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Military Community Resource Spotlight: The Paradigm Switch

July 2, 2018 By NextGen MilSpouse Staff Writer Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: Our Military Community Resource Spotlight is an Q&A that provides information about organizations that serve military spouses and their families. The purpose is to connect military spouses with available resources designed to help them thrive in military life.

This week’s military community resource spotlight is The Paradigm Switch.

The Paradigm Switch is building an inclusive community of military spouses who are switching the conversation from kids to economic empowerment.

Organization’s Name: The Paradigm Switch

Year Established: 2017

What is The Paradigm Switch’s mission?

Vision: Unleash the unlimited potential of military spouses.

Mission: Empower military spouses to work anywhere.

Tagline: The Paradigm Switch – Putting Military Spouses First.

Core values:

We are AUTHENTIC. We keep it real.

We are BRAVE. We take a stand – even when it’s hard.

We are KIND. We are considerate of others.

We are DOERS and DREAMERS. We walk the talk.

We get to YES. We find ways to make the impossible happen.

What services does your organization offer military spouses?

We are building a global digital community for military spouses by military spouses, offering a full spectrum of resources that enable spouses to unleash their unlimited potential both personally and professionally. We discover and provide access to resources and communities that empower military spouses to take control of their careers.

Resources include access to untapped networks and opportunities outside of the military community as well as scholarships to skills-based training and certifications in high demand career fields.

The Paradigm Switch is building an inclusive community of military spouses who are switching the conversation from kids to economic empowerment.

Listen to Justine discuss The Paradigm Switch on the Happy Hour podcast.

How does your organization specifically meet the needs of today’s military family?

We are giving the military spouse permission to put herself (himself also) first!

It’s about YOU. YOUR career. YOUR earning potential. YOUR goals and YOUR dreams.

What impact does TPS want to have on the world?

We want to build an ecosystem of independent, confident and employed military spouses who are able to work anywhere.

We also want to educate the general population on the military spouse community and showcase them in a positive narrative.

We also want to provide financial support to educational opportunities that promote careers; not jobs.

The Paradigm Switch is building an inclusive community of military spouses who are switching the conversation from kids to economic empowerment.

What does your organization do differently than any other military community organization or resource?

We are providing scholarships to education opportunities and building an inclusive global community of military spouses who are switching the conversation from kids and deployments to economic empowerment.

What is your most underutilized program/service?

I think it’s too early to tell.

The Paradigm Switch was originally founded in 2017 with the mission to award scholarships for skill-based programs to veterans and military spouses to address unemployment and underemployment. As we began to release scholarships at the beginning of the year, we noticed that only veterans were applying and we were falling into the exact same trap most veteran service organizations are facing.

Spouses were coming second and we wanted to do better.

As a result, we relaunched on May 11, 2018, and have completely rebranded our organization to serve spouses only. So far everything is going great. We have reached well over 100 users in our first week and are just about to release our first round of scholarships.

The Paradigm Switch is building an inclusive community of military spouses who are switching the conversation from kids to economic empowerment.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about your organization?

We want spouses to know that with The Paradigm Switch, they are first.

We are not asking about your spouse’s rank or what he/she does for a living.

We are not about the divide between officers and enlisted and we certainly do not believe one spouse is better due to years of service or what volunteer leadership roles you have/have not held.

We honor the experience that comes with years of living this life, but we do not value any one spouse over another.

For more information about The Paradigm Swift, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Filed Under: Articles, Resources, Slider Tagged With: Happy Hour podcast, military community resource spotlight, military spouse employment, milspouse resource, portable careers, Resource Spotlight, scholarships, The Paradigm Switch

Give Your Dreams the Time They Deserve

January 5, 2017 By Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

by Lindsay Iserman, Guest Contributor

Military spouses often put their goals on the back burner for one reason or another, but the Corvias Foundation grant showed me that my goals are important too.

When I received word that I had been awarded an educational grant by Corvias Foundation, I was in shock.

