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Author: Rochelle C. Pangilinan

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Personal Financial Advisor

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Personal Financial Advisor

    Financial literacy sounds like a term coined by financial pundits to scare off those who aren’t exactly a whiz with financial matters, but recent data from Statistics Canada that revealed Canadian household debt has increased significantly in the last quarter of 2018, further establishing the need for financial literacy.  In addition, based on additional report from Equifax Canada, more and more Canadians have turned away from their financial obligations in the fourth quarter of 2018, and it’s expected to climb even higher this year.

    These alarming statistics definitely prove that Canadians should be more aware when it comes to financial matters. However, not everyone can be as financial-savvy, but thankfully, there are professionals who can prove to be extremely helpful in that department: the personal financial advisors.

    If you have a great ability for financial management and you are natural in helping people, this career can definitely be worthwhile for you. Let’s take a look below.

    Personal Financial Advisors – What You Need to Know

    The personal financial advisors’ primary goal is to help individuals assess their financial needs, establish a financial plan, set short-term and long-term financial goals, and suggest investment options such as stocks and bonds. Personal financial advisors are especially needed when there’s a big change in an individual’s life such as getting a high-paying job, starting a family, or acquiring wealth through other means such as inheritance. These are situations where personal financial advisors are essential.

    Because of what’s expected of them, personal financial advisors should have high-level knowledge in the financial and investment fields and must be in an expert-level when it comes to applicable tax laws that are associated with such options, such as inheritance tax.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a personal financial advisor can earn an average of C$44,457 a year with potential for bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.

    Skills

    To kick off a career as a personal financial advisor, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or any related field will be a big advantage. Ideally, personal financial advisors should also work to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of government (federal, state, and local) laws and regulations and Security Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and guidelines. If this will be the profession you’ll go for, keep in mind that continuous learning and keeping oneself abreast of monetary rules and regulations are beneficial.

    Being technology-savvy is recommended for personal financial advisors, and it will be a huge boost to one’s career if you learn to use the latest in self-serve tools such as automated portfolio management to accommodate your client base.

    Before you can practice as a personal financial advisor though, registration is a must for all provinces and territories. Practicing without the necessary credentials can be a big blow to your career and could jeopardize your reputation within the industry for the long-term especially now that consumers anywhere in Canada can double-check on a personal financial advisor’s certifications and qualifications via the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Registrant Search.

    Pros and Cons

    A career as a personal financial advisor is challenging as expectations in terms of duties and responsibilities are ever-growing. This is why personal financial advisors are recommended to consistently work hard to adjust to ever-changing business climates that Canada is exposed to, especially when it comes to technology, regulations, and market volatility.

    However, this particular career can be extremely rewarding both financially speaking and emotionally speaking. You earn the potential for huge bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities. In turn, you become essential in an individual’s realization of their financial goals, and that’s even a bigger reward than the monetary rewards.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Personal_Financial_Advisor/Salary

    https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/12/how-to-know-if-you-need-a-financial-advisor.html

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/household-debt-income-1.5056159

  • OSAP Changes: How Will They Affect You?

    OSAP Changes: How Will They Affect You?

    It’s human instinct to be wary of change, especially when something has worked wonders for you, be it your current classmates and teachers, your academic schedule, your social calendar, or the electives you’ve decided to take for the school year.

    If any one of these items happen to undergo a major change, the rest will be affected like dominoes. For instance, if you’re being transferred to another school, your social life will for sure take a hit.  That’s why it’s understandable that there’s a negative kneejerk reaction when changes are delivered to us. After all, there’s the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, you’ve probably come across the quote by Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who was later dubbed to be the “Weeping Philosopher” later in his life, “The only thing that is constant is change” that contradicts the former adage.

    Such is the dilemma that faced students upon learning that the provincial government has implemented changes in the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) early this year. Prior to the announcement, it was possible for low-income students to attend college or university free of cost since the Liberal government increased the number of grants to which they were eligible for. However, with the recent modifications to the program, this would not be the case anymore.

    Just a few days after the news release of several adjustments made to the province’s financial aid program for education, a number of students took to the streets to demonstrate their displeasure. Nour Alideeb, the Ontario chair of the Canadian Federation of Students, said the amendments would badly affect students from the lowest income families who have relied on grants for their college or university education.

    OSAP: Where We Were

    To better understand the situation, it helps to take a closer look at how OSAP worked before and how it is working now.

    Before, OSAP consisted of two portions: a loan, which needed to be paid back after completion of one’s studies, and a grant, which did not need to be paid back even after the completion of one’s studies.

    How the grant is calculated depended on a number of factors such as the school, degree or program, start and end dates, tuition, book expenses, a student’s own earnings, their family’s household income, and whether they classify as dependent or independent. The maximum grant payable for the previous years 2017 until 2018 for university students was $8,700 and $6,900 for college students.

