Real-Time Interaction
Discord provides a platform for immediate communication with fellow Golden Key members around the world. This real-time interaction facility allows for sharing academic insights, career advice, and even casual conversations through text, voice, and video chats, making it easier than ever to connect.

Engage in Leadership and Service
The server isn’t just about communication—it’s a place to actively engage in leadership and service. Here, you can lead or participate in digital international service events, or even take up roles such as server moderators or event organizers, helping you build your leadership portfolio.

Tailored Resources and Live Updates
Gain access to exclusive resources like webinars and workshops that are specially curated for Golden Key members. The Discord server serves as a central point for the latest announcements and updates on events and initiatives, ensuring you stay informed and involved.

A Community of Support
More than just a networking platform, our Discord community is a supportive ecosystem where you can receive mentorship and guidance from peers and alumni. It’s a place to celebrate your achievements and navigate challenges with support from others who understand your journey.

Easy Access
Joining the Golden Key Discord server is straightforward. As a member, you’ll receive an invite with simple instructions to follow. Just a few clicks and you’re part of a vibrant online community.

Integrating into the Golden Key Discord community means more than just enhancing your membership; it means maximizing the potential benefits Golden Key has to offer. It’s a space where achievers meet to foster opportunities, share successes, and inspire one another. Don’t miss the chance to expand your horizons and accelerate your growth. Join our Discord server today and tap into the collective potential of Golden Key’s global network.

Discover more about how you can engage, learn, and lead with us. For additional details, check out this link. Join the conversation with #yesGK and step into a global community dedicated to excellence.

Empowering Through Education
At the heart of the Golden Key Academy is a commitment to providing unparalleled educational resources to its members. The platform offers a vast library of videos, articles, and free weekly webinars covering various topics. These resources are crafted to enhance members’ knowledge and equip them with the practical skills necessary for success both in and out of the workplace.

Career Development Opportunities
One of the most impactful aspects of the Academy is its focus on career development. In today’s job market, standing out from the crowd is essential. Golden Key Academy provides members exclusive access to career advice, resume-building workshops, interview preparation sessions, and networking strategies crucial for career advancement. Additionally, the Academy often features insights from industry leaders, offering members direct access to expert advice and trends.

Building a Global Network
Networking is vital in building a successful career, and the Golden Key Academy fosters this by connecting members with a global community of like-minded professionals. Through the Academy’s platform, members can interact with other high achievers worldwide, sharing experiences, collaborating on projects, and forming lifelong professional relationships. This global network enhances professional opportunities and enriches members’ cultural perspectives and international understanding.

Scholarships
Further enhancing the value of the Golden Key Academy are the numerous scholarships and grants exclusively available to its members. These financial supports are designed to relieve some economic pressures associated with higher education and continuing professional development. By investing in its members’ education, the Academy helps them focus more on their studies and professional growth without financial constraints.

Leadership and Service
Leadership development is another cornerstone of the Golden Key Academy. The platform encourages members to take on leadership roles within the society, whether organizing events, leading projects or representing their chapters in various capacities. These opportunities bolster members’ resumes and help develop essential leadership skills such as strategic thinking, public speaking, and team management.

Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning
The Golden Key Academy promotes lifelong learning, encouraging members to continually seek knowledge and personal growth. With resources that support everything from mental health to financial literacy, the Academy provides a holistic approach to personal development. This commitment ensures that members are well-rounded individuals who can contribute to their professions and lead fulfilling lives.

The Golden Key Academy is more than an educational platform—it’s a life-changing experience. By providing education, career support, networking opportunities, financial aid, and leadership development, the Academy plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of its members. For anyone serious about making significant personal and professional advancements, the Golden Key Academy is a golden opportunity to unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. In the academic and professional development landscape, the Golden Key Academy is truly a game-changer, empowering members to meet and exceed their aspirations.

The Essence of Membership

Membership in Golden Key is an honor bestowed upon students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements. However, society extends its value far beyond academic recognition. It serves as a personal and professional development platform, offering members access to many opportunities designed to support their educational and career journeys. From scholarships and grants to leadership development programs and service projects, Golden Key empowers its members to realize their potential and strive for even greater heights.