I remember receiving the phone call while I was standing in the check-out line and the news moved me to tears. Fortunately, the cashier was understanding and she even congratulated me. What struck me most about the call was not just being told I had won the grant, but also how I was told. It truly felt like I had earned the grant.

The grant has been a huge help for my professional development. It’s also served as a reminder that people truly value helping military spouses continue their education and pursue their career dreams.

Military spouses like myself often have to put our goals on the back burner for one reason or another, but this grant showed me that my goals are important too.

Military spouses often find career pursuits blocked by a variety of factors, such as money, resources and child care. These are barriers that many people face, but in our case, we also have to deal with frequently moving. This lack of stability can be difficult for career-driven spouses to overcome, so many opt to stay at home to raise the children. Finding the right people for child care is a challenge before you even consider how you’ll pay for it.

Going to school is difficult in a single-income household. Child care is a large expense on its own but then you have to factor in the cost of education, like tuition and books. That’s why financial assistance, like the grant I received from Corvias Foundation, is an important helping hand for pursuing your dream. It has helped me with the cost of my tuition so that my education is less of a financial burden on my family. It has also helped cover some of the costs of child care so that while my husband has been deployed and I’m at school, I can focus on my assignments.

I first learned about the educational grant from Facebook. You never know where you’ll find inspiration to pursue your dreams, but it’s important for all military spouses to know that there are a lot of people out there that want you to succeed. It may take some digging around the Internet, but help is out there.

The best advice I can give is to take advantage of all of the scholarships and other forms of aid that are out there specifically for military spouses.

I would also say that it’s incredibly important that you spend enough time on you. Planning out a future cannot be done in 5 minutes, so you have to spend whatever time is necessary. We all work at different speeds, just make sure you’ve given your dreams the time they deserve.

It can also help to seek out individuals who are going through the same experiences that you are. Even if it’s a pen pal on the Internet, talking with someone who shares your aspirations, challenges and overall situation can make any difficulty a little bit easier.

Even if you are not pursuing professional dreams, you can still be a tremendous help to someone who is. The biggest social change I have faced is going from having a very close and long-term support system to constantly moving and having to rebuild my “village.” It is always a challenge to start over somewhere new, make friends and build a support system.

This is something military spouses know all too well and it’s something we do without complaint for our spouse’s career, but sometimes it’s really, really hard.

To help lessen that burden, communities of all types can support military spouses and their families by simply being welcoming to our coming and going. It can be hard to find friends, a church, a job, etc. knowing that you might only be around for a few months or years. Extending a hand to a military spouse can help them get comfortable with new surroundings and not feel overwhelmed.

These are simple yet important ways the military community can take care of itself. My goal is to take this grant to earn a master’s degree and to put that to use helping members of the military community open small businesses. Because we know the unique challenges of military life, we are the best suited to help others overcome them!

lindsay-iserman-with-husband-in-dress-uniform-along-with-daughter-and-sonLindsay Iserman was a 2016 recipient of an educational grant from Corvias Foundation. Originally from Stillwater, Minn., Lindsay is a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland-University College. Upon completing her degree, she plans to begin a career helping service members and military families open small businesses. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys traveling, cooking, yoga and spending time with her family. Her husband is Warrant Officer 1 Joshua Schmidt of the U.S. Army and she is the mother of a 2-year-old daughter and 9-month-old son.

Since 2006, Corvias Foundation has equipped hundreds of military spouses with employment resources and education funds to pursue their professional goals. In 2016 they awarded $118,000 to 47 military spouses around the country. For more information about the Covias Foundation Scholarships, visit their website, http://corviasfoundation.org/.

Filed Under: Articles, Career, Resources, Slider, Sponsored Content Tagged With: milspouse resource, paying for college, scholarships, student loans

The Only Military Spouse Event Where You Don’t Need to Wear Pants

September 22, 2016 By Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

by Michele Bradfield, Guest Contributor

The virtual Military Spouse Wellness Summit (MSWS16) is for you. Yes, you. The woman who is giving selflessly of her time, energy and love. The girl who is surviving on Starbucks to avoid burnout. Yeah. You know who you are.

