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     Banner LA Organizer
July/August 2010                                                                            Volume 17, Issue 5
In This Issue
NAPO-LA Calendar
President's Message
NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Information
2010 NSGCD Annual Conference
EDC Workshop October 9
Organized Karma
Volunteer Honored
Welcome New Members
Focus on Passwords
Technology News
Golden Circle World
Members in the News
NAPO Neighborhood Groups
Forward this issue to a Friend 

Quick Links

Who's Who

 
Board of Directors
 
Katherine Macey 
(310) 806-2580
 
 

 
Donna Rosman
(310) 910-3268 




 
 
Treasurer
Nicole Ballard
(562) 235-1908




 
Regina Lark
Secretary
Regina Lark
(818) 400-9592




  
Director of Administration
Erin Haas
(310) 339-5096
 


(661) 294-0043


Cynthia A. Smith
(310) 827-3705




Director of Marketing
Heather Furlong
(805) 577-8267 



 
Director of
Professional Development
Leslie Haber
(323) 935-9235



Immediate Past President
Chantale Bordonaro, CPOŽ, CRTS™
(310) 600-2601



Coordinators &
Committee Chairs
 
 
Associate Member Coordinator
Barb Schmit
associatemembership@napola.org
 
CD Support Group
Jean Furuya
 
CPO Certification Liasions
Chantale Bordonaro, CPOŽ, CRTS™
Barbara Ricketts, CPOŽ 
 
Education Program Coordinator
Jean Furuya
Database Coordinator 
Sascha Escandon 
 
Golden Circle    
Mishele Vieira, CPOŽ, Chair
Claire Flannery, CPOŽ
Toni Scharff
Esther Simon
goldencircle@napola.org
 
Greeter Coordinator
Christie Gelsomino
 
Greeters
Sasha Escandon
Kim Rocke
 
Historian
Christie Gelsomino
 
Librarian
Cindy Duffy
 
Member Spotlight
Nadine Levy
 
NAPO in the Schools
Deborah Kawashima
 
Neighborhood Groups
Coordinator: Kathyrn Masci
Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena:
Tanya Whitford
Hollywood: John Trosko
Orange County: Gail Gray
Newcomers:  
South Bay:
Beverly Clower
Inland Empire: Millie Hinkle
Ventura: Kathryn Masci
Westsiders: Toni Scharff

New Member Orientation
Debra Frank 
Toni Scharff 
 
Online Ambassador
Master Cruz
 
Photographers 
Sara Getzkin
Donna Rosman
 
Registration Assistant
Kelly Erwin

Visitor Liaison
Lori Gersh 
 
Website Coordinator
 
Webmasters
Heidi Chianta

Meeting Information
 
Meeting Attendance
 
APRIL 2010
No Meeting

MAY 2010
44 members
4 visitors
3 VIP visitors

JUNE 2010
39 members
4 visitors

Total NAPO-LA Membership: 132

Board Meeting Mini-Minutes

MAY 2010

1. Board calling for "Request for Action" forms from membership to consider options for NAPO-LA to become involved in community service.  RFA forms available in Members Only section of the NAPO-LA website and are due at the June meeting for consideration at July meeting.
2. "Starting/Running an Organizing Business," is a new inexpensive trial class to run before our regular chapter meetings at the Olympic Collection (in a small room) for the nominal fee of $10-$15.  
3. Board now has a system to provide CEUs for attendees of appropriate meetings. 


JUNE 2010

1. Call for nominations for the Organizing Awards  to be distributed by mid-July
2. NAPO-LA Membership Survey will be distributed to members in early July
3. The Board was represented at the memorial service for Glorya Schklair


Chapter Award Winners
 Leading Edge Award Winners
2009 - Robin Davi
2008 - John Trosko
2007 - Jodie Watson
2006 - Dolores Kaytes
2005 - Jodi McDaniel
2004 - Chris McKenry
 
Raising the Bar Award Winners
2009 - Leslie Haber
2008 - Chantale Bordonaro
2007 - Jodie Watson
2006 - Chris McKenry
2005 - John Trosko

Volunteers of the Year

2009 - Linda Levine-Quackenbush
2008 - Heidi Chianta
2007 - Cary Brazeman
2006 - Claire Flannery &
Kristine Oller
2005 - Deborah Kawashima
2004 - Laurie Clark & Dee Saar
2003 - Robin Davi

2010 Volunteers of the Month
February -
Lenora Thomas
March Co-Volunteers
Beth Zeigler & Claire Flannery
June - Jean Furuya

