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The Key to Happiness: The Importance of Community Connection

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Subtitle 1: Rediscovering the Power of Community

In today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected from others. The rise of social media and the prevalence of virtual interactions have altered the way we engage with our communities. However, despite these advancements, the key to true happiness still lies in the power of community connection. Human beings are inherently social creatures, and fostering meaningful relationships with others plays a vital role in our overall well-being.

Subtitle 2: Creating a Supportive Network

One of the fundamental aspects of community connection is the creation of a supportive network. By being part of a community, whether it’s a local neighborhood, an interest-based group, or a shared cultural heritage, individuals can find support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. This support network can provide a safety net during difficult times and help individuals navigate life’s challenges more effectively. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we truly appreciate the strength and value of a connected community.

Subtitle 3: Sharing Experiences and Celebrating Diversity

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A thriving community is a melting pot of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. By connecting with others from different walks of life, we open ourselves up to new ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking. This exposure not only broadens our horizons but also helps us develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around us. Through community connection, we can celebrate our differences and foster a sense of unity and inclusivity that enriches the lives of everyone involved.

Subtitle 4: Building Meaningful Relationships

At the core of community connection are the relationships we build with others. These relationships are more than mere acquaintances; they are the foundation of our emotional support system. By investing time and effort into nurturing these connections, we cultivate bonds that can last a lifetime. Meaningful relationships provide us with a sense of purpose, love, and belonging. They offer opportunities for personal growth, learning, and shared experiences, leading to a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Subtitle 5: Empowering and Being Empowered

Communities have the power to empower individuals and promote personal growth. By actively participating in a community, individuals can develop skills, share their knowledge, and contribute to collective goals. This sense of purpose and impact can greatly enhance one’s happiness and well-being. Simultaneously, being part of a community allows individuals to receive support, guidance, and inspiration from others. It’s a reciprocal relationship where everyone has a role to play in uplifting and empowering one another.

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Subtitle 6: Nurturing Mental Health and Resilience

Community connection plays a crucial role in nurturing mental health and building resilience. By fostering a supportive environment, communities can help combat feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in activities together, supporting one another’s well-being, and providing a space for open dialogue and understanding can have a profound impact on mental health. Knowing that there is a community to rely on during tough times can strengthen an individual’s resilience and contribute to their overall happiness and mental well-being.

Subtitle 7: Taking Action and Making a Difference

Community connection is not just about personal happiness; it also extends to making a positive impact on the world around us. By coming together as a community, we can address social issues, create change, and work towards a better future for everyone. Whether it’s through volunteer work, grassroots initiatives, or collective advocacy, community connection empowers individuals to take action and contribute to the greater good. Making a difference in the lives of others is a source of immense joy and fulfillment.

Conclusion:

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In a world where technology often dominates our interactions, it’s essential to remember the irreplaceable value of community connection. By investing in relationships, supporting one another,

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MBTI® Global Step and Step II Certification Program

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Anahat Organisation Development Consultancy Private Limited

Joined on 21 Jul 2025

Event Information

Anahat’s 4-day MBTI® Global Step I & Step II Certification Program empowers you with the strategic edge to decode human behaviour, understand personality types, shape teams and leadership, and elevate organizational culture that drives performance.

This certification program is a comprehensive education in the globally respected MBTI®- designed for beginners. It covers Type theory, and key applications of the assessment. This MBTI® Global Step I & Step II Certification Program enables you to apply research-backed insight to tackle key organisational challenges.

The MBTI® instrument is the most widely used personality assessment in the world. More than 2 million assessments are administered to individuals annually. It is used by 89 of the Fortune 100 companies. The MBTI® instrument enables personal and organizational transformation by giving people a powerful tool to improve how they communicate, learn and work. Click here to learn more.

Program Details

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The MBTI® Certification program teaches participants how to professionally and ethically administer and interpret the MBTI® instrument. This four- day certification program provides participants instruction in Type theory and key MBTI® applications, broken down into an easily understandable format. During the program you will learn:

•The origins and background of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, how to successfully administer the assessment to individuals and teams

•Technical aspects of the MBTI® assessment, including information about the construction of the instrument and its reliability and validity How to deliver MBTI® feedback and personality insights to individuals and groups, using the results for personal and team development, coaching, Leader development and more

•An understanding of your personality preferences, and how they affect personal and professional relationships.

