Lifestyle & Trends - Community

Small clubs and organizations need to get savvy to stay afloat

Times are tough and budgets are tight for everyone, including small organizations and clubs. Membership is more and more difficult to cultivate, which stymies the group's income. Existing members, who sometimes end up picking up the financial slack, are often forced to choose between participating in something that's meaningful to them and simply getting all their household bills paid. Read More

What you need to know to prepare for natural disasters

Whether it's a wildfire, hurricane, tornado, flood or another natural disaster altogether, your family should know what to do when in danger. Read More

Helping drivers safely share the road with bicyclists and runners

Now that summer is here, avid runners and bicyclists are out in droves, taking advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the activities they love. While it can sometimes be challenging to share the road with them, it's important to keep driving safely top of mind, especially at this time of year. Read More

Back-to-school road safety tips for children and parents

Keeping kids safe never really leaves a parent's mind, but the topic takes center stage for many parents when children return to school. Read More

Nonprofits leaning on individuals and corporations in tough times

A new study released by the Corporation for National and Community Services reported that the number of volunteers in America rose 1.6 million in the past year. The dramatic increase ultimately demonstrates that people are contributing to their communities at an increasing rate, even during financially challenging times. Read More

Can buildings help keep you healthy?

We spend 90 percent of our lives indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A typical day can include traveling from home to work and back home again with a few periodic trips to schools, the grocery store, the bank, malls and entertainment venues. We depend on our homes, offices, retail stores and other structures to keep us safe; but can buildings also help keep us healthy? Read More

Social media: The best advertising money can't buy for your small business

Used to be, a diligent small business owner with a great idea and plenty of gumption could grow a business through word of mouth alone. In many ways, that's still true. Yet today, much of the "word of mouth" conversations and recommendations, which can make or break a business, are happening online, not face to face. Read More

Five everyday items to donate instead of recycle

Wouldn't you like to go "green" and help provide deserving individuals with everyday items that can help improve their lives? Many charities collect and refurbish used items some find necessary for everyday activities, like eye glasses and hearing aids, as well as monetary donations. Read More

Teens: Join Twilight's Nikki Reed to 'do something' good this summer

Are you a teen that is going to camp, hosting a neighborhood block party, or playing baseball this summer? Are you a parent who wants to encourage your child to do something good for others or get more involved in their community? This summer, join the Do Something 101 school supply drive: www.dosomething101.org. Read More

Strapped after-school programs in need of a boost

Quality after-school programs lead to improved test scores, lower drop-out rates, decreased disciplinary action and improved work habits, according to a 2008 study conducted by researchers at the Harvard Family Research Project. As budget cuts continue, parents and other supporters can do several things to help keep school programs alive. Read More