Associate Members
 ClosetFactoryLogo.jpg
Custom Closets
Email to Kay Wade
 
(310) 516-7000 x224

Confidential  record specialist
Document Shredding
Email to Jerry Scott
(310) 418-9297 
 
Container Store
napo@containerstore.com
(972) 538-2264


 
GarageEnvyLogo
Custom Garage Systems
Email Jaime Dietenhofer 
(310) 205-3590
 
Go Junk Free America
Go Junk Free America!
 (800) GO JUNK FREE
 


Ikea
(310) 527-4532 
 
 
northstar logo
Moving & Storage
(310) 451-7221
 
 
OrganizitLogo
Custom Garage Systems
Email Gus Gougas
(818) 232-7683
 
 
northstar logo
Office Organization Products
Email Barbara Schmit
(818) 232-7683
 
 ScanDigital
Photo Scanning Services

Email Anderson Schoenrock
(
(310) 683-0430 
 
Custom Glide-Out Shelves for Cabinets & Pantries
Email Michelle Smith 
(310) 980-4906
 
 
ClosetSolutionslogo
Onsite or Offsite Storage
Email Peter Given
(818) 365-3408




Membership

NAPO National Membership

Annual Dues
:
$200 - Active Member*
$150 - Associate-Branch
$250 - Associate-Local
$550 - Associate-Corporate
  $20 - Processing Fee


*Provisional member dues are $180 plus a one-time $20 processing fee. You are an active member* if you have completed your provisional membership year, or are a new NAPO member with more than one year of professional organizing experiece.

NAPO National dues can be paid online.
Proof of paid dues is required at time of joining NAPO-LA. NAPO National submits its renewal notices directly to members on their anniversary dates. NAPO-LA annual membership dues are renewed each September. You can also join NAPO-LA online.

NAPO-LA Chapter Membership

Regular Members:
Dues are prorated
25% quarterly.
$100 - Level 1
Yearly dues and Website Listing in the "Find an Organizer" section of our website.

$25 - One-Time Processing Fee
$25 - Lapsed Member Processing Fee


Associate Members:
Dues are prorated 25% quarterly.
$175 - Branch Associate Member - Local branch or regional office of a Corporate Associate Member
$300 - Local Associate Member - Locally-based, self-operating retailer, supplier, designer, or independent sales representative engaged primarily in the manufacture, distribution, and/or sale of organizational equipment, supplies, or organizing-industry related services.
 
NOTE: All members are required to sign a Code of Ethics as part of their membership.

 
Newsletter

The Los Angeles Organizer

Claire Flannery
Editor
Claire Flannery
          editor@napola.org

Roxanne Hoerning
 Publisher
Roxanne Hoerning
 
 Proofreaders
Millie Hinkle
Donna D. McMillan
Toni Scharff
 
 
The Los Angeles Organizer is published bimonthly (January, March, May, July, September and November). The newsletter is emailed to NAPO-LA members and associate members, NAPO national board members, and NAPO chapter presidents, and is available to the public on our website. All contents are copyrighted. All rights reserved.

Submission Guidelines

Articles:
 
NAPO-LA members are encouraged to contribute to this newsletter. Articles are not to exceed 500 words in length. Submissions must be received by the Editor no later than the 20th of the month preceding the month of publication. You may send your article as a Microsoft Word file attachment or directly in the body of an email. Photos should be .jpg, 72 dpi, sent with your article. All article topics and content must be approved by the Editor. Submit editorial to editor@napola.org

Advertising: Ads must be received by the 20th of the month preceding the month of publication. There are two types of ads available.

Website Link: This is a small ad containing a link to your website, located in the left side column of the newsletter. The ad can be your logo, a photo, or a short message. Format: .jpg, 72 dpi, 125 pixels w x 100 h.
$25 NAPO-LA Members
$35 Non NAPO-LA Members


Block Ad:  This is a large block located at the end of the newsletter providing  details about your company or service, along with a logo and/or photo. Format: Submit ad copy (100 words max) as a Word document and email with logo and photo as .jpg, 72 dpi.
$35 NAPO-LA Members
$45 Non NAPO-LA Members

Submit ads to editor@napola.org

NAPO-LA CALENDAR

July 2010
  26 Board Meeting, 2:45 pm
  26 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting, 6:15 pm

August 2010
  23 Board Meeting, 2:45 pm
  23 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting, 6:15 pm

