Who Owns Your Ideas?

Intellectual property is defined as a method, process or idea developed by an individual or group. It may be protected by the originators or an organization.

Though an employee designs training material, curricula or manuscripts while on the payroll, this intellectual has commercial value which may create an income stream for years to come.  Who owns the rights to intellectual property?

If a nonprofit board has failed to define or communicate ownership to employees this can become a source of contention.  Periodic review and amendment of bylaws, and polices and procedures are an effective method of bringing clarity, protecting interests and may even create the opportunity for negotiation.

Nine Considerations For A Healthy Nonprofit Board

A Nonprofit Board is charged with authorizing key paid positions, fiscal responsibility, strategic planning and organizational visibility. It is baffling that new drivers must study for a permit and take a driving test, but there is no requirement to prepare Americans for marriage or parenting, or Board members to oversee a nonprofit organization that may impact the lives of hundreds, even thousands of people. In Oregon there are three types of nonprofit. There are nonprofits that benefit the public, those that serve their own membership only, and religious nonprofits. Each has different challenges and obligations.This post will focus primarily on nonprofits that benefit the public.

There are good Boards, and troubled Boards. Based on observation and experience, here are our recommendations for nine considerations for building a healthy Nonprofit Board.

Relational and Technical                Commitment and Flexibility             Accountability
Industry & Sector Balance                 Passion & Prior NP Experience          Ability To Manage Conflict
Technical Skills                                  Obtain Financial Buy In                       Capabilities & Training
Connections & Resourcefulness         Commitment As A Working Board      Evaluation & Improvement

This are key aspects of one element in a course we are developing on Nonprofits.

Resources: Vital Information When You Need It Most

Our resource page was recently updated. It is divided into four sections. We believe anyone should be able to access a free quality education whether it is to learn business skills, safeguard their business, for job advancement or for enrichment purposes.

We are passionate about helping employees and their families, especially in times of crisis.
Most of us have worked with someone who was struck with a tragic accident or illness. If you have ever felt helpless or wondered what you could do to help a co-worker or their family, learn more about YouCaring in our resources section. This is a site where a colleague, family member or friend can set up a fundraising page. What sets YouCaring apart from its counterparts is they have never charged a fee. One hundred percent of the money raised helps persons in need. The only fee that is charged is from PayPal. Donations are deposited as soon as they come in.

Please review our resource page.

Ask For Help Unabashedly And Keep On Asking

Is there really any value in watching a colleague falter when all that is needed is a few moments of guidance or advice? Industry experts have an inside track and may be a great resource to help new people in the field avoid costly mistakes, but they aren't mind readers. One of the most daunting tasks is to unabashedly ask for help. If you don't get help the first time, or need more assistance, just keep on asking until you can piece things together. It is preferable to suffering in silence or drifting in a sea of confusion. Balance persistence and openness with appreciation and a willingness to consider good advice. Here is a word of caution: Do maintain the chain of command where applicable. Some industry experts are motivated to share information and offer help because someone helped them years ago. Good places to find industry experts include professional groups or associations. The cost of membership ranges widely depending on the profession. Fees may seem excessive, however membership should also offer benefits. Think of the fee as an entry point to ask questions and locate information. 

Soil and Water Conservation Small Project Support

The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) is a resource for businesses and nonprofits including churches east of the Willamette River. EMSWCD provides technical assistance and small grants for projects that fit their guidelines. Examples of past projects have included watershed improvements, tree planting, community gardens, soil conservation, composting. Projects partners have included schools, neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofits, and churches. EMSWCD also provides free workshops. Read more about it on their website. http://emswcd.org/ 

Managing Surge Through Resource Agreements

Surge can include anything from a spike in production or attendance, to crisis management. When production exceeds capacity businesses need plans in place to ramp up rapidly. Non-profits such as food banks experienced a surge when needs exceeded available resources. In January 2012 we attended an event with five thousand participants and watched as many were turned away. Yet there was a like-minded business a mile down the road which could have co-hosted the event allowing for another three thousand attendees. In fact, there was a third entity that could have handled at least three thousand more. A business continuity plan can help a business or nonprofit manage a surge related to the economy, but it can also be used to manage unforeseen conditions. For instance many nonprofits have a large base of trained volunteers. Volunteers can be called up during times of crisis. Businesses can establish trigger points to rein in finances or provide cross training to manage labor needs until additional resources arrive. Resource management agreements allow businesses, churches and nonprofits to provide mutual aid which is only limited by imagination and codes. This may range from agreements for extra parking or improved logistics to top notch event planners. Few entities have the resources to plan for every contingency, but by appointing a liaison to participate in a work group and giving them the authority to commit resources within predetermined guidelines allows for greater flexibility and reciprocity leads to better cooperation.

Employed or Not: Many VETS Are Entitled To VA Health Care

We've been astounded to learn that many Veterans are not aware that they are eligible for VA health care. This becomes more important in the wake of the Affordable Care Act. Enrolling in VA health care satisfies this requirement. Insurance companies are not likely to advise Veterans since they stand to gain financially. Human Resource Departments are not required to advise new employees or send an annual reminders to existing employees prior to re-enrollment in a health care plan. Employees should not be discouraged from enrolling in other plans, but they should be informed and have the choice of VA health care with or without an additional private insurance plan.
 
How does VA health care work? Check at the Enrollment to learn more.

Based on our findings: VA does have specific eligibility criteria. For instance, Veterans who served in a combat zone should be eligible even if they did not see combat.

To obtain VA health care, the medical condition is NOT required to be service connected.
To establish military connection VETS or their Power of Attorney must initiate a claim with VA Comp and Pen. Once it is received, VA Comp and Pen requests evidence to support the claim. The process can be daunting. Many legitimate claims are persistently denied. Be prepared to maintain all appeals. If you need assistance you may obtain help through the VFW, DAV or hire an attorney. Download DBQ forms from the official VA website. Ask your treating physicians to fill one out DBQ for each corresponding medical condition. Sign a release to have the DBQ sent directly to VA Comp and Pen. If it is mailed to you instead, send a copy to VA Comp and Pen. Put your claim number on every page.

The VA uses a rating system to determine benefits and co-pays if applicable. New information may be submitted and a Veteran's rating may be upgraded if the request qualifies.Once enrollment approves a Veteran's application for heath care, a Veteran can self refer for audiology, optometry or mental health services. Like most health cares systems, there is usually a wait to get established with a primary care physician. Use that time to organize all your information to streamline care at your first visit.

A Bonus for Serving Our Country
Providing this link is our way of saying thank you for reading our blog and serving our country. Many businesses provide free or discounted products and services. This link provides a list of participating businesses for your convenience. Happy Veteran's Day.
http://militarybenefits.info/miscellaneous-discounts-veterans-day-deals-veterans/