline at my middle’s elementary school. 🥶 Living in GA, it doesn't get THAT cold, but this week brought freezing temperatures and an excessive carline. I, along with 30+ other parents, missed the drop off time by less than a minute and had to check our child into school. This process is not easy and includes crowds and poorly managed logistics. The realization hit—what annoyed me most wasn't the lack of organization and overcrowding but the absence of community.  Having taught in another school with a supportive community, the contrast was stark. Our admin gave grace when the weather was less than perfect, showing compassion and empathy… often extending the carline by about 10 minutes.  This flexibility does not exist at my child’s school and the community feeling is missing. I am grateful I was a part of my previous school and company.  Belonging to a strong community highlights both its significance and the noticeable absence when it's lacking. The bottom line? Community means more than we realize. Without it, we feel lost, siloed, unappreciated, and, most importantly, unseen. My recommendation for businesses, schools, and neighborhoods: prioritize community. Embrace strengths, offer compassion, adapt plans based on feedback, and ask for input! 🤔 What are your thoughts on community? Do you believe it should be a top priority like I do? 🌈 #communityengagement #communitybuilding #communitymatters #eventexperience

What does "community" truly mean to you? As we approach year's end and the festive spirit of all the holidays, I find myself grateful for our vibrant LinkedIn community. Your presence and the impact you've had on my life, not just this year but over time, fills me with appreciation and gratitude. This morning, while dropping off my high schooler vs my elementary kid, it struck me - the essence of community. There's a stark contrast between the carefree nature of elementary students who laugh, hold hands, and embrace on their way to school, versus the isolation of high schoolers glued to their phones, disconnected and alone. Witnessing this breaks my heart and brought me my new year resolution. I pledge to embrace love, kindness, and support, especially during the toughest moments during work, school or personal life. I will treasure the beauty of being part of something larger—a thriving community that uplifts and supports each other. I will help others and myself remember we are all connected. I will continue enriching our community—offering insights, sharing laughter, and fostering meaningful discussions here on LinkedIn and elsewhere else. A heartfelt thank you to each one of you for making this space possible. Wishing you all a season of joy and love, whatever your celebrations include. I cheeish this community—it's truly a treasure. Comment below ……. What are your resolutions for 2024? #LinkedInFamily #GratitudePost #NewYearGoals #JoinTheConversation #CheersToCommunity #LinkedInJourney #CommunityMatters #PowerOfConnection #SeasonsGreetings #LinkedInLove #SpreadKindness #ConnectWithPurpose #NewYearResolutions #communitylove #love #thankyou

This National #VolunteersWeek we want to express our gratitude to all the incredible Independent Visitors (IVs) who play a vital role in supporting children and young people living in care 🙌 Find out more about what IVs do below… 👥 What is an IV? As an IV, you become a friend to a child or young person in care. You share hobbies, sports and interests, making a real difference in their lives. Whether it’s bowling, going to the cinema, picnics, or sports activities, you help build their confidence and self-esteem. 🤝 Being there when it matters IVs also lend a listening ear. They’re there to discuss any issues or concerns the young person wants to share. In times of sadness or confusion, they provide much-needed support. They're often the only person in the young person’s life that isn’t part of the care system. 🌈 Why become an IV? Caleb, an IV in London, says, “Being an Independent Visitor is so rewarding. You get to go out and take part in fun activities and in the process help a young person through all their ups and downs. I’d definitely recommend to anyone thinking of signing up.” Want to make a huge difference to a young person’s life? Become an IV today 👇 https://bit.ly/4aGbYGs

