Feeling vulnerable is our common denominator.Always has been, always will be.But now, increasingly so it seems.Being vulnerable is not a choice. It's a consequence of living. Responding to life situations requires individuals and societies at large to adapt and change. Or to be spurned and lost in the process.That’s what we’re experiencing today.For many, this need to adjust – to hostile environmental conditions, uncertain economic shifts, tensions tugging at war and terrorism, populist politicians, racial injustice, religious intolerance, marginalization of minorities, spiritual voids, social disconnections, conflicting perspectives and points-of-view – is threatening, because it removes us from the safety nets and security blankets of our personal comfort zones, whatever and wherever they may be.We feel vulnerable.So, for better or worse, we respond and react to these primal threats.Because vulnerability has become the driving force of our lives.

“In Expat, I recounted our personal motivations and reasons for leaving the USA and emigrating to Iberia, where my partner and I divide our time between Portugal and Spain,” the author explains. “Along with lots of anecdotes and information, Spanish Towns, Portuguese Villages continues the story of our acclimation as ‘foreigners´ following the move and our five years of legal residency in Portugal.”“Moving internationally is a series of experiences: physical, logistical, emotional, and mental,” he continues. “Although it’s not easy, you can make the transition if you truly want to—the two key resources are patience and persistence. You’re not going to find them in most tour guides or travel books … because learning to live abroad is experiential. You must partake and actively participate in the process.”The publisher of Portugal Living Magazine, Joffe has written eight books, feature magazine articles, newspaper byliners, and academic research. He and his partner, Russ, who designed the new book, have homes in Castelo Branco and Elvas, Portugal, as well as in Olvera, one of the “pueblos blancos” of Andalucía, Spain.If you’re considering relocation to Portugal and/or Spain, this is the book that will prepare you with the nitty-gritty. And if you’re already living in Portugal or Spain, you’ll want to compare your life abroad with his.

Portugal Living is a special group for people everywhere with Portugal on their minds. With a "Reader's Digest" round-up of articles orientation, the group is distinct in its brand and purpose: Rather than deal with basic questions about visa requirements and the logistics of moving to Portugal, we have a more "intermediate" focus for people interested in knowing more about how Portugal "works," interesting places to visit, people whose writing about Portugal is engaging, the country's rules and regs, even the challenges of learning Portuguese.

In an unprecedented time of turmoil and political chaos creating personal conflicts and public confusion, increasing numbers of Americans are considering moving out of their country.That’s the substance and subject matter of EXPAT: Leaving the USA for Good, the latest book from former university professor, church pastor, public relations executive, and author Bruce H. Joffe … who now resides in Portugal and Spain.While the U.S. State Department estimates that nine million people were living abroad in 2016, that emigrant exodus is rising. A January 2019 Gallup survey* reports that a record 16% of all Americans say they want to move out of the USA; that more are wanting to flee the country under Donald Trump than under past presidents; that the desire to leave the country permanently falls along gender lines, with 20% of women vs. 13% of men wanting out; and that younger people are more likely to consider packing their bags.“It’s one thing to travel the world with a USA passport,” says Joffe. “It’s quite another to apply for the residency visa and actually inhabit – not just visit – a ‘foreign’ country. The shoe’s on the other foot, when we are the immigrants.”Filled with personal anecdotes and experiences, his book details the differences. From the psychological and political motivations that prompt people to seek refuge in other nations … to the details and logistics of what’s actually required to move and reside in another country, EXPAT covers the bases.Available worldwide from online booksellers in paperback, hard cover, and eBook formats, EXPAT’s best prices – including shipping – have been found on Amazon at The Book Depository.*news.gallup.com/poll/245789/record-numbers-americans-leave.aspx

My latest post in The Portugal News focuses on Dacia, a stepchild of Renault unfamiliar to most Americans.https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2024-05-01/dear-dacia-youve-come-a-long-way-baby/88390

Op-ed and feature writer for American-oriented "expat" magazine published in the UK. Article titles to date include: "Expat, Immigrant, Fugitive, or Refugee?" (July/August 2020); "Facebook Fadeout" (August/September 2020); "Portugal and Spain: Two Sides of the Coin" (TBD); and "Bangs for Your Bucks" (TBD).

Spiritual rather than religious; organic over organizational; personal beyond institutional; here and now, not the hereafter. Portugal-based, but encouraging and engaging people everywhere.