•How MBTI® preferences combine dynamically to add depth and understanding to personality differences.

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•Practical, ethical, and effective applications of the MBTI® Step &Step assessments.

You will need to pass the qualifying exam after the program. in order to demonstrate adequate understanding of the course material. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to purchase and use the MBTI® assessments and reports through Anahat. You will also receive a certificate from The Myers-Briggs Company Asia Pacific, indicating your eligibility to use the MBTI® instrument.

Anahat specializes in training and development and is a distributor of psychometric instruments in India. Anahat’s consulting offerings include coaching, OD interventions and training in the areas of leadership, collaboration and change management. Anahat has certified more than 2000 people on the use of instruments such as the MBTI®, FIRO-B®, Stro Interest Inventory, Saville Assessment and CPI2 . Anahat represents The Myers-Briggs Company, the publisher of the MBTI instrument in India. To know more, visit us at www.anahat.in or write to us at info@anahat.in.

The Myers-Briggs Company, based in California, US, is a world leader in personality, career, and organizational development assessments. It is best-known as the publisher of MBTI®, FIRO-B®, C and Strong assessments.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI® Certification Program prepares you to use and interpret the MBTI® instrument. Training in the MBTI® Step assessment provides more in-depth insight into an individual’s personality type and behavior using 20 additional facets. The four-day workshop is highly interactive and provides many opportunities for you to practice presenting the MBTI® instrument and interpreting results in a variety of situations: with groups, with individuals, and in coaching.

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The MBTI® Instrument Trusted by 89% of Fortune 100 companies and taken by 2.7 million people every year in more than 20 languages, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) assessment helps people gain insights about themselves and how they interact with others—improving how the communicate, learn, and work.

The MBTI® assessment makes Carl Jung’s theory of psychological type both understandable and highly practical by helping individuals identify their preferences in four areas. Know more about MBTI®.

Why should you be interested in the MBTI® Instrument?

• Versatile and wide range of applications: The MBTI® framework’s versatility makes it very useful across application areas like team building, leadership development, conflict management, stress management, career transitions, and more.

• Well researched, reliable and valid: With over 6decades of research backing it, the MBTI® instrument is very reliable and has been validated across many application areas in the organizational context.

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• Simple framework: Simple and easy to understand framework and reports that provide a common language for describing how individuals interact with each other.

Why get certified?

• Gain a better understanding of your and others ‘personality preferences and how they affect personal and professional relationships.

• Deliver effective talent development programs with a greater understanding of your people, organization.

• Help students make better education decisions by understanding their preferences. Teams, and career personality

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• Expand your coaching toolkit, so that you can help others be their best.

About the Trainers

*CS Mahesh, Founder Director at Anahat and a Master trainer for MBTI® certification programme, has certified over 2000 professionals in the use of psychometric instruments like the MBTI®, FIRO-B®, Strong®, CPI2, and the SavilleConsulting suite of assessments. He is also certified on the EQ-i 2.0.

Janaki Venkat, Founder Director at Anahat and a Master trainer for MBTI® certification programme, is an executive coach with over 1000 hours of coaching experience. She is also a Master Trainer for psychometric instruments like the Saville Assessments, FIRO-B®, Strong®, CPI2and EQ-i 2.0.

*Please note that either one of Mahesh or Janaki will be the trainer for the programme depending on availability.

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Venue

This event is hosted on an Online Platform

You will receive joining details after the registration.

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People Society

Amazon Workers in New York Withdraw Union Vote Petition

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By Olivia Jade

Amazon Workers in New York Withdraw Union Vote Petition

Introduction

In November 2021, a group of Amazon warehouse workers on Staten Island made headlines by withdrawing their petition to hold a union vote. Known as the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), this independent group had filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to organize workers at four Amazon facilities. But just ten days before a scheduled hearing, they pulled back the petition, sending shockwaves through the labor movement. This article explores why the petition was withdrawn, the challenges the workers faced, and what comes next for those determined to bring a union to Amazon’s workforce in New York.