    Previously, students who acquired loans through OSAP were granted a six-month grace period before they would be charged interest on their loans. This allowed a reasonable amount of time for them to get settled with their employment opportunities.

    OSAP: Where We Are Now

    Among the changes announced by the provincial government were the reduction of tuition fees by 10% in all educational institutions in Ontario. Currently, as it stands, Ontario students pay the highest tuition rates in the nation, and cutting the fees by 10% is expected to be a big help. This also guarantees a no-fee increase for the school years 2020 until 2021.

    The provincial government affirms that the changes ensure that low-income students have access to the financial aid they need to complete their education. The family income threshold that is necessary to be eligible for the Ontario Student Grant has been reduced. However, for many, this means that lesser students will have a harder time to have access to the grants if they are not eligible due to a household income that is higher than what’s needed.

    However, it is the elimination of the six-month grace period bore the brunt of student’s anger about the recent OSAP changes since this means that as soon as they graduate, the interest on their student loans is activated, regardless of whether or not they  have a job waiting for them upon graduation. This gives students less time to save up money and pay off their loans after they graduate.

    OSAP: Where We Are Headed

    How exactly would the changes affect students in the long-term remains to be seen. However, it seems like all the modifications are not off to a good start. Apparently, Ontario’s student loan program can’t accept new applications yet because Ontario’s universities and colleges still has yet to receive the complex government formula used in calculating the financial aid amount each student is eligible for.

    SOURCES

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/osap-grants-school-1.5084841

    https://news.ontario.ca/maesd/en/2019/01/affordability-of-postsecondary-education-in-ontario.html

    https://proliteracy.ca/blogpost/new-osap-cheat-sheet-before-you-apply

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/you-messed-with-the-wrong-people-students-demand-ford-government-reverse-osap-changes-1.4993886

    https://www.thesil.ca/provincial-government-announces-changes-to-osap

    https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/heraclitus/

  • Effective Job Search Strategies for People with Disabilities

    Effective Job Search Strategies for People with Disabilities

    For most people, a job equals a paycheque every two weeks, which is used for the monthly obligations such as utility and credit card bill payments, phone and internet expenses, rent or mortgage, and online streaming services subscription dues. A paycheque also equals the finances needed to purchase tangible things such as food, groceries, clothing, and other expenses to support one’s hobby.

    On the other hand, for people with disabilities, the bi-weekly paycheque is synonymous to all these things, but there’s a lot more than that. As an August 2018 article in The Globe and Mail emphasized, individuals with disabilities look forward to their paycheques because it signifies their full integration in the society and cements their value in the community.

    While there are challenges you may face when it comes to employment opportunities, there are certain strategies to overcome these barriers. If you are an individual with a disability who is currently seeking employment, here are a few suggestions for a more successful job search:

    Do a self-evaluation.

    If you’re unsure of which type of job or work environment where you would best fit, you’ll need to take time to do a self-evaluation. This will streamline the job hunt process for yourself so you won’t find yourself all over the place. Look into your past work experience and your academic experience. If you received additional training, see which of those are worth practicing. It’s also important to truly immerse yourself into the employment market and make sure you keep that way for the long-term. Ask yourself vital questions like, “What tasks do you see yourself doing on a daily basis?” and “What type of workplace will get you excited enough for you to break your routine?”

    Study the job market.

    When you’re done with the self-evaluation, it’s time to research the job market and the possible opportunities that you can get into. Countless professions are suited for persons with disabilities like you. For instance, if you’ve realized you were a sort of a math whiz as a kid and you’ve taken a few accounting courses here and there, a role as an accountant can be in your future. If you have a natural ability to help people and you’re quite the chatterbox, a role as a customer service agent may be in the horizon.

    Look into resources.

    Applications are all done online now, so that makes things extremely convenient. However, if you’re unsure of how to go about the process, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. There are employment centres that specifically provide assistance to job seekers with disabilities, and the counsellors or case workers can accommodate you to get your started on the application process, plus provide you with other resources such as resume and cover letter enhancements, printing, and workshops. They can also let you know of hiring events that particularly cater to individuals with disabilities so do ask them to keep you posted.

    Focus on what you can offer.

    Being self-aware is a good attitude. However, for a successful job hunting, you would need to focus on your strengths and set aside anything that you think would limit you. This doesn’t mean that you deny or avoid disclosing your disability as employers are legally obligated to provide you with accommodations.