MSWS16 is an investment in you and you’re worth it.

So sign up today. Thank us later.

The virtual Military Spouse Wellness Summit will inspire conversations and spark discussions with your spouse. Sign up today. No pants required.

Now that we’ve got your attention, you are probably thinking what the heck is a virtual event and why should I attend one?

First of all, virtual events rock. You can participate while walking your favorite trail, taking a bubble bath or giving yourself a face-mask. Enough said.

Secondly, event week, which is October 17-22, is an opportunity to take time out of your busy schedule for you intentionally. It’s a chance to escape reality while you settle in and learn about relationship wellness from some of the greatest experts in the field.

Your MSWS16 hosts, InDependent and Corie Weathers, created this event to inspire self reflection and spark discussions with your spouse to help find the things in life that fill YOU up. They believe that understanding who you are and what you want can profoundly impact your relationships.

“Your marriage can only be as healthy as the two of you,” said Dr. Les Parrot, bestselling author of “Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts” and a MSWS16 guest expert.

“Therefore, one of the most important things you will ever do for your marriage is work on who you are in the context of it.”

This is your chance.

We challenge you to make time in your overbooked life for one week and ask yourself, “Am I happy?” “Am I fulfilled?”

Listen carefully.

You might be surprised by what you hear.

The virtual Military Spouse Wellness Summit will inspire conversations and spark discussions with your spouse. Sign up today. No pants required.

The Military Spouse Wellness Summit 2016 will be October 17 to 22.

Learn more and register for the Military Spouse Wellness Summit 2016 today. 

 

Filed Under: Articles, Love, Personal growth, Self, Slider Tagged With: events, marriage, milspouse resource, nonprofit organizations, Self-awareness

Military Community Resource Spotlight: Allied Shirts

June 24, 2016 By NextGen MilSpouse Staff Writer Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: Our monthly Military Community Resource Spotlight is an Q&A that provides information about organizations who serve military spouses and their families. The purpose is to connect military spouses with available resources designed to help them thrive in military life. This month’s military community resource spotlight is Allied Shirts. 

Military Community Resource Spotlight: Allied Shirts

Organization’s Name: Allied Shirts

Year Established: 2012

What’s the mission of Allied Shirts?

Our vision is to empower expression around the world.

What services does your organization offer?

Custom printing for T-shirts, tanks and hoodies.

How does your organization specifically meet the needs of today’s military family?

The new Allied Shirts troops program provides free custom T-shirts to make supporting our military loved ones just that much easier.

As with the free banners program of our parent company BuildASign.com, participants only cover the cost of shipping — we’ve got the rest.

Military Community Resource Spotlight: Allied Shirts

What does your organization do differently than any other military community organization or resource?

With the ability to customize these shirts, tanks, and hoodies to their preference, we allow for customers to really get creative when encouraging their friends or family members. They can support them by name, call out a specific branch and add any other personal twists.

These shirts aren’t just for homecomings; many customers wear them at military graduations, send-offs, and other special occasions to show a little extra love.

What is your most underutilized program/service?

The AlliedShirts.com troops program is newer than our banner program and we’re excited to get the word out! These are fully customizable tees, so it’s a really fun way to show your support for homecomings, graduations, send-offs, special occasions, or everyday life.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about your organization?

We have been a proud supporter of our military families since launching our Welcome Home Banner program in 2008. Since then we have given over $10M worth of banners to families welcoming their loved ones from deployment.

Military Community Resource Spotlight: Allied Shirts

For more information about Allied Shirts, connect with them on Facebook.

Does your nonprofit organization serve military spouses? Are you looking to spread the word? Complete NextGen MilSpouse’s Military Community Resource Spotlight Q&A today. 

Filed Under: Articles, Deployment, Military Lifestyle, Resources, Slider Tagged With: empowerment, milspouse resource

52 Challenges Week 1: Post-Holiday Decor Purge

January 4, 2016 By Michelle Volkmann Leave a Comment

I feel like it’s mocking me. It’s laughing at me in a sinister Grinch voice. It could be really cool or really useful. But it’s not.

