Fwd: Affiliation Statement

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From: WSCA COACH <meriem.kebbab@wscacoach.org>
Date: Tue, Nov 14, 2023 at 10:51 AM
Subject: Affiliation Statement

AFFILIATION STATEMENT The Board of the World Swimming Coaches Association (WSCA) recently received a statement released by four National Swimming Coaches Associations regarding their affiliation with AFFILIATION STATEMENT The Board of the World Swimming Coaches Association (WSCA) recently received a statement released by four National Swimming Coaches Associations regarding their affiliation with WSCA. The NSCA's of USA, Australia, Great Britain and Canada have declared that they no longer wish to continue to be affiliated to WSCA. However, it should also be noted that the only NSCA that has been affiliated to WSCA over the last two years is the ASCTA (Australia). In many regards, this statement simply maintains the status quo that we have been working within since 2020. To date, the stated NSCA's have not chosen to be part of any constructive dialogue, other than to collectively challenge our efforts to serve the global coaching community. In September of this year, the WSCA Board voted for significant constitutional change, our strongest ever endeavor to date to ensure that the Association's governance and strategic direction is truly representational on a worldwide level. WSCA is designed to serve coaches and not coaches associations. The Constitution can be found here. Please do take some time to read it if you can – you will see that it is highly transparent and based on equitable principles. It is WSCA's view that the statement from the four NSCA's is disappointing, unnecessary, and does not best serve swimming coaches on a global level. These Associations are 'disassociating' from an organization run by volunteers who have no agenda other than to serve swimming coaches worldwide, many of whom are also their members. Rather than 'outsourcing' and embracing the role WSCA plays in the sport, there is an implication of a power grab that simply does not exist, and with our new Constitution, never will. Our new Constitution allows for a true and broadly spread continental representation on the WSCA Board, rather than the previous default structure with control and influence in the hands of two or three powerful swimming nations. With WSCA serving over 14,000 members worldwide, the continents of North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania will each have at least one representative on the Board following the Paris 2024 Games; it is clear and apparent that there remains opportunity for coaches from USA, Canada, Australia and Great Britain to occupy seats on the Board – but not at the regular expense of all other nations. The Constitution also fully facilitates recognized and constituted NSCA's to be able to further their partnership with WSCA going forward via their own Board seats, available to them through affiliation. It is therefore a sad day to note that these NSCA's choose to disassociate themselves from WSCA when the aspiration of the Board is for clear, transparent and widespread international representation from all corners of the globe. From 2024, Continental representatives will be selected from the world's leading coaches, with coaching performance a pre-requisite of application and acceptance. WSCA is also now in a position to be able to appoint additional 'skill set' Directors to the Board to help them enable their 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. It is hard for us to see how this can be seen as anything but good, proactive and inclusive for those we serve and support. The WSCA of 2023 has evolved to serve two missions. Firstly, the Association provides a voice for the high-performance coaches in the world through continuous advocacy, while remaining as service providers (through education and consulting) for the developing swimming nations of the world. WSCA is the only organization that serves both ends of the spectrum and is also the only Association that can serve the needs of the world's swimming coaches without a national led agenda. The door will always be open for all NSCA's to be partners with WSCA, including the four mentioned above. We sincerely hope that over time, these particular NSCA's recognize that they have not acted in the interests of the coaches that they represent and that they reach out to us with swimming coach welfare, support and camaraderie at the heart of their decision-making. Since its inception, WSCA has always been, strong, essential and progressive. All of those who would have swimming coach support at the heart of what they do will hopefully recognize over time that we are stronger working together, and that the world's swimming coaches will be better through worldwide coaching camaraderie. If you are a coach interested in filling one of the vacated seats on the Board, particularly if you are a coach operating in South America, Asia or Oceania (where we are currently under-represented), please do contact us via meriem.kebbab@wscacoach.org As yesterday, as today and as tomorrow, we will continue to work with you and for you. Yours sincerely   The WSCA Board World Swimming Coaches Association, 127 Burr Rd N 4, San Antonio, United States

