Democratic presidential candidates on affordable housing

Vennmedia Partners with Comcast Internet Essentials: Staying Safe with Online and Mobile Technology

Everyone can stay safe online and in their use of mobile technology: kids, parents, other adults and seniors. There are enormous benefits that come from the use of the internet and mobile technology but, like all great tools -- like cars, stoves, kitchen knives -- you need to use them safely.  While we can never eliminate ALL risk, you can manage risk and greatly reduce the chances of things going wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

Popular Among Every Age Group: Adults

 

The internet is popular among every age group, including adults, most of whom, as you can see go online on a daily basis. About a quarter of us are online “almost constantly” and that number goes up to nearly 40% among younger adults.

 

 

Popular Among Every Age Group: Children & Teens

Teens are especially active when it comes to mobile technology now that 95% have access to a smartphone with nearly half saying they are online “almost constantly.”

 

Popular Among Every Age Group: Seniors (65+)

Two in three online seniors say technology has had a positive effect on their lives. Many online seniors report they use social media and navigation apps, and shop online. Fewer online seniors use the internet for health-related services or grocery delivery, but may express interest in doing so.

It’s More about Behavior than Technology

We often hear news reports about so-called dangerous apps and services. And while some app developers are better than others when it comes to designing-in safety, privacy and security, it’s important to remind users that how we behave online makes matters most. No matter how good the privacy tools may be, we can still get trouble if we share information that should kept private, fail to use secure passwords or treat people meanly on the service. Staying safe is a partnership between the app developers and the users. But at the end of day, it’s how we use the services that matter the most.

 

Cyberbullying & Harassment

 

Cyberbullying is bullying which takes place on a device and can result in hurt feelings, depression and anxiety. And unlike bullying, cyberbully can follow you around 24/7. Bullying, whether cyber or otherwise, is defined as aggressive and repeated with an imbalance of power at Stopbullying.gov, the official U.S. government anti-bullying site.

 

The good news is that most kids don’t cyberbully and most kids haven’t been victimized. The Cyberbullying Research Center estimates that about 21% of teens have been cyberbullied and about 13% admitted to cyberbullying others at some point in their lifetimes.

 

 

 

 

Reputation & Inappropriate Posting

How you treat others online says more about you than it does about them. And one of the many reasons to be nice online is to protect your own reputation. So remember these few takeaways while online:

•             Being mean to others harms YOUR reputation

 

•             Spirited debate is fine, but keep it civil

 

•             What you post now could affect you later

 

 

 

There is no Safe Sexing

Sexting is not inherently dangerous, but it does come with serval risks. Some people exchange intimate images as an expression of affection, but it can cause harm, especially if the images are distributed beyond the intended target. The safest way to avoid abuse is not to allow such images to be taken in the first place.

 

 

Scams & Financial Risks

 

Scams can affect anyone and they are sometimes difficult to detect. Often they come in the form of an email, a “phishing” attacks where the message appears to come from your bank or other trusted source but is really an imposter.  Sometime they come by phone -- a call from “Microsoft” saying your computer is infected or the IRS saying you owe money. Sometimes you find them on social media -- a message from a “friend” who is in distress and needs emergency funds. Other times you’ll see them on the web.  The best advice is to not provide any information or funds to anyone unless you are absolutely certain of who they are and that they are legitimate.

 

Reminders:

1. Don’t click on links in email “from your bank.” Type in the actually web address or call or visit the bank to see if it’s legitimate
2. Always look carefully at the web address of any site before logging in or providing any information, including financial information.
3. Be extremely cautious of anyone who calls you on the phone to demand money or tell you that your device is infected with malware.

 

 

Security Risks


 
Use strong passwords and hard to guess PINs on all your devices. Use 2-factor authentication where possible (ConnectSafely.org/passwords).

Comcast launched Internet Essentials, a program designed to help close the digital divide. They have worked with thousands of partners across the nation to get students and their families connect to the Internet at home, improving students' ability to do research, write papers and collaborate with classmates.  Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest, most comprehensive, and most successful high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income households. Since launching in 2011, we’ve made dozens of improvements to the program, including 12 eligibility expansions—bringing Internet Essentials to new audiences such as public housing residents, low-income veterans, seniors, community college students, and new this year, to all qualified low-income households living in Comcast’s service area. We estimate this expansion, the largest we’ve ever made, doubles the number of Internet Essentials eligible households and benefits millions of newly-eligible people, including those with disabilities and new parents, along with even more seniors and adults without children at home.

 

Internet Essentials is uniquely designed to address the three major barriers to broadband adoption—digital literacy and relevance, computer equipment, and cost—and relies on a network of tens of thousands of partners to help communities cross the digital divide.

