THE LESSON

My son recently came home from school and reminded me that April 10th through the 16th is National Volunteer Week, and he wanted to know if there were any opportunities for us to volunteer together. So we decided to check out a few of the websites which were listed on the brochure he had received.

A Different Way to Volunteer
Our first visit was to the HandsOn Networkwebsite where we stumbled upon a page which discussed Skills-based Volunteering, otherwise known as SBV. In the past I’ve written about the importance of volunteering, but this was the first time I had heard of the term SBV. HandsOn says that SBV is about:

Connecting the volunteer with the right skills to the right project at the right time …”

Makes sense. If we’re going to volunteer, we might as well do so in a way that uses our unique gifts so that we can have the biggest impact.

In the past, I’ve helped package food for Meals from the Heartland, build walls for Habitat for Humanity, and pick up litter on the side of the road, but in retrospect, I’m not certain that I’ve ever tried to purposefully match my skills, interests, and abilities to a specific volunteer opportunity. Instead, I just signed up for random events.

Finding Something that Needs Done
After SBV 101, we moved on to VolunteerMatch.com. I really like this website because all you need to do is plug in your zip code and you’ll be provided with a list of opportunities within your area. A simple entry of my zip code returned 205 opportunities within a 20-mile radius and it was only a matter of minutes before my son had us registered for our volunteer event.

THE CHALLENGE

It’s been said that

Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.”

Your challenge this week is to identify at least one opportunity to “do more” within the next 90 days.

If possible, find an event which will use your unique gifts and abilities so that you can make a skills-based connection. A great way to find your “do more” challenge is the same way we did: By using VolunteerMatch’s online search engine.

THE REFLECTION

1.    If you volunteer, what is the most important thing you look for when seeking an opportunity to give back?
2.    If you have never volunteered, what is holding you back?

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

© 2011 collector mentor  All rights reserved.

photo on Flickr c/o TrailVoice

 THE LESSON

This week’s challenge is inspired by Bryan Leib of Leib Recovery Solutions. A few months ago Bryan sent me an email about a special he watched on TV about Team Hoyt.

Team Hoyt is a father/son duo who started racing in marathons together in 1977, and today they participate in triathlons together throughout the United States. In 2009, the duo completed their 1,000th race by competing in The Boston Marathon. But that isn’t what makes the Team Hoyt story so impressive. You see, Rick can’t walk or talk.

He was born with cerebral palsy.  His parents, Dick and Judy, were told that there was no chance of recovery and little hope for Rick to live a normal life. However, Dick and Judy refused to give up. They stayed resilient in their quest to help Rick live as normal of a life as possible. Today, Rick has the capability to speak through a computer system, and although it might take several hours for Rick to put together a couple of sentences, you can imagine that it is worth the wait. His parents also assisted him in getting his own apartment with live-in help and also helped him obtain a college diploma from Boston College.

By now you might be wondering how the duo competes in these challenging races together. And instead of telling you, I thought this clip would offer the best look at Rick and Dick’s journey together. Take a peek:

If you’ve ever competed in a triathlon or a marathon or even a 5k, you know it isn’t easy. If you haven’t competed in such a race, it, too, is probably because you know it isn’t easy. Either way, it’s tough work. Dick and Rick have been racing together for more than 30 years. They’ve completed hundreds of events together, including a 3,735 mile trek across the U.S. in 1992 which last 45 days. When they run, Dick pushes Rick in a custom made running chair. When they swim, Dick pulls Rick in boat. When they bike, they ride together in a special two-seater bicycle. As of February 2011, they’vecompeted in 1,042 events together, including 240 triathlons and 68 marathons. Next month, the duo will compete in the 116th Boston Marathon. Dick will be 70 years old.

There are dozens of “lessons” that I could pull from the Team Hoyt story, but the one that I want to share this week, is the one about helping other people.

According to the official Team Hoyt website, Rick was once asked if he could give his father one thing, what would it be? Rick responded:

The thing I’d most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once.”