A Global Community of Leaders

Golden Key’s global presence, with chapters in over 400 colleges and universities across eight countries, creates a vast network of high-caliber students, graduates, and alums. This network provides a unique opportunity for members to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, share experiences, and learn from each other. Such interactions enrich the members’ personal growth and enhance their understanding of global issues, fostering a sense of global citizenship and mutual respect.

Service at Its Core

Service is a cornerstone of the Golden Key philosophy. The society encourages its members to give back to their communities through various service projects, embodying the principle that true success comes from personal achievement and contributing to the greater good. Whether through local chapter initiatives or the society’s global service initiative, SPARK a Change, Golden Key members are at the forefront of efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, especially those at risk.

Unlocking Opportunities

The benefits of Golden Key membership are vast and varied. Members have exclusive access to the Golden Key Academy. This online learning platform offers resources and webinars on career development, workplace skills, and personal growth. Additionally, the society awards numerous scholarships and grants exclusively to its members, providing financial support for their studies and research projects. Networking events, both in-person and digital, open doors to professional opportunities, while leadership roles within the society help members develop essential skills highly valued in the workplace.

Recognition and Pride

Membership in Golden Key is a prestigious accolade that members can proudly display. The society offers graduation regalia, such as honor cords and medallions, allowing members to celebrate their achievements and Golden Key affiliation during commencement ceremonies. This visible recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence that Golden Key members embody.

A Lifelong Journey

Golden Key’s commitment to its members continues after graduation. Alum members continue to enjoy benefits, including scholarship opportunities for graduate studies and access to career resources. The society remains a lifelong partner in its members’ personal and professional development journeys, offering continued support and opportunities for engagement.

Joining Golden Key

Becoming a member of Golden Key is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. It signifies not only their academic prowess but also their potential for leadership and commitment to service. By joining Golden Key, students step into a world of opportunity where they can connect with a global community of achievers, access resources to fuel their ambitions, and contribute to making a positive impact.

In essence, being a Golden Key International Honour Society member means being part of an esteemed community that values excellence, leadership, and service. It’s about embracing opportunities, making a difference, and striving for a brighter future for oneself and the global community. #yesGK is more than a hashtag; it’s a call to action for students worldwide to unlock their potential and open the door to a world of opportunities.

1. Dive into the Golden Key Academy for Personal and Professional Development
   Golden Key Academy is a treasure trove of resources to bolster your career and personal development. With an expansive library of videos and articles and the opportunity to participate in free weekly webinars, the Academy is your go-to for enhancing workplace skills, leadership abilities, and personal growth. Engage actively in these learning opportunities to stand out in the competitive job market and further your career ambitions.
2. Unlock Scholarships and Grants for Academic and Professional Advancement
   Golden Key prides itself on offering an array of scholarships and grants exclusively available to its members. These financial aids support your academic journey, career aspirations, and personal projects. Apply for these scholarships to alleviate financial burdens and focus on achieving your dreams. Remember, these opportunities are a unique benefit of your membership, so make the most of them.
3. Expand Your Global Network and Forge Valuable Connections
   Networking is a crucial aspect of professional success, and Golden Key provides ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals across the globe. Attend international and local summits, join the society’s Discord platform, and participate in service events to meet fellow members. These connections can lead to lifelong friendships, mentorship opportunities, and career prospects. Use the hashtag #yesGK on social media to engage with the community and share your Golden Key experiences.
4. Step into Leadership Roles and Develop Your Potential
   Golden Key encourages its members to take on societal leadership roles, offering numerous avenues to hone their leadership skills. Whether becoming a chapter leader, planning and running events, or moderating discussions on Discord, each role is a chance to grow personally and professionally. Embrace these opportunities to lead, inspire, and significantly impact your community and beyond.
5. Celebrate Your Achievements with Golden Key Graduation Regalia
   Mark your graduation and celebrate your Golden Key membership with exclusive and popular graduation regalia. Wearing honor cords, stoles, medallions, and pins signifies your academic achievements and your affiliation with a global community of high achievers. It’s a proud testament to your dedication and hard work and a beautiful way to stand out during your graduation ceremony.

