Associations Books

I like this special ministry handbook by Billy Graham and his coworkers very much because it is an insightful and practical guide about Christian workers' various concerns. It gets in touch with emotional topics that really can help ministers of God to be more awre of the emotional needs of both Christians and non-believers.

As emotion is powerful in move people and motivation is one thing that every Christian workers should know and practice the use of them in creative and constructive ways. Positive understanding and use of emotions are beneficial in avoiding conflicts in life and also making happy livings.

I pray that this book can be a great blessing to everyone who serves the Lord with passion, love, and all. Amen.

This book is uplifting for those of us who have failed in areas of our lives which are important and for which we feel disappointment. Dr. Graham confronts all areas of life, including life itself, and presents the powerful proof that God loves us in spite of our failings. He also focuses in on the IMPORTANCE OF YOUR LIFE so that you may understand better why YOUR LIFE IS IMPORTANT even if you sometimes think it isn't. If you have failed in an important area of your life or if you have children or friends who need substantive words of encouragement, or if you simply need encouragement, you will find this book a valuable resource.

"It's like a glass of fresh iced tea on a hot, dry, dusty day in Texas."

Thanks again Dr. Graham for submitting your life and works to our Maker.

Great help for prayer phone line, quick scriptual help and quick counciling help. I also use this in one on one counciling in my Stephen Ministry at our church. Reccommended for any Minister.

3/4 of this workbook is a treasure. Homosexuality, divorce and abortion are covered beautifully. A 4th of this read was a bit dry.

Written in 1945, and set during the German occupation a few years earlier, the world was in a bleak predicament, and the French existentialist movement was in full force - with their general belief that it is us as individuals who have the power to bring essence and meaning to our own lives, not Gods or people in positions of authority. For those people interested in this area, but who prefer a good read to philosophical dogma, you should read De Beauvoir instead of Sartre. This book seeks out to touch upon some of the key ideas in existentialism - including the mundane (this isn't how it sounds!) alienation, freedom and commitment. It does this through the awakening of the French resistance movement seen through the eyes of two lovers (Helene and Jean). In some ways, I feel like it deals with some of the conflicts within existentialism and within Beauvoir herself. Unlike other existentialist novels, this book weaves dogma and story effectively, and is the closest any book in the genre gets to a love story.

Who are you truly responsible to in times of turmoil, when you have certain convictions, you want to agitate for your country's freedom, and yet you know your actions have--and will continue to have, dire consequences for your loved ones, friends, and fellow citizens?

These are questions Simone de Beauvoir explores through her characters in The Blood of Others. This is a novel that engaged me further with each succeeding chapter--it gets better and better. Descriptions of the French people escaping their German occupied towns, clogging up roads and stuck in their cars without gas or food, are especially vivid, not to mention the vacillating emotions of anguish, love, hatred, and everything in between among the characters.

Also, the dialogues of the main characters--Jean and Helene, with their respective parents, are particularly poignant as they deal with the skeptism and disapproval of their elders.

The back and forth transitions from third person to first person (Jean Blomart) throughout the novel are a bit jarring to the flow of reading and caused some confusion in the beginning for me. That is my only minor complaint!

The Blood of Others has forced me to think about the issues that are important to me, and made me wonder how far I would go to preserve what I believe in. It is a thought provoking, well-written novel.

This novel is far better than any of her other novels. It has a gripping plot (in spite of being a European novel and a "literary" novel). It dramatizes some of the essential themes of Sartrean existentialism and throws the reader into the world in a vivid way.

It has not received the promotion of her other novels, probably because it has a plot. Unless you share the prejudice against compelling fiction, do not let this preconception make you miss one of the best novels of the twentieth century.

Through the study of the social ethics of France under German occupation, Simone de Beauvoir describes the true question at the heart of existentialism - 'How much responsibility can one truly have for other peoples' lives?' - and the ethical and moral questions that are raised as a consequence. That said, the book is lively and weaves the philosophical theme into the story seamlessly. Profound and uplifting.

Dr. Carver's seminal work on nonprofit board governance updated to cover all the Sarbane-Oxley stuff. For those who care enough to study the very best.

Carver describes how to avoid common Board mistakes and actually create the Board in a leadership role. It seems so obvious now that I read it... but I had to read it to realize what the problems were with my previous and current Board experience.

This book is tailored to answer questions about every size of Board, so read it! It's a bit dense in its language, but useful to all of us.

