We've Got Time to Help

Last week, a really awesome organization was brought to my attention.  It called "We've Got Time to Help" (www.wevegottimetohelp.org).  The essence of the project is a website, whereon, people who need help post what they need help with, and people who have time (the unemployed basically) and want to be of service can get in touch with those in need.  As an analogy, its kind of like craigslist for charity.

You can get more details on how it got started here, but here is my quick version if you don't want to click another link (because your index finger is tired out from clicking our ads, duh):  After sinking into depression because of extended unemployment, Seth Reams decided to step away from the job search and go be of service in his community (he also needed a good kick in the behind from his girlfriend Michelle King).  This started the process which resulted in We've Got Time to Help.

When I heard about this project, I was blown away at how obvious it is.  The beauty of the site is that it dramatically lowers the barriers between those who want to help and those who need it.  Unemployment can be really bleak, and despite Fletch's assertion that you need to treat searching for work like a job (which is true), the process, when you're struggling to make traction can be really isolating.  What's a great way to break the depression/isolation cycle?  By stopping the active job search, but that's not enough.  You need to get out and do.  It doesn't matter, but you need to do something.  Preferably something social, and fulfilling.  And there is really nothing more fulfilling than being of service. 

I'm guessing the majority of our readers are in the NY area.  Right now, the site isn't operating in NY, but as I understand it, work is being done to get it going. 

But, the truth is, you don't need a site to be of service.  Fletch and I started this blog nine (9) days ago.  At the time, if you asked me why I were doing it, I'd probably have answered with something like "I don't know, I'm bored and I need to do something."  But, as we started writing more and more, I think a pretty clear tone is taking shape.  Writing everyday about the experience of our relative levels of unemployment (I say relative because for the time being, I am employed, just not as an attorney) really forces us to think about being unemployed.  And in thinking about it, the importance of our support systems (friends, family, loved ones, generous strangers) really starts to shine through.  There is no way I'd be as ok as I am with the uncertainty in my life right now without my support system.  But, again, the most important person in our support system is ourselves.  And no matter how wonderful those around us are, if, internally, we are not well, than the uncertainty of these times can eat you up from the inside.  And, one of the most incredible ways to maintain that necessary inner equilibrium is to go help somebody else.  Its incredible how well it work.