Your Golden Key membership is more than just an academic accolade; it’s a gateway to many opportunities designed to enrich your educational journey, career path, and personal growth. By actively participating in the Golden Key Academy, applying for scholarships, expanding your network, taking on leadership roles, and celebrating your membership, you’re setting the stage for a future filled with success and fulfillment. Remember, the value of your Golden Key membership is not just in what it offers but in how you utilize these offerings to achieve your dreams and aspirations. Embrace these opportunities, and watch as doors open to a bright and promising future.

There are a lot of benefits to hiring graduates, such as their enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and connection to a different generation. So, competition is fierce between companies wanting to snap up the best talent.

Here are some ways your business can connect and engage with top talent in today’s market:

1. Communicate your purpose and values
   • Many people these days have shifted their values and priorities post-Covid and want to work for purpose-led businesses. This is a crucial factor many graduates seek out when deciding where they want to work.
   • Whether you’re broadcasting commitments to sustainability, investments in the community, or research, this lets prospective students know what you stand for and your beliefs and that they’re welcome and supported.
   • At Golden Key, we clearly articulate to our members that our purpose is to give them a world of opportunity, enabling them to further their education and training to achieve their professional goals. Our members clearly understand the value we provide by creating a global online community that supports and encourages them through our commitment to training, development, and career opportunities.
2. Engage early and provide training opportunities
   • Alarming data from the July 2022 Women Rising report showed that 74% of respondents would leave their organization if their current employer did not invest in their career development.
   • At Golden Key, we constantly have feedback from our graduate members wanting help with integrating into the workforce and adapting to office environments after several years spent engaging purely online. In response, we developed specific themed training modules for these students to assist them in transitioning from study to the workforce.
   • Training and development are enormous priorities for employees, so look at ways to engage with students, offering them training that will benefit them when they join the workforce, such as developing soft skills, communication skills, and goal setting.
3. Employee referrals and testimonials
   • Word of mouth is one of the most potent forms of marketing and is trusted by many. Students are very accustomed to using online reviews to help them make decisions. A previous State of Gen Z report showed that 68% of Gen Z read at least 3 reviews before making a first-time purchase decision. Students rely on reviews and recommendations from family and friends to help them form opinions and decisions rather than simply trusting what a brand tells them.

So, use your employees to help recruit new graduates to the business through a referral rewards program, meaningful testimonials, ideally in video format, inviting recent grads to speak at information sessions, and encouraging employees to endorse your business online, such as on their Linked In profiles.

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Golden Key is one of the world’s oldest honors societies, with over 2.4 million members globally. Our members have all finished in the top 15% of their degrees and belong to an engaged online community continually looking for ways to grow their skills and seeking new opportunities to develop professionally and personally. www.goldenkey.org

Here are five ways you can benefit from Golden Key Academy:

• Network with members

The GKA website offers a networking section where you can personalize your profile to include a profile and cover photo, a short bio and links to your other online profiles, such as LinkedIn. Once you’ve completed your profile, you can follow other GK members, interact on message boards, join groups and find Thought Leaders–Golden Key Alumni members who are viewed as experts in their field of study. In addition, the networking section allows you to connect with peers and see what your fellow members are up to. 

• Attend and watch webinars

The GKA site offers webinars hosted by our Thought Leaders on a wide variety of topics. Webinars are open to all GK members and GKA subscribers. In addition, you can sign up to attend Zoom webinars via the GKA site. If you miss or can’t make it to a webinar, never fear; you can watch it in the site’s video section. 

• Read articles

The GKA site adds new articles from our Thought Leaders every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to keep content fresh and relevant. Articles range from how to be an effective communicator to using credit card debt to your advantage. With our wide variety of topics, there is always something new to learn! We encourage you to email us at thoughtleaders@goldenkey.org to know what kind of content you want to see. 

• Read e-books

The GKA site has downloaded e-books covering topics from Things I wish I’d known about money to The GKA guide: You got the job! What now?.

• Training and Assessments

GKA offers many self-paced courses to build your foundation for professional development (FPD). You can register for classes in the following categories: 

• Business School
• School of Education 
• School of Information Technology 
• Nursing Education Unit
• School of Public Health 
• School of Natural Sciences 

After choosing and completing a course, you can assess how much information you retained and improve your skills further.