Fwd: A Sneak Peek at the 2024 Lifeguarding Training Programs

From: American Red Cross Training Services <info@outreach.redcross.org>

What you need to know to prepare for the r.24 release

View Web Version   Don't wait until February. Begin planning your course offerings today! Resource documents about the r.24 Lifeguarding and CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers (CPRO) programs releasing in February 2024 are now available in the Red Cross Learning Center (RCLC). Preview course lengths in the pre-release information summary and find helpful fact sheets for Lifeguarding and Lifeguarding Instructor courses by logging into the RCLC and navigating to Instructor Lifecycle - Program Updates. Key dates, common questions and related information are outlined below. Additional details on the r.24 program release will be communicated by email and posted in RCLC as we count down to February, so make sure to stay connected!   FEBRUARY 6, 2024*:  r.24 Lifeguarding and CPRO Programs Release   Q:  What new resources and materials will be available to support your training? Digital participant & instructor materials posted to RCLC Print & DVD available to purchase FREE Lifeguarding eBook Q:  How and when do instructors have to update their certifications? Current certified instructors and trainers should take the online only update between Feb. 6 - Aug. 31, 2024. The update will be available on RCLC Feb 6. Q:  What if I'm expired by no more than 1 year, can I update? A limited edition version of the Instructor and Instructor Trainer recertification course will include the online update and will be available for providers to teach through December 31, 2024. *As of February 6, 2024, Lifeguarding Instructor Trainers may no longer teach the 2017 Lifeguarding Instructor or CPRO Instructor courses. ---------------   August 31, 2024 Basic-level 2017 Lifeguarding or CPRO courses are discontinued and may no longer be taught. Final day for Lifeguarding and CPRO Instructors and Instructor Trainers to update their certifications by completing the online update course. ---------------   December 31, 2024 Limited-edition Lifeguarding Instructor and Instructor Trainer recertification courses are discontinued and can no longer be taught. This is the final day for expired Lifeguarding and CPRO Instructors and Instructor Trainers to update their certifications by completing the limited-edition recertification course.  ---------------   One year from the date Instructors and Instructor Trainers complete the r.24 Online Update To maintain your certification, Lifeguarding Instructors and Instructor Trainers must successfully complete one of the LGI or LGIT blended learning recertification courses.

                                                           

Fwd: A Message From Drew Ferguson

Greetings GLWSC Team,    As we prepare for the rapidly approaching winter, I hope you have had an enjoyable Summer and Fall.  This time of year is typically spent reviewing the successes and shortfalls of the past season while making plans for the next.  As a community of best practice, it is critical that we share our experiences, good and bad; we establish goals for the future; then we support each other in the pursuit of these goals.    This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the US Lifesaving Association Fall meeting.  Water safety professionals from across the US and beyond reflected upon this past year, shared stories and knowledge, and continued the process of preparing for next season and beyond.   Two of the workshops that I attended were presented by GLWSC Member and Lifeguarding and Beach Recue Committee Chair, Scott Ruddle.  It was a powerful reminder of the reach and strength of our Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium team.  There is a national interest in reducing drownings and we have a role.   Now to assign a little homework..... I would like to ask the membership to take some time to review the recently published US National Water Safety Action Plan.  (https://www.watersafetyusa.org/nwsap.html)   This comprehensive document presents a roadmap to reducing drownings in the US.  When reading this, be proud of what we, the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium, have accomplished thus far,  Then reflect upon what opportunities this action plan presents for us to move forward.  As an individual member, how can I best contribute to drowning prevention?  As the GLWSC, what can we do to support our individual members and organizations, reducing drownings throughout the Great Lakes?   Our Board and Leadership team are currently reflecting upon the NWSAP and our membership engagement processes.  While you are working on your homework, we are working on ours.  In the coming weeks, expect an email from the heads of committees that you have signed up for.  If you have not identified a specific area of interest, please take the time to update your profile.   Thank you for your continued efforts and contributions to preventing drownings in the Grea Lakes.   -Drew   Capt. D. Andrew Ferguson, MPH Executive Director, Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium Chief Executive Officer, Argonaut M: (216) 701-5582 O: (216) 860-4883 A: 2332 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115 DONATE GREAT LAKES WATER SAFETY CONSORTIUM P.O. Box 130861 Ann Arbor, MI 48113 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser

Book: Loving Sports When They Don’t Love You Back

On @thegistusa’s Instagram on November 1st for The GIST Book Club’s discussion on October’s book of the month, Loving Sports When They Don’t Love You Back by Jessica Luther and Kavitha Davidson. Add it to your cal and we’ll discuss even more sports soon.

