I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “it’s better to give, than receive”.

I have to admit – it feels really good to give, especially when it helps someone who really needs it.

The very first training class I ever took with YTB was then a brand spanking new program call “YTB Associations“. (I took the class even before my RTA Certification a few weeks later.) YTB Associations has since changed it’s name to “Passport To Giving”.

The point of the program has always been to offer non-profit organization an opportunity to sell travel and make the commission. Members of the organization would receive something of value (like a vacation) and by booking it with their favorite charity, the non-profit would generate a new stream of revenue.

The new plan was frankly a breath of fresh air for most organizations. Far more attractive than selling popcorn, coupon books or a not so fond memory from my childhood “hoagies” or pancake breakfasts. (And if you don’t know what a hoagie is – it’s Pittsburgheze for “submarine sandwich.”)

It’s nice to see this program still being used and offering a viable solution for non-profits across the country. A “Google Alert” came in over the weekend from Loveland, Colorado with a small blurb about our program and how it’s helped Adoption Dreams Come True.

YTB Travel has donated $3,500 to the agency Adoption Dreams Come True. Proceeds came through a European river cruise organized by Cinda Lopez and Carma Hilliard. More fundraising trips are planned in 2011. On the Web: www.adoptiondreams.org.

Imagine that. Members took a European river cruise – which I know is one of the most spectacular ways to experience Europe, and the commission earned from the trip helps support a cause that’s near and dear to their heart.

I personally sponsor someone in my organization who focuses exclusively on this product. He’s been doing it for years and I commend him for his desire to help and his patience with these non-profits.

It’s a completely different breed of animal – with more hands and votes to overcome and pass than anything else I can think of. It’s nice that everyone has a say in the matter, but it can be a very long and drawn out process without much movement for months at a time. John, (my personally sponsored person) has been extremely patient and never let go of his dreams and desire to help others.

His largest account, which I’ve helped design and host the site for is the American Legion Auxiliary. The amount of money and time he’s spent on his own to get this non-profit off the ground is a testimony of what it takes to help others. Working non-stop, and taking countless hours to create a program that’s tailored to that organization.

Personally, I couldn’t be prouder of anyone in my organization for his dedication and time spent helping others.

That’s the kind of people I love to surround myself with. Visionaries and people who get things done – no matter how long it takes and how hard you have to work.

It makes everything I do, my association and promotion of this company and it’s people worth every penny I’ve spent – and every minute I’ve dedicated to writing about it over the years.

It captures the true essence of giving and what it’s truly like to change lives.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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One of the many positive aspects about being a part of YTB is the generous heart’s I’ve seen from the field and our Founders. It’s my firm belief that the more you give – the more you will receive. While the idea of giving (in the form of tithing 10%) was something that was instilled in me growing up – the concept of service and giving has broadened since I started my journey with YTB.

I might dive into the topic of “giving” more on Thursday – but in the meantime I wanted to get the word out about a program that both YTB and we have given to over the last couple of years.

The following came from our YTB Travel Network President:

From the Desk of J. Kim Sorensen

I am reaching out to you with a special request. You may already know YTB Travel Network supports a charity group called Flags4Vets. F4V is a not-for-profit organization that hosts flag ceremonies in different areas all over the United States. Once they have completed a flag ceremony, they place those flags on the graves of U.S. Veterans in that area. We are teaming up with them and sponsoring two events a year, one on Memorial Day and one on Veterans Day.

We are asking for your help. We are in need of volunteers to help with a fund raising program. We need what we call “Geographical Location Coordinators.”  YTB Travel Network has taken on a large project by choosing to support and back a charity that’s near to our hearts. This is an organization that helps us to remember and recognize our fallen heroes like U.S. veterans, law enforcement officers and firefighters by holding fundraisers at local venues such as Wal-Mart, local grocery stores, churches and many others.

If you or someone you know are interested in volunteering or you just want more information please email Kari Stone at kstone (at) ytbtravel (dot) com

The website is: www.flags4vets.com — check them out and thank you all again, have a great week!

Kim

Please do what you can for this organization and our veterans. Without them, we might not have the freedom and the choice of working in MLM that we enjoy today.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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For those who went to the 2008 Convention last summer, or if you’ve been to a Red Carpet Day over the last year, you are aware of YTB’s work with Flags4Vets. Fred Moore and Linda Brown head up Flags4Vets and YTB has supported this fine organization through contributions from our Reps and RTA’s.

Since YTB began it’s outreach with Flags4Vets at the 2008 Convention, YTB has provided enough donations to supply over 75,000 flags in support of this enormous undertaking.

Flags4Vets is a non profit organization that believes it is our duty as citizens (as opposed to the Government) to privately fund all the U.S. flags for Military grave sites all over the world to honor those who served our Country. Some of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice. We are proud that we have been able to support this noble cause of the U.S. Flag for those who have secured the freedoms we enjoy today.

Flags4Vets relies on support through public outreach programs to the general public, schools, scouting groups, and other organizations with similar interests. If you would like to donate for this worthy and honorable cause, you can do so from their web site. Donations are tax deductible.

You will also find the piece below in GoodDay@YTB. This daily communication sent to the field was started not long ago by Andy Cauthen, our President and COO of YTB. Andy has taken on this task and has done an exceptional job with his “90 Seconds” of wisdom and leadership. I look forward to reading this e-mail every morning and find it an invaluable tool. It engages the right mindset because it provides quotes that not only inspire, but teach. The stories, messages, and quotes found there are in vast contrast to the bathroom wall material you sometimes find on the internet. Undoubtedly, GoodDay@YTB is a far better use of time and energy.

When thinking about Flags4Vets last week, I contacted Andy about the number of flags we have been able to supply for this organization. He shared with me what is being sent to the field this morning. I found it very fitting for today and wanted to share with everyone what was sent to him from Fred Moore, the founder of Flags4Vets. I hope you are as proud of “Old Glory” and what it represents as Andy, Flags4Vets, and I am.

My Name is Old Glory

I am the flag of the United States of America.

My name is Old Glory.

I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings.

I stand watch in America’s halls of justice.

I fly majestically over great institutes of learning.

I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.

Look up! And see me!

I stand for peace – honor – truth and justice.

I stand for freedom

I am confident – I am arrogant

I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners

My head is a little higher

My colors a little truer.

I bow to no one.

I am recognized all over the world.

I am worshipped – I am saluted – I am respected

I am revered – I am loved, and I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years:

Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Guadalcanal

New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands.

And a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me.

I was there.

I led my soldiers – I followed them.

I watched over them.

They loved me.

I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.

I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.

It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country, and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle – it hurts.

But I shall overcome – for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.

I have been a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours.

But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle,

When I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers,

And when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son.

I am proud.

My name is Old Glory.

Dear God – Long may I wave.

by Howard Schnauber, Fort Collins, CO
© 1994 the author

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

TSO #588629