Joshua Allen’s Post

Let’s rethink our national holidays. Some ideas: 1. Move Memorial Day (to May 30, July 3, or Nov 11) to restore its meaning. 2. Get rid of Columbus Day and Presidents Day. 3. Establish a new holiday: National Day of Service. Gift article: https://wapo.st/3UUOVBE

Really, too many holidays, especially when everybody and his brother uses any excuse to make a 3 or 4 day weekend with most of them, if they have spare personal days. As dictator, I would reorganize our bloated holiday offerings. drop Jan 1 New Year’s Day (even though it's my birthday). Do we really need a holiday to say it's the first day of our calendar year, only a week after Xmas? drop Feb 15 do we really need a President's Day? Doesn't this defeat the founding father's purpose in 'no monarchy'? May 27- combine Memorial and Veteran's Day Change Juneteenth to Civil War/ MLK combined drop Sept 2 Labor Day (even though I'm a lifetime union member). We got the five day, 40 hour work week after all drop October 14. Columbus Day. Really??? That would leave us with: late May - combined Veteran's Memorial Day June 19- Civil War/ MLK Rights Day July 4 November Thanksgiving Day changed to a Friday (do we really all need a 4 day weekend)? Christmas Dec 25 In my dictatorship, we would also eliminate the agrarian summer holiday for all students. Have a two week break after July 4th to gear up for a new school year. College students, same deal. Raise all teacher's salary the commensurate % I'm sure this post will bring a groundswell that will change federal policy....

Acknowledging solemn holidays is more difficult, and Memorial Day may be the most difficult. The following article has seven meaningful ways your business can honor Memorial Day. https://lnkd.in/g3umBiwq

Let's never forget we, as public servants, are afforded the opportunity to positively impact peoples' lives. And that should bring us and them joy. Here is a short blog from a while back on this. Enjoy. https://lnkd.in/g6-wQ7bW

We want to help save your family dinners! Americans are so much more interesting than just our political labels. When we learn to #DisagreeBetter as people, we can create better solutions for all Americans. Learn more about #DisagreeBetter and take action now https://lnkd.in/gv937GTq

**What if you had to work 22 months to earn what others make in just 12?** For Latinas, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s their reality. **October 3rd, Latina Equal Pay Day**, marks how far into 2024 Latinas must work to match the 2023 earnings of white, non-Hispanic men. **Did you know?** The median annual pay for Latinas is nearly **half** of what white, non-Hispanic men are paid, and this pay gap exists in **every industry**, regardless of education or experience. This isn’t just a Latina issue—it’s an issue for all of us. When Latinas are underpaid, the entire economy suffers. They have less to invest in local businesses, less to put into their communities, and fewer opportunities to build generational wealth. It limits the economic potential of entire communities and industries. Latinas contribute greatly to their workplaces—taking on extra tasks, translating, mentoring, and stepping up time and again without seeing it reflected in their paychecks. **That’s not just unfair—it’s unacceptable.** We must demand better. When Latinas are paid fairly, our workplaces become stronger, our communities more prosperous, and everyone benefits. It’s time to close this gap once and for all. **Equal pay for Latinas benefits everyone.** Sources: Michigan.gov | Equal Pay Today @mujerxsrising @equalpay2dayorg @lclaa   #LatinaEqualPayDay #Trabajadoras #EqualPayForLatinas #CloseTheWageGap

Let's never forget we, as public servants, are afforded the opportunity to positively impact peoples' lives. And that should bring us and them joy. Here is a short blog from a while back on this. Enjoy. https://lnkd.in/gsJJkRrc

From the White House Briefing Room: "On June 19, 1865, freedom finally came for the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas. That day, which would become known as Juneteenth, the Army arrived to enforce what had already been the law of the land for two and a half years — the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, we recognize that Juneteenth not only marks the end of America’s original sin of slavery but also the beginning of the work at the heart and soul of our Nation: making the promise of America real for every American." What does that mean for healthcare? It means that there is health equity for ALL. On this Juneteenth, we invite you to reflect, feel, and act. Reflect on how you are contributing to health equity for all (you= individual, team and systemic contributions); to experience all the emotions that come up as you reflect on Juneteenth and our sin of slavery; and act - take at least one action to include someone different from you in access to care and other resources that promote well-being and a healthy life. #juneteenth, #healthequity, #diversityandinclusion, #slavery

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories. That’s one scenario. For others, that same period — particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign — is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large. Here are 6 tips for a smooth Thanksgiving with family, even when politics are different and tensions are high: https://lnkd.in/g9Jscer9

Today, on Juneteenth, we view this significant national holiday as a commemoration of progress. As individuals interconnected in the human experience, there is still much work ahead of us. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gzN_ppur