 

 PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Now available to low-income households eligible for public assistance programs such as Medicaid, the National School Lunch Program, SNAP, HUD Housing Assistance, and others. Additionally, households must live in Comcast’s service area, not be a current Comcast Internet customer, and not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than one year old.

 

 

While participating in Internet Essentials, students and their families receive:

 

  - Fast home Internet for just $9.95 a month plus tax.

 

 

 

  - No price increases, no activation fees and no equipment rental fees.

 

 

 

   -A low-cost computer available at initial enrollment for just $149.99 plus tax.

 

 

 

  - Access to free Internet training in English and Spanish - online, in print and in person.

 

 Learn more on the Internet Essentials Overview website. Certain eligibility restrictions apply.

 

 

About Vennmedia: ANME 

Vennmedia: ANME is an organization that supports the mission and programs of economic, educational and community development through career training, continuing education, internships, youth programs, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach efforts, helping raise the community resources it needs to make a difference for the most vulnerable members of our communities.

 

 

 

Vennmedia Launches Savings Initiatives

November 25, 2019, Chicago, IL - A national initiative designed to motivate youth to save and manage money is being piloted in our community through Vennmedia. As part of America Saves Week 2020 (February 24-February 29), Vennmedia will enroll low-income residents and potential savers and spread the message of savings.

As part of America’s Week 2020, Vennmedia will conduct several different activities that will consist of a 30 days of savings challenge, a twitter storm, and a sweepstakes contest. The 30-day savings challenge will involve participants saving at least $100 in 30 days by following a daily savings chart they receive upon registering for the event. Participants will also receive weekly emailed savings messages, updates on America Saves events and a free eBook. The twitter storm part of the activities will be held on February 29, 2020 at 9am. Vennmedia will blast Twitter with #ASW20 content for an hour to raise the visibility of the Week and engage more individuals in the topic of saving. The America Saves sweepstakes will give participants an opportunity to win between $500 to $750 by taking the Vennmedia Saves Pledge, making a simple savings plan to reach a goal and sharing their story on social media.

This financial action program will be a compliment to the financial education currently being provided by Vennmedia, allowing education to be put into action.

 

About Vennmedia: ANME 

Vennmedia: ANME is an organization that supports the mission and programs of economic, educational and community development through career training, continuing education, internships, youth programs, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach efforts, helping raise the community resources it needs to make a difference for the most vulnerable members of our communities.

America Saves is led by the Consumer Federation of America. Currently through national, state, regional and local campaigns, more than 450,000 adult and young savers have committed to saving money and/or reducing debt.

What is workplace bullying and how to deal with it

 

What is workplace bullying and who is affected?

Workplace bullying refers to repeated, unreasonable actions of individuals (or a group) directed towards an employee (or a group of employees), which are intended to intimidate, degrade, humiliate, or undermine; or which create a risk to the health or safety of the employee(s).
Workplace bullying often involves an abuse or misuse of power. Bullying behavior creates feelings of defenselessness and injustice in the target and undermines an individual’s right to dignity at work.

Bullying is different from aggression. Whereas aggression may involve a single act, bullying involves repeated attacks against the target, creating an on-going pattern of behavior. “Tough” or “demanding” bosses are not necessarily bullies as long as they are respectful and fair and their primary motivation is to obtain the best performance by setting high yet reasonable expectations for working safely.

Workplace bullying can be instigated by coworkers, supervisors, contract workers, or labor representatives. Some bullying situations involve employees bullying their peers, rather than a supervisor bullying an employee. The term mobbing refers to a group of coworkers targeting another worker.Supervisors should intervene immediately to address and stop mobbing behaviors.

Many people are unaware that workplace bullying occurs, and chances are if you are being bullied at work you have no idea how to handle it. It can be hard to deal with workplace bullying because it is not widely known or understood. Often times the bully is a person of authority, making it even harder to deal with workplace bullying. There are no set rules for dealing with workplace bullying, so stopping it can be challenging. If you or someone you know needs help dealing with an adult bully, these tips can help.

The first thing you should do to deal with workplace bullying is to keep a detailed written account of each instance of bullying. Being able to prove that you are constantly singled out for no reason and are the target of frequent attacks will go a long way to deal with an adult bully. Keep your records in a safe place, not at work where the bully can find them. You should also keep copies of all written interactions from the bully including memos, notes, and emails that prove you are being treated unfairly. Make a list of every instance of unfair treatment by the bully.

 

If you are criticized or accused of wrongdoing by a workplace bully and the claims are not true, ask for substantiated evidence of these claims and record in writing what the bully says. Many times the bully will not have a response or have evidence that is untrue. Their lack of answer or untrue answer will further prove your case and help to deal with an adult bully. You can even point out to the bully that making false accusations is a form of harassment and that you will seek out the proper recourse.