Fwd: NISCA E-Newsletter October 2023

NISCA E-Newsletter October 2023 Make a great All America Diving Video & Natl Dual Meet Entry

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Michael Rauterkus, CEO, in EU talks on AI in round table w Microsoft CEO

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uponor-ceo-michael-rauterkus-at-round-table-talk-about-ai-with-microsofts-ceo-satya-nadella-and-other-top-executives-at-the-axel-springer-award-2023-301962684.html https://youtu.be/TS6rDKF4Knw?si=ArIJhBSrge9nLY-J Uponor CEO Michael Rauterkus at Round Table Talk about AI with Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella and other top executives at the Axel Springer Award 2023 NEWS PROVIDED BY Uponor 19 Oct, 2023, 17:45 ET HELSINKI, Finland , Oct. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Uponor, a global leader in sustainable water solutions, proudly participated in the Axel Springer Award 2023 in Berlin on October 17, 2023. The event brought together top executives from different industries for an evening of celebration. Continue Reading "Participating in the Axel Springer Award event was significant for Uponor," says Michael Rauterkus. Uponor CEO Michael Rauterkus (right) with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, winner of this year’s Axel Springer Award. Uponor CEO Michael Rauterkus (right) with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, winner of this year’s Axel Springer Award. The Axel Springer Award is an annual event that brings together visionary thinkers and top-level decision-makers from various industries. This year's event was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and inspiration, where executives from Microsoft, Audi, SAP and many more converged to discuss how technological developments can change our everyday lives, education systems, and the way we exchange information. This year's Axel Springer Award was given to Satya Nadella for his outstanding achievements as the CEO of Microsoft. Through his visionary leadership and groundbreaking strategic decisions, Nadella has successfully modernized and transformed Microsoft—towards a stronger focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence—making him the pioneer of the tech industry. A high level of innovation and his commitment to a diverse and open corporate culture also characterize his pioneering spirit. Uponor was honored to take part in this event, in which Michael Rauterkus, President and CEO of Uponor Corporation, had the opportunity to take part in a Round Table Talk about AI with the award recipient Satya Nadella together with other top executives. "Participating in the Axel Springer Award event was significant for Uponor," says Rauterkus. "As it aligns with our aim to form value networks and partnerships bringing together diverse perspectives to advance innovation and sustainability in our field. It was a great pleasure to discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI in this forum. "I was especially keen to inquire about Nadella's perspectives on 'smart homes' linking to how Uponor, by moving water intelligently, offers integrated heating and cooling solutions that minimize the use of energy and water in buildings," he continues. "This is especially important since the construction industry is responsible for almost 40% of global emissions. At the same time, the construction industry lags far behind in terms of digitalization, and we need to seize every opportunity to learn from other industries. There is a tremendous potential to use digital technologies to improve the sustainable performance of buildings, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions." At the event, Uponor showcased one of its latest booth designs, setting the focus on sustainability and innovation. The focus was not merely on showcasing products; it's about emphasizing Uponor's profound commitment to the vital topic of water and how it supports the greater purpose behind Uponor's mission. This was reflected by the booth's modern and sustainable materials while the water show transported the clear message of Uponor's mission to redefine the role of water in sustainable construction. "Moving Water," for Uponor, goes beyond a mere phrase. It serves as a testament to the company's deep-rooted commitment to creating an impact in the building industry. Although Uponor's pipes are often hidden from sight, they play a pivotal role in our daily lives, safeguarding delivery of safe water, intelligent heating and cooling keeping people in their comfort zone, saving energy and money, thereby enabling sustainable affordable housing. Link to the Round Table Talk with Satya Nadella, Hildegard Wortmann, Christian Klein, Mario Federico, Martin Daut, Markus Essing and Michael Rauterkus discussing the challenges and opportunities of preparing businesses for an era of AI that is innovative, responsible, and focused on humanity can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS6rDKF4Knw. For images of the event, please visit: https://uponor.greenhousedigitalpr.com/axel-springer-award-2023/ Uponor in brief Uponor is a leading global provider of solutions that efficiently and effectively move water through cities, buildings, and homes. We help customers in residential and commercial construction, municipalities, and utilities, be more productive – and continuously find new ways to conserve, manage and provide water responsibly, unlocking its potential to provide comfort, health, and efficiency. Our safe drinking water, energy-efficient radiant heating and cooling systems, and reliable infrastructure solutions are sold in more than 80 countries. Uponor employs about 3,900 professionals in 26 countries in Europe and North America. In 2022, the company's net sales totalled approximately €1.4 billion. Uponor Corporation is based in Finland and listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.uponorgroup.com.