September 2010
  11 NAPO Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Neighborhood Group, 9:30 am in Pasadena
  11 NAPO Westsiders Neighborhood Group, 1 pm
  14 CD Support Group, 6 pm
  23-25 NSGCD Annual Conference in Austin, TX
  27 Board Meeting, 2:45 pm
  27 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting, 6:15 pm

October 2010
  9 EDC Workshop on Social Networking
  16 Golden Circle trip to Burbank Recycling Center
  25 Board Meeting 2:45 pm
  25 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting, 6:15 pm
President's Message

CHANGES UNDERWAY 

By Katherine Macey, Organize to Excel

and NAPO-LA President
 
Katherine Macey
Katherine Macey
We're excited this year to have several changes in NAPO-LA. To begin with, our new Vision and Mission statements were developed at the Board's annual retreat:

Vision Statement: NAPO-LA, comprised of passionate and innovative professionals, is the premier authority on organizing, serving the greater Los Angeles area.

Mission Statement: NAPO-LA is the organizing industry leader committed to providing the public with resources; providing professional organizers with education and support; and providing related industry professionals with unique channels for their products and services.  

From these statements, there are three exciting developments:
  1. CEU eligible programs - Our monthly meetings will be CEU eligible whenever possible. CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit and is important for certification and re-certification as a professional organizer. Our Program Development Director, Leslie Haber, will have certificates available at the end of the meeting for those who need them. Having our meetings be at the educational standard where CEUs can be earned is a great benefit for members. Topics that broaden our knowledge of the organizing industry will continue to be offered.  Please contact Leslie at if you have any particular topic you would like to see covered.
  2. Combining the Awards and Expo events - This year, to provide more exposure for our Expo vendors, the Expo will be combined with the 2011 Los Angeles Organizing Awards. These changes are still being finalized and there is plenty of opportunity to volunteer and help shape the event.  If you are interested in volunteering for the 2011 Los Angeles Organizing Awards and Expo, please contact our VP and special events coordinator, Donna Rosman at vicepresident@napola.org.
  3. Community Service - The Board is calling for "Requests For Action" (RFA's) for community projects that NAPO-LA can be involved with this year. We are looking for a non-profit organization that needs our services. If you know of an organization that could benefit from a day of organizing, please submit an RFA.  You may also submit RFA's for your neighborhood community group if the project is a small one. Please submit to Leslie, professionaldevelopment@napola.org by July 21 for consideration at the July meeting.
The Board is looking forward to the exciting developments this year and to your involvement in your NAPO-LA chapter. 

NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Info
July 26 Meeting, 6:15 pm
 

Mastering the Art of Time Management


Presented by Susan Eleftherakis

of Spatial Clarity Consulting

 
Susan Eleftherakis
Learn time management principles and priority setting to effectively manage your time in this special presentation by NAPO-LA member, Susan Eleftherakis.
 
As professional organizers, we must practice time management in order to develop a strong and efficient business. Just as importantly, this very skill is what is almost always needed by our clients! We must "walk the walk" and master our time-management challenges in order to best pass along these vital skills to our clients. Susan will offer tips and techniques for overcoming stress, realistically scheduling events and projects, and even saying "no," so you can teach your clients these best practices while living up to your own highest potential as well.
 
Susan is passionate about enabling businesses to improve their "business process" and establish systems that lead to success. She founded Spatial Clarity Consultingin early 2005. Her unique ability to visualize her clients' reorganization processes along with 20 years of experience, a diverse skill set, and a proven track record provides the expertise for optimizing their potential.
 
Important Note:  This will be the first NAPO-LA meeting to offer Certificates of Completion to those members acquiring continuing education units (CEU's) toward certification through BCPO. Certification/CEU eligibility information can be found by visiting BCPO's webpage - www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org.
 
Please send meeting topic suggestions to Leslie Haber at professionaldevelopment@napola.org.


2010 NSGCD Annual Conference

Pendaflex Logo

2010 Conference 
"Creative Approaches to Client Success"   
   Austin, Texas
September 23 - 25
 
An amazing 98.4% of 2009 Conference attendees said they would recommend future NSGCD conferences to their peers.