THE CHALLENGE

Everyone deals with trials and challenges. Sometimes these challenges are more than one person can carry. There are times when we carry other people, and there are times when other people carry us. From teammates to spouses to family members to friends. It might be a listening ear when tough times set in. It might be a short-term loan when the car breaks down. It might be any combination of things. But the simple truth is, we rarely do it alone.

Is there something in your life that you need help with but are too proud to ask for help with? Is there someone who has come to you with a problem and you’ve yet to offer a listening ear? Sometimes our greatest moments in life occur when we reach out to others for help and when we reach out to help others. Even random acts of kindness are good for the soul.

This week your challenge is to think beyond yourself and reach out and extend a helping hand.

THE REFLECTION

As you look back on your life, can you pinpoint a time when someone offered you a helping hand which radically changed your life or career for the better?

You can share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

© 2011 collector mentor  All rights reserved.

THE LESSON

This week marks the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As one of history’s most dedicated civil rights activists, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. changed lives for millions of Americans and his legacy continues to make a difference even today.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Corporation for National & Community Service launched the MLK 25 Challenge, which is,

A call to all Americans to honor Dr. King by pledging to take at least 25 actions during 2011 to make a difference for others and strengthen our communities.”

THE CHALLENGE

Dr. King once remarked,

Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Your challenge this week is to commit to taking part in the MLK 25 Challenge. Use your own ideas or complete some of the 75 ideas posted on the MLK 25 Challenge, website.

Here are a few ways you can serve:

• Donate food to a local food bank.
• Serve food at a local soup kitchen.
• Take part in Habitat for Humanity.
• Visit a wounded veteran in the hospital.
• Give blood.
• Perform a random act of kindness.

To spice things up, you might consider completing the challenge with a team of coworkers, with your spouse/family, or with friends.  In fact, you can even order free promotional materials online to assist you in planning your event.

THE REFLECTION

1. Will you take part in the challenge individually or as part of a team?
2. What is the first item on your agenda?
3. How could your company benefit from taking part in the challenge?
4. What did you learn about yourself this week as a result of completing this challenge?
5. What positive changes could you make going forward in order to maximize the benefit of this challenge?
6. How would continual practice of this challenge change your life?

What will you do for others?

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

© 2011 collector mentor  All rights reserved.

Let’s face it–the credit and collection industry generates some pretty negative news stories from time to time. And, while I could rant about the $7.9M settlement that West Virginia AG Darrell McGraw recently reached with debt agencies or the fake courtroom that collectors out of Pennsylvania had going, I’m not going to. Ranting, well, it can get a little old.

Raving, on the other hand, never tires.

And, that’s why I want to take a moment to shed light on a story out of Texas involving a collection agency that recently raised funds for a good cause.

The agency, Southwest Credit, recently raised $9,649 for the United Way. The funds will be used to help “improve income, education, and health …”. You can read the full press release here.

What I thought was really cool was the fact that four employees chipped in and donated $1,000 each. Now, that my friends, is worth raving about.

THE LESSON

This past summer I traveled back to Michigan to attend a family reunion. For the past decade I have lived several states away and I’ve slowly lost touch with many of the cousins, aunts, and uncles who were in my life as I was growing up. Having an opportunity to catch up with so many relatives at one time was great. We shared pictures, told jokes, and reminisced about the old days. One person in particular was an uncle who I had not seen in more than 15 years, and it was during our chat when I first learned that he was a veteran of the Vietnam War who had been exposed to Agent Orange. His “war story” was remarkable, and prior to that I had no idea of his personal sacrifice and contribution to our country. It blew me away.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day. It is a day set aside to honor all veterans and a time when many Americans reach out to connect with and support veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that there are more than 24 million veterans living among us. They include our friends, neighbors, coworkers, spouses, children, parents, and others we do not even know.

THE CHALLENGE

As Congressman Allen Boyd so aptly put it,

America’s fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for this cause, as well as for those who are blessed enough to return from the battlefield unscathed.”

