Connecting. Sharing. Learning. Growing.

Most of you know that about a year and a half ago I left my job and started my own business where I do a lot of freelance writing, speaking engagements, facilitation, and consulting. I also do quite a bit of hands on training with beginners in social media  and specifically bloggers to help provide them the tools to get started creating their own voice out there. In addition, networking with others in the bloggy and social media worlds that I can learn so much from is also an essential part of my dream job.

It is no secret that I adore these platforms that I work with everyday because I know that they give folks a place to have a voice to share their opinions, thoughts, expertise and experiences on an endless menu of topics ranging from the best ever Pot Roast (really it is...just sayin') to tutorials on how to how to make your own laundry soap to sharing and connecting through experiences that make us who we are...

One of the greatest personal benefits I have had is the enjoyment of getting to know a group of gals I have worked with for years even better. My fellow farm gals and I have enjoyed getting to know each other and supporting one another through our joint project over at the Real Farmwives of America and Friends. These ladies truly are the face of today's agriculture. They are the people that are working hard every day to make sure that when you stop by Walmart, that there are pork chops, bacon (mmm...bacon), milk, yogurt and ice cream waiting for you.

I often think someone should just pinch me... I get to work in a field that I love with a group of people that understand my roots so well. How does it get any better?

Those of you that know me IRL (In Real Life) may know that early in my career I was a Career Advocate or Job Coach working with people with disabilities for several years.

And, if you have found yourself in a conversation with me about that time in my life, you know that I count it as one of the most rewarding times in my career. I enjoyed so much assisting people to find and maintain employment that fit their passions and interests and not to just fill their pocketbooks.

Blog coaching and job coaching are similar in that if you just give folks the tools they need in an open environment of support, the sky is the limit to what they can achieve. I so enjoy sitting on the sidelines and watching folks discover their voice and passion... that is my passion.

That is why I am so excited to share that I will soon not only continue to work with my farm gals, but I will also start working with people with disabilities and their families to learn how to start their own blogs.

If you would like to see my guest post about Connecting in a Disconnected World over at The Arc of Indiana, click here.

____________________

If you know Indiana mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, etc. of people with I/DD and self-advocates who you think may be interested in blogging, please feel free to pass along the following information.

If you are interested in learning more about the basics of blogging or if you are a current blogger and would like to connect with others that share your interests, The Arc of Indiana will be holding two workshops that might be of interest to you.

Blogging Basics on September 26 from 9 AM to 3:30 PM will be a very basic class for beginners who want to get started on creating their own blogs.

On October 4 from 9 AM to 3:30 PM we will hold a Blogger Networking Workshop for existing bloggers who seek to connect with others.

Both workshops will be held at The Arc of Indiana, 107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800, Indianapolis.  There is no charge to attend but registration is necessary. 

If you or someone you know is interested in blogging or connecting with other bloggers, please register here.