This year's Sessions:
  • Session 1: Chronic Disorganization Research Updates, Presenter: Catherine Roster, PH.D.
  • Session 2: Positive Psychology and Client Success, Presenter: Dr. Wanda L. Bethea
  • Session 3: Client Applications of Emotional Intelligence, Presenter: Dr. Rich Handley
  • Session 4: Providers - Understand - Understand Your Emotional Intelligence, Presenter Dr. Rich Handley
  • Session 5: Master the Secrets for Asking Effective Questions, Presenter: Byron Van Arsdale - Master Certified Coach
  • Session 6: The Sacred Tool for Coaching: Being Heard, Presenter: Byron Van Arsdale - Master Certified Coach
  • Session 8: Panel Discussion and Q&A, Panelists: Judy Forgason MD; Candyce Ossefort-Russell, M.A., LPC; Michelle Bohls, LMFT, EMDR; James OChoa, LPC
 
View more details about the conference at www.nsgcd.org

For more information, contact Debra Frank at letsgetorganized@aol.com.
An Educational Development Committee Workshop
 
On-Line and On-The-Ground:
The Art of Networking
 
Presented by Donna D. McMillan and Regina Lark
 
When:   Saturday, October 9, 2010 (Rescheduled)
Time:    9 am to 1 pm
Where:  Circle of Care Leeza's Place
            500 Van Nuys Blvd.
            Sherman Oaks
Cost:     $99 for NAPO-LA members
            $119 for non-members
            (After October 4, add $15)
 
These days, business owners must focus on marketing their services and products in "all the right places" in order to be profitable.  In this motivating, interactive training session, NAPO-LA members, Donna D. McMillan and Regina F. Lark, will help you to refine the skills necessary for successful networking, both on-the-ground and on-line.
 
Networking is an established way to promote your business and your areas of expertise.  Networking also allows you to be an excellent referral resource.  Donna teaches you skills for confident face-to-face networking experiences.  Through demonstrations, Regina shows you how to use social media (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook) to its maximum advantage.
 
A. What is networking?
    Understand the mind-set of in-person meetings and social      media.
B.  Why do networking?
     Clarify your motivation and objectives
C.  How to find a good fit?
     Match what you offer with the right people
D.  Where do you find your target market?
     Make connections through groups on-the-ground plus on-line
E.  When do "they" find you?
     Discover which of your power tools will get you noticed
F.  How do you do networking?
     Find out how to go to the right places and do the right things
G.  Where and how do you manage your new contacts?
     Identify paper and electronic solutions that work best for you
 
Learn successful skills and techniques for local and worldwide networking. Class includes lecture, roll-play and hands-on exercises. Bring business cards. You are also encouraged to bring your laptop (MAC or PC), but this is not a requirement. Before the workshop, create accounts on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.  After registering for workshop, you may contact Regina Lark for assistance.
 
Members in the NewsDonna D. McMillan, organizing industry veteran in West LA, has been coaching/training Professional Organizers since 1993, both in the U.S. and abroad. Since 1984, she has developed marketing strategies from her own experiences while building her businesses, McMillan & Company Professional Organizing in West Los Angeles and Island Organizers in Hawaii. 
 
Donna's contact information
Phone: 310-391-7392
 
Members in the NewsRegina F. Lark is the founder and CEO of A Clear Path, a Los Angeles-based professional organizing business. She works with "Boomers," seniors, college faculty, and campus administrative offices. She credits her success as a business owner to the art and practice of social networking. When she is not organizing, Regina is teaching. She offers de-clutter and social media workshops to non-profits and private corporations.  Regina holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Southern California.

Regina's Contact Information:
Phone: 818-400-9592
--------------------------------------------------------------
First 15 people to register will be entered to win
a 1/2-hour consultation with Donna or Regina

Click here to register
 
 
Organized Karma

 
                                                 
By Sara Getzkin
Hands On Organizing
Services
 
Karma and Goodwill
 
You've seen their storefronts. Their trucks are seen out and about. Almost all of us have made contributions at their donation centers. Did you know Goodwill Industries is so much more than just donations and thrift stores?  They are a terrific resource for professional organizers, not to mention the general public. When I looked into all that they have to offer, I was really surprised.  I think you will be, too.

goodwill pic for organized karma articleGoodwill's mission is to serve people with disabilities or vocational disadvantages. They provide education, skills training, work experience and job placement services. A few years ago, you could drop off a broken toaster or microwave oven. Then, a skilled technician would fix it and it would be sold in one of the many Goodwill Thrift Stores. Profits from the sales would be used to train more people to become skilled technicians. A few things have changed...for the better.

E-waste:
Today, Goodwill Industries is keeping up with the times. They no longer accept items in need of repair. Instead, they are a state-authorized E-waste collector.

