We just posted on using athletics as a way to find a job, while also getting in shape. A growing number of the laid-off are turning to another two-for-one strategy: Helping others in need through volunteering, while hopefully helping themselves by gaining career experience, contacts or job leads. For some, it may even mean a new career when the economy does turn around, as The Wall Street Journal’s Dana Mattioli reports today.
Take Laine Seaton, who was laid off from her development-management position for an Arizona nonprofit in December. According to today’s article, Ms. Seaton, 41, now volunteers about 35 hours a week at five nonprofits. She says that beyond supporting causes she cares about, she’s been able to nurture skills that will help her find a new position. One volunteer post, for example, involves setting up a fund-raising plan, grant writing and strategic planning; she plans to add these skills to her résumé and tout them in interviews. Continued...http://tinyurl.com/cv7ufb
So, think about ways you can volunteer, whether you have a job or are transitioning. In our own community, there is the Volunteer Center of New Trier Township: http://www.volunteercenterntt.org/new/index.php
On March 18th, there will be a special Volunteer Ability Forum entitled "How Volunteers with Disabilities Can Help Organizations Fulfill Their Missions"
Leaders of community non-profit organizations and persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend the Volunteer Ability Forum on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at the North Shore Senior Center, located at 161 Northfield Road in Northfield. Co-Sponsored by The Volunteer Center and New Trier Township, the Forum begins at 4:00 p.m. and concludes at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the event is to uncover the untapped resource of available, willing and able individuals to help organizations further their important work through volunteerism.
A panel discussion on effective practices for including persons with disabilities in volunteer opportunities will feature authorities in the disability community and self-advocates with disabilities. Moderated by Jane Doyle, Executive Director of Independent Futures, the panel includes:
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Alan Goldberg, Trustee, New Trier Township, noted advocate for the disability movement, former Chair of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs of the United States Department of Education as well as on the staff of The President’s Committee on Excellence in Special Education.
JJ Hanley, Founder, JJs List (www.jjslist.com) where people with disabilities review businesses and services.
Ken Bellis, Division Manager, Adult Learning Program of Search, Inc. a community-based non-profit providing personalized support services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Karen Noonan, Director of Programs & Support Services Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED), and Jan Sonderman, Program Supervisor from North Shore Academy, will present with young adult volunteers. NSSED is a special education joint agreement between 16 elementary and 4 high school districts to improve the quality of life for students with special needs.
The event will also provide an opportunity for networking with leaders of community organizations and persons with disabilities who volunteer or are seeking volunteer opportunities. For more information, contact Barb Tubekis, event coordinator, at 847-441-7665 or via e-mail VolunteerNTT@aol.com. For more information, go to http://www.volunteercenterntt.org/new/static_page.php?mode=62
For more information about joining others who are interested in "doing well by doing good" please contact Jeanne Beckman at winnetkacommons@jeannebeckman.com
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