It’s evidence of my inability to be crafty.

Here it is:

Set aside between 1 hour and 3 hours to purge your holiday decorations. You can donate your unwanted items to your on-base thrift store, sell them online, give them to an unsuspecting friend or simply throw them away.

I made this and I use it. But I don’t love it. This January I’m going to purge this holiday card wreath as part of my post-holiday decor purge.

Three years ago I made that holiday card wreath at a MOPS meeting. Our MOPS’ crafts chairwoman reassured me at that meeting, despite the fact that I had previously told my group “I’m not crafty. I’m not DIY. I’m a buy-cute-things-at-Target-kind of mom,” I made this wreath. I was parental peer-pressured into it.

And even though I love receiving and displaying holiday cards, I don’t love this holiday card display wreath. But I’ve kept it and I used it. But not anymore. This week, I’m tossing it.

Without shame.

Without guilt.

Without a second thought.

We all have holiday decorations, crafts and items that we don’t cherish. They may be a chipped cookie plate or that oddball robot dog that barks Frosty the Snowman.

This week is the week that you purge your broken, unwanted or worthless holiday decorations as part of NextGen MilSpouse’s You Got This: 52 Challenges to Make 2016 Your Bitch.

You Got This 52 Challenges in 52 Weeks

Week 1 Challenge: Post-Holiday Decor Purge

Challenge Details: Set aside between 1 hour and 3 hours to purge your holiday decorations. You can donate your unwanted items to your on-base thrift store, sell them online, give them to an unsuspecting friend or simply throw them away. The choice is yours.

Your Deadline: January 11

Challenge accepted. Post-holiday décor purge. #igotthis #2016IsMyBitch

Click To Tweet

Bonus points if you post a photo of your post-holiday décor purge on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #2016IsMyBitch.

Are you a sentimental pack-rat like me? Here are 6 tips for conducting your post-holiday décor purge.

Here are 6 tips for conducting your post-holiday décor purge.

1. Start with the stuff that never made it out of the box.

The first step in your post-holiday décor purge is to look at the stuff that never made it out of the boxes. Look at it with a critical eye and recognize that if you aren’t using it, there’s a reason why. You have permission to get rid out it. Do it. Do it now.

2. Anything that’s broken, either repair it or replace it, but don’t keep it.

Movers break things during a PCS. My children will break things. Items break and that’s OK. What’s not OK is to keep damaged items. Stuff doesn’t last forever. Either repair it or replace it, but don’t keep it.

3. Keep only your favorites.

We’ve all been to that house where the grandmother displays every single piece of homemade holiday artwork she’s ever received from her grandchildren. Every Santa. Every snowman. Every sparkling star. Every. Single. One.

Take a page out the popular The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing book by asking yourself “Does this spark joy?” when looking at your holiday items. If it doesn’t “spark joy” then it doesn’t belong in your home.

When putting away your holiday decorations, keep only items that are an absolute joy to uncover each year. Donate the rest for someone else to appreciate. Then, store your favorites right. Pack complete displays together in labeled bins, wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap as needed. Take inventory so you know what you need for next year, then hit post-holiday sales for good deals. Specialty storage items are often on sale right after the holidays too!

– Meryl Starr, author of The Home Organizing Workbook

4. Pick a theme and stick to it.

Maybe it’s reindeer. Maybe it’s silver and gold. Maybe it’s pine cones. It doesn’t matter what holiday décor theme you pick, just pick one and stick with it. It will streamline and simplify your holiday decorations.

Set aside between 1 hour and 3 hours to purge your holiday decorations. You can donate your unwanted items to your on-base thrift store, sell them online, give them to an unsuspecting friend or simply throw them away.

My holiday décor theme is pigs dressed as Santa. Don’t ask.