  • Goodwill accepts computers (CPUs), monitors, TVs, digital cameras, printers, modems and other electronic equipment. (NOTE: They will take broken toasters, too, as long as you make sure the items are marked for recycling - not resale.)
  • E-waste items can be in working or non-working condition.
  • Goodwill processes over 10,000 units per month.
  • Individual donations are accepted at all Goodwill Donation centers.
  • Goodwill will pick up large corporate donations (e.g., say an office overhauls its entire computer system; Goodwill will pick up everything and the company will get a tax write-off).
  • It is illegal to dump computers and TVs in a landfill.
  • It is not only easy, but it is environmentally responsible, to donate computers to Goodwill - or to any other authorized E-waste collector.
Once you drop off E-waste, what happens?

  • All hard drives are "wiped" (i.e., erased) to U.S. Department of Defense standards. This means writing over the original deleted information seven times before it is considered un-recoverable.
  • 10% of E-waste donations are refurbished and resold in Goodwill's retail stores.
  • 70% are dismantled; plastics, metals, and parts are sold for salvage.
  • 20% are sent to authorized recyclers for "cancellation," which means that raw materials are recycled in mass quantities by outside companies rather than by Goodwill.
As with income from Goodwill Thrift Stores, income from computer recycling helps people with disabilities.

Shredding and Document Destruction
Did you know Goodwill Industries also has an Information Destruction division?

I had to see it for myself so, with a carload full of a client's shredding, I drove to their main facility (located at 342 N. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles 90031). Trained attendants helped me fill a very large bin  - and the entire lot was only $50 to shred!
Goodwill worker at bin
Search for Assistant

Here are a few more facts about their information destruction services:
  • Information destruction includes paper documents, media, films, diskettes and other e-files.
  • All shredding is done at their facility (off-site shredding).
  • Goodwill's secure facility offers state-of-the-art shredding equipment.
  • Security personnel and 24-hour video surveillance monitor all materials in the facility.
  • Every Goodwill shredding bin is bar-coded and tracked by a computerized system - all trucks have GPS tracking as well.
  • Regularly scheduled pick-ups and exchange of bins can be arranged for business offices. The cost involved depends  on the amount of shredding to be done and the frequency of pick-ups.
  • Volume discounts are offered for large quantities.
  • Certificates of destruction are issued upon completion and services are 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
  • The prices can't be beat! And once again, income generated from shredding services helps to fund education, job training and placement services.
Make sure to add Goodwill Industries to your resource list, and pass the news on to clients, friends and family. Check out their website at www.goodwillsocal.org. Give them a try. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

At the 2010 Los Angeles Organizing Awards, Sara won "The Green Award" - Most Ecofriendly Organizing Service: Individual organizer or organizing firm that offers a service with extraordinary environmental sensitivity.

Questions? Email Sara at sara@handsonorganizing.com. Or check out her website www.handsonorganizing.com.

Volunteer Honored
CONGRATULATIONS TO
JEAN FURUYA

Volunteer of the Month for June
 
Jean Furuya was awarded Volunteer of the Month for June 2010 for her outstandingly consistent and tireless contributions to the Education and Development Committee, her involvement in the Ambassador program and for coordination of the Chronic Disorganization support group. Jean is always a willing volunteer and her help is greatly appreciated!
 
What is your business name?  
The Office Jeanie

Where do you live and where do you do business?
I live in Torrance and do business mostly in Los Angeles County.
 
How many years have you been in business?
Just celebrated 19 years in May.

How did you get into organizing as a profession? 
Just before leaving my job in 1990, the receptionist suggested I talk with an organizer in her boyfriend's networking group since I did a lot of organizing as an office manager for the company.
 
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Seattle, Washington, but have spent most of my life in Los Angeles County.
 
What are your main organizing interests or specialties?
Currently my main organizing interests are small businesses, paperwork and working with CD clients - provided they are seeing a therapist (otherwise, as I always say, I don't work with CD clients).

What do you like to do when you aren't organizing?
I like to do volunteer work and spend time with grandkids, family and friends.

Hobbies? Interests?
My main interest has always been to enjoy life and all the wonderful and beautiful things/people that have crossed my path; to do volunteer work (currently, NAPO, NAPO-LA, NSGCD, Faithful Organizers, Meals on Wheels, and my church); eating (e.g., go to dim sum with Ann Gambrell). I would love to travel but my husband doesn't; so I live vicariously through other people's travels.

Tell us about your family. Are you married, single, kids, grandkids?
My husband and I will be celebrating our 48th anniversary next month. We have two daughters, a son-in-law, and two grandkids.
 