Manifesto for the Techno Optimist

The Techno-Optimist Manifesto (32 minute read) We are told that technology is a threat to our livelihoods, but the truth is that our civilization is built on technology. Technology will help humans advance to a far superior way of living and being. Natural resource utilization has sharp limits, so the only perpetual source of growth is technology. Technological change increases the need for human work by broadening the scope of what humans can productively do.

Fwd: Sirv Updates: 360 Spin Export, New CDN Locations, and More!

I love these guys. 

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Hello Art, in this update we're announcing time-saving 360-spin tools, new CDN locations and SEO features. See the full list of changes on our blog. Export 360 spins to marketplaces It's now a breeze to submit your 360 spins to online marketplaces. Sirv saves you the painstaking work of resizing, renaming and reformatting your images. Just enter the appropriate product ID and we'll create zips ready for submission to Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe's & Grainger: Spins for Amazon Spins for Home Depot Spins for Walmart Spins for Lowe's Spins for Grainger Click the links above or visit the full list of spin tools. New CDN server locations Four more CDN locations have been added, for even faster loading time. Newly added locations: Christchurch, New Zealand Seoul, South Korea Cape Town, South Africa Phoenix, Arizona Learn how our CDN works UI updates File/folder info Introducing our latest UI update: View info (accessible from the context menu). Whether you're tracking file sizes for optimization, checking creation dates, or who added the file or folder, this nifty feature ensures you have all the information at your fingertips. Give it a try in your account. New usage statistics The new usage statistics dashboard gives you a birds-eye view over all the important metrics of your account, such as: Storage usage breakdown Bandwidth usage Rate limits Try it now New user management screen The new and improved user management dashboard streamlines both team management and the process of inviting new members. At a single glance, you can see who's got access to your account and the exact permissions they have. Inviting new users and assigning them an appropriate role has never been easier. Noteworthy new features SEO-friendly URLs Renaming images for better SEO can be quite a challenge. That's why we created a simple way to serve SEO-friendly image URLs, without renaming images. Learn how to use SEO-friendly image URLs. Auto alt text AI has seen explosive growth this year and we're adding time-saving AI tools to Sirv, where possible. An updated version of our automatic alt tag guide has been published and our new alt text generation tool is in beta - tell us if you'd like to try it. Base64 text overlays Adding text to images is a great way to personalize your images, or to automate your website's OG images. But there was one little drawback with adding text to Sirv images, not all symbols could be used. We've fixed that. Use any special character you desire in your text overlays, with Base64 encoding. Learn more. Support for larger images We've upgraded our capacity to support larger images — previously 32 MB, now potentially up to 128 MB. Your customers can zoom deeper-than-ever into your artwork, photos, maps and infographics. Check out the demo on our blog - a gallery of enormously large images featuring some of the world's most famous paintings. Updated plugins and new integrations Sirv extensions have new features and deeper integration for WordPress, Shopify, Magento and PrestaShop. Some highlights are below. WordPress Serve CSS background images from Sirv New automatic sync upon image upload Lots of tweaks and improvements (plugin page with changelog) Magento Faster image sync Now supports 3D models Many more improvements (full changelog) Sirv GitHub action With Sirv's GitHub Action you can automatically sync images from your GitHub repository to Sirv. This makes it very easy to add Sirv content to your CI/CD pipeline.

New blog post: 9 ways we use Sirv at Sirv In this blog post, we share how we use Sirv to solve some of our own problems and tasks. Read now Thanks for reading! The team at Sirv