5. Let go of purge guilt.

One of my favorite purge guides, The Stuff Cure: How we lost 8,000 pounds of stuff for fun, profit, virtue, and a better world, describes how some people (myself included) feel guilty about getting rid of stuff. We feel like if we get rid of that crystal sugar bowl from grandma (that we never use) that we are getting rid of her memory. But you aren’t erasing memories when you get rid of an item that you don’t like, don’t need or don’t use.

Let go off that guilt. Take a photo of the item to help you remember it. Then get rid of it so it can be used and treasured by its new owner.

6. Put a limit on your holiday storage boxes and stick to it.

Currently I have 6 giant Rubbermaid containers labeled “Christmas.” In January, I’m always tempted to get organized by buying more giant Rubbermaid containers to contain to my ever-expanding holiday décor.

Instead, I placed a limit on my Christmas decorations. Six is my magic number. I won’t have any more than 6 containers, even though I’m tempted to have 7.

If you want to be super organized, use this holiday decorations inventory worksheet from Organized Christmas. Print 2 copies. Place one completed worksheet on the outside of the storage tote, so that you know what’s inside it. Place the other in a filing cabinet, make a list on your phone or computer or keep it in your planner, so that when you are tempted to buy new holiday décor, you can see what you already have before buying more holiday decorations.

Set aside between 1 hour and 3 hours to purge your holiday decorations. You can donate your unwanted items to your on-base thrift store, sell them online, give them to an unsuspecting friend or simply throw them away.

That’s it. Your Week 1 challenge.

After you accomplish this challenge, don’t forget to brag about your brilliance to your friends.

My post-holiday décor purge is DONE. 52 Goals in 52 Weeks. #igotthis #2016IsMyBitch

Click To Tweet

Are you ready to make 2016 your bitch? Let’s do it.

 

Filed Under: Articles, Decor, Living, Make 2016 Your Bitch, Slider Tagged With: 52 Goals in 52 Weeks, military life, milspouse resource, motivation

6 Groups Advocating for Military Spouses You Need to Know

October 8, 2015 By Adrianna Leave a Comment

Ever wonder who’s fighting the good fight to make positive changes for the military community?

From military spouse careers to social justice to well-being, these are 6 organizations we think every military spouse needs to know:

6 Groups Advocating for Military Spouses

American Military Partner Association

AMPA logo

When it comes to making historic change, the American Military Partner Association is on the frontlines advocating for military spouses of our LGBT service members.

Why We Love AMPA: Not only do they make waves that change lives, they are masters at building coalitions that embrace and model the idea that we are united as one military family. Don’t believe us? We have 3 words for you: AMPA Gala 2016. Be there.

Homefront Rising

HFR-Web-logo

Homefront Rising started as a one-day non-partisan workshop and has blossomed into an active online community that’s encouraging military spouses to run for office at the local, state and federal levels.

Why We Love Homefront Rising: Homefront Rising is a major step toward bridging the military-civilian divide. By empowering military spouses to engage in politics at every level, regardless of political party, the military community stands to gain some very motivated and vested leaders right where we need them.

InDependent

independent logo

You know what makes for resilient military spouses? Military spouses who understand how important it is to make their health and well-being a priority. And that’s what InDependent is all about.

Why We Love InDependent: Because they get it. On October 19-24 they are offering a FREE, ONLINE Military Spouse Wellness Summit that and we quote “…brings you 10 expert interviews into the comfort of your own home. Yay for no childcare or missed work!

” See? We told you they get it. Go register now.

In Gear Career for Military Spouses

in gear squareIs your career mission impossible? In Gear Career for Military Spouses does this: IMPOSSIBLE.

Why We Love In Gear Career: Because they know you’re tired of job boards and online application portals (*gag*). What you need is someone actively educating the local industry leaders about why they need to take a chance on military spouse professionals coupled with regular local networking opportunities with people who have the authority to hire you. With IGC your military spouse career will be in gear in no time.

The MilSpo Project

milspo project logo

If you’re a military spouse who runs a business (like a bawse), it’s time to connect with The MilSpo Project for live leadership events, online educational resources and local chapter meetings.