Golden Key Academy offers many learning and networking opportunities. Golden Key is always looking for new ideas for articles, webinars, e-books, courses or other tips that members want to see. If there’s something you’d like to see on the GKA site, DM us on Instagram or email thoughtleaders@goldenkey.org. 

Our team at Golden Key we have made a little guide to why you should join an honor society, and why it would be a great asset for you and your future. Here are our top ten reasons:

1 – Scholarship and Grants

In an honor society there are scholarship and grants you can take advantage of, which can help take off the financial burden and the cost an education brings. Top honor societies like Golden Key offer both scholarships based on education and grants for achievement to support your dreams and goals. See some of the options available here.

2 – Jobs and internship

An honor society has many partners that can offer both job and internship opportunities, which can help spike your resume to get amazing jobs in your future. The experience you will gain at a job or internship will help you to set a foundation for the professional background needed to pursue your dream job after college. See some of our career and internship partners and opportunities here.

3 – Leadership and mentorship

Top honor societies like Golden Key offers many different opportunities to build and develop amazing leadership skills such as empathy and perspective, which are so valuable in the future. These opportunities include programs like live webinars, Golden Key Talks, and summit events where you can meet and learn from the top leaders in the world.

4 – Academics

There should be no doubt that honor societies help you achieve your academic goals. Whether it is the opportunity to apply for scholarships to obtain a degree at your dream college, or it is grants for studying internationally that can give you unique experience, honor societies support you in whatever your academic dreams might be.

5 – Networking

A key asset of being a member of an honor society is the privilege to meet and network with top professionals in various industries and with our amazing alumni, who have reached their goals and dreams with help of the honor society. This networking with top professionals can help you pursue your dream job after college through the tips and connections they can offer you.

6 – International travel

International travel and the experience that you gain while studying aboard is invaluable, and it is an opportunity not many people get to experience. It is a very unique and amazing opportunity where you get to learn a whole different culture while studying in your field. It is something that will not only stand out on your resume, but it will stand out in your memories for the rest of your life.

7 – Likeminded people and community

Honor societies help you meet and connect with likeminded people from different degrees, who have the same high ambitions as you do in your life. Golden Key has chapters at universities all over the world, where we give ambitious people a space to share their ideas and dreams. By joining one of these chapters you become a part of a community where you will meet the top best students at your university who will help push you out your comfort zone to become the best version of you.

8 – Friendship

In honor societies like Golden Key you will meet people who will become some of your closet friends in life. Just like being a part of a college athletic team, you get a terrific opportunity to connect with people on a different level compared to what you might experience as a normal college student. We can say with pride that people in honor societies like ours have formed friendships for a lifetime.

9 – Community service

Community service is a big part of being a member of an honor society. Golden Key and honor societies offer many amazing opportunities to uphold and help their communities in the best way possible, with everything from beach clean-ups to service projects like helping at a pantry.

10 – Professional and resume building

Being able to say that you are a member of an honor society gives you something special for your resume, so that you will be in the top of the pile when applying for jobs. If you are an active member and take part in activities, events and leadership opportunities – it can also help you create and form the professional skills needed in today’s work field, which has never been more competitive than it is today. Golden Key offers expert tips on how to write a resume, prep for an interview, and get started on networking through the resources found on our online database and through our webinars, some only offered to members. This is something that will help you get started on your professional career the best way possible.

Apply now rather than later…

There are many benefits to becoming part of an honor society that will help you develop and grow as a human being. The small fee you pay becoming a part of an honor society and the little effort it takes to sign up, will be paid back many times again through accomplished dreams, great experiences, and many other benefits. The experience we can give is something you will not find anywhere else. So, if you consider yourself as being ambitious with big goals and dreams go apply to an honor society today!

This article was written for Golden Key by Julie Poulsen.

Bigger picture: We spend over 13 years  of our lives at work, and more than 80% of U.S. workers say they’re unhappy with their jobs. When you put it that way, choosing a career takes on a lot more meaning than just the place where you get a paycheck—it’s an integral part of your entire life.

Why is planning your career important? If you’re the type of person who likes to take control of your situation, then you can view this as a way to take the reins and be more likely to get what you want. If your dream job exists, chances are it won’t just fall into your lap—you’ll have to make it happen.