I am currently a newly appointed Board chairperson for a non-profit Christian school and we have been using John Carver's Policy Governance model for the last year. While we still have a long way to go to incorporate it completely into the fabric of our board processes, we have made great strides toward it in only a year. This book is excellent in helping us get there. I have also read several of John Carver's guides and although they are somewhat small for the money you have to pay for them, they also contain very good information. We hope to study these principles as part of our on-going board training during this board fiscal year.

Not the most engrossing read, but for anyone serving on a board, it is a great resource.

With the diversity of students increasing in our classrooms today, Dr. Willis's book fills knowledge void that connects brain research to classroom instruction. It is critical for teachers to meet the educational needs of students of all ability levels, including students with a variety of leaning disabilities and gifts. This is the first book I've found that explains what works and why from a comprehensive, brain-friendly perspective. The technical terms were so effectively explained that you will gain a deep understanding about the complex neural function of the brain and how this new knowledge can lead to classroom success.
Brain-Friendly Strategies for the Inclusion Classroom gives educators the neuroscience research background and specific classroom strategies to build on all students' strengths and facilitate their growth and engagement. I particularly appreciated Dr. Willis's style of writing and reader-friendly approach that clearly reflects her background in neuroscience and education. The strategies and specific unit lessons, offered as detailed examples, are easy to follow and ready to bring right into the classroom.
Today with the pressure of standardized testing and the resulting overly regimented curriculum, educators need help to adapt curriculum so all students can succeed and truly not be left behind. If you are ready to use neuro-logical strategies to effectively and joyfully engage students with a range of abilities, challenges, and gifts in your general education classroom, but don't have time to read all the books that are out there, this is the one to read!
Lawrence May, MD

Dr.Willis has created a masterful document that successfully merges the best of the brain sciences with educational practice. She not only speaks from an extensive background in neurology, but also as a practicing educator. In this work, she has generated solid suggestions with an abundant array of strategies and ideas that are well grounded in both research and practice. This well articulated book is an easy read and enormously useful to the classroom practitioner of today. Complete with examples and lesson plan layouts, this book is a must-read for those in education ~ whether they be involved in inclusion classrooms or not!! Her approach to integrating learning is refreshing, insightful and easily put into use!

Board-certified neurologist and middle school teacher Judy Willis presents Brain-Friendly Strategies for the Inclusion Classroom: Insights From a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher, a guide to teaching strategies designed to engage and stimulate all students, and be of especial help to students with learning disabilities. Chapters cover tips, tricks, and techniques for teaching students attention disorders; review and test preparation strategies ideal for a diversity of learners; the theory of multiple intelligence brains; and much more. An invaluable reference and resource for teachers of all grades.

I just finished reading Dr. Willis's book and it is as if she heard my prayers when she wrote it. The demands on teachers are increasing because classes are becoming more inclusive, with greater diversity of student abilities. Reading her book was faster, easier and less expensive than taking courses for inclusion skills, and a lot more convenient. With this book (loaned to me by an ASCD member who received an early edition) I feel so much more comfortable about my abilities to make my classroom a place of learning and joy for all my students. The explanations of how the brain processes information are so clearly presented I feel as if I've been to a complete seminar. The strategies are well described and can be applied throughout the K-8 years. I've been looking for a book that describes inclusion class intervention strategies that are both classroom-based and validated by research, and with Dr. Willis' training and experience as both a neurologist and a classroom teacher, I finally have that book. Each strategy is extended with step-by-step descriptions about how to incorporate the strategy into classroom teaching to fit the diversity of students I teach. I highly recommend this excellent and very readable resource for both general ed and special ed teachers who advise them. It is filled with helpful information written in a positive and motivational format, and gives us back ways to implement quality instruction in the face of the increasing restrictions of NCLB. I won't be passing on my copy because I want to continue to refer to it as I implement more of the strategies, but I will be telling my colleagues that this is the book they have been waiting for. Thank you, Dr. Willis, for putting so much thought and passion into what will surely become a classic.

Bob Harris and Cal Clemons combined four decades of experience running successful AMCs to create a publication that has been billed by some as a bible for analyzing, revamping, revitalizing and growing an Association Management company. In Building an Association Management Company, they share their secrets on everything from getting started, to business and marketing plans, to soliciting and serving clients, to what the future holds.

I have read Building an Association Management Company from cover to cover. It is a great resource for my company and staff.

This book is a great resource for an association management company. I've used it a lot for a quick reference.

You are a big part of our success. Your book was fantastic and extremely helpful.

Great book! The exercises really force you to think and clarify the who, what, why and how of yourself and the group you are creating or trying to improve. I highly recomend this one.