Why We Love The MilSpo Project: Watching The MilSpo Project’s growth over the past 2 years has been breathtaking. We can’t wait to see what they do in the next 10 years.

Military Spouse JD Network

msjdn logo

Could you imagine having to pay hundreds of dollars to take the state bar exam with every single PCS? Yeah, we couldn’t either. The Military Spouse JD Network supports military spouses in the legal profession by advocating for licensure accommodations.

Why We Love MSJDN: Because they use their mad lawyering skills for good. MSJDN’s Justice for Military Families Program provides free legal help to military families by providing meaningful opportunities for volunteer work for Military Spouse JD Network members.

How You Can Get Involved

Maybe you’re not a lawyer or you’ve got fitness on lock, but chances are you’ll come across a military spouse friend or community member who might need you to hook them up with one of these organizations. We encourage you to get connected with all of these organizations by visiting their websites, signing up for their newsletters and following them on social media!

Filed Under: Advocacy, Articles, News & Politics, Slider Tagged With: Leading the Way, LGBTQ community, milspouse resource, tips and tricks, working milspouses

You Ask, We Answer: Legit Work From Home Websites

November 14, 2014 By NextGen MilSpouse Staff Writer 2 Comments

Working from home is an excellent way for military spouses to be able to continue or pursue a career. It’s not for everyone, but it’s seriously something to consider, especially when there are certain factors in your life that keep you at home.

Maybe you’re a new mom or stay-at-home dad?

Perhaps you’re stationed in a rural or remote area?

Maybe you want a part-time job that offers flexible hours?

Perhaps you’re tired of the job search that comes with every PCS and are looking for a career that moves with you?

Whatever your reason for wanting a work-from-home job, there are a lot of great websites and resources to help you in this job hunt.

A NextGen MilSpouse reader recently asked for “reliable and legitimate work-from-home site that I can make extra cash while staying home with my daughter. no telemarketing or sales, preferably like data entry, customer service, receiving calls, making calls for like claims and what not.”

Military spouses overwhelmingly responded to this question on our Facebook page by sharing which work-from-home websites they use and love. More importantly, there was a crowd of “following” responses. Obviously this military spouse isn’t alone in her search for legitimate work-from-home websites.

Are you looking for remote work? Here’s a list of 7 reliable and legitimate work-from-home websites.

Are you looking for remote work? Here's a list of 7 reliable and legitimate work-from-home websites.

 

  1. Rat Race Rebellion. This website curates jobs from companies and businesses located throughout the United States and includes an extensive list of home-based opportunities. From accounting and financial to crafting and handiwork, Rat Race Rebellion highlights job openings daily and you’re able to search through each category. Keep in mind that leads are screened and not all listings are sent straight to the site.
  2. We Work Remotely. The website lists current openings straight from the homepage and are linked to each opportunity. It’s very easy to access the listings and apply with the actual company or business’s website.
  3. Authentic Jobs. Are you a techie or designer? Authentic Jobs lists job opportunities in these specialties. Make sure you narrow down your search to freelance.
  4. FlexJobs. There is a fee associated with this website, but they boast that their actual client is the job seeker (not the employer). Their team works to make sure that each listing is credible and have had big name companies find employees through their site like American Express and United Health Group. You can select a subscription that is best for your needs. They have more than 21K jobs listed on the site right now and more than 50 different categories.
  5. Elance. Elance offers companies and businesses the opportunity to create a team that suits their needs. If you see something that is interesting, you can showcase your work and pitch to the employers. Also, Elance charges 8.75% for each bid, but is free for freelancers to use.
  6. Guru. Are you looking for more project-based work? Then, Guru’s site might be for you because they offer your services to companies that need help with anything tech, creative or business related.
  7. iFreelance. As a freelancer, you bid on certain projects and connect with project managers to work. The site doesn’t charge transaction or bidding fees. Instead, they offer a membership levels.

Trying to decide if a work-from-home job is a fit for you? Visit these military spouse employment resources.

