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The Impact of the Internet on Society: A Global Perspective

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The Internet is the decisive technology of the Information Age, and with the explosion of wireless communication in the early twenty-first century, we can say that humankind is now almost entirely connected, albeit with great levels of inequality in bandwidth, efficiency, and price.

People, companies, and institutions feel the depth of this technological change, but the speed and scope of the transformation has triggered all manner of utopian and dystopian perceptions that, when examined closely through methodologically rigorous empirical research, turn out not to be accurate. For instance, media often report that intense use of the Internet increases the risk of isolation, alienation, and withdrawal from society, but available evidence shows that the Internet neither isolates people nor reduces their sociability; it actually increases sociability, civic engagement, and the intensity of family and friendship relationships, in all cultures.

Our current “network society” is a product of the digital revolution and some major sociocultural changes. One of these is the rise of the “Me-centered society,” marked by an increased focus on individual growth and a decline in community understood in terms of space, work, family, and ascription in general. But individuation does not mean isolation, or the end of community. Instead, social relationships are being reconstructed on the basis of individual interests, values, and projects. Community is formed through individuals’ quests for like-minded people in a process that combines online interaction with offline interaction, cyberspace, and the local space.

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• A Revolution in Business • Banking, Information, and Technology: Toward Knowledge Banking • Cyber Attacks

Globally, time spent on social networking sites surpassed time spent on e-mail in November 2007, and the number of social networking users surpassed the number of e-mail users in July 2009. Today, social networking sites are the preferred platforms for all kinds of activities, both business and personal, and sociability has dramatically increased — but it is a different kind of sociability. Most Facebook users visit the site daily, and they connect on multiple dimensions, but only on the dimensions they choose. The virtual life is becoming more social than the physical life, but it is less a virtual reality than a real virtuality, facilitating real-life work and urban living.

Because people are increasingly at ease in the Web’s multidimensionality, marketers, government, and civil society are migrating massively to the networks people construct by themselves and for themselves. At root, social-networking entrepreneurs are really selling spaces in which people can freely and autonomously construct their lives. Sites that attempt to impede free communication are soon abandoned by many users in favor of friendlier and less restricted spaces.

Perhaps the most telling expression of this new freedom is the Internet’s transformation of sociopolitical practices. Messages no longer flow solely from the few to the many, with little interactivity. Now, messages also flow from the many to the many, multimodally and interactively. By disintermediating government and corporate control of communication, horizontal communication networks have created a new landscape of social and political change.

Networked social movements have been particularly active since 2010, notably in the Arab revolutions against dictatorships and the protests against the management of the financial crisis. Online and particularly wireless communication has helped social movements pose more of a challenge to state power.

The Internet and the Web constitute the technological infrastructure of the global network society, and the understanding of their logic is a key field of research. It is only scholarly research that will enable us to cut through the myths surrounding this digital communication technology that is already a second skin for young people, yet continues to feed the fears and the fantasies of those who are still in charge of a society that they barely understand.

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Leadership and Society

This timely issue of the Bulletin  brings together fourteen voices from across curatorial departments and Met Trustees to consider how artists and cultures throughout history have explored the nature of leadership, interrogated the workings of society, and redefined the ideals of freedom and democracy. The essays in this issue center around one of three different themes: the ways societies are formed through collective collaboration, the symbols of leadership and civilization, and the images of leaders that commemorate, mythologize, or even obscure those who govern. By expanding worldviews and building bridges among disparate experiences, The Met plays a vital part in considering the definition of leadership and what it means to build a society. This volume asserts museums’ roles as keepers of histories and places of reflection and learning. As stewards of five thousand years of art from around the globe, The Met is privileged to preserve, share, and reevaluate the countless stories told by the objects in its collection while connecting them to the present day.

Met Art in Publication

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Allon, Niv, David Breslin, Adam Eaker, Maryam Ekhtiar, Shirin Fozi, Sarah B. Graff, Brinda Kumar, et al. “Leadership and Society.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin 81, no. 4 (2024).

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Get closer to the British Museum collection and immerse yourself in two million years of history, across six continents.

Collection online allows access to almost four and a half million objects in more than two million records. High definition images can be enlarged and examined in detail which will enable you to view the incredible workmanship on the Royal Game of Ur , or the intricate carving on this African hunting horn – just a few of the thousands of highlights to discover. 

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How to Write a Business Proposal Letter?

In today's business world, how you communicate matters (a lot!) One crucial way to get your ideas across is through a business proposal letter. It's like your golden ticket to getting funding, pitching projects, or forming partnerships. But writing one that really grabs attention and gets results can be tricky.

That's why in this article, we're diving into the essentials of how to write a business proposal letter. We'll cover everything you need to know to write a letter that not only gets read but also gets you the results you want in the competitive business world. If you’d like to know more about business writing in general, this guide will help you.

Business Proposal Letter Definition

A business proposal letter is a formal document written by one party to another, typically with the aim of persuading the recipient to take a specific action, such as providing funding, entering into a partnership, or approving a project. It outlines the proposed idea, solution, or opportunity, along with its benefits and potential outcomes, in a clear and persuasive manner. The letter often serves as a precursor to more detailed discussions or negotiations and is crucial for initiating and formalizing business agreements or collaborations.

The main goals of a business proposal letter are to:

• Clearly communicate the proposed idea or solution.
• Persuade the recipient to take a specific action or decision.
• Initiate further discussions or negotiations.
• Demonstrate the value and benefits of the proposal.
• Address potential concerns or objections.
• Establish credibility and trust with the recipient.
• Achieve the desired outcome, such as securing funding or winning a contract.