This Veteran’s Day take a moment to support a veteran and show your gratitude. It can be as simple as picking up the phone and saying thanks, donating to a charity such as ARMing Heroes, or part of an overall company event. American Profit Recovery’s employees, for instance, recently spent their lunch hour writing cards to troops overseas.

At the very least spend a sincere moment of silence reflecting on your freedoms and being grateful for those who sacrifice and risk their lives on the battlefield.

THE REFLECTION

1. Did you or your company do anything above and beyond in support of Veterans Day?
2. Do you provide any special payment options for consumers who may have a spouse deployed overseas?
3. What freedoms are you most grateful for?

Show your support!

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

Each week we bring you 10 of our most favorite stories from around the industry.

Week of October 31, 2010

1. Debt Collectors Face a Hazard: Writer’s Cramp

(New York Times, 10/31/10)

When Michael Gazzarato took a job that required him to sign hundreds of affidavits in a single day, he had one demand for his employer: a much better pen.”

2. Collection Lawyer Deanna Natale facing disciplinary hearing

(CNW, 10/31/10)

Markham lawyer Deanna Natale, daughter of former federal Liberal cabinet minister Judy Sgro, is scheduled to appear before a disciplinary hearing in connection with her law firm’s high-volume debt collection practice.”

3. Amherst man faces prison for selling debtor data

(BuffaloNews.com, 10/30/10)

An Amherst man faces up to 10 years in prison and a$250,000 fine for selling debtor information that was bank property, U. S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. said Friday.”

4. Pa. accuses debt company of deceiving consumers

(BloomburgBusinessweek, 10/29/10)

A debt collection agency used phony hearings in a room decorated to look like a courtroom to collect money from unsuspecting consumers, according to a lawsuit filed Friday against the company by Pennsylvania.”

5. Uptick in collection industry lawsuits

(Credit & Collections Risk, 10/28/10)

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) lawsuits rose slightly to 455 in the Oct. 1-15 period compared to 441 in the last half of September, according to data from U.S. District Courts..”

6. Second man admits selling debtor info

(WIVB.com, 10/29/10)

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Thomas Rice, 37, of Amherst, New York, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge William J. Skretny to a felony charge of sale of debtor information which was property that belonged to a bank. This offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.”

7. Flaws Seen in IRS Decision To Fire Debt-Collection Agencies

(NASDAQ, 10/26/10)

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service may have relied on flawed data when it decided in 2009 to end the use of private agencies to collect tax debts, a government auditor said Tuesday.”

8. Collection Agency Raises Over $15,000 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

(PRLog, 10/25/10)

American Profit Recovery, a collection agency based in Michigan, Massachusetts and North Carolina, recently participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks in three cities and raised a total of $15,500 for their efforts. Over $10,000 of the company’s fundraising total was donated by the company’s ownership.”

9. Better Business Bureau Warns Against Debt Collection Scheme

(NBC4i, 11/01/10)

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the alert for scam artists posing as collectors of nonexistent payday loan debts. The scammers typically call consumers and threaten them with legal action or arrest unless the victims authorize immediate payments from their bank accounts.”

10. Just how long does that black mark stay on your credit report?

(KOMO News, 11/1/10)

It’s scary when you can’t pay your bills, and when creditors are calling and sending you those threatening letters. But it’s important to know long that debt stays on your credit report.”

THE LESSON

A collector mentor reader who is new to the industry recently sent an email asking for tips on keeping healthy while spending 40 hours a week sitting at a desk. It seems that the transition from being on her feet all day in retail to sitting all day at a desk was causing a few concerns. So, in the July/August issue we responded with a few suggestions, one of which was to incorporate some type of regular physical activity into her routine.

In June, CNN ran a story titled, “Is your desk job bad for your health?” The article states, “The hazards of sitting all day long–whether you’re staring at a computer screen at work or watching TV on the couch at home–are better understood now than ever. In recent years, researchers have linked too much sitting to back pain, repetitive stress injuries, obesity, and even an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.”