 

 

If you are not the only one being bullied, find other employees that have the same experiences and see if they want to pursue the bully together. Sometimes other employees that are having similar problems will be unwilling to cooperate, but sometimes they will be grateful for the help. More than one employee who have the same experiences with a bully will have better chances of dealing with an workplace bully together. It will help that you are not the only one experiencing the problem and give validation to your claims.

 

If your occupation has a union or other professional organization, contact them about your bullying problem. Not all unions or organizations will help employees deal with an workplace bully but many will or will have information you can use. You can also take your bullying problems to your manager or supervisor, unless they are the one doing the bullying. It is not usually a good idea to skip the proper chain of command, but if a supervisor of manager is the one bullying you, it may be a good idea to speak with their higher-up. If you are the victim of workplace bullying you should get a copy of your company's harassment and bullying policies so you knew what your rights are within the company.

Here is a brief list of Workplace bullying behaviors to look out for:

• Social isolation (silent treatment)

• Rumors

• Personal attacks of a person’s private life and or personal attributes

 

• Excessive or unjustified criticism

• Over-monitoring of work

• Verbal aggression

• Trivial fault finding

• Replacing proper work with demeaning jobs

• Setting unrealistic goals or deadlines

 

 

To learn more about what you can do to prevent workplace bullying or if you have any questions, visit us online at www.vennmedia.org or email us at info@vennmedia.org.

 

 

About Vennmedia: ANME 

Vennmedia: ANME is an organization that supports the mission and programs of economic, educational and community development through career training, continuing education, internships, youth programs, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach efforts, helping raise the community resources it needs to make a difference for the most vulnerable members of our communities.

 

 

 

 

Vennmedia can help you reach your employment goals

Are you unemployed or under-employed? Are you looking to improve your current skills? Employment 101 provides a complete set of tools and steps students will need to get started developing a roadmap to reach their training and employment goals.

Member Benefits for this FREE Service:

Joining the group will allow our team of career advisors to provide feedback on your:

•Illinois workNet assessments,
•Career/job search plans, and
•Offer next steps to help you meet your career, training, and employment goals.

For more info or to enroll email us at: info@vennmedia.org

Or call: 312-662-8839

www.vennmedia.org

Fighting Poverty With Handmade Gifts: Vennmedia’s Online Holiday Fundraiser

Vennmedia:ANME supports global artisans with handmade gifts from around the world

Chicago, Illinois — According to The World Bank, over 700 million people worldwide live on less than two dollars a day. Many of those struggling with poverty also struggle to find employment. Handcrafting can offer a rare opportunity to make a living.

Vennmedia: ANME is bringing attention to the work of these small-scale artisans this holiday season by partnering with SERRV International, a nonprofit that empowers nearly 8,000 artisans and farmers in 25 countries to build better lives for themselves and their families through sales of their fine handmade food and gifts.

 

From 11/22/2019 to 1/7/2019, all purchases of SERRV handcrafts at our fundraiser page will simultaneously support the work of Vennmedia and the many individuals SERRV employs in marginalized communities worldwide.

“This is an incredible opportunity to buy authentic, one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world,” says Zo Slater, Executive Director of Vennmedia: ANME. “But it’s so much more. Behind each of these handmade fashion, food and home décor items is an amazing story of an artisan or farmer receiving income and a fair wage for their work, enabling them to send their child to school, get medical care or preserve a traditional craft.”

As part of this holiday fundraising partnership, SERRV will return a portion of all sales at our fundraiser page  to Vennmedia: ANME to further their non-profit mission to work toward prosperity through economic, educational and community resources.

“We’re really pleased to partner with Vennmedia: ANME,” says Loreen Epp, President  & CEO of SERRV. “Donating a portion of their sales back to their work is a win-win. We both share a commitment to building stronger, healthier communities, and we’re helping each other make that happen.”

To learn more, contact Zo Slater at zoslater@vennmedia.org or go to www.vennmedia.org .

About Vennmedia: ANME 

Vennmedia: ANME is an organization that supports the mission and programs of economic, educational and community development through career training, continuing education, internships, youth programs, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach efforts, helping raise the community resources it needs to make a difference for the most vulnerable members of our communities.

About SERRV International

 SERRV International is a fair trade nonprofit working with global artisans and farmers in marginalized communities since 1949. Their purchase of over one thousand handcrafted home décor, fashion, and food items, sold nationwide, allow producers to fund artisan employment,

community building, healthcare, and education initiatives. The company’s values and their close connection to citizens of 25 countries allows for unique insight into the challenges, suffering and economic potential of people on a global scale. Learn more at serrv.org.