With great insight and honesty Michael Jacoby Brown has drawn on his extensive experience to produce a practical and inspiring resource. This book is a must for anyone wishing to organize a group to work for social change or anyone who is part of a community organization which needs to rejuvenate or rediscover its purpose. It is beautiful in its simplicity, addressing its issues in a way everyone can understand, and broad in its scope, addressing every aspect involved in successful community organizing. "Building Powerful Community Organizations" demands engagement by the reader. It contains exercises and the reader gains best value from the book by engaging in the exercises at the point they are presented.

This book should be required reading for hospitals, foundations, public health agencies and people working on any form of community improvement. Michael has documented his learnings with stories and tools that can equip those willing to learn to build powerful community organization, as the title says. There are lots of various community organizing guides but this one mixes stories and tools in an easy to read, nicely laid out style. His wisdom comes from years of community organizing and translates here into practical, easy to access advice. This is the best handbook I have seen in a long time! The author makes himself available with info on how to reach him as well as a website with blog that makes him more than a distant author; he is approachable and willing to extend his teachings beyond the pages of his book. Not may authors do this.

Written by Michael Jacoby Brown, who has more than thirty years' experience in building community organizations, Building Powerful Community Organizations: A Personal Guide to Creating Groups that Can Solve Problems and Change the World is a handy step-by-step guide to creating, strengthening, and revitalizing grass-roots organizations for bringing about social change to solve problems in the community or workplace. From how to effectively recruit (learning to "listen not sell", when short or long visits are appropriate, and how to turn success into momentum) to how to mobilize resources and raise money to the steps for setting change into motion and more, Building Powerful Community Organizations walks the reader through the necessary skills and processes while warning against common obstacles and pitfalls. Enthusiastically recommended for anyone looking to harness communal effort and make a lasting difference.

Author Michael Jacoby Brown has created a book with very detailed information on how to organize, create, and lead a community organization. In it he clearly explains all the steps necessary to create an effective organization that can resolve problems. The various areas discussed include the theory of how a group should work, the chemistry involved, the seven basic steps for building an organization, developing a mission statement, goals, and objectives, designing the organization to last, recruiting others, mobilizing, raising money and taking action. Throughout the book are case studies and exercises to help you not only understand how it all works but also to help you work through developing your organization correctly. If you want to change the world and know you need help to do it then you will appreciate this book. Building Powerful Community Organizations is easily the best book on the market today on this subject.

Mr. Zwiers has come up with some great reading activities for the classroom. They are easy to understand and modify. It is a great resource for teachers looking for ways to reach their students.

Of the many books on reading strategies, this one had the highest quantity of innovative activities (tools) that I need for my social studies and language arts classes. I love the many clever reproducibles and how they help develop the six reading strategies (habits) in engaging ways--especially for my students who are not usually interested in reading or becoming better readers! This book inspired me to model my thinking more as I read to students and to create my own visuals and activities that build comprehension processes. This will be a well-used book. Thanks!

This book gives good strategies to use with students to increase their reading comprehension. I am using the textbook for my reading and writing class but I know I will refer to it once I start teaching.

The book arrived in time for me to use it for my Master's class. It was also utilized by a friend of mine who is already a teacher. She said the book is one of the best she's seen and needs to be used as textbook by Master's Programs in Education.
This is definitely a must-have for anybody who is going into teaching

An interesting format of letters back between friends about service on a board. I believe it's best read after other more structured infomation on the roles and functions of a board, then round out your perspective and understanding with this fine work. Very short, an easy read.

Called to Serve is recommended reading by all YMCA staff who work with policy making volunteers. It is designed as "letters to a friend" and covers the why, how and what in working with volunteers/boards in a conversational way. It is not overwhelming, nor does it get into a lot of governance issues. It leads you to understand the meaning and purpose of volunteerism and many, many lessons as to roles of volunteers, meeting development, strategic planning, effective committees, etc. I highly recommend it!

Truly an enjoyable, profitable read with many treasures for the one seeking advice on non-profit or volunteer boards.

This is packaged in letter form of author writing advice to a friend about such board memberhsip and leadership.

Just a few of the many gleans one will get: "the board does have obligations in the short term, but the future, with certain expectations, comes first"; "desigining an agenda by following the lines of a bell curve"; "one of the great time wasters for any group is the routine of giving progress reports when there's been no progress"; and the wonderful story of the postmaster who would not be bothered out of a meeting until he heard it was to receive thanks.

One reading this wants to be on any board that Max is on. Also, to invoke some of his wisdom tenderly yet passionately given in this work. Buy one for yourself and all members on your board. It will bring more joy to the member and more service to the organization.

