Related: Downturn inspires an uptick in volunteerism
Ranks of unemployed workers fuel a surge in volunteerism
With fewer giving of their time, firms should aid volunteerism
So the PAPER LIED, huh?
Also see: Mass. Companies to Mandate Workers For Government Service
Why would they need to do that if workers are flooding the places?
"Volunteerism swells as jobless, students seek meaning" by John M Guilfoil, Globe Staff | February 3, 2010
FRAMINGHAM - Harmin Linares, 56, was actually between jobs. Laid off from IBM in 2005 after 25 years at the computing giant, he won and lost two more positions to layoffs while trying to relaunch his career. But rather than settle for a less meaningful job outside his industry, Linares has spent the last five months donating his time and skills to the American Cancer Society, where he’s creating a centralized resource to refer patients to support groups, free rides to treatments, cancer-related literature, and overnight stays for their families in Hope Houses throughout New England.
Yeah, it's not like YOU deserve BILLIONS in BAILOUTS, American.
That is ONLY for BANKS!!!!
Linares said the project allows him to focus on something other than his daily search for a job. “When you’re in a situation, as so many are nowadays, without a job, it becomes increasingly difficult day-to-day to deal with the reality,’’ he said.
Hey, the PAPER doesn't do such a good job, either!
And I know how he feels; why do you think I'm here everyday?
Charities say they have recruited a number of professionals who offer their services for free while looking for a “real’’ job. “We have definitely seen an increase in volunteerism, particularly among displaced workers, college students, and a lot of recent college graduates,’’ said Karen Rouse, a Cancer Society spokeswoman. “They’re looking for meaning, and they want to expand their skills and network.’’
That can NOT BE GOOD! Out of college and NO JOB, huh?
Yeah, I KNOW what it feels like to have a WORTHLESS DEGREE, too!!!!
With unemployment reaching 9.4 percent in Massachusetts in December, the highest in 33 years, nonprofits said they’ve definitely noticed the trend....
“A lot of people have additional time on their hands, and they are looking to do something useful and meaningful and fulfilling with that time,’’ said Patrice Keegan, the executive director of Boston Cares, which sends volunteers to about 300 nonprofits and schools. “They want to be useful, and they don’t want to sit at home and feel sorry for themselves.’’
Speak for yourself, s***ter!
Dorchester native John Lyons, a 2009 Northeastern University graduate, was an intern at the New England Aquarium in 2007, and returned after he graduated as an unpaid volunteer....
Lyons lives at his parents’ home in Dorchester, and is often on the Web, researching potential aquarium or national park postings in the hope of finding a paying job doing what he now does for free.
Oh, DON'T I KNOW that feeling!!
In fact, this is COSTING ME MONEY!!
Some job seekers volunteer to hone their skills or build a resume, and make themselves more attractive to potential employers. Rouse said she’s noticed an upswing in what she calls cafeteria volunteerism - a trend toward short-term commitments that offer the chance to expand or learn new skills while looking for work.
“They also want a situation they can extricate themselves from,’’ said Keegan, of Boston Cares. “If they do get a job, they don’t want to feel like they are abandoning something.’’
Don Pinkerton, 51, was laid off from his job in the finance industry last year. He started volunteering at the aquarium in April; he was recently hired as a biology teacher in Salem, said Caitie Peterson, a spokeswoman for the aquarium.
WTF? The aquarium the only place the Glob went?
That can create a dilemma for nonprofits that lose a valued volunteer once a good job offer comes along. Even though the aquarium usually asks for a six-month commitment, it has lost some volunteers who have found other jobs.
“Our philosophy is really to make long-term investments with people,’’ said Mona Chang, manager for volunteer programs.
Nonprofits reported that a number of volunteers still donate their services simply because they see the need, especially in the current economy....
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Like that happy horse s*** article with a smiley-face on it, readers?