    Job hunting is often a taxing activity for anyone. However, ultimately it’s all about working hard and not giving up so you can attain the success you duly deserve.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/best-jobs-disabilities

    https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/5-tips-for-jobhunting-with-a-disability-hot-jobs

    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities-a-job-is-more-than-a/

    https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/5-tips-for-jobhunting-with-a-disability-hot-jobs

  • A Look at Job Sources for You NOW

    A Look at Job Sources for You NOW

    Early last April, Carla Qualtrough, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, announced with the Social Development Partnerships Program–Disability Component (SDPP-D): a total amount of $18 million financial support over the course of three years will be made available for 28 organizations across the country to help Canadians with disabilities to integrate in societies through various activities, including employment.

    This is certainly good news as it was not long ago when people of disabilities faced great challenges when it came to their employment needs. According to a 2014 report by Statistics Canada, there were 443,900 unemployed Canadians with disabilities that were fit to work but certain barriers and misapprehensions have prevented them from working. These barriers included physical ones such as lack of accessibility for people with disabilities in buildings.

    While there’s still a long way to go, Canada is certainly on the right track to creating a more inclusive work environment for people with disabilities. Here is a look at a few of the nationally available job sources that people with disabilities can connect with for their employment needs:

    Job Bank – Government of Canada

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/report_note.do?cid=12207

    One of the top job sources for people with disabilities is the Government of Canada Job Bank website. Here, one can easily sign up for Job Match, then create a profile, making sure to choose the option that they are an individual with disability. Once the profile is created, they can easily get alerts for jobs that match with their skills and qualifications. In addition, the website provides other useful information such as job market reports and details on the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities where they can acquire employment or self-employment to enhance their economic participation and independence.

    Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE)

    https://www.supportedemployment.ca/employers/

    CASE was first introduced to the public in 1999 as an informal network of service providers and stakeholders who are fully committed to include persons with disabilities in the Canadian labour force through the facilitation of increased labour market participation and outcomes. Now, CASE is directed by its membership and a voluntary Board of Directors who represent almost every Canadian region. People with disabilities can connect with a CASE member in their respective area who then will provide them with job search assistance.

    Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)

    https://www.ccrw.org/

    The CCRW is dedicated to providing job seekers with disabilities the tools and confidence to educate and market themselves, as well as promoting awareness for hiring qualified employees with disabilities. While the headquarters are located in the heart of Toronto, CCRW serves Canadians across the country. All one has to do is log onto the website and specify their location and they will be directed to various partnership resources in their area for job opportunities. Via the Job Accommodation Service or JAS, the CCRW also provides workplace accommodation assessments, presentations and workshops, and consulting services for employers to learn more about eliminating barriers – both individual and systemic –  in the workplace by offering practical workplace accommodation solutions and advice. Job seekers can also go directly to CCRW’s partner, Work Ink (https://www.workink.com/) for job postings and get their online applications started.

    Bender Consulting Services

    https://www.benderconsult.com/

    While this organization’s main office is located in Pittsburgh, PA in the United States, it has a good presence across Canada as well. The organization has a database of over 27,000 candidates with disabilities seeking professional career opportunities which they match with their network of thousands of disability and academic institution partners. In addition, Bender also offers talent programs, training, consulting, and software solutions that focus on disability employment and inclusion value.

    Now that you’ve learned about these sources to help you find the employment opportunity that best fits you, it’s time to get started on the resume and cover letter! Our website also has several articles about these items. Happy job hunting!

    SOURCES:

    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2014001/article/14115-eng.htm

    https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-announces-major-funding-for-projects-that-promote-the-social-inclusion-of-persons-with-disabilities-805264237.html

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Fireperson

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Fireperson

    If there’s anything that we know about firefighters, it’s that they are often regarded as heroes and heroines. It’s no surprise that there have been an abundance of movies and TV shows where the central characters are firefighters and the challenges they face. Among the most notable films are “Ladder 49” and the classic film “The Towering Inferno” (which your parents or grandparents will know about). As for the TV shows, there’s a plethora of them such as “Chicago Fire” and “Station 19,” but make sure to watch these with adult supervision as some scenes can be downright scary.

    Unlike pop culture though, the road to become a firefighter doesn’t just happen in a snap. If this is the profession you have in mind, be prepared for a lot of hard work – and we’re not talking about just physically. There’s more to being a fireperson than just mere physical prowess, let us take a closer look below:

    Firepeople – What You Need to Know

    Firefighters are the first people anyone calls whenever a fire breaks out in their vicinity, be it a residential or commercial. Their main duty is to look out for individuals whose lives are threatened by the fire and ensure their security and safety by extinguishing the fire or at least minimizing it so it becomes less of a threat.

    However, there are times when a fire completely goes out of control and firefighters will have to risk their lives and enter burning structures to save individuals who may have been trapped. At the same time, they put their lives on the line as they endure smoke inhalation and weakening or falling structures.