  1. In Gear Career. A great resource for military spouses. Founded by 3 military spouses, In Gear Career knows all too well the challenges we endure. The goal is to not only empower military spouses with pursuing their career paths, but to provide a strong network of military spouses helping each other. If there is a local chapter near you, visit a networking event and meet with other career-driven military spouses.
  2. Military Spouse Employment Partnership. This career portal aims to bring portable jobs straight to military spouses. There might be some telecommuting opportunities, but this website is also a great resource for military spouses to learn more about portable careers.

No matter where you find a potential job, do your due diligence by researching the company on your own. Don’t forget to ask about payment before starting the job. Most work-from-home websites and resources send funds via PayPal, direct bank deposits or through their very own portal. Don’t be afraid to ask because everyone deserves to get paid for their work.

Do you work from home? Share your favorite websites and resources. 

Filed Under: Articles, Career, Career Advice, Slider Tagged With: career, Employment, Job Hunting, milspouse resource, portable careers, work from home, working milspouse

Resource Spotlight: Military Spouse JD Network

August 4, 2014 By NextGen MilSpouse Staff Writer Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a monthly series called “Resource Spotlight.” This Q&A provides information about nonprofit organizations who serve military spouses and their families. The purpose is to connect military spouses with available resources designed to help them thrive in their careers and military life. 

Name of your organization: Military Spouse JD Network

MSJD Network logoWhat’s the history of your organization?

The Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN) was formed in 2011 by 2 military spouses frustrated with the challenges of maintaining a legal career that seemed incompatible with the military lifestyle. They created MSJDN to advocate for licensing accommodations for military spouses, including bar membership without additional examination, as well as network with other military spouses with JDs. Since 2011, the membership of MSJDN has swelled to over 1,000 members and supporters. In February 2012, with the support of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, the ABA House of Delegates adopted a resolution supporting changes in state licensing rules for military spouses with law degrees. MSJDN supports such a rule change in each jurisdiction and has succeeded in enacting licensing accommodations in 9 states to date, with 14 other states currently considering licensing proposals for military spouse attorneys.

Who is the founder?

Mary Reding Smith, Esq.

When was it founded? June 14, 2011

Please describe the mission of your organization:

The Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN) connects military spouse attorneys with support from each other, the military community, and the legal field. A complicated patchwork of regulations regarding legal practice makes a legal career difficult due to the frequent moves and other demands of the military lifestyle. MSJDN has successfully changed bar admission rules in 9 states to make it easier for military spouse attorneys to maintain a career as they PCS with their service members, and efforts are underway in many other jurisdictions to do the same. The group provides mentoring, education, and networking opportunities to encourage military spouse attorneys to persevere. MSJDN also encourages members to volunteer within their military communities using their legal knowledge through its pro bono program, Justice for Military Families.

MSJD Resource

Past President Mary Reding Smith, military spouse and D.C. Circuit Court Judge Patricia Millett, and MSJDN board members Josie Beets and 2014 Army Spouse of the Year Reda Hicks. Photo submitted by MSJDN.

What services does your organization provide?

MSJDN provides support to military spouse attorneys through a job bank, networking forum, and professional development opportunities through legal volunteer work specific to the military community. MSJDN has successfully supported licensing accommodations for military spouse attorneys in 9 states and is currently working on similar rules in 14 other jurisdictions. MSJDN also encourages the hiring of military spouses and educates the public on the challenges faced by military families.

Related: What Every Military Spouse Needs to Know About Running for Public Office 

MSJDN also offers legal services to military families. Funded by a grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, Justice for Military Families connects military families with legal needs to pro bono legal help from MSJDN’s network of military spouse attorneys. The first partner in this effort is Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). MSJDN and TAPS are partnering to fill the legal needs of families who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.

What population(s) do you serve (spouses, veterans, military children, etc.)? Military spouses and families.

Information about Military Spouse JD Network

Past President Mary Reding Smith and the Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard Rear Admiral Steven Poulin. Photo submitted by MSJDN.

