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Welcome to this week’s Get 1% Better Newsletter! This week’s issue discusses the decline in church attendance among committed Christians, as highlighted by Carey Nieuwhof, an expert in personal and professional development. We also touch on the controversy surrounding Louisiana’s prison system and the proposal to remove the slavery clause from the state constitution. Next, we’ll shift our focus to two quotes that caught my attention about cultivating healthy relationships by setting clear boundaries and standards. These align with my YouTube channel’s mission of providing practical tips, insights, and strategies for personal growth and achieving goals. Our journey begins by exploring the reasons behind the decline in church attendance. Fascinating Articles I Read Last Week10 Reasons Church Attendance Is Declining (Even for Committed Christians)Carey Nieuwhof, a former pastor, provides personal and professional development resources, including productivity, leadership, personal growth, communication, church growth, and change management. His article addresses the declining trend of church attendance among committed Christians due to shifting cultural values, busier schedules, and scandal-plagued institutions. Online church is a trend that is here to stay, and the cultural disappearance of guilt is another reason church attendance is declining. People look less to churches and leaders to help them grow spiritually and more to other options. The article suggests that change is unkind to the unprepared and advises church leaders to prepare for change by focusing on the needs of their congregants, staying relevant, and embracing technology. In contrast to the issue of declining church attendance among committed Christians, Louisiana’s prison system is facing criticism for its use of forced prison labor, which has led to accusations of modern-day slavery.
‘You’re a Slave’: Inside Louisiana’s forced prison labor and a failed overhaul attempt.Louisiana has a high incarceration rate, and inmates are forced to work for little or no pay, leading to feelings of being enslaved. A ballot measure to remove language enabling involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime was rejected due to confusion over the wording. Louisiana law mandates that state inmates must work while incarcerated, but they may not be compensated or earn as little as 2 cents an hour. Critics argue that such policies perpetuate systemic racism and contribute to mass incarceration. Proponents of prison labor argue that it provides inmates with job skills and helps offset incarceration costs. Louisiana voters will decide whether to remove a clause from the state constitution that allows for slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. The amendment was proposed by Democratic state senator Ed Price, who said he was shocked to discover the clause still existed. If it passes, Louisiana will become the first state in the US to remove the slavery clause from its constitution. In contrast to Louisiana’s use of forced prison labor, Pennsylvania State University’s decision to cancel its proposed Center for Racial Justice has been criticized for undermining its commitment to social change and racial justice initiatives.
Penn State Criticized for Nixing Racial Justice CenterPennsylvania State University’s decision to cancel its proposed Center for Racial Justice has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it undermines its commitment to social change and racial justice initiatives. Penn State University faced criticism for canceling plans to create a $3.5 million Center for Racial Justice in October 2022. The university had started a faculty-led search for a founding director, but the new president decided that funds earmarked for the center would be better used on existing anti-racism initiatives due to budget issues. The university also faced backlash for planning to host an event with the founder of the Proud Boys, a far-right organization that promotes political violence, which was subsequently canceled. The combined actions sparked criticism from the campus community and state leaders, with over 400 faculty members signing a petition condemning the decision to cut the center.
Check out my YouTube ChannelLevel Up: Equipping You to Get 1% Better in Life.I created this channel to help you improve every aspect of your life. On this channel, you’ll find practical tips, insights, and strategies to help you reach your full potential and achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking to develop your skills, manage your finances, improve your health, or build stronger relationships, I’ve got you covered. My content is designed to inspire, motivate, and empower you to make positive changes in your life, one step at a time. I focus on practicality and action, so you can implement what you learn immediately. As a member of our community, you’ll have access to a wealth of information to help you become a better version of yourself. Whether you want to increase your productivity, enhance your communication skills, or grow, you’ll find something here to help. Would you be willing to assist me in accomplishing my goal of obtaining 1000 subscribers by subscribing to my channel?
2 Quotes That Caught My AttentionWatch out for people that will put you last but call you first when they have a problem.
ExplanationThe quote “Watch out for people that will put you last but call you first when they have a problem” warns about one-sided friendships where people only reach out when they need something, leaving you feeling hurt and questioning your self-worth. ActionIt’s important to communicate your needs directly to your friends instead of assuming they will understand. Additionally, inclusive leadership that prioritizes diversity and inclusion can help build trust and a sense of belonging, where people feel that their uniqueness is appreciated. They have a voice in decision-making. Be picky about who you let into your inner circle- it’s a privilege, not a right.
ExplanationYour inner circle is a special and safe space where you can be yourself, recharge, and reflect. Being selective about who you allow into this space is important because the people closest to us shape our mood, health, and success. Being picky about your inner circle is not selfish but wise. The people in our inner circle are the ones we trust and rely on for support and advice. By being careful about who we let into our inner circle, we can create a safe space for honest conversations and deep connections. ActionSet clear boundaries and standards for the people you allow in. Take the time to reflect on what qualities and values are important to you in a friend or confidant. Consider their past behavior and how they treat others. Don’t be afraid to say no to someone who doesn’t meet your standards, and don’t feel guilty about it. Remember, it’s a privilege to be part of your inner circle, and you have the right to choose who you let in. appreciated. They have a voice in decision-making. It’s a Wrap!That’s it for this week’s 1% Better Newsletter 🙂 In conclusion, this week’s newsletter explored the declining trend of church attendance among committed Christians, the controversy surrounding Louisiana’s prison system, and the proposed removal of the slavery clause from the state constitution. We also discussed the cancellation of Pennsylvania State University’s Center for Racial Justice and two quotes about cultivating healthy relationships by setting clear boundaries and standards. These lessons align with the mission of the “Level Up: Equipping You to Get 1% Better in Life” YouTube channel, which provides practical tips, insights, and strategies to help viewers improve every aspect of their lives. By prioritizing personal growth, setting boundaries, and building healthy relationships, we can become better versions of ourselves and achieve our goals. Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and stay inspired!
Here’s to your success, Clarence E. Stowers, Jr. |
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