Unemployed? Why Not Volunteer?

Published March 02, 2009 @ 12:00PM PT

One of our most frequent and terrific commenters, Leatrice, is unemployed. While she looks for a job, she's also signed up to be a Home Defender. (I'm so proud!)

Leatrice is not alone here:

"Anecdotal evidence indicates that some among the swelling ranks of the unemployed -- the U.S. jobless rate hit a 16-year high of 7.6 percent and is expected to climb -- are offering their services for free to nonprofits ranging from church-run food pantries to groups that assign mentors to children.

...Unemployment triggers a whole set of struggles from how to pay bills and put food on the table to finding something to do while applying for other jobs. Volunteering can fill a gap in job history and supplies the answer to an interviewer's question, 'what have you been doing?'"

As you hopefully know, Change.org connects activists with non-profits around social justice issues. Many of these non-profits are equally hard hit in this downturn. If you've got time and skills to spare, consider connecting with non-profits in your community as a volunteer. Cities like Boston have organizations like BostonCares, which connect volunteers with specific projects. It's a great way to help out and meet new people. For those of you who are taking the time to really figure out what's next, there's longer-term volunteer commitments like AmeriCorps that also provide modest educational stipends.

(Photo of NY Cares volunteers by duluoz cats)

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Comments (3)

For those living in Maine - check out www.volunteermaine.org
It's put up by the United Way and I believe other states have similar sites - try looking through the United Ways in your area, or perhaps your state has a dial 211 program.
There are so many opportunities out there.

Posted by Jeremy Keith Hammond on 03/03/2009 @ 05:16AM PT
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Leigh Graham is right on. Volunteering also keeps you looking and feeling positive and optimistic - always a bonus in the hiring process!

Posted by Michelle Barber on 03/03/2009 @ 05:25AM PT
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Hi Leigh,

I am humbled by your kind words. I just saw my name in your Blog. I'm still unemployed but guess what, its Springtime in South Florida.

LOCAL BROWARD COUNTY NEWS: Foreclosures are at an all time high and it's a buyers market down here.

CONSUMER WATCH: Floridians should watch out for fraudulent foreclosure rescue and loan modification offers, warns Attorney General Bill McCollum.
THE SHARKS ARE COMING OUT OF THE WATER:
"Florida homeowners need to be very cautious and should know that Florida law prohibits any company or individual from charging up-front fees for foreclosure rescue or loan modification services."

The Attorney General urged homeowners facing foreclosure or mortgage payments in default to contact their lenders directly before reaching out to a third party. Consumers also should avoid any business that seeks to charge for services related to the new Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan initiated by the President.

Lenders and mortgage servicers can provide information about negotiating a new payment schedule or about homeowners' eligibility for loan modification under the new federal plan. Services under this initiative will be provided at no cost to consumers.
Check http://www.financialstability.gov/ for more information.

I am looking forward to attending ACORN'S Home Defenders session this weekend. Volunteering is a rewarding experience and I enjoy meeting new friends that share common interest.

When the going gets tough, the "tough" volunteer.

Posted by leatrice brantley on 03/03/2009 @ 08:28PM PT
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Author

Leigh is a PhD candidate in urban planning at MIT, and a consultant on U.S. Gulf Coast recovery. She sits on the Board of the Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation in Boston, and has worked with non-profits, foundations and local governments on policies and programs aimed at reducing urban poverty and inequality.