    Despite their job title though, firefighters are also professionals to rely upon in emergencies that don’t necessarily involve a fire. For instance, a recent incident of a man falling down an elevator shaft in Downtown Toronto prompted witnesses to rely on firefighters to rescue the man who fell three floors down.

    And if you think firefighters are only for humans, think again! After all, we all know about firepeople rescuing cats trapped in trees. A similar incident occurred in Mooney’s Bay in Ottawa recently except that this involved a Canada goose who got entangled in guide wires that keep birds away from the beach. It was Ottawa Fire Services who came to the poor bird’s rescue.

    When not responding to emergencies and being heroes and heroines, firefighters still have a lot to do. They are responsible for the upkeep of their trucks, hoses, and other equipment and take part in continuous training and drills that make them better prepared for emergencies. At times, they also visit schools and community centres to teach kids and adults about fire prevention. This is especially common during fire prevention week.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, firefighters can earn C$52,116 a year.

    Skills

    The physical requirements to become a firefighter is extensive, and you will have to earn a valid Physical Fitness Assessment or CPAT in most areas. In addition, it’s ideal that you have a 20/30 vision, as well as certifications in First Aid and CPR Level C. You may also have to complete a Firefighter Practice Aptitude Test which will equip you with the know-how and skills to become an effective firefighter.

    On the other hand, the academic requirements for becoming a fireperson is not heavy, but this doesn’t mean that mental prowess takes a backseat. While only a minimum of a Grade 12 diploma is required in terms of education, firefighters need to have the mental alertness and agility to be able to respond appropriately to emergencies. Plus, it takes a lot of courage and valor to put one’s own life on the line to save another – there’s no amount of studying that can earn one those qualities.

    Pros and Cons

    A career as a fireperson can be physically strenuous. They are on call 24/7 and may be required to put in more work hours depending on the gravity of the emergency. It’s common to hear of people who work 24-hour shifts should the situation call for it. It can be mentally taxing as well since firepeople do put themselves in danger in order to ensure the safety of their community.

    While there are disadvantages, the role of a firefighter can be extremely rewarding as it’s definitely a profession that serves a great value to the community.

    SOURCES:

    https://firerecruitment.ca/tos/how-become-firefighter/

    https://www.firescience.org/how-to-become-a-firefighter/

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Fireman/Salary

    https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/man-in-mobility-scooter-falls-three-floors-down-toronto-elevator-shaft-1.4376408

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/firefighters-rescue-entangled-bird-1.4853545

  • Trades Career Profile: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer

    Trades Career Profile: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer

    Manufacturing is a growing industry, and modern manufacturing relies on sophisticated technologies such as automation and high-tech machining.  Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines are a backbone of production, used to cut, shape, and finish a wide variety of materials used in mass production and custom prototyping, such as metal, plastic, wood, or composite materials. CNC machines are used to create parts for other assemblies, customized prototypes, and many other products based on digital drawings produced by engineers and architects.

    CNC machines are precision instruments that use numerical computer code to precisely cut these parts, and require highly skilled technicians to write the code, and to program and operate the machines.  The job of a CNC Programmer requires the programmer to understand engineering blueprints, and write the code the CNC machine needs to run. CNC programmers will also test their code, perform troubleshooting, and revise the machine code according to changes in the engineering requirements.  They are also responsible for determining estimates for cost and time requirements to produce a part, select the correct cutting tool for the material being used, and compare finished parts to the original blueprints to ensure the parts are accurate.

    For people with an interest in both computers and manufacturing, becoming a CNC programmer is an ideal career path.  It requires workers who are detail oriented, skilled with computers and coding, able to concentrate for long periods of time, and have strong problem solving abilities.

    Most CNC Programmers will work in factories, including large manufacturing and mass production facilities, as well as small job shops, machine shops, or prototyping companies.  Because much of the work is done on computer, often CNC Programmers will be in office environments. However, there can be requirements to work directly on the floor of a factory, which can include high temperatures, dust, and the requirement to wear safety and personal protective equipment.  This can also require a certain amount of moderate to heavy lifting, pushing and pulling to operate machinery or move parts, and standing for long periods of time.

    CNC Programmers require some post-secondary education in engineering technologies, manufacturing technologies, including specific courses and training in CNC programming, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided machining (CAM) software programs, machining, fabrication, metalworking, or other related areas.  This can be a combination of college or trade school diploma, and apprenticeships or on-the-job training.  Depending on the province, certification may be required with the provincial trade association.

    Wages for CNC Programmers start around minimum wage, $15 – $17 per hour for entry-level and apprenticeship positions.  With experience, this trade earns wages up to around $30 – $40 per hour.  This is an average yearly salary range from $39,000 for early career up to as high as $75,000 for middle to late career earnings.