De Pree's latest addition to his leadership books such as best-selling Leadership is an Art, Leadership Jazz, and Leading without Power, has turned his vast experience with non-profit boards into a helpful volume about creating an effective volunteer board. The book covers generalities like the expectations of board and staff, as well as specifics like how to construct an agenda. De Pree gets as specific as stating, "The chairperson should not permit anyone to read to the board." Amen to that! The book can be read quickly, referenced easily, and would help create basic principles and expectations for the board. Anyone working with a volunteer board would do well to provide a copy for each board member.

Unbelievable!

The topic of the failure of the Arizona Legislature to assist homeowners over 3 years tells it all. I was there and I wouldn't have believed the book if I hadn't witnessed it myself.

This book let's people know what they can expect from their government and what their rights are that have been hidden from them. I urge others living in associations, even if quite content over the years, to read this book because, like me, it could happen to you tomorrow.

With the government creeping to our lives in many ways/angles the last thing we needed is a new type of government taking away our rights of Home Ownership. For years Home Ownership was the ultinate American Dream, a dream that has turned into a NIGHTMARE for many in HOA's.

HOA's, Home Owners Association, what a way to sneak into the lifes of so many by using the words "HOME OWNER"S Association" as if they really cared or wanted to protect the HOME OWNER. Another place the EGO can run wild and the Control Freaks can abuse others, ON THE BOARD OF A HOA.

I'm going on and on when the only thing that really matters is that you READ THIS BOOK SO YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF, because the State will not.

George Staropoli asks: "Why are our state legislatures...(not) upholding and defending the Bill of Rights and Constitution?"
He laments the media's not revealing the constitutional issues or the laws that favor HOA boards against the homeowners.
Activist Staropoli's book documents his struggle to reclaim American homeowners' constitutional rights and to awaken America to its loss of freedom. Let's hope this call brings us back to an incisive and authoritative interpretation of the Constitution as the Federalist essays did in 1788.

This book was an eye-opener! I could not believe the number of court cases, including US Supreme Court cases, contained in this book that show support for homeowner rights. This came as a surprise because I have not read or seen anything about these issues of constitutional rights in the media.

The author presents a strong case that the state legislatures and agencies are protecting private organizations, the homeowners associations, over the rights and freedoms we all believe are ours.

Every author can learn presentation from this book, this is a workbook worthy of being used in a school atmosphere. Very well organized good to excellent information. A thorough foundation from which to grow, and perfect for Tai Chi Practitioners.

This is a great book for anyone who is new to the practice of qigong. Yu Cheng Huang has developed a great system of teaching qigong in this book. I've seen many books on the subject and none of them takes you by the hand and easily leads you through the different exercises as this book does. The book is designed to teach you a lesson each week. In addition to the physical exercise each lesson comes with a discussion on either the theory/history of qigong, a lesson on the use of food and herbs or a lesson on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) making it a very balanced approach to the subject.

The illustrations are a bit crude but they convey the appropreate meaning for each lesson. This is easily overlooked because of its workbook format. I would say that you would not find a better book on the subject that will teach both the practice and theory of qigong in such a simple and easy manner as this book does.

"Change the Picture" is the first in the series of Qigong workbooks presented by Master Yu-Cheng Huang. This book gives a step by step system of building a Qigong practice. The book is comprised of levels I and II with each volume containing twelve weekly lessons which are the basic foundations of Xuan Ming Dao Qigong. Each lesson builds on the previous week's lesson and contains a section on theory, method, and practice. Levels I and II teach one how to cleanse,gather, and activate the energy (QI) and how to tonify the body.

Thumbs up for Master Huang's "Xuan Ming Dao" Qigong workbook series. Unlike most Qigong books that just teach a basic Qigong or other books that teach advanced methods (which can only be useful to students with higher skills), Master Huang's system is written for the beginner and will have you gradually build your practice step by step. Advanced students will benefit from the added information on subjects such as TCM, Qigong theory, and the "extra thoughts" presented with each lesson. Moreover, all the workbooks are written in a straightforward and easy to understand manner. Master Huang stresses that if one should wish to learn Qigong one should find a good teacher. I would suggest that if you cannot find a good teacher these workbooks are the next best thing to learn from.

"Think the Good Thing" is the second book in the series.

If you are a Taoist Qigong fan, then this is the book for you. No mumbo-jumbo. A practical "how-to" step-by-step Chi Kung for beginners and mature students. Dont have to know obscure Chinese cultural meanings; just start the work and keep at it. The real pity is that I had to acquire this book used as it is out of print. It's ironic that there is so many useless and shallow books on Qigong out there that never, ever go "out of print" and yet the really good ones do. The sooner this series by Yu Cheng Huang is reprinted and made available, the better !!