What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA?
Since I enjoy volunteering, my experience in NAPO-LA has always been positive, enjoyable, and motivating. The first year I was a member, I volunteered to be Treasurer, then I co-chaired a couple of Los Angeles conferences, and continued to find ways to volunteer thereafter. The main benefits for me is that it is energizing and rewarding. For everyone, it is a great way to gain leadership experience, increase confidence and develop networking opportunities.
Welcome to Our Newest Members

 
audra cottrellEva Anderson 
A Centered Soul
Los Angeles
acenteredsoul@gmail.com
www.acenteredsoul.com
(323) 899-6421


Lelah Baker-RabeLelah Baker-Rabe
Lelah Baker-Rabe, Professional Organizer
Studio City
www.lelahwithanh.com
(818) 269-6671
 
 
 
audra cottrellKaren Cagulada
Clear the Clutter with Karen
San Bernadino
(951) 203-9988
 
 
 
Cari DawsonCari Dawson
Cari's Custom Organizing
Los Angeles
info@cariscustomorganizing.com
 (323) 257-4326
 
 
Susana EnriquezSusana Enriquez
Downsize & Get Organized
Westlake Village
susana@downsizeandgo.com
(805) 405-4638
 
  
Charmine LacewellCharmaine Lacewell
North Hollywood
(623) 302-4369
 
 
 
  
 
Dina Newman jul2010Dina Newman
Organizing Concepts and Design
Encino
dinzo714@aol.com
(310) 560-5060
  
  
Lauren WintersLauren Winter
Your World Organized
Los Angeles
suigenerisdamsel@yahoo.com
(310) 980-1740



CAMERA SHY

Agnes Carr
Sunland 
abyrnecarr@aol.com
(818) 640-8507

Kelly Erwin
Love to Organize!
LovetoOrganize@live.com
(818) 416-8210

Tenna Rasmussen
Organized To A T
San Pedro 
tenna@organized2at.com
www.organized2at.com
(310) 938-5100

FOCUS ON PASSWORDS


What's in a Password?
Author Unknown

An internet security group recently analyzed passwords in use and found that the most commonly used password is 123456. The second most common password used - yep, you guessed it - 123456789. In today's electronic environment, that's unbelievable. We no longer live in a world where we can use a simple string of numbers or a child's name as a password. They're just too easy to hack - and the results can be much more devastating than merely finding your emails made public.

The problem is that we all have so many passwords. So how do we make strong passwords that we can actually remember for every account? Here are a few simple tips:

  1. Think up a phrase. Instead of a common word or family member's name, think up a unique phrase that only you know. For example. You may decide on something off the wall, such as, "I Like Short Hair Too."
  2. Make it an acronym. In the above example, "I Like Short Hair Too," would become ILSHT.
  3. Add complexity. Use letter substitutes whenever you can. For example, "I Like Short Hair Too" can become "1 Like $hort Hair 2" which makes: 1L$H2. You can also use upper and lower case letters to make it 1L$h2. The point is to be creative, but in a way that you can easily remember it.
  4. Make it unique. A password is only really unique if you use it for one account and one account only. So you can't just use 1L$h2 for every account. And, in reality, it's still too short. Here's a tip:  Mix in additional letters and numbers that are unique to each account. For example, if you're logging into a Gmail account, you can use the "Gm" and "@cct" (for acct) to make: 1L$h2Gm@cct. Then, for a Netflix account, you may use: 1L$h2Nf@cct. That way, your passwords will be hard for others to guess and unique to each account, but also easy for you to remember!
These are, of course, just examples. Be creative and think up your own acronym and ways to add unique characters for each account. Then, keep that little secret to yourself so no one will be able to guess your account passwords!
 
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Members in the News
By Kim Rocke
New Leaf Organizing
and NAPO-LA Director of Communications and Technology

northstar logo 
All NAPO-LA members are invited to check out our website at www.napola.org.
 
A source of extensive valuable information, our chapter website displays meeting schedules, educational classes, events, and a great deal more, as well as the contact info for all members and associate members.
 
Did you know that NAPO-LA is also on Facebook? You can follow us at www.facebook.com/napolosangeles. While our Facebook page is not for the promoting of individual organizers, if you have a suggestion for a post, we would like to hear from you.
 
Contact Kim Rocke at technology@naplo.org
or Master Cruz at onlineambassador@napola.org.
 
NOTE: All website and Facebook posts are subject to Board approval.

 
Golden Circle World
Yep, We Have "Brains for Business"
 and "Bodies for Organizing"*

Dorothy  Breininger july 2010
  
 



By Dorothy Breininger  
Delphi Center for Organization

and a Golden Circle member
 

Yesterday I woke up and my joints ached.
 