First Steps

So how do you get started? First, you could set a course for the direction you want to go in. Earlier in your career, this might be something like expanding your skills or going for that promotion. You might be ready to take on a leadership role.

Or maybe you’re exhausted and on the verge of burning out and you need to make more space for yourself. Wherever you are, it can help to have at least one friend or colleague to bounce ideas around with. You might see if you can find someone who’s on a similar path and join forces.

The first thing you might want to figure out is what your current status is: Broadly, what do you want to achieve? For example, if you want to beat burnout, your goal could be to feel less stressed and more balanced.

Choosing a Plan

Next, you could spend some time on the details. Decide on up to three things you want to work on, prioritize them in order of importance to you, and decide what time frame you are working toward. Is this an immediate need that you want to address in the next few weeks? Something for this quarter? This year?

Deciding on a time horizon might help you set your expectations. Going with our burnout example, your goals might be to stop working late nights and weekends, spend less time on social media, and take a vacation in the next three months.

You might ask yourself why your goal matters. Understanding why you’re doing something can be a powerful way to make sure you stick with it even when things get challenging. How and when will you measure progress toward your goal. With a goal like beating burnout, you might have to get creative with this part.

You could check in with yourself on Friday afternoons to reflect on the week and ask yourself the same question each week. On a scale of one to five, with one being not at all stressful and five being extremely stressful, how was your week? You could set a goal of each month averaging a three or lower, so it’s clear whether you’re meeting your goal.

Putting the Plan Into Action

Now it’s time to help yourself make it happen. You might want to anticipate what obstacles or excuses could come up—“Everyone is expecting me to finish this spreadsheet by Monday morning!” “But I’m bored during my commute so I like to scroll through my social feeds!”—and make a plan for how you’ll overcome these issues.

In this example, you could try blocking off time on your calendar now to get your spreadsheet done before the weekend, or getting a physical book to read instead of defaulting to playing with your phone.

Finally, you could create an accountability plan for yourself. There are lots of ways to do this, and you can try as many methods as you think it will take to help yourself follow through.

One easy thing you could do is write down your goals—with a pen, on a piece of paper—and put them somewhere you’ll see them all the time. This way, they’ll stay top of mind and you won’t be tempted to “forget” that you’re working on something.

You can also try sharing your goals with someone you trust and wouldn’t want to disappoint. You could ask them to check in with you so you’ll be motivated to have good news to share. Or you might give yourself an incentive if you reach your goal.

For example, if you don’t work weekends for a month, you’ll treat yourself to a fun dinner out with a friend or loved one.

Taking Time to Enjoy It

Once you achieve your goal, be sure to celebrate your success and appreciate the hard work you put in to make it happen. But don’t stop there—life is long and careers change over time.

You could make a habit of checking in with yourself once every few months to reassess how you’re doing and what you might like to change or improve. You can always start the process again with a new goal when things change in your work or life.

If you’re ready to get ahead or figure out what’s next in your career path, consider SoFi career coaching. It’s free for SoFi members, and you can get guidance on your LinkedIn profile, resume suggestions, and a customized plan to suit your needs.

This article was originally published by Golden Key partners SoFi. 

SoFi helps people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. Their products for borrowing, saving, spending, investing, and protecting give our more than half a million members fast access to tools to get their money right. SoFi membership comes with the key essentials for getting ahead, including career advisors and connection to a thriving community of like-minded, ambitious people. Whether they’re looking to buy a home, save money on student loans, grow in their careers, or invest in the future, the SoFi community works to empower its members to accomplish the goals they set and achieve financial independence as a result.

The Intern Group is a proud partner of Golden Key, and it inspires and encourages people to believe in and challenge themselves, discover their passion and realize their potential. They are the leading provider of international internship programs across the globe.

Watch the video of this Golden Key Talks session now:

Golden Key Talks is a series of ongoing interviews with heavy hitters from every industry to help Golden Key members continue to excel and achieve at high levels. Golden Key Talks covers topics for your career, personal, and professional development. Join us, and be part of the conversation.

With the holiday season in full swing, your priorities might include finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list (all while making sure you don’t break the bank), mingling with friends and family at holiday parties, indulging in the scrumptious treats that seem to be around every corner, and watching your favorite holiday classics.