Spiritual leader, teacher, preacher, goodwill ambassador, chaplain, networker, and designated peace-maker for >500-member online congregational church serving the spiritual needs of people throughout the U.S. and other countries. Many ministries and sacraments of traditional brick-and-mortar churches are available. Please visit our Facebook congregation online: http://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahSpiritualCommunity

You can’t box God up in religion.You can’t box Jesus up in Christianity.You can’t box church up in a building.You can’t box faith up in a set of beliefs. You can’t box grace up in conditions.The Kingdom of God isn’t boxed up in our churches.Imagine church without pulpits or pews, creeds or confessionals—no membership, plate-passing, pledges, vestments, heavenly choirs, or altar calls.Without buildings to maintain or staff to sustain, the church no longer is seen as a private club or guilt-trip haven to heaven. Instead, its focus is on caring and sharing, living here-and-now, not in the hereafter.Rather than part of our worldly empires, the church has become their antithesis.From guts to glory, the church begs reform.

Consult with progressive, "no-kill" animal shelter staff to create a ministry of chaplaincy services for people and their pets. Moderate and lead Circle of Compassion grief support groups for folks bereaving the loss of beloved pets; officiate at public and private "blessing of the pet(s)" services; comfort and counsel people faced with making difficult, life-or-death decisions about their pets: preparing them for the eventuality of a too-short lifespan ... dealing with separation anxieties when they must be parted from their pets ... providing prayer, a comforting word, and an ear that listens and understands the heavy hearts of people whose animal companions truly are members of their families. Offer messages, meditations, sermons and homilies to churches interested in learning more about the the unconditional loving souls of the "least of them" and the spiritual bond between our Creator and all of creation.

Pastor of a new, interfaith Christian church. We believe:"Church"​ should be spiritual rather than religious, organic over organizational, and personal beyond institutional."Church"​ should be a community of people coming together to seek and to celebrate God in their lives."Church"​ should be where all can find support in becoming the special, unique, individuals God created us to be ... as well as to be part of a welcoming, caring, and sharing community."Church"​ should teach that God's love is unconditional ... that God's grace is freely given, not earned ... and that each of us is wonderfully created in the likeness of the Sacred."Church"​ should dedicate as much of its resources to caring for others as it does to caring for itself."Church"​ should work for the greater good by being active in service, mission, ministry, compassion, and social justice."Church"​ should encourage us to ask questions as we endeavor, together, to deal with the challenges of faith, belief, and observance."Church"​ should think outside of the box and be eager to learn from other faith traditions ... open to different styles of worship ... and looking forward toward new possibilities or potential for ministry."Church"​ should support the full inclusion of all people in its life and ministry. Our diversity is a reflection of the divine imprint that, together, we share.What it comes down to is this, our mission: "To be a bridge (1) of cooperation and understanding among religious groups of all faiths; (2) of acceptance of others regardless of social class, race, gender, or sexual orientation; (3) between all of God's children, mirroring and practicing the love God has for us; (4) of freedom in the study of religion, the interpretation, and the practice of faith; and (5) for God's love in a troubled world, expressing a generosity of spirit to all those in need."

Offer on-campus, online, independent study and distance learning courses including Principles of Public Relations; Intro to Mass Media; Intercultural Communication; Public Speaking; and GLBT Studies. Counsel Adult Degree Program students on degree requirements and serve as their advocate with campus faculty and administration. Safe Zone Faculty Facilitator for sexual minority students. Coordinate Summer Week in Staunton program. Develop and promote new courses/programs appropriate to the ADP and community outreach interests.Principles of Public Relations, Case Studies in Public Relations, Magazine and Feature Writing, Media Literacy, Media Convergence, Public Speaking, Association Communication, Mass Communication, Studies in LGBT Communication, Flickering Images: Visions of Non-Normative Gender and Sexuality in Film, Better Business Writing, and Corporate Communication are among the courses I’ve prepared and taught.