I'm 47 years old, a former gymnast and in pretty good shape. A couple of days in the field with clients, though, reminds me that I am indeed a Golden Circle member (i.e., more than five years in business). For many of you it's more like ten to twenty years in the business. Congratulations! I am also sure that there are lots of Golden Circle members whose joints do not ache after a few days of "hands-on" organizing with clients. Thank you for your energy.
 
My point is that somewhere in our journey among the boxes, papers, bins and bags we just may be ready to challenge our own "status quo." You know, move up a level in our own thinking (and doing) in the world of organizing. Our special organizing gift allows us to think in patterns and colors, both spatially and chronologically. Without a doubt we can do our organizing - eyes closed, project perfect. In most instances the organizing is around "stuff..." and when there's stuff involved we may still be using our physical bodies to do the organizing.  Question:  Can we, as individuals - and collectively as an industry - raise our "status quo" from where we are right now to thinking in terms of a larger, more global level? 
 
What is your next level when making the crossover from physical organizing to using your brain to organize?  Indeed, some of you are already doing this:  facilitating support groups, teaching electronic organizing, giving seminars, writing books, coaching individuals for success. But what else? Where or what else can you look to to "begin to solve" in terms of organizing our communities, our nation and the world - and perhaps even turn them into paid "brain-fueled" organizing positions? 
 
Here are some ideas based on current events:
  • Assist in the organizational rebuilding of the oil spill victims' businesses (BP has agreed to a $20 billion fund for them)
  • Organize and prepare paperwork for folks who are still in a mortgage crisis and can apply for home loan remodifications - or even create a system for them
  • Assist regional unemployment offices in finding jobs for people still looking for work - offer them jobs or connect them with clients who have jobs
  • Contact a coastal region somewhere in the world to assist and organize early warning detection systems and storm aftercare
  • Assist in the organizational plan to re-unite families still separated in Haiti
  • Var, France, needs school and home re-organization due to flash floods which devastated the city
  • In Jakarta, Indonesia, you could help to organize volunteers to support the Ciliwung Recovery Program:  A skyscraper that -- instead of hosting offices -- houses a system that purifies the water of a polluted river, employs the people living in surrounding slums and gives them a home in which to live
 
Even if just for a moment we take a "blip in time" to think about how we as seasoned professional organizers could endeavor to solve one of our world's problems - we can move beyond our "status quo." Indeed we are that good and we are that smart. Perhaps sometime this summer you might take time out from using your physical organizing body and tune into the brain power you possess to make a powerful contribution to the world. Yep, just by talking about it. So, what's your next conversation going to be about?
 
*paraphrased from Melanie Griffith's role in "Working Girl"
 
Check out Dorothy's website at www.CenterForOrganization.com.
   
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
Golden Circle's Summer Bash
   
By Mishele Vieira, CPOŽ
Away with Chaos
and  Golden Circle Liaison
 
Mishele Vieira
On Saturday, July 17, the Los Angeles Area Golden Circle gathered at the home of Claire Flannery in Culver City. Claire, along with co-host Rosalind Lakomy, prepared a lovely luncheon consisting of several delicious salads that were perfect for the 88 degree weather. We also enjoyed Claire's special carrot cake as we celebrated a milestone birthday for our friend and founder, Ann Gambrell.
 
Eighteen members attended, including a new Golden Circle member and first-time attendee, Ann Negendank of Long Beach, who is also a California Golden Circle liaison.
 
Claire and Ros created a Golden Circle Trivia game consisting of 20 questions, including:
  •   This year NAPO is celebrating its _____ anniversary.
  •   What is the title of Julie Morgensten's book on organizing?
  •   How many NAPO chapters are there now in the U.S?
It was a great time with a lot of laughs and a few unexpected answers declined by our proctor, Claire. (We swear Peter Walsh sometimes wears RED glasses, too!) The winners with the highest scores were Tanya Whitford, Mishele Vieira, and tied for third place were Dolores Kaytes and Robin Davi. (NOTE: In case you were wondering, the answers were: 25th anniversary, Organizing from the Inside Out, and 35 chapters.)

If you knew the answers, Congratulations! You are most likely ready for Golden Circle, but you must be eligible; i.e., engaged in the business of organizing for at least five years and a NAPO member for at least one year. If you do meet the eligibility requirements and have not yet joined Golden Circle, look at the fun you're missing! Applications are available on the Golden Circle page at www.NAPO.net (you must log in to see the page) or see Mishele at a NAPO-LA meeting.

