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January 30, 2009
Prepare for The Future During A Down Job Market
In his inaugural speech, President Obama extolled Americans and the world, to be of service to others in whatever ways each of us can.
On the Mall at the inauguration in Washington DC where despite heavy security, nobody got angry or temperamental. There was no violence. No arrests. People held hands, helped each other and were inspired by the hope and a sense of community espoused by the President.
It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. From the youngest child to the oldest senior citizen each of us can be of service to someone else. Being of service to one another, by being kind to one another does not have to be the grandest gesture or megabucks donated in a check.
We have discussed the value of volunteering many times and looked at how you can use that experience to connect to others and form a social network or a community, as well as, gain work experience and develop skills that will help you later on.
You can access those discussions by searching for the word 'volunteer' in the eSight archives.
In addition, here are two volunteer resources worth investigating:
Or you can check out volunteer resources in your own community by calling 211 in your city or town or village. Or by checking out the volunteer activities available at your school, college or university or around your community.
One last positive aspect of being of service to someone else besides yourself is that helping others contributes to your own sense of well being as well as your own happiness.
It is worth repeating that despite the worsening economy you are not alone. The entire globe is experiencing job losses and lay–offs, so you shouldn't feel isolated and desperate or let this effect your sense of self-worth, efficacy or self-respect.
This is the time as Marten Tegnestam, a member of the eSight team, has often said to "invest in yourself." It is a time to review and update your skills and go back to school if you need to.
To help support you in your efforts to advance your education, Lighthouse International is now accepting applications for our 2009 Scholarship and Career Awards. Please share the following information with anyone you know who can benefit from it.
There are three categories and each carries a $5,000 prize:
- College-Bound,
- Undergraduate, and
- Graduate.
A total of five Scholarships will be awarded across those three categories. The criteria for eligibility are that applicants:
- Must be legally blind (i.e., have a best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees in the better eye).
- Must be US citizens, and reside and attend an accredited school in any of the following states: CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, WV and VT, or Washington, DC.
Proof of citizenship will be required of all winners.
Scholarships are based on academic and personal achievements and candidates are not required to demonstrate financial need.
Previous winners (in any category) of Lighthouse Scholarships, current Lighthouse employees and members of their immediate families are ineligible.
You can learn more about the Lighthouse Scholarship and Career Awards program and download an application at http://www.lighthouse.org/sca
Please note: The 2009 application deadline is Sunday, March 1, 2009 by 11:59 pm.
If you have any questions regarding the Scholarship and Career Awards program, please email us at sca@lighthouse.org
Gain experience by volunteering. Apply for scholarships. Enhance your education. What other ways can you "invest in yourself" and prepare for the future during a down job market?
Add your comments to this posting
Posted by Liz Seger at January 30, 2009 10:08 AM
Comments
With the changes in Administration, there have been many and are likely continue to be, free Webcast on a variety of policy issues and/or changes sponsored by Federal agencies. All one needs to attend is an internet connection and, about an hour to listen-in.
Thus far, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), U.S. Department of Agriculture and ODEP have offered a variety of Webcast including:
-ADA Ammendments (2008) and Employer Readiness to Changes
-Universal Design for Website Accessibility and Section 508 Compliance
-New Assistive Technologies, Potential for Workforce Integration
Once the "live" Webcast has concluded, it is available to view on the particular Website at the individual's convenience along with downloadable handouts from the presentation. A search of any of the Federal government Websites related to constituent services or, disability can provide this wealth of information which, can add to the individuals knowledge base and, their potential value to a perspective employer
Posted by: James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA, CPM at February 23, 2009 11:42 AM