Some of the most important and fulfilling work that our members can do during their job search is to volunteer their time and energy in worthwhile community activities.  Volunteering makes you feel good.  And, at the same time, you are able to network with great people.

If you are looking for a great non-profit organization to help, we have provided a list of a few organizations that we recommend you check out.

For more information on volunteering for please contact Jeff Zimmerman, Community Volunteer Leader, Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 614-787-2444

Filling the Time between Jobs…Productively!

By Kathy Keshemberg, NCRW, CCMC  

We’ve all seen the reports; it’s taking (on average) three months to land a new gig. So what do you do with your time (besides look for a new job)? How will you answer the interview question, “What have you been doing since leaving your last employer?” Here are some ideas …

Volunteer — There are a multitude of organizations in your community who exist solely on the hours donated by volunteers. Not only is this an opportunity to make a difference by sharing your time and expertise, it’s also a great way to network. You’re not just “telling” what you can do, you’re demonstrating. Plus, it will be a rewarding life experience!

Internship — Typically reserved for new college grads, there is a growing trend of adults seeking internships to explore/learn about careers to transition into. You have the opportunity to learn first-hand the requirements of your new career path, but also it’s a foot in the door for possible full-time employment. Since an internship is a low-pay or no-pay position, the hours will be flexible so you can continue your job search activities.

Continuing Education — With technology and the work place changing so rapidly, taking a class to update or learn new skills, or beginning an advanced degree program is an excellent use of your time. This activity will demonstrate to your future employer that you are a life-long learner and that you are staying current within your area of expertise.

Leadership — Become involved in your trade association, community organizations, or other professional groups, but rather than simply attend meetings, accept a leadership role. Serve on the board of directors, chair a committee, spearhead an event – any of these activities will give you visibility and the chance to showcase your skills.

Consultant — Accept short-term consulting jobs, either for pay, as a volunteer, or even on a barter basis. The terms of your involvement don’t need to show up on your resume, but the experience and results you deliver will be impressive.

Job Seekers Group — Job search is a lonely activity! Meeting on a regular basis with a group of your peers in the same situation is a good way to gain support and to network.

Enjoy Yourself — Looking for work is a stressful time, so be sure to take time for you! Tackling some of those projects you didn’t have time to do while working will give you a real sense of accomplishment. And while finances are often tight during this time, there are plenty of low-cost activities you can do with your family such as bicycling, hiking, working out, or home organization projects. Taking time away from your job search is imperative for your sanity!

Columbus 8^th in Nation for Volunteering

Business First of Columbus, June 17^th 2010

A new federal report pegs the Columbus area as one of the best cities in the nation for volunteering, its rate of involvement surpassing the national average.

The annual Volunteering in America report, produced by the Corporation for National & Community Service, shows that 31.9 percent of residents in the metropolitan statistical area volunteer, based on an average using 2007-09 data. That accounts for about 410,000 volunteers.

The metro ranked eighth in the nation for its volunteer rate. It finished a slot higher at No. 7 for the average 43.4 hours per resident logged each year, translating into about $1.2 billion in annual service.

Despite the economic crisis, the national volunteer rate went up to 26.8 percent last year, with 63.4 million volunteers donating about 8.1 billion hours of service worth $169 billion, according to the report. Ohio ranked 21st nationwide with a volunteer rate of 29.6 percent.

Volunteering data used in the annual report are gathered through the Current Population Survey, conducted monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Volunteers are defined as individuals ages 16 and over who perform unpaid activities for or through an organization.

Volunteerism Increases at Highest Rate in 6 years 

By – Debra E. Blum 

The number of Americans who volunteer grew last year at the fastest rate in six years, according to a new report, defying the popular notion that hard economic times suppress civic participation. 

The report, released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service, says that 63.4 million adult Americans­—nearly 27 percent of the population—volunteered to help charitable causes last year. That’s an increase from 2008 of roughly 1.6 million volunteers, the largest single-year jump since 2003. 

In total, 2009’s volunteers donated about 8.1 billion hours of service, valued at nearly $169-billion, says the report, which is based on annual and monthly surveys of roughly 100,000 Americans age 16 or older, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Last year’s figures defied expectations, according to the report, which pointed to the common assumption that when the economy goes sour, people turn inward to focus on their own circumstances. “The data, however, tell a different story,” the report says. 

An increase in volunteer rates among women ages 45 to 54 and among married women helped fuel the rise in volunteer numbers. Among black women, volunteer rates rose nearly two percentage points, to 22.8 percent. 

The organizations at which Americans chose to volunteer stayed fairly consistent between 2008 and 2009. As before, the largest percentage of Americans—more than one-third—volunteered at churches or with other religious groups. But the economic downturn may have stirred more people to donate their time to social-service organizations, which counted 8.8 million volunteers last year, up from 8.4 million in 2008.  

Economy’s Influence

The Corporation for National and Community Service’s report also drew some links between the economy and the varying rates of volunteering across the country. Among large metropolitan areas, for example, four of the five cities with the highest foreclosure rates last year—Las Vegas; Riverside, Cal.; Miami; and Orlando, Fla.—ranked in the bottom ten in volunteer rates among large cities. And, the report found, states with higher rates of unemployment—such as Michigan and Nevada—had lower rates of volunteering. 

But even as the hardships of unemployment spread throughout the country, a slightly bigger share of jobless people donated their time last year than in 2008—22.9 percent, up from 22.3 percent, representing 1.3 million additional volunteers. What’s more, jobless men showed a larger increase in their volunteer rate (17 percent to 18.2 percent ) than men who were employed (25.4 percent to 25.8 percent). 

Altogether, the most common volunteer activity was fund raising, with nearly 27 percent donating their time to raise money for charitable causes. Almost 24 percent of Americans collected and distributed food. 

The report also found that a growing number of Americans -- 20.7 million, up from 19.9 million in 2008 -- are volunteering in less-formal ways, such as by helping neighbors solve a problem.Patrick Corvington, the Corporation for National and Community Service's chief executive, estimates that likely even more people than the survey counted are engaged in efforts outside of the formal charity network. 

He says more people are responding to President Obama's call to service, and a large number of jobless people may be volunteering to gain work experience. The tough economy has also inspired some people to be more sympathetic with the plight of others. 

As Americans, Mr. Corvington says, "we tilt toward problems, rather than away from them."