On September 17, 2010 the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) will sponsor the 5th Annual Run@Work Day to “promote and provide the opportunity for individuals to incorporate at least 30-minutes of exercise, in accordance with the National Physical Activity Guidelines, into their daily routine either before work, during lunch, or immediately following work.”

Promotional material for the event further states that, “The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) estimates that 64% of US adults are either overweight (33%) or obese (31%), meaning they have an excess weight of 30 lbs or more. For over 20 years, the CDC has been tracking obesity trends, and they have reported that the rate of overweight adults in the US has increase by 18% in those 20 years. The causes of overweight and obesity can be complex. However simply put, overweight and obesity results from an energy imbalance. Eating more calories and not getting enough exercise or physical activity results in the energy imbalance that causes obesity. The rise of overweight and obesity and the resulting health conditions has a dramatic effect on health insurance costs around the US. It is estimated that overweight and obesity health related medical
costs have reached an all time high of $75.8 billion per year (www.cdc.gov).

THE CHALLENGE

This week commit to exercising for at least 30 minutes in support of Run@Work Day.

Walking during break/lunch with coworkers or biking to work is a great starting point for people who don’t have an existing exercise routine established. If you enjoy your 30 minutes and want to make exercise an ongoing part of your life, be sure to check out the Mayo Clinic’s article “Fitness programs: 5 steps to getting started.”

However, if exercise is already a regular part of your weekly routine, you might consider inviting a friend or family member to join you on your next trip to the gym.

Attention Employers: Free Resources!

Looking for information to boost your wellness program? Check out WellnessProposal’s online information library of more than 10,000 FREE handouts, posters, guides, and other resource materials that you can use in your employee wellness program.

THE REFLECTION

1.    What tips do you have for staying fit while spending 40 hours a week at a desk?
2.    What does your company do to promote wellness?
3.    What are the biggest challenges you face in exercising regularly?

Be active!

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

photo on Flickr c/o Timtak

Each week we bring you 10 of our most favorite stories from around the industry.

Week of August 8, 2010

1. Woman suing loan company after debt collector goes to her work

(WFAA-TV, 08/13/10)

Being late on a loan has turned into a fiasco that a Fort Worth woman never expected. The debt collector showed up at her job and the ensuing drama didn’t end until police were called.”

2. Debt Collector Gives His Time and Money to Feeding Kansas Citys Hungry

(Debtcollectionagencysoftware.com, accessed 08/13/10)

What started four years as a selfless way to give back to people in his community has grown into a passion for Shawnee, Kan. resident Arthur Lott. Today, Lott purchases, prepares and delivers more than 450 meals to men, women and children at three Kansas City, Mo. homeless shelters each month.”

3. Article On Why The FDCPA Is Designed To Protect Debt Collectors

(Alabama Consumer Law Blog, 08/04/10)

When we think about who the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is designed to protect we don’t normally think of . . . debt collectors. In a new article we explain how the FDCPA is designed to protect honorable . . . law abiding debt collectors from those debt collectors that are abusive and dishonorable.”

4. Raleigh woman sues JCPenney Credit for unfair practices

(The West Virginia Record, 08/12/10)

A Raleigh County woman is suing JCPenney Credit Services, General Electric and NCO Financial Systems after she claims they engaged in unlawful debt collection, unfair or deceptive practices and invasion of privacy, among other things.”

5. 3 things you should never say to a debt collector

(Wallet Pop, 08/12/10)

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox offers consumers three tips for dealing with collectors. Do you agree?

6. Lawsuits Against Collection Agencies, Creditors Spike

(Credit & Collections Risk, 08/12/10)

The number of collection agencies and creditors sued under various consumer statutes spiked to 480 in the second half of July, compared with 389 in the first half, according to data from U.S. District Courts.”

7. Debt collector for $200 bill gets nailed for $1.5-million judgment

(Hanna Boucher’s blog, 08/12/10)

I have worked in the  collections field for over 20 years.  I followed the FDCPA and was compliant.  Most collectors I have seen have been in the grey area. Then there are even many more that I see violate the FDCPA completely while the company owners are aware of it.”

