THE HOW-TO PROJECT

The How-To Project is a local fundraising effort that I have been asked to extend to you on behalf of the Golden Horseshoe Communities.  Fifty percent of any proceeds from this work will be going towards community concerns such as Women's Shelters, Hospice Care and Cancer After Care.

*  What exactly is the How-To Project? It is simply a compilation of 1,000-2,000 word essays collected from individuals like you and me from many different walks of life and from diversified backgrounds and experience.

*  What do I hope to accomplish? 
a)  To raise monies (via publication) to help support local deserving causes.
b)  Create a sense of community and sharing that is often lacking in our very busy, very fragmented lives.
c)  Provide an interesting and helpful, user-friendly resource offering practical ways to improve our quality of daily living.
d)  What can you write about?  Just about anything that you feel strongly about and that would be considered both positive and helpful or informative.
e)  What is in it for participants?  An ideal forum to showcase your ideas, opinions, experience and expertise.  Although no payment is involved, I would be pleased to mention contributors, by name, business, websites, publications, etc., if your material is chosen.

*  Why bother? Every life has a purpose, a destiny and a meaning.   We each walk different paths and learn different lessons.  Why not share what you have learned in this easy opportunity of personal activism.  I believe that together - we can make a difference - in our families, our communities and in the world. 

*  What if you don't think that you have anything to contribute? Remember, there is no such thing as an "ordinary" life.  Look over a few of the ideas listed and brainstorm re: what you feel you wish someone had shared with you at some point in your life....if nothing comes to mind then think of who you know that might have influenced or helped you and ask them if they would like to participate.

*  What else do I need to know? Only that your submission will be read and greatfully reveiwed and that submission is considered and understood to be accepted as  voluntary surrender of material for possible use of publication but does not guarantee inclusion.  The name that is signed is name that will be used.

SUBMIT YOUR HOW-TO ESSAY....
**HERE**

HOW TO IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED...FEEL FREE TO CHOOSE ONE OF CREATE YOUR OWN.  REMEMBER THE BASIC CRITERIA IS TO BE HELPFUL, PRACTICAL AND POSITIVE...HAPPY WRITING....

1.   How to make an effective complaint
2.   How to be a great conversationalist
3.   How to be an effective single parent
4.   How to be a good friend
5.   How to teach children responsibility
6.   How to be single & happy
7.   How to be married & happy
8.   How to be divorced & happy
9.   How to get out of a rut
10.  How to be a mentor
11.  How to stop being a doormat/yes-man
12.  How to Build a Sense of family & community
13.  How to Look in the mirror and like what you see
14.  How to talk to teenagers
15.  How to protect yourself while travelling
16.  How to give a dynamite speech
17.  How to throw a great party on a budget
18.  How to find or start a self-help group
19.  How to stay young at heart
20.  How to argue constructively
21.  How to get the job promotion you deserve
22.  How to find a job you can be happy at...(career/aptitude testing)
23.  How to recognize & control stress
24.  How to recognize & treat depression
25.  How to send your kids to college
26.  How to get out of debt
27.  How to raise a confident child
28.  How to break free of domestic abuse
29.  How to live with an alcoholic
30.  How to know if not enough is really too much?  Alcoholism
31.  How to keep going after a death in the family
32.  How to make a good first impression
33.  How to make love without sex
34.  How to see past a handicap
35.  How to be a safe driver
36.  How to make a difference.