The next Golden Circle meeting date has been changed to Saturday, October 16, so that we can join the Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Neighborhood Group on a field-trip to the Burbank Recycling Center. Details will be sent via Evite.
 
Mark your calendars now for the 2011 Golden Circle quarterly meetings, which will be held on the following dates:

  •   Sunday, January 9     
  •   Saturday, March 26                          
  •   Sunday, July 17                                
  •   Saturday, October 15        
 
NOTE: Qualifications for Golden Circle membership include five years in business as a professional organizer and one year as a NAPO member. Quarterly meetings are held in the homes of Golden Circle members where we share information, network and get to know each other on a more personal and professional level. All eligible Golden Circle members are invited to join our group. Chapter membership is not required. More information is available on the NAPO national website or by contacting Mishele Vieira (goldencircle@napola.org).

_______________________________________________________________________________
TIPS FROM THE PROS

Where to start?
When you don't know how to start to organize a room, think "left to right" and move all the way around the room.
      Submitted by Dorothy Breininger, Delphi Center for Organization
 
Email Accounts
Regarding emails, set up different accounts for different types of email; e.g., Shopping(your email address)@gmail.com
       Submitted by Carolyn Strauss, Eye Delight
 
Members in the News

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Congratulations to Mishele Vieira, CPOŽ, Away with Chaos, who recently received the Outstanding Small Business Award from the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dorothy Breininger
of Delphi Center for Organization was mentioned in a Los Angeles Times article about hoarding, entitled, "When stuff really starts to pile up" by Rosemary McClure. The article ran in the HOME section on Saturday,
July 17.

Donna D. McMillan of McMillan & Company Professional Organizing, along with her Island Organizers business partner 
Karen Simon, provided source material for a July 2 article in The Hawaii Independent online newspaper.

Robyn Reynolds
Robyn Reynolds
Robyn Reynolds
of Organize2Harmonize was quoted in the June issue of Women's Day magazine in an article about yard sales entitled "Clean Up and Cash In." 
 

                                 

      



NAPO-LA Neighborhood Groups


Neighborhood Groups hold informal bimonthly meetings throughout the Los Angeles area. These offshoots of NAPO-LA offer education, networking and support, and are a benefit of chapter membership. 

Check below for your nearest group, and contact the Facilitator for information on the next meeting. For more information, or if you'd like to volunteer as a Facilitator for one of the open groups, please contact Committee Chair Kathryn Masci by sending an email to her at neighborhoods@napola.org.  
 
Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena: Tanya Whitford, Facilitator - Meetings scheduled for  September 11 at 9:30 am in Pasadena and November 4 at 6:30 pm in Pasadena.
Encino/Sherman Oaks:  Facilitator (open)
Hollywood:  John Trosko, Facilitator 
New Organizers:  Facilitator (open)
Orange County:  Gail Gray, Facilitator 
South Bay:  Beverly Clower, Facilitator 
Upland:  Millie Hinkle, Facilitator - This group does not yet meet formally but communicates informally by phone and email.
Ventura (includes Agoura & Santa Clarita): Kathryn Masci, Facilitator 
Westsiders: Toni Scharff, Facilitator - Meetings scheduled for September 11 and November 14, all held at 1 pm at the Spitfire Grille in Santa Monica.
 
CD Support Group
By Jean Furuya
The Office Jeanie and 
Educational Development Committee Coordinator









If you work consistently with chronically-disorganized clients, you are invited to participate in an informal support group.
 
Next Meeting:
Tuesday, September 14, 6 pm - 8:30 pm
 
Topic for discussion: "Maintenance Strategies for our CD Clients"
  
We will also spend time sharing our individual issues and experiences with clients.
 
A simple pot luck is planned.
 
Limited to 12 attendees.
 
To RSVP or for more information, contact Jean Furuya.
Email: cdsupport@napola.org  
Phone: (310) 316-1753
NAPO Los Angeles 

Mission Statement: NAPO-LA is the organizing industry leader committed to providing the public with resources; providing professional organizers with education and support; and providing related industry professionals with unique channels for their products and services. 

NAPO-Los Angeles
PMB 134, 10573 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone 213-486-4477

The National Association of Professional Organizers, Los Angeles Chapter (NAPO-LA) is a legal entity separate and distinct from NAPO, Inc. (the National Association of Professional Organizers) and is not entitled to act on behalf of or to bind NAPO, contractually or otherwise.

For questions on our disclosure policy, please contact our Chapter President.

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NAPO-LA | PMB 134 | 10573 W. Pico Blvd. | Los Angeles | CA | 90064