🍂🌟 Fall is just around the corner, and our BGCA clubs are gearing up for an exciting season ahead! 🌟🍁 Here are the top things our incredible Boys & Girls Clubs of America need to know as we embrace the autumn spirit: 1️⃣ Safety First: Members' safety is the top priority. Make sure to stay updated on local health guidelines and ensure all necessary precautions are in place to create a safe environment for the kids and staff. 2️⃣ Program Planning: Start planning fun and engaging fall programs that cater to various age groups and interests. Whether it's arts and crafts, STEM activities, or outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone! 3️⃣ Back-to-School Support: Many members are heading back to school. Offer homework help, tutoring, and a quiet space for them to study. Encourage a love for learning! 4️⃣ Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather by organizing outdoor activities like hiking, sports, or nature exploration. It's a great way to keep kids active and connected to the natural world. 5️⃣ Mental Health Awareness: The changing seasons can affect mental health. Promote discussions on emotional well-being and offer resources for both members and staff to ensure everyone feels supported. 6️⃣ Community Involvement: Encourage club members to get involved in community service projects. It's a fantastic way to teach them about giving back and making a positive impact. 7️⃣ Parent Engagement: Keep parents and guardians informed about club activities and events. Strong communication helps build trust and keeps families engaged. 8️⃣ Celebrate Diversity: Embrace the rich tapestry of cultures within your club. Organize cultural awareness events and celebrate the differences that make our club members unique. 9️⃣ Volunteer Appreciation: Recognize and thank your amazing volunteers who make everything possible. They're the heart and soul of clubs! 🔟 Dream Big: Fall is a time of transformation and growth. Encourage young members to dream big, set goals, and work towards their aspirations. Let's inspire the leaders of tomorrow! Together, we can make this fall a season of growth, learning, and unforgettable memories for our Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 🍂💪

Research continues to show that social connection and belonging are inseparable from our mental and physical well-being. That's why being part of and investing time in community is so important. 👉 Community, at its core, is about feeling connected to others. Community is more than a place; it's the feeling of being recognized, supported, needed and part of something bigger. Even our language - "sense of community" or "sense of belonging" - suggests something deeper. 👉 While we all need community, the types we join will look different. Take a moment to reflect on what's most important to you and find ways to live it out with others. This could be your neighborhood book club, pickleball league, faith-based organization, or volunteer group. We all need a place to belong. Think of ways you can create moments of community for yourself and others. Simple acts like saying 'hello' to a neighbor, checking in on a coworker, or acknowledging a store cashier can keep us connected to the bigger world. Learn more at www.getforte.com #community #mentalhealthawareness #employewellbeing

💻 Putting your "Out of Office" on for a good cause. Working for a company that values the greater community should be a prerequisite! 🏡 I have visited this underprivileged school twice with a team of staff and students from The IIE Varsity College. We spend a full day painting the school to create a better environment for the children. 🎨 🌳 The concept of caring for other people is more important than we realize. To give of our time to help another may leave us with dirty clothes, missed calls and the need to work a little bit harder when we return to the office. The greatest realization I made was considering that I work for a company that doesn't mind you missing a few calls to spend a day in the community. This kind of corporate culture is what #peoplefirst really means. Putting your staff first is one thing; putting your community first is another. #community #uplift #CSI #socialresponsibility

🌍Find #WorkJoy through Community 🤝 #WhatIsQuorum1? ❓ We’ve been asking Q1 members to share their takes. This is the latest from Ed Hwang

😫Don’t know where to turn when you need help?? It’s time to dive into the power of connection! 💪 📅 Mark your calendar: Thursday, 4.4.24 @ 7 PM ET (Superhero capes are optional!) Simply sign up here to reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/eUwfGbhy 🤗 Let's face it: life's rollercoaster rides are much smoother when we've got our support squad cheering us on. From celebrating the wins to conquering the tough times - Having a solid crew makes all the difference. 🎢 Whether it's a shoulder to lean on or a virtual high-five, our social connections are the ultimate superpower! 🦸♂️🦸♀️ Ready to unlock the secrets to building an epic support squad for you and your kiddos? 💪✨ Join us for a FREE webinar where we'll dive deep into the magic of social connections and support systems! 🎉 Say goodbye to parenting solo and hello to a tribe that's got your back! From sharing laughs to tackling challenges together, we'll explore why having a strong support network is the ultimate parenting hack. 🚀 📅 Join us 4.4.24 @ 7 PM ET Reserve your spot here: https://lnkd.in/eUwfGbhy Let’s get empowered! We’ll share our stories and celebrate the power of connection! 🎉 So, here's to the late-night chats, the belly laughs, and the endless memories made with our ride-or-die pals. Let's build bonds, spread positivity, and remind each other that we're never alone in this wild adventure called parenthood! 💫 Don't miss out – secure your spot now! https://lnkd.in/eUwfGbhy . . . #ParentingPower #SupportSquadGoals #FreeWebinar 🌈 #StrengthInConnections #SuperSquad #SupportSystemStrong #preschool #education #specialeducation #disabilities #specialneedskids #specialneedsparents #specialneeds #specialneedsawareness #collaborativeadvocacy #advocacy #inclusion #diversity #equity #accessibility #brightideaco #brightideaed #InclusionMatters #share #bringafriend