Over the past couple of decades, differentials in the level of private contributions to charitable organizations have become a central matter of public policy. Because private charitable contributions finance many socially valuable activities (for example, education and the arts), many governments have tried to boost private philanthropy through various active policy interventions. Furthermore, the temptation to rely on private contributions to finance the provision of public goods has increased substantially in recent years as fiscal constraints have become tighter. Yet there is little robust quantitative evidence regarding the differentials in private charitable giving across countries, and more importantly very little consensus on why these differentials may exist. This volume provides an original, comparative, and historical analysis of charitable giving and of tax policies towards private philanthropy across different countries. It sheds new light on the determinants of private philanthropy and offers interesting practical insights for improving tax policies towards charitable giving.

Combining scientific research with insightful literature, The Neuroeducation Toolbox: Practical Translations of Neuroscience in Counseling and Psychotherapy provides students and clinicians with a set of tools for integrating neuroscience into clinical practice. The text emphasizes the application of neuroeducation and highlights how this powerful intervention can reduce client stress, improve outcomes, and increase levels of collaboration between counselors and their clients. Opening chapters demonstrate the myriad uses of neuroeducation in practice and explain how to facilitate the neuroeducation process. Readers explore key principles of brain development, learn about brain anatomy and physiology, and develop understanding of the autonomic nervous system. The embodied brain, memory systems, and the social emotional nature of the brain are addressed. The book closes with discussions of the technical applications of neuroscience and the future of neuroeducation. Each chapter features diverse and thought-provoking literature on neuroscience and creative neuroeducation activities written by counselors, psychotherapists, and scholars in the field. Ethical and multicultural considerations are also highlighted in each activity chapter. The Neuroeducation Toolbox is an ideal resource for courses in counseling and psychotherapy, especially those that emphasize neuroscience research and neuroeducation. Practicing clinicians will also find the text a valuable addition to their libraries.

Continuing the extract from the Blog (http: //s201453435.onlinehome. Duane Andry us/); these are More Ravings of a Religious Fanatic. These topics are edgy--while maintaining spiritual accuracy--analyses of religious principles, practices and doctrine: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34) Our destination is this: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:14-17) These are tools to strengthen the thrust of the sword of the Spirit. However, you cannot just repeat what you read here; rather, you must also apply Scripture: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1) Do not let circumstances push you to the point of accepting mediocrity in worship. Regardless of the challenge that faces you, stay strong in the Lord; keeping the example of the life of the apostle Paul in mind, as a reminder of the grace that allows us to overcome any contrary persuasion. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)

There is on-going debate in youth and community work regarding its future. Driven by processes of neo-liberal governmentality, youth work has been bent in new and uncomfortable directions. For many, this threatens the very telos of praxis. However, despite this, a passionate commitment to youth work's values and approaches doggedly remains. This edited volume invites academics working in different continents and contexts to move beyond a critique of youth work's current state, towards imagining different professional futures. Rooted in the profession's historic values, and drawing on the distinct political and cultural environments that have shaped youth work practice in different global locations, the authors explore possible new routes and approaches for the profession. These discussions are located geographically (in a devolved United Kingdom, Europe, United States, Australasia, and the Developing/Majority world) as well as across different sectors and approaches (voluntary sector, faith sector, online, young women's work). The result is a rich picture of global practice. This provides both depth and perspective from which to gain new insights regarding possibilities for future practices, which imagine fairer and more participative societies.

The Gender Revolution and New Sexual Health: Celebrating Unlimited Diversity of the Human Sexuality Hypercube deconstructs the gender binary and introduces students to the mathematics of unlimited human sexual diversity. The book bridges academic sexual science and real-world application of knowledge to improve personal satisfaction. It also prepares future healthcare providers, as well as those in other helping professions, to assist clients in a way that helps them increase their own personal comfort, confidence, and knowledge related to gender and sexual health. The text provides students with practical approaches to overcome the various challenges individuals face related to gender and sexuality. The chapters explore topics including sexual literacy, gender dysphoria, the history of sex education, health, and attitudes in the United States, sexual identity and orientation, the health benefits of sexual expression, gender fluidity, and more. The text features questionnaires that can be used to measure personal satisfaction, success stories from the field, and a glossary to assist with new terms and concepts. The Gender Revolution and New Sexual Health is an excellent resource for courses in sexual health, women's health, gender studies, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, counseling, and sociology.

Many institutions facing dwindling state and government funding often rely on the patronage of others in order to establish monetary security. These donations assist in the overall success and development of the institution, as well as the students who attend. Facilitating Higher Education Growth through Fundraising and Philanthropy explores current and emergent approaches in the financial development and sustainability of higher education institutions through altruistic actions and financial assistance. Featuring global perspectives on the economics of philanthropy in educational settings and subsequent growth and development within these environments, this book is an exhaustive reference source for professors, researchers, educational administrators, and politicians interested in the effects of altruism on colleges and universities.

A Philanthropic Covenant will feature eight essays from several prominent African American grantmakers, scholars, activists and clergy that will examine critical elements of modern philanthropy and how they affect Black communities for good and for ill. Each chapter will include statistical documentation of the issues, strategic recommendations to improve the quality of Black life, and examples of outstanding models already being practiced throughout the country. A Philanthropic Covenant is intended to inform individuals, grantors, religious organizations, fundraisers and youth how philanthropy--time, talent and treasure--can be strategically mobilized to assist Black communities in dealing more effectively with the issues outlined in The Covenant with Black America. Throughout the book, emphasis will be placed on the role, responsibilities and potential of African Americans and African-American philanthropy, in particular, to affect positive change in their own communities.

Almost 7,000 fans eagerly packed into the Ringling Brothers big top on July 6, 1944. With a single careless act, an afternoon at the "Greatest Show on Earth" quickly became one of terror and tragedy as the paraffin-coated circus tent caught fire. Panicked crowds rushed for the few exits, but in minutes, the tent collapsed on those still struggling to escape below. A total of 168 lives were lost, many of them children, with many more injured and forever scarred by the events. Hartford and the surrounding communities reeled in the aftermath as investigators searched for the source of the fire and the responsible parties. Through firsthand accounts, interviews with survivors and a gripping collection of vintage photographs, author Michael Skidgell attempts to make sense of one of Hartford's worst tragedies.