    Sources:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Computer_Numerically_Controlled_(CNC)_Programmer/Hourly_Rate

    https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/professions-and-trades/cnc-cad-cam

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/22617/ca

  • Financial: Watch Out for Wasting Money

    Financial: Watch Out for Wasting Money

    Handling money isn’t easy for anyone, whether you’re a teen, a college student, or an adult.  Being good with money takes practice and effort; no one is magically a financial genius.  But it’s easy to lose track of your spending if you’re not paying attention, especially when you’re young and likely don’t have much money to begin with from an allowance or a part time job.  If you feel like you’re always short on cash or asking your parents for money, take a look at your spending to see where you might be wasting money without realizing it.

    “Treat yourself!” is a common refrain, and while it’s true you should get something nice for yourself once in awhile, it’s easy to let this snowball into significant overspending.  This can be particularly difficult if you’re often out with friends to the mall or browsing online shopping.

    Peer pressure from friends, even if they mean well, can lead to purchasing too many non-essentials: clothes your friends insist “look just perfect on you,” that extra book, video game or movie that “you just have to see/watch this one,” or going out to eat too often “because you should treat yourself.”  Online shopping is particularly dangerous, since shopping sites are geared toward convincing you to buy more — even when you don’t need it — by making sales or free shipping or add-ons seem appealing or “a great deal.”

    The bottom line is that if you’re often buying things you don’t need, you’re not spending wisely.

    It isn’t just shopping that can drain away your money without you noticing how it adds up.  Having a social life is important, and involved anything from going to the movies, to school dances, clubs, and sporting events, or bigger things like car expenses or wanting to go on a trip.  While you can and should participate in social events with your friends, these can be expensive and add up to a significant portion of your spending.

    That’s not to say “never do these things,” but rather to pay attention to how much they cost and either limit yourself to a few events that are your favourite, save up for specific events, or simply take only a little bit of money with you and leave the debit card at home to reduce your chances of overspending.

    So, how can you make sure you’re not wasting your money?

    Planning a budget — and sticking to it — is the best way to be sure you’re spending wisely.  Make a list of your needs, such as basic clothing, school supplies, or car expenses, versus your wants, like a new video game, sporting equipment, or a social event.  Set up separate bank accounts too, one for daily spending and one for savings, and be sure to put most of your money into the savings account to prevent yourself from spending it on impulse purchases. Review your budget and your bank statements regularly to see your spending patterns — if you’re dropping hundreds of dollars in Starbucks or the mall, it will be easy to see.

    Lastly, your social life shouldn’t suffer from your budget, but there are ways to cut down your costs.  Libraries and community centres offer free or low cost access to books, movies, music, video games, and activities or events.  Or just choose to spend your movie night at home with a group of friends and some snacks, instead of at the theatre with fast food.

    As long as you pay attention to your spending habits, you will be able to spend wisely and save for the future!

    Sources:

    https://www.moneyunder30.com/how-teens-can-save-money

    https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/11/05/10-money-tips-for-teens

    https://www.businessinsider.com/how-teens-are-spending-money-2017-4

    https://www.brighthubeducation.com/parenting-teens/121414-how-much-money-do-teenagers-spend/

  • Changements dans le secteur de la commercialisation pour retrouver une meilleure image corporelle

    Pour de nombreuses années maintenant, Victoria’s Secret a régné sur le secteur de la lingerie. Ce magasin a été fondé par Roy Raymond, en 1977, qui y a pensé parce qu’il se sentait trop gêné d’acheter de la lingerie pour sa femme dans un centre commercial ordinaire. Tirant son nom de la période victorienne, l’entreprise a été achetée plus tard par Leslie Wexner qui avait le sens des affaires pour la transformer en quelque chose en laquelle Raymond n’avait pas pensé. En 1995, Victoria’s Secret gagnait 1,9 milliard $ et avait 670 magasins aux États-Unis.

    Maintenant, en 2019, beaucoup de choses ont changé. Victoria’s Secret n’est plus la reine de la lingerie qu’elle était autrefois. Ses profits n’ont cessé de diminuer ces dernières années et l’inévitable est arrivé : elle va fermer 53 magasins en Amérique du Nord (dont 3 au Canada).

    Nous nous sommes « réveillées »

    Quelques personnes initiées imputent le déclin des ventes à l’augmentation du marché de détail en ligne, mais certains savent qu’il y a une raison plus importante que ça. Pour les 20 dernières années, l’entreprise a organisé l’un des défilés de mode les plus attendus de l’année, dans lequel les mannequins, appelés les « anges », défilent vêtues de la lingerie la plus colorée et sophistiquée du magasin (à un certain moment, la top-modèle Gisele Bundchen a porté un soutien-gorge sophistiqué de 15 millions $). La taille de ces anges est en moyenne 0, tout ce qui est au-dessus de cette taille est hors norme dans le domaine de la mode. Ces défilés excessifs étaient un pur bonheur à regarder.

