Thank you for choosing to view the material on my website.  I am currently a PhD student in Sociology at Michigan State University.  This site used to be a means to convey my activities, both current and previous academic study, as well as my ongoing professional development.  But, I have a new website!  Link to it here: johngirdwood.com You can access papers there including my master’s thesis “Some Eligible People Actually are Too Proud to Beg: Recommendations for increasing food stamp participation of eligible households.”

I believe that the sociological study of the human life course is vital to developing solid practical application methods that lend alternative disciplinary insight to research projects in a wide variety of fields.  My past research has ranged from thoughts on increasing diversity in K-12 classrooms (early childhood education) to an analysis of public benefits enrollment among the elderly in America.  I also study non-profit management which allows me provide consultant services to the non-profit sector including maintaining active involvement as President of the OMIA Foundation, an organization that “enhances the lives of students by expanding the scope of education” through outside movement inside academics.

It is my pleasure to provide you with access to a solid foundation of research.  I encourage you to continue your chosen disciplinary studies and consider further opportunities for progress especially those areas relating to Sociology.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of further service to you.

Sincerely,

John Girdwood, MSA
Michigan State University
PhD Student of Sociology

Art Road Brochure

• Business
• Automotive Design
• Law
• Medicine

Check out more information at Art Road’s website or read the snippet below:

Art Road brings art to kids.

Art Road classes open doors for creativity. They build self-esteem and awaken new interests. They enhance the school experience and encourage greater success in life.

Art Road links future career paths with expressive art activities that promote discussion and imagination.

Sidney Bailey III, Site Coordinator for Eastern Michigan University/Willow Run Community School CCLD Program, had this to say about the Art Road program:

“It has been an excellent addition to our regular offerings, giving students an opportunity to hone their artistic skills while understanding community themes. Mrs. Carol Hofgartner, Director, has been a valuable resource, providing materials, supplies and encouragement to students when she works at our school. Students look forward to her visits. Art Road’s program makes us better, and I vigorously encourage your enthusiastic support.”

Art Road needs ARTners to provide critical funding for the Art Experience Program. ARTners also have the option to send a visiting mentor to their classroom. Help put art back in the curriculum.

Art Road’s new Business Formula to bring art to five elementary schools that lack art programs needs $600,000 for full funding. Learn more about this new opportunity for our ARTners.

Art Road

Build a greater future for our community by providing a richer educational experience for local elementary school children. Open the door to creativity, self-esteem, problem-solving skills and greater motivation to stay in school.

Become an ARTner for kids. Help fund the Art Experience Program. Donate online or call Carol Hofgartner today at 313 407 9805.

Contact Us:
Art Road Nonprofit
15030 Santa Anita
Livonia, MI 48154
313 407 9805

NOTE: Art Road is not an affiliate of the OMIA Foundation.  We are simply providing the reader with information from Art Road’s website which we consider a “Correct Connect” to Art Road.

“December tends to focus on charity to poor families.  The challenge for volunteer resource managers is how to redirect the traditional one-way giving model into community building – moving from concentrated holiday events to year-round support and looking inside a neighborhood or organization before looking outside for volunteers. Do you agree with this role for volunteer resource managers?”

Energize!

Read this Month’s Hot Topic
Remember you can listen to the Hot Topic as a podcast, too!

About Energize
“Energize empowers and inspires leaders of volunteers worldwide. Their specialty is creating and selecting the most relevant, innovative resources in volunteer management. They’re advocates for the power of volunteers and for the recognition of the leaders who unleash it.”

Energize, Inc.
5450 Wissahickon Ave. C-13
Philadelphia PA 19144
Phone: 215-438-8342
Fax: 215-438-0434
info@energizeinc.com

Pass It On!
Pass on this update to interested news groups and others who work with volunteers.

VERY IMPORTANT: Material may be re-posted or printed without additional permission, provided credit is given to Energize, Inc., and the Web site address is included:  http://www.energizeinc.com/.

FROM OMIA: We really love Energize’s monthly newsletters and highly recommend you sign up to receive them.  They never produce any spam.  The Energize newsletters are great and full of awesome information.  The OMIA Foundation highly supports Energizeinc.com

Pamela Jo

would like to congratulate Megan Root as the recipient of the 2008 Down the River Scholarship in memoriam of “Pamela Jo from O-hio!”

The scholarship committee was thrilled to receive Megan’s application and surprised by how aligned her enthusiasm is with Pam’s.  There simply wasn’t a more qualified, accomplished, and promising applicant in the pool.

Hailing from Kenton, Ohio Megan and Pam share the passion to learn through continued education.  Megan now attends Ohio Northern University

ONU logo

with plans to study Pharmacology.  We thank Megan for her application package and appreciate those who cast recommendations for her.

On behalf of the OMIA Foundation, congratulations Megan and keep on learning!