The winning logo submission we chose is a clear and easy to see image representing equality, community inclusion, and the business case for abilities-based employment.

The logo selected to be used for the EmployAbility Rally was designed through a great service located at www.logotournament.com.  A fast and easy-to-use form is filled out that tells artists the look, theme, and feel of the logo which then receives entries from  designers around the world competing to win a cash prize for the design. Our contest had 86 logo designs within the week the contest ran. There were a wide range of ideas with some good design elements, but none were as clear, unambiguous in message and strong as the one selected.

The Rally

The EmployAbility Rally is a  free-to-the public event is set for October 28th, 2010 and will occur on the east side of the Arizona state Capital Mall from 9:00 a.m. until 12 p.m. In fact, the response has been so strong that we will have the area on 17th Avenue between Jefferson and Adams blocked off to allow full accessibility to all that attend as well as a larger area to accommodate the 18 agencies and businesses that will host information tables throughout the event.

The Rally will be in front of the Capitol Mall along 17th Avenue[/caption]Beginning in September, we will make a push to bring out as many people with disabilities and those who share the concerns of employing ability to show up for the morning rally. It is our time show our pride and share common experiences as part of a community-building effort dedicated to updating public perceptions and attitudes towards the capabilities of People with Disabilities. Pre-registration for this free event can be made here for the EmployAbility Rally.

The tagline for the rally- New Labels for Building a Better Bottomline expresses an initial step in creating better partnerships among & between community organizations, business, government agencies, and job seekers- all of whom want the same thing- employment based on abilities. We have nationally recognized and home-grown leaders slated to speak for the event, and details of the can be found here for  EmployAbility Rally.

What can we do to sustain the Rally?

There is the start of a conversation about joining forces with agencies dedicated to employing capable people with disabilities and businesses looking for qualified candidates through the establishment of an Arizona affiliate of the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN).

The USBLN is the only national business to business disability organization that serves as the collective voice of over 60 Business Leadership Network affiliates across North America, representing over 5,000 employers. The USBLN helps build workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are respected for their talents, while supporting the development and expansion of its BLN affiliates.

The ability to join forces within the state and the USBLN would be a recognition and support of best practices in the employment and advancement of people with disabilities; enhance the preparedness for work of Arizona youth and students with disabilities; expand direct marketing to consumers with disabilities; and facilitate opportunities for contracting with vendors with disabilities through the development and certification of disability-owned businesses.

Please contact me if you are interested or  click on the USBLN website link here for their services and national conference