How can NextGen MilSpouse readers support your organization? MSJDN welcomes military spouse attorneys and supporters to join the network at www.msjdn.org and stay informed through the blog at www.msjdn.org/blog.

Do you need financial support/volunteers? Donate on our website.

For more information about MSJDN, connect with them through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

 

Does your nonprofit organization serve military spouses? Are you looking to spread the word?

Send an email to NextGen MilSpouse Content Editor Michelle Volkmann at michelle<at>msbnewmedia<dot>com to find out how your organization can be a future Resource Spotlight.

 

 

Filed Under: Articles, Cheatsheets, Slider Tagged With: career, milspouse resource, portable careers, Resource Spotlight, working milspouse

Hot MilSpouse News: YMCA Memberships, Job Seeking, & Free Business Classes

July 9, 2014 By NextGen MilSpouse Staff Writer Leave a Comment

1. Free memberships and respite care at YMCAs for military families during a deployment.

OCO (pronounced OH-koh) —the extra funding from Congress to help DoD finance the myriad resources necessary to fight the war in Afghanistan, including some family programs like free memberships and respite child care at many YMCAs for military families who don’t live near an installation (mostly Guard and Reserve)— ended last March.

Boo, right?

Here’s the good news being reported from the offices of Military Community & Family Policy: They extended this program. If you need access to these programs, please visit the YMCA Military Outreach page.  Program is slated to end in March 2015.

2. Need help prepping to find a job? Stop hunting and start SECO-ing!

DoD’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) is available to all military spouses. Whether looking to build a resume, refresh your interview skills, find that dream job, or if you are a younger spouse, looking to get a certificate that will help you get a particular job to bring in a little dough-re-mi, we are here for you.  More than 144,000 spouses have received some career assistance, more than 1.8 million jobs posted and (drum rollllll), almost 65,000 milspouses hired in 3 years.  BOO-yah.

Be part of the milspouse success story; http://www.militaryonesource.mil/seco

3. Are you ready to BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)? Before you get started, get your learn on first.

More and more veterans and their spouses are opting out of traditional work and opting into being their own bosses. With Boots to Business, sponsored by the SBA, you can take free online classes specifically developed to provide you with important knowledge to start your own business.

Learn more about Boots to Business here: http://boots2business.org/

Filed Under: Articles, Military Lifestyle Tagged With: career, milspouse resource

Considering a Career With the Federal Government? Check Out This Must-Read Guide

September 10, 2013 By NextGen MilSpouse Staff Writer Leave a Comment

milspouse guide to fed and contract employment

When a service member joins the military, their entire family makes a commitment to serve alongside them. The transient nature of military lifestyle often negatively impacts the spouse’s career ambitions, making it more difficult for them to obtain professional positions and continue forward career progression.

A career with the government civil service allows many military spouses to maintain and advance a professional career without losing seniority (or starting a new job search from scratch) when their service member relocates due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.

In Gear Career, a national non-profit organization supporting military families, recently published The Military Spouse’s Guide to Federal & Contractor Employment. This unique resource leverages the knowledge and insight of military spouses with more than 20 years of experience in the federal sector. Packed with effective strategies and practical tips to help spouses navigate the federal hiring system, this guide:

  • Provides a detailed explanation of the various types of government service positions and best practices for applying for federal jobs.
  • Clarifies common misconceptions about Military Spouse Preference (MSP), and explains how spouses can effectively leverage MSP—as well as lesser-known military spouse-specific considerations—in a federal job search.
  • Discusses the value of pursuing career opportunities with federal contractors as either a stepping-stone to GS employment or as professional career path compatible with the military lifestyle.

[button link=”http://bit.ly/milspousefedempguide” color=”blue” window=”new”]Download The Military Spouse’s Guide to Federal & Contractor Employment[/button]

Interested in learning more? Follow In Gear Career on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.

Filed Under: Career, Career Advice, Military Lifestyle Tagged With: career, milspouse resource, portable careers, working milspouse

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