The Rise of the Amazon Labor Union

Who Is the ALU?

The Amazon Labor Union is a grassroots effort started in April 2021 by former Amazon employee Christian Smalls and other warehouse workers. Frustrated by long hours, strict productivity targets, and limited safety measures, they set out to form the first independent union to represent Amazon workers in the United States. Unlike campaigns backed by major national unions, the ALU was a homegrown movement built around worker solidarity and direct action.

Filing the Petition

In October 2021, the ALU filed a petition with the NLRB. To trigger a union vote, they needed signatures from at least 30% of the roughly 5,500 workers at four adjacent Staten Island facilities: JFK8, LDJ5, TRK1, and TYD1. They claimed to have met this threshold and asked the NLRB to hold an election to certify the ALU as the bargaining representative.

Reasons for Withdrawal

High Turnover Rates

One of the main reasons cited by ALU leaders for withdrawing the petition was Amazon’s exceptionally high turnover. In fast‑paced fulfillment centers, many workers leave or are let go within weeks or months. When the ALU submitted its signatures, some signatories had already left the job or were no longer eligible to vote. Christian Smalls explained, “The cards are not the issue; the issue is Amazon fired some of the people that signed the cards.” This turnover undermined the petition’s validity under NLRB rules, which require signatories to be current employees.

Legal and Procedural Hurdles

The NLRB enforces strict guidelines on union petitions. Signatures must be verified, and each signer must still work at the location. With Amazon’s high churn, verifying eligibility became a significant challenge. The ALU faced the risk that the NLRB would dismiss the petition for insufficient valid signatures, potentially delaying any union election by many months.

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Strategic Considerations

Beyond paperwork, the ALU saw value in regrouping and refining its strategy. With the high‑profile petition in jeopardy, they paused to rebuild support, re‑educate new hires about union benefits, and prepare a stronger case for a future election. Smalls noted that withdrawing gave them time to address Amazon’s anti‑union messaging and to shore up their groundwork among front‑line workers.

Amazon’s Response

Anti‑Union Campaign

Amazon has historically taken a firm stance against unionization, emphasizing direct worker communication and competitive pay and benefits. In the Staten Island campaign, Amazon ran an extensive anti‑union drive:

  • Mandatory Meetings: Managers held captive‑audience meetings warning about union dues and potential strikes.
  • Signage and Emails: Posters and internal emails highlighted Amazon’s “Wide Range of Benefits” and “Safety First” messaging.
  • One‑on‑One Conversations: Supervisors spoke privately with employees, urging them to consider the downsides of collective bargaining.

Amazon also reminded workers that state law prohibited firing them for union activities but warned that strikes or labor actions could lead to lost wages. These tactics, common in corporate union‑avoidance strategies, aimed to sow doubt and maintain the status quo.

Public Statements

When the ALU withdrew the petition, an Amazon spokesperson issued a statement: “We respect our employees’ rights and look forward to continuing our direct dialogue about pay, benefits, and workplace issues.” The company emphasized its existing benefits—stock grants, healthcare coverage, and career advancement programs—as evidence that workers did not need a union to improve conditions.

Worker and Community Reactions

Supporters Disappointed but Determined

Many rank‑and‑file workers expressed disappointment when the petition was withdrawn. Some felt their hard‑won signatures had been wasted. Yet most remained committed to the union effort. On social media and in small gatherings outside the warehouses, workers continued sharing stories of on‑the‑job injuries, demanding more breaks, and voicing concerns about unpredictable schedules.

Labor Movement Takes Note

Labor activists nationwide watched the Staten Island effort closely. The withdrawal was seen as a setback, but not a defeat. Major unions like the Teamsters and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) publicly offered support, highlighting the Staten Island workers’ resilience. “Every strike, every petition, makes Amazon’s walls a bit more porous,” said a Teamsters representative, pointing to the ALU’s landmark win at JFK8 in April 2022—the first successful Amazon union vote in the U.S.

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What Happens Next?

Refiling the Petition

The ALU stated they planned to refile the petition as soon as possible. This required gathering new signatures from current employees and ensuring that signers remained on the job through the hearing date. The renewed effort would also involve stronger legal counsel to navigate NLRB procedures and potential challenges from Amazon.