From Writer's Digest's 22nd Annual Book Awards, here is one judge's review of The Gospel According to Facebook: "What a dynamic book! Bruce H Joffe, Ph.D. reminds me of an ecclesiastical David Brooks. Joffe zeroes in on the crux of the spiritual matter for modern people. The pertinent underlying question to this uniquely current book is how Facebook has changed perspectives on faith. Joffe's book would not perhaps work (but it does, extremely well) if he were not so good about sharing his honest, open-minded and exploratory viewpoints and were he not such a careful scholar and interpreter. Any reader who has ever invested time in learning to interpret texts of wisdom (without going in with the objective of stigmatizing), from the Tao Te Ching to the Qurân (messages from, floating on Facebook, demonstrate current awareness), will know that Joffe has accomplished something important. He confronts and analyzes the important dialogue that Facebook has opened on faith and hope and in which anyone may join in. His analysis looks primarily to the Christian thread (although the wisdom and proverbs that make up the second part indicate how much the currency of world faiths/wisdom/dialectics has leached into progressive Christian perceptions). His humor and intelligence in showing how literal analysis of scripture can create intolerable levels of intolerance for society, undermining the mercy inherent in all faiths, comes through loud and clear. Joffe is a wonderful writer who has created a book that points to "A New Testament," one that shows a new Christian perspective. Joffe skilfully demonstrates the dangers of narrow interpretation. I loved his voice, his examples and his humility. He notes if progressive Christians believe that "God is present throughout the creation, then we must honor each form of life, each culture, [and] each religion . . ." (page 100). I wish there were an index! Great cover!"--Judge, 22nd Annual Writer's Digest Book Awards

Chief lug nut for 100-member inclusive, interdenominational, community church.

Established non-profit 501(c)3 organization providing a safe and supportive environment through which LGBT people, their families, friends and supporters in southeastern Wisconsin can access needed community, educational, social, and health-related resources. Believing that civil rights, social equality and justice should belong to all, we are committed to diversity, community building, dignity and empowerment by fostering acceptance, support and synergy within the community and its myriad organizations. As CEO, recruited dynamic 20-member Board of Directors, including representation from all local colleges and universities; created and maintain Web site (www.lgbtsewisc.org) along with all promotional and publicity materials; solicited and raised over $50K in support during first six months; generated over 100 story placements in local/regional media; organized monthly programs and support groups; served as community spokesperson and liaison to surrounding communities; conducted and disseminated relevant research; cultivated support and understanding from local civic groups and community leaders.

While teaching part-time at Mary Baldwin College, I used this time to serve in a variety of "interim" roles with significant responsibilities: (1) Director of Communications at the Jefferson Area Board on the Aging (JABA; Charlottesville, VA); (2) English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator for Harrisonburg, VA, City Public Schools; (3) Public Relations and Business Development consultant to help branding efforts for the city of Staunton, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, American Shakespeare Center, and Emmanuel Episcopal Church; and (4) Director of Development at SAFE Haven of Racine, WI, where I handled fiscal and human resource development for non-profit [501(c)3)] youth advocacy and child welfare organization. I generated publicity, grants, funding requests, endowment fund and capital campaign contributions from government, civic and fraternal organizations, churches, corporations and religious groups ... represented the organization both in writing and through public speaking ... recruited, interviewed and set hiring standards for staff members and worked one-on-one with themto create personal development plans targeting their personal goals and professional objectives. Created newsletter and Web site content, direct mail fundraising campaigns, press releases, policy guidelines and procedure manuals.

CEO of full-service marketing, public relations and business communications firm with 20 employees and over two dozen clients. Formulated comprehensive public relations plans and promotional campaigns to mobilize support for identified objectives. Generated publicity through press releases; feature article placements; product, service, institutional, advocacy advertising; and public service announcements. Conducted market research, readership surveys, membership audits, focus groups, and opinion polls. Wrote, edited, designed, and produced newsletters, magazines, annual reports, promotional brochures, collateral sales materials, and other business publications. Arranged special events, press conferences, and newspaper/radio/television exposure. Developed Web sites and online content. Organized publicity and program materials for trade shows, conferences, conventions.Contracted to provide public relations, marketing, and business communication consultant services to the City of Staunton (VA); Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library; American Shakespeare Center; American Express; USA Today; Specialty Graphic & Imaging Association; American Physical Therapy Association; City of Manassas (Virginia); George Mason University; Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters & Laminators; Messianic Vision; Institute of Industrial Launderers; Harris Insurance; Key Properties; Broadcast Media Legal Services; Taberna del Alabardero (Spanish restaurant); law firms of McCabe and Allen, Compton & Duling, and Samuel Jay Levine; Conference Management Corporation; Future Business Leaders of America; Universal Aid for Children; Flexible Packaging Association; Central Union Mission; National League of Cities; Council of Better Business Bureaus; American Health Care Consultants; Opticians Association of America; American Society of Association Executives; Greater Washington Society of Association Executives; Greco Remodelers; Digital Printing Association.