8. Collection law firm sued for attempting to collect debt

(The Southeast Texas Record, 08/11/10)

A professional collection law firm is being sued after placing telephone calls to a Texas resident without disclosing they were attempting to collect a debt.”

9. Consumer files two lawsuits against debt collectors

(The Southeast Texas Record, 08/11/10)

A Lewisville resident has filed two lawsuits against debt collectors for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.”

10. Collection Agency Promotes “Good” Stories of the Collection Industry

(Collections Recon, 08/11/10)

American Profit Recovery,  a collection agency based in Michigan, Massachusetts and North Carolina, recently posted a number of short stories and profiles geared toward showing the general public and others that there are many aspects of the collection industry that go unreported, are misrepresented and intentionally covered in the media one-sided. The stories focus on how the agency has helped businesses and consumers come together in a diplomatic way to resolve debt, not just collect debt. The profiles can be read here at: http://www.collectionagencyblog.com“

THE LESSON – VOLUNTEER

Last month the famous 7-foot-7-inch NBA star Manute Bol passed away at the age of 47. Manute came to the U.S. from war torn Sudan and was drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1985. He enjoyed a 10 year career on the courts where he twice led the league in blocked shots and became the only NBA player to finish his career with more blocked shots (2,086) than points scored (1,599). But, this lesson isn’t about what Manute did on the court; it’s about what he did off the court – he gave back. In fact, Manute is widely admired for donating his NBA salary to charity.

But you don’t have to donate your salary to charity in order to give back and contribute to those in need. All you need is a couple of hours and a desire to get your hands dirty.

A few months ago I was able to contribute an afternoon to Meals from the Heartland. This program gets people together to package meals for starving people around the world. It was a very humbling and rewarding experience. When my wife and I arrived at the event we were placed in a team with six other individuals and our team was tasked with the challenge of seeing how many meals we could package during our two hour shift. To ensure the process was as efficient as possible, each person in the group was assigned a very specific task and for two hours we scooped, filled, sealed, and boxed several hundred meals. During my shift, I had the opportunity to meet and visit with the other members of the team and hear everyone share a little bit about what motivated them to get involved. It seems that many people just wanted to be like Manute – they just wanted to give back. And, in 2009 Meals from the Heartland volunteers packaged more than 4 million meals!

On June 16, 2010 the Des Moines Register ran a front page article titled, “Iowans’ volunteerism ranks No. 2 in the nation.” As I read the article I couldn’t help but smile knowing that my family and I helped contribute to the 109 million hours that were volunteered in 2009. Do the math and you’ll quickly find out that Iowans’ volunteer efforts are equivalent to a company with 52,400 full time employees!

THE CHALLENGE

Not only is volunteering good for the soul, it’s good for the career too. In fact, a 2006 Deloitte/Points of Light Volunteer IMPACT Survey found that 63 percent of volunteers believed that volunteering had a positive impact on their career. That’s why this week’s challenge is for you to find a way to give back. Thankfully, there are endless opportunities: The United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Make-a-Wish Foundation, your local soup kitchen, or even your local hospital. If you need additional ideas, you might consider checking with a local church in your community or visiting VolunteerMatch online at www.volunteermatch.org. If you can’t find an event to participate in this week, at least sign up for something and get it on your calendar.

Here are a few ideas to get the most out of your volunteer experience:

• Make it a family event by involving your spouse, kids, parents, and siblings.
• Team up with coworkers to make it a company event.
• Volunteer to a cause that you really care about (or maybe one you’ve never even heard of).
• Set a goal of earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Yep, straight from the White House. For more information, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov).

THE REFLECTION

1. What did you learn about yourself this week as a result of completing this challenge?
2. How can you continue to benefit from this challenge in the future?
3. What was your biggest takeaway?
4. What positive changes could you make going forward in order to maximize the benefit of this challenge?
5. How would continual practice of this challenge change your life?

Be sure to give back this week!

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

Photo on Flickr c/o Don Hankins