Expanding Outreach

To offset high turnover, the ALU expanded its outreach to new hires, seasonal workers, and even forklift drivers—groups historically harder to organize. They set up information booths near break areas, distributed simple flyers, and used social media groups to keep employees informed. This ongoing engagement aimed to build a more stable base of supporters.

Legal and Political Pressure

On the legal front, the ALU and supporting unions are considering petitions to the NLRB to hold Amazon accountable for unfair labor practices—such as alleged surveillance of union activities and retaliatory firings. Politically, state and federal lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, have expressed solidarity with the Staten Island workers, calling for greater protections for warehouse employees.

Broader Context: Amazon’s Union Landscape

Alabama’s Bessemer Campaign

Simultaneously with Staten Island, Amazon faced a high‑profile union drive in Bessemer, Alabama, organized by RWDSU. Despite strong early momentum, that election failed in April 2021, only to be nullified by the NLRB for Amazon’s illegal interference. A second vote in December 2021 again came up short, illustrating the company’s formidable anti‑union resources.

Canada and Europe

In Canada, Amazon warehouse workers organized under major unions and won several ballots in 2022 and 2023. While smaller in scale, these victories offered a blueprint for U.S. workers. In Europe, Amazon employees in Germany and France have won collective bargaining agreements, showing that sustained union efforts can succeed in similar e‑commerce giants.

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Future Union Trends

Labor experts predict that the gig economy, remote fulfillment, and automation will shape future union drives. As Amazon introduces more robotics and AI in its warehouses, workers are looking to unions for a voice in how technology impacts job security and workplace safety.

Conclusion

The withdrawal of the union vote petition by Amazon workers in New York was a tactical pause rather than a final defeat. High turnover and strict NLRB rules forced the ALU to regroup, verify support, and refine its approach. Meanwhile, Amazon’s anti‑union campaign underscores the uphill battle facing warehouse organizers. Yet the Staten Island workers remain undeterred, bolstered by broader labor solidarity and promising union successes abroad. As they prepare to refile their petition and expand outreach, their fight symbolizes a growing movement for worker voice in one of the world’s largest companies. Whether they achieve a successful vote on Staten Island or inspire other Amazon sites, their determination has already shifted the conversation about labor rights in the digital age.

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People Society

Joshua Weissman’s Paradigm Shift in Culinary Exploration

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By Ivana Joy

Joshua Weissman's Paradigm Shift in Culinary Exploration

Introduction

Joshua Weissman began in home kitchens and rose to fame teaching millions to cook “from scratch.” Today, he’s leading a paradigm shift in culinary exploration, blending digital tutorials with real‑world pop‑ups, immersive dining on a bus, and interactive global experiences. In this article, we’ll trace Weissman’s journey—from bestselling cookbooks and viral videos to his latest ventures that bring fans into the heart of his creative process. Whether you’re a home cook or a food‑obsessed fan, you’ll see how Weissman’s bold experiments are inspiring a new generation to get hands‑on in the kitchen and beyond.

From YouTube Beginnings to Cookbook Success

Joshua Weissman launched his YouTube channel in 2015, offering detailed, step‑by‑step cooking tutorials. His mantra—“I can make it better”—soon fueled his “But Better” series, where he reimagined fast‑food favorites, like patty melts and cinnamon rolls, into elevated home versions. This blend of humor, pro tips, and relatable teaching quickly amassed over 20 million subscribers.

In 2021, Weissman published Joshua Weissman: An Unapologetic Cookbook, which spent nine weeks atop the bestseller list. He followed this success in 2023 with Texture Over Taste, another multi‑week bestseller that delved into the science of mouthfeel and ingredient interactions. These books cemented Weissman’s reputation as both a teacher and an innovator in the kitchen.

Embracing Cooking as Rebellion

Beyond recipes, Weissman views cooking as an act of rebellion against bland, industrialized food. He explains how mastering sourdough or perfecting pan sauces reconnects people with real ingredients and hands‑on techniques—skills he believes are under threat in our fast‑food world. His message resonates strongly with home cooks who crave deeper understanding, not just convenience.

