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Our Weblog of the 21st Century. |
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What’s new for Recreation professionals for July 2010 |
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IRS Cracks down on Lifelong Learning Programs |
| By Julie Coates, LERN Vice President for Information Services |
There is a new emphasis by the IRS, the Department of Labor, and state governments on identifying workers who are “misclassified” as independent contractors. The new IRS crackdown includes investigating continuing education, recreation and life long learning programs that classify their instructors as independent contractors instead of employees. This new initiative could have far-reaching effects on lifelong learning programs. LERN does not provide legal advice, is not a legal firm, and this article is information only.
A recent LERN survey of members shows that 40% of LERN member programs classify their instructors as independent contractors instead of employees. Some 40% of programs classify their teachers as employees. And another 20% of programs have a mix of classifications, with some instructors being employees and others as independent contractors. For example, the IRS recently investigated the recreation program at the City of Daly, California, and ruled that the lifelong learning program needs to reclassify its teachers as employees. You are urged to review your classification of anyone you classify as an independent contractor. Programs should consult their legal resources, and document exactly what you are doing if you classify someone as an independent contractor. It is possible to have both independent contractors and employees working for your program, depending on the work relationship with your organization, so it does not necessarily have to be either/or status. (Click here to read more)
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| Source: LERN |
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LERN Pre-Conference Seminar on "Kids Summer Camps & Youth
Programming" Set for November 5, 2010 In Chicago. |
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Watch for future details on this exciting seminar featuring best practices in promotional strategies, marketing techniques, camp administration, registration and payment options, most popular 2010 camp themes and much more. |
| Source: LERN |
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LERN Agency Members Utilize Facebook Promotions |
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| The Cities of Gilroy, CA. and Garland, TX. Parks and Recreation Departments are utilizing Face book to promote and create awareness for a variety of program offerings in their communities. Click here for Gilroy and here to access Garland Facebook pages for review. |
| Source:
Cities of Garland, TX. and Gilroy, CA |
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| 19 Reasons for a Digital Brochure |
There are 19 reasons why you should consider a digital brochure. This fall LERN will provide free digital brochure software for LERN members. The free digital brochure software will premiere at the LERN conference in Chicago Nov 6-8. Here’s the 19 reasons:
1. Create "interactive" course descriptions 2. Collect data 3. Provide additional information about courses 4. Tell people how many are in the class 5. Instantly inform if class is filled 6. Add audio and video 7. Link directly to registration information and page 8. Search by keyword/instructor/topic/date 9. People get immediate confirmation of enrollment 10. You can track the courses your participants click/even if they don’t register 11. Provide a calendar with all courses to print out 12. Instantly e-mail brochure in response to inquiries 13. Provide maps and directions without taking up valuable real-estate in your brochure 14. Have every page in full-color at minimal cost 15. People can e-mail your entire brochure to a friend 16. People can download your brochure 17. Monitor enrollments based on age, geography 18. Convenience, convenience, convenience 19. You can see what they searched for-even if you don’t offer it.
Watch for updates on this exciting new software coming to you soon. |
| Source: Julie Coates, LERN Vice-President for Informational Services |
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| Sample Declaration Form for July Is Parks & Recreation Month |
If you are looking for a declaration or proclamation form to recognize July as Parks and Recreation Month take a moment and click here to review a sample form provided by the National Recreation and Park Association.
It is another way to seek recognition for your department and all the great things you bring to the quality of life in your community. |
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Best Practice: Garland, TX.
Promotes Aquatics Jobs on You Tube |
| Click here to access the You Tube presentation on the professional and fun side of working in the Garland, TX. Parks and Recreation Department Summer Aquatics program. This is an excellent example of a recruiting tool best practice for aquatics positions. |
| Source: Garland, TX. Parks and Recreation Department |
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Brochure of the month |
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City of Garland, TX. Parks and Recreation Department |
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Web Site of the Month |
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Chico, CA. Area Recreation and
Park District |
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| LERN Member Benefits |
LERN has been expanding your membership benefits regularly. Some of the things that were added in 2009 included the Next Course report as part of LERN Software analysis tools, the e Marketing Gallery in the LERN Club, and special reports on Social Networking.
In 2010, we have plans to introduce MORE new benefits including software for Digital Brochures, a Photo Gallery of images to use in your brochures and on your web sites, and more. Your ROI for LERN membership goes up every year! |
If you have not taken advantage of some of LERN’s most popular membership benefits, considering doing so now – they are FREE for LERN members. Here are some of the highlights: |
 Critiques - LERN will provide a comprehensive critique of your program brochure, web site or e Newsletter. |
| Software Analysis Tools - With LERN’s FREE analysis tools, you can discover your primary Market Segments, which Carrier Routes give you the best ROI on your promotions, and see which Next Courses your students are most likely to want. Maximize ROI with the right promotions to the right people! |
| Webinars – LERN offers webinars ON DEMAND - attend live presentation or access recorded version on demand at your convenience! Some are FREE and other offer significant discounts for LERN members. Check out the LERN home page at www.lern.org under Webinars to see what’s coming up! |
FREE Consulting services – a LERN member, you have access to complimentary email & phone consulting. Just let Nancy nancyh@lern.org you are interested and she will arrange a phone appointment to discuss your needs. |
| Have questions about your membership benefits? Contact Nancy Hulverson at nancyh@lern.org today! She will be happy to help you. |
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| LERN has been a wonderful asset to the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department over the past year. We highly appreciate all the benefits of our LERN Membership. Thank you for your valuable services. |
- Abby Kimble, CPRP
Marketing Specialist
Town of Herndon P&R Dept.
Herndon, VA |
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