The festive season can also inspire compassion and generosity. Offices and nonprofits sponsor food drives and gift drives, the Salvation Army bell ringers are out in full force, and charities around the country are accepting donations.

If the warmth of the holiday season has inspired you to give back, you might consider making a charitable donation. These recommendations could help you make the most of your philanthropic efforts—even if you’re on a tight budget.

JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT GOLDEN KEY TALKS:

How Can I Give on a Budget?

Between traveling, holiday gifts, and your regular expenses, you may already be nervous about overspending in the last few months of the year. Making an effort to stay on a budget with all of your expenses can be one of the best things you can do for yourself financially heading into 2020.

I encourage the members I speak with to follow the 50/20/30 rule for budgeting. This way, no matter how old you are or how much money you make, you always have an idea of how much you have for discretionary spending—like charitable donations—each month.

If you’re lucky enough to cover your holiday-related expenses within your discretionary budget in just one or two months—awesome!

For many of us, it may take putting a little aside each month leading up to the holidays to cover those expenses. Whatever the case is for you, it can be helpful to account for these charitable donations like any other planned expense—this can help you avoid going over-budget when the time comes.

What if There’s Not Enough Room in the Budget?

Great news! There are a variety of ways to be charitable without writing a check. Consider these three approaches if you’re feeling more philanthropic than your bank account:

Donating Time

Volunteering your time can be great for your soul as well as your budget. In some cases, a charitable organization may benefit more from donated time than donated money. Additionally, spending time behind the scenes with an organization is a great way to understand how a charity is run and how any future donations may be used. This can be a great way to get to know a charity more intimately and determine if it’s a cause that will continue to be important to you.

Donating Stuff

If your schedule limits your ability to commit time to an organization, consider donating gently used home goods or clothes. Cleaning out your closet can be great for the mind and soul if you know that items will go to a good cause. Organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army will happily accept gently used clothes, and local homeless shelters or women’s shelters can benefit from home goods and even furniture.

Being Deliberate with Planned Spending and Investing

Another way to make an impact without giving more is by being more deliberate with the spending and investing you’re already doing. This holiday season, you could try to shop with a purpose by supporting brands or companies that have a charitable mission statements like Bombas or Patagonia.

It’s also possible to allocate existing investments to socially responsible funds. For example, someone who is passionate about the environment can look at an environmentally-driven ETF. Or if someone wanted to invest beyond the sector more broadly, they could look into a fund that uses the popular S&P 500 index stocks but removes the oil, gas, and fossil fuel companies. Learn more about the various socially responsible ETFs available to you on SoFi’s Active Investing platform.

Choosing the Right Charity

Once you have made the decision to give time or money to an organization, it’s important to do your due diligence on a charity to ensure they are reputable and will be putting your donation to good use.

But how do you choose the right charity? Using sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance can give more insight to charities. This can help charitable individuals avoid any potentially questionable organizations.

If you want to feel like your individual contributions are making a larger impact, consider taking a more targeted approach to your giving. Sometimes it’s hard to say no when someone asks you to sponsor them in a charitable 5k or a friend requests donations to one of their favorite organizations for their birthday, but by concentrating your giving to just one or two organizations throughout the year, rather than sprinkling small dollar amounts to a variety of causes, you’ll find that your gift feels more meaningful.

Still doesn’t feel like what you’re contributing is enough? Don’t forget that charities also appreciate your time, skills and support. You can always find additional ways to give through volunteering, offering your professional skills, and even just spreading the word in your community about the great impact the organization is making. You can also check with your employer to see if they have a gift-matching program.

This article was originally published by Golden Key partners SoFi. You can read the full article here: https://www.sofi.com/blog/charitable-giving-budget/ 

SoFi helps people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. Their products for borrowing, saving, spending, investing, and protecting give our more than half a million members fast access to tools to get their money right. SoFi membership comes with the key essentials for getting ahead, including career advisors and connection to a thriving community of like-minded, ambitious people. Whether they’re looking to buy a home, save money on student loans, grow in their careers, or invest in the future, the SoFi community works to empower its members to accomplish the goals they set and achieve financial independence as a result.