Next week’s column is one of those columns that will write itself. It will be the column celebrating our 35th anniversary. I’m not sure what I’ll write, but I know it will flow. But this week?
Whenever I’m on deadline for this column and have writer’s block, I ask my Facebook friends to give me