The Pop‑Up Revolution: Bringing Fans Face to Face

In 2025, Weissman took his kitchen on the road:

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  • NYC Pop‑Up Pork Experience: On May 6, he hosted a free pork‑centric dining event in New York City, serving crispy, juicy katsu dishes to a select group of fans.
  • Dallas Uncommon Ramen: Partnering with a well-known ramen series, Weissman crafted a miso tonkotsu ramen topped with premium cuts and brown‑butter corn, turning his viral ramen tutorial into a live feast.

These pop‑ups blurred the line between digital star and real‑world chef, letting fans taste recipes they’d only seen on screen. Weissman’s energetic stage presence and willingness to engage in person marked a paradigm shift—from solo video lessons to communal, celebratory cooking events.

The Nomadic Kitchen on Wheels

Weissman’s latest innovation is truly mobile: a full‑service kitchen on a bus. In a recent reveal, he showcased an eVTOL‑inspired “Nomadic Kitchen” bus, outfitted with commercial‑grade appliances on the lower deck and a tasting lounge upstairs. Subscribers can book surprise tasting menus on select dates, experiencing Weissman’s cooking in transit—literally moving through city streets as they dine.

This traveling restaurant concept brings several benefits:

  1. Accessibility: Fans in different cities get a chance to taste his food without traveling to Austin.
  2. Experimentation: Weissman tests new recipes live, gathering feedback before filming formal tutorials.
  3. Engagement: The intimate bus setting fosters conversation and community among guests.

By turning transportation into a dining experience, Weissman shows that culinary exploration need not be confined to static venues or screens—it can move with us.

Virtual Experiences and Charity Work

In addition to in‑person events, Weissman offers virtual cooking classes through online charity auctions, where proceeds aid causes like children’s hospitals. Bidders win 30‑minute, one‑on‑one Zoom sessions with Weissman, blending entertainment with hands‑on instruction. These initiatives underscore his commitment to using food as a force for good, expanding his reach far beyond YouTube.

Global Flavors and the Future of Exploration

Looking ahead, Weissman plans a “World Tour” series, partnering with local chefs in key culinary capitals to co‑create fusion menus. Early teaser clips show him learning mole techniques in Mexico City and mastering jollof rice in Lagos. By immersing himself in diverse food cultures, Weissman emphasizes that true culinary mastery demands both curiosity and respect for tradition.

Key elements of this next phase:

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  • Collaborative Pop‑Ups: Joint events with guest chefs worldwide.
  • Documentary‑Style Videos: Short films that explore regional ingredients and cooking methods.
  • Interactive Recipes: Viewers vote on menu components, shaping each international episode.

This model shifts the paradigm from a single‑chef tutorial to a global, participatory culinary dialogue—one that empowers home cooks to experiment with authentic, cross‑cultural flavors.

What Makes Weissman’s Approach Unique?

  1. Educational Depth: He teaches not just “how” but also “why,” explaining the science behind techniques.
  2. Relentless “Better” Mindset: Even classic dishes are fair game for improvement, inspiring viewers to question and refine their own cooking.
  3. Hands‑On Community: Pop‑ups and the bus experience turn passive viewers into active participants.
  4. Multimedia Presence: Cookbooks, podcasts, video, live events, and virtual classes create a 360‑degree learning environment.
  5. Social Impact: Charity auctions and partnerships channel his influence toward positive causes.

By combining these strengths, Weissman champions a new paradigm in which cooking is an ongoing adventure—digital, physical, local, and global all at once.

Conclusion

Joshua Weissman’s evolution—from home‑kitchen vlogs to bestselling cookbooks, from viral “But Better” videos to pop‑up feasts and a bus‑based restaurant—embodies a true paradigm shift in culinary exploration. He has shown that modern food education thrives at the intersection of social media, live events, and global exchange. As he embarks on world‑tour collaborations and expands his Nomadic Kitchen on wheels, Weissman invites us all to step beyond recipes, embrace experimentation, and rediscover the joy of cooking—hands‑on, mouth‑watering, and endlessly surprising. Whether you’re stirring sourdough starter at home or tasting his latest katsu on a bus in New York, one thing is clear: the future of food is as mobile and interactive as we dare to make it.

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