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Ensuring that your business proposal letter is well-formatted and compelling involves several key steps:

Start with a Strong Introduction

Begin your business proposal letter with a compelling opening statement or hook that immediately captures the reader's attention. Consider starting with a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, or a relevant anecdote to draw the reader in. Clearly state the purpose of the proposal and establish why it is relevant and important to the recipient.

Provide Background Information

After capturing the reader's attention, provide relevant background information about your company, project, or initiative to establish credibility and context. Briefly introduce your company's history, mission, and key achievements to demonstrate your expertise and track record. If applicable, highlight any successful collaborations or projects showcasing your capabilities and qualifications.

Outline the Proposal

Once you have established credibility and context, clearly outline the details of your proposal in a structured and organized manner. Define the scope of work, objectives, deliverables, and timeline for the proposed project or initiative. Break down the proposal into manageable sections or bullet points to make it easy for the reader to digest and understand. Use clear and concise language to describe each aspect of the proposal, avoiding technical jargon or unnecessary complexity.

Highlight Benefits and Value Proposition

After outlining the details of your proposal, emphasize the benefits and value it offers to the recipient. Clearly articulate how your proposal addresses their specific needs, challenges, or pain points and the positive outcomes or results it can deliver. Use concrete examples, case studies, or testimonials to illustrate the potential impact of your proposal and convince the reader of its value.

Address Potential Concerns

Anticipate and address any potential concerns or objections the recipient may have about your proposal. Acknowledge any risks or challenges associated with the project and offer solutions or mitigations to alleviate their concerns. Provide evidence or data to support your claims and demonstrate the feasibility and viability of your proposal.

Call to Action

After presenting your proposal and addressing potential concerns, clearly state the desired action or next steps you want the recipient to take. Whether scheduling a meeting to discuss the proposal further, providing feedback or input, or approving the proposal, make it easy for the reader to understand what you are asking for and how they can respond.

Close with a Professional Conclusion

Conclude your business proposal letter with a professional closing statement reinforcing your appreciation for the recipient's time and consideration. Express gratitude for the opportunity to present your proposal and reiterate your enthusiasm for the potential collaboration or partnership.

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Examples of a Business Proposal Letter

Consult these examples of business proposal letters to gain insights into effective communication strategies, formatting conventions, and persuasive techniques commonly used in professional settings.

• https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Business%20Proposals.pdf
• https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/rwc/repository/files/business-and-professional-writing/business_letter_handout-major-rev.pdf
• https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/how-to-write-business-proposal

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When I was a student, school choice benefited me and it will help Tennessee children too

Education freedom scholarships, with their decentralized approach, promotes a more nimble and responsive educational system than traditional public schools..

• Walter Blanks Jr. is a spokesperson for American Federation for Children and is a member of the Beacon Center of Tennessee Impact Board.

Gov. Bill Lee's bold proposal for  Education Freedom Scholarships  in Tennessee is a beacon of hope for parents, families, and education reformers, ushering in what would be the next evolution in the state's approach to learning and educational attainment.

The scholarships offer a groundbreaking alternative, empowering parents with the ability to tailor their children's education, while demonstrating a level of accountability that outshines traditional public schools.

During the governor’s State of the State,  Lee doubled down on his plan  to give parents and students the opportunity and access to choose the best school that works for their own personal needs.

Lee stated, “The premise behind education freedom, and the one thing that most all of us agree upon, is that parents know what’s best for their child’s education.”

Lee then went on to say, “There are thousands of parents in the state who know their student would thrive in a different setting, but the financial barrier is simply too high. It’s time that we change that. It’s time that parents get to decide — and not the government — where their child goes to school and what they learn.”  

While the battle for school choice rages on, it’s extremely important not to forget the students who would actually benefit from such a program.

School choice benefited me and my family

Growing up in Ohio,  school choice became my lifeline , rescuing me from the clutches of a failing educational system.

The traditional public school I attended was struggling to provide quality education, leaving me disheartened and uninspired. The principal of the school told my mother, “If you give us five years, we will have the middle school and the high school turned around.”

My mother responded with, “In five years, Walter will either be in jail or in a body bag.” When my family discovered the school choice program, it opened a world of possibilities. School choice was more than an alternative; it was a catalyst for change, sparking a transformative journey that continues to shape my life positively.

Since moving to Tennessee, I have quickly realized  the education outcomes  in the state are not where they should be, and many families could benefit from similar programs that are being passed across the country.

Existing education choice programs across the nation have demonstrated impressive accountability mechanisms. By allowing parents to use allocated funds for various educational expenses, such as private school tuition, tutoring, or educational materials, choice programs like Education Freedom Scholarships promote a dynamic and tailored approach to learning. 

More: Gov. Bill Lee delivers State of the State to Tennessee General Assembly

Public schools, while essential, often face bureaucratic challenges that can hinder adaptability and responsiveness.

In 2023, the state of Tennessee spent roughly $10 billion dollars on public schools with very little (if any) accountability to parents and students. In Nashville,  roughly 30%  of third grade students are proficient (or considered “on track”). Within the public school system, families without the resources to change schools are left with empty promises, little improvements, and ultimately, no other option.

Education Freedom Scholarships, with their decentralized approach, promotes a more nimble and responsive educational system. This agility allows for quicker adjustments to address the evolving needs of students, ultimately better preparing the next generation for the challenges it will face.

Gov. Bill Lee's Education Freedom Scholarship proposal offers hope for Tennessee's education system, fostering innovation and unlocking its full potential. By prioritizing students' interests, the state can deliver quality education, ensuring a brighter future and a more adaptable model. It's time for Tennessee to embrace this opportunity, ushering in an era of empowerment and accountability in education.

Walter Blanks Jr. is a spokesperson for American Federation for Children and a beneficiary of a private school choice program, driven by a lifelong commitment to improving educational access. Blanks is a member of the Beacon Center of Tennessee Impact Board.