    Cependant, étant donné le climat culturel actuel amené par le mouvement #MeToo, et les nombreux organismes qui portent une sensibilisation accrue sur les droits et l’égalité des femmes, on accepte moins un défilé de mode dans lequel la taille des femmes, vêtues des tenues sexies, est 0. Pendant des années, le défilé de mode a dépeint un canon de beauté illusoire, et le monde s’est finalement rendu compte que ce n’était pas correct.

    Un article récent de Joel Miller sur le lien entre la publicité et l’image corporelle a pointé du doigt des approches de commercialisation intéressantes, mais douloureuses. D’abord, Miller écrit que, en moyenne, la plupart des mannequins pèsent 23 % de moins que la femme ordinaire.  Deuxièmement, les troubles alimentaires ont augmenté de plus de 400 % depuis 1970. Et finalement, et pas des moindres, seulement 5 % des femmes ont un type de corps présenté, en général, dans la publicité moderne.

    S’adapter aux nouvelles réalités

    Heureusement, il existe des entreprises innovantes qui s’adaptent aux nouvelles réalités, comprenant l’importance d’ancrer une image corporelle saine pour toutes les femmes, en commençant tôt. L’une de ces entreprises est l’un des compétiteurs les plus féroces de Victoria’s Secret : Aerie. Sa campagne de commercialisation ingénieuse, qui montre des images de femmes de toutes couleurs, non photoshoppées, a attiré des compliments des utilisateurs d’internet de partout.

    Même l’image des magasins d’Aerie reste fidèle à sa promotion d’émancipation des femmes et leur image corporelle saine. Ils sont pleins d’images réalistes (on voit un mannequin avec des jambes sur lesquelles on remarque de la cellulite, etc.) et des messages positifs tels que « vous, fortes et belles ». En revanche, Victoria’s Secret est resté avec ce qui l’a rendu célèbre : des modèles avec des jambes très longues portant de la lingerie dans des poses aguichantes et à connotations sexuelles.

    Et alors que la commercialisation de Victoria’s Secret repose sur les mannequins de mode, les produits d’Aerie sont aussi acceptés par des personnalités connues, mais qui ne se comparent en aucun cas aux critères de beauté des Anges de Victoria’s Secret. Par exemple, l’actrice Emma Roberts de « American Horror Story », bien qu’elle soit une belle femme elle-même, est petite, avec sa taille de 5’2” — une grande différence avec l’ange Karlie Kloss, qui fait 6’2”.

    Dans l’ensemble, la campagne d’AerieReal présente des femmes inspirantes de tous âges, de toutes ethnicités, de toutes préférences sexuelles, et surtout de toutes tailles. En février 2016, l’entreprise a lancé une campagne qui présentait Iska Lawrence, une belle femme de taille 14. En plus, la campagne d’AerieReal ne s’appuie pas seulement sur des personnalités, mais également sur les femmes ordinaires. L’année dernière, Aerie a choisi 57 personnes, qui ne sont pas des mannequins, pour ses publicités.

    Encore une longue route

    Bien qu’on doive se réjouir des efforts d’Aerie pour diversifier ses campagnes de publicité, d’autres détaillants ont encore du chemin à faire. Aerie leur montre la voie. Toutes les tailles commencent à être acceptées et c’est une bonne chose pour les femmes de partout.

    Ce n’est pas simple pour tout le monde, c’est sûr, et pour certaines entreprises, cela peut représenter un échec et une erreur lourde. Par exemple, Avon UK s’est attiré les foudres des internautes en sortant une publicité qui encourage le dégout de la cellulite. Les publicités « les fossettes sont mignonnes sur votre visage, pas sur vos cuisses » ont été retirées après les reproches. Scientifiquement, la cellulite arrive naturellement, mais l’équipe de campagne qui en est responsable savait pertinemment comment exploiter la fausse idée que d’avoir de la cellulite veut dire automatiquement être gros.

    Nous y arriverons

    Les campagnes de commercialisation qui donnent la priorité à une image corporelle saine ne peuvent pas arriver du jour au lendemain. Heureusement, de plus en plus de gens responsables de ces campagnes de publicité sont ouverts à inclure des changements et à s’adapter aux nouvelles réalités. En temps voulu, tout le monde y arrivera finalement.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.businessinsider.com/victorias-secrets-crazy-history-2015-7

    https://www.standard.co.uk/fashion/victorias-secret-fantasy-bra-history-a3983381.html

    https://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-the-victorias-secret-fashion-show-2015-12#in-2000-the-show-was-held-at-the-cannes-film-festival-as-a-part-of-the-cinema-against-aids-2000-gala-it-raised-35-million-7

    https://www.businessinsider.com/victorias-secret-pink-aerie-compared-photos-2019-3#empowering-images-are-scattered-all-around-the-store-16

    http://time.com/4215404/size-14-model-iskra-lawrence-newest-aerie-model/

    https://www.warc.com/newsandopinion/news/fashion_retailers_need_to_play_catchup_on_sizing/41682

    http://www.admedia.com/media-and-body-image.php

  • Tendre la main aux itinérants du Canada

    Selon une étude de Homelesshub.ca, on pense qu’il y a environ 230 000 personnes sans-abris au Canada durant une année donnée. En fait, des données d’un sondage Ipsos Reid, en mars 2013 indiquaient qu’il y avait jusqu’à 1,3 million de Canadiens qui subissent l’itinérance ou des logements insalubres. Non seulement ces personnes connaissent une qualité de vie diminuée à cause de logements inadéquats ou n’ont pas d’abris du tout, mais ils vivent des dangers constants dans leur vie, dus à de mauvaises conditions causées par leur itinérance, surtout pendant l’hiver lorsque les températures descendent jusqu’à -20 ou plus bas encore. Au fil des années, il y a eu de nombreuses morts causées par l’hypothermie. À Saskatoon seulement, les basses températures sont responsables de 13 décès.

    Il suffit de dire que c’est un problème auquel on doit s’attaquer. Vous pouvez aider ces personnes en prenant contact avec les organismes dans tout le Canada, dont vous trouverez la liste ci-dessous, qui s’occupent d’aider directement les sans-abris. Ces organismes offrent des possibilités de bénévolat dans lesquelles vous pouvez vous impliquer. Si vous ne pouvez pas donner de votre temps, vous pouvez toujours aider par des dons.

    Colombie-Britannique

    211 British Columbia Services Society

    330-111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver (Colombie-Britannique)

    bc211 est un organisme à but non lucratif qui se concentre à aider la communauté en fournissant gratuitement des renseignements et des orientations vers les services sociaux en C.-B. Ceux qui n’ont pas de domicile fixe peuvent y aller chercher de l’aide par le biais de leurs nombreux services pour contrer l’itinérance, y compris des abris d’urgence pour les familles, les hommes, les femmes et les jeunes. Ils peuvent aider pour les articles ménagers, les repas et les collations, la sensibilisation, des douches et les laveries ainsi que des maisons de transition pour les victimes de violence. Leurs services d’appels téléphoniques comprennent 211, l’Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (ADIRS), la Problem Gambling Help Line, VictimLink BC, et la Youth Against Violence Line. Cet organisme est financé par Centraide, le gouvernement de Colombie-Britannique et la ville de Vancouver.

    Alberta

    Accessible Housing Society

    1212 31st Avenue N.E., Suite 215

    Calgary (Alberta)

    Accessible Housing est un organisme à but non lucratif de bienfaisance inscrite qui se charge d’ouvrir les portes pour que les personnes à mobilité réduite puissent obtenir des logements accessibles et abordables. Ils ont des programmes de sensibilisation et de résidences qui fournissent du soutien personnel et de logement. Vous pouvez aider, par cet organisme, de différentes façons : en participant à des évènements communautaires comme les festivals, les foires ou des collectes de fonds, en aidant à l’entretien comme la peinture et l’aménagement paysager et en posant votre candidature pour un poste de gestionnaire pour les comités et le conseil. Vous pouvez également faire des dons en ligne.

    Nouveau-Brunswick

    Bathurst Youth Centre

    895 Ste Anne Street

    Bathurst (New-Brunswick)

    Bathurst Youth Centre s’occupe tout particulièrement des jeunes en leur offrant des programmes structurés qui s’attaquent aux problèmes qui touchent les jeunes aujourd’hui. Ils fournissent aussi des activités de soutien, de formation, de loisirs et sociales, le tout dans un cadre surveillé. Le centre croit en un environnement sain et positif pour les jeunes en leur proposant des activités de loisirs comme des bals, des concerts, des spectacles de variétés, des cafés, des tables de billard, des espaces de jeu et de sport. Ils leur donnent également de l’aide pour leurs besoins d’emploi.

    Saskatoon

    The Lighthouse

    227 20th St E. S7K 0A5

    The Lighthouse se consacre à offrir des logements abordables pour la communauté, mais s’occupe aussi de ceux qui ont besoin d’abris d’urgence et n’ont nulle part où aller pour la nuit. L’organisme propose également des services de soutien pour ceux qui sont à risque de devenir itinérants pour toutes sortes de raisons. Il fournit de nombreuses occasions de bénévolat pour la communauté y compris le nettoyage et l’entretien, de la nourriture et des activités de loisirs.

    Québec

    Old Brewery Mission

    Boul. 902 Saint-Laurent
    Montréal (Québec) H2Z 1J2

    La mission Old Brewery aide les itinérants hommes et femmes de Montréal pour leurs besoins essentiels tout en restant déterminée à trouver des solutions pratiques et durables pour éliminer l’itinérance. L’organisme offre des occasions de bénévolat dans la préparation et le service des repas, des tâches administratives et même de gestion. Il accepte également des services professionnels comme des conseils juridiques, de comptabilité, de traduction, de créations graphiques et de photographie.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/how-many-people-are-homeless-canada

    http://www.canadian-universities.net/Volunteer/Homeless_and_Housing.html

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/city-crews-clear-encampment-under-gardiner-expressway-homeless-1.5054918

    http://www.bc211.ca/

    https://www.bathurstyouthcentre.ca/

    https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/here-are-organizations-helping-the-homeless-survive-winter-1.2176233

  • Allez au travail… avec vos parents !

    Chaque matin, vous allez à l’école tandis que beaucoup de vos parents vont travailler. L’école et le travail sont deux mondes bien différents, mais ils ont plus de choses en commun que vous ne le pensez. Beaucoup de ce que vous étudiez dans le premier vous prépare pour le deuxième. En accompagnant vos parents sur leur lieu de travail, vous comprenez mieux l’intérêt des deux. Vous pouvez le faire pendant la journée « invitons nos jeunes au travail » , comme bénévole sur le lieu de travail de vos parents ou encore vous pouvez demander à accompagner vos parents, juste pour regarder.

    Quel que soit le lieu de travail de vos parents, c’est une expérience enrichissante. Vous voyez un côté de votre mère ou votre père que vous ne voyez jamais ailleurs. Ce professionnel est quelqu’un qui a travaillé fort et continue de travailler fort pour assurer à votre famille un toit, de la nourriture et une vie confortable. Cela vous aide, vous et les autres étudiants à comprendre les rôles que jouent vos parents et les autres adultes. C’est une chance superbe de créer des liens avec votre mère ou votre père comme jamais auparavant. C’est l’occasion de vous rapprocher d’eux en vous permettant de mieux comprendre leur réalité.

    « Qu’est-ce que tu veux faire quand tu seras plus grand ? » C’est peut-être la question la plus difficile qu’on vous pose. Et si accompagner vos parents à leur travail vous permet de les comprendre, cela vous aide aussi à apprendre qui vous êtes. En faisant l’expérience de différents lieux de travail et en voyant le travail se faire, vous pouvez avoir une meilleure idée de la carrière que vous souhaitez avoir plus tard. Ou vous apprendrez que le lieu de travail de vos parents n’est pas pour vous. Pensez également comment vos parents vous aident à vous préparer pour l’école et passent du temps avec vous ensuite. En les regardant travailler, vous comprendrez mieux l’importance de l’équilibre entre la vie privée et le travail. Nous avons besoin d’un emploi, mais ce n’est pas tout. Cela demande de l’effort d’équilibrer une carrière, les amis, une famille et plus encore.

    Ce que vous retenez de l’expérience ne s’arrête pas au lieu de travail. Vous pouvez aussi l’appliquer à l’école. Cela vous permet d’avoir un meilleur respect pour enseignants que vous ne voyez que sur leur lieu de travail. Mais beaucoup d’entre eux ont des enfants, des conjoints et des amis. Les compétences et les connaissances de l’expérience peuvent s’appliquer également pour les projets scolaires. Voir vos parents aider des collègues et agir comme dirigeants peut vous inspirer à faire la même chose pour vos amis et camarades de classe.

    Peut-être que vous souhaitez avoir le même emploi que vos parents ou peut-être qu’en les voyant travailler, vous voulez obtenir une profession complètement différente. En ayant une meilleure idée de ce que vous voulez ou ne voulez pas faire plus tard, vous pouvez vous orienter déjà vers votre choix. Suivez des cours ou participez à des programmes qui vous intéressent, faites du bénévolat dans votre quartier, ainsi vous vous dirigez vers votre avenir. Avant même que vous vous en rendiez compte, vous serez un parent qui invite son enfant sur son lieu de travail.

    Sources:

    Gemino, Marilyn. “4 Benefits of Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day.” Garden of Life. https://www.gardenoflife.com/content/4-benefits-take-daughters-sons-work-day/

    Ilgaz, Zeynep. “Bring Your Child to Work Day Is Too Valuable to Limit to Once a Year.” Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/244819

    Jones, Autumn. “9 Ways You & Your Kid Benefit From Take Your Child To Work Day.” Romper. https://www.romper.com/p/9-ways-you-your-kid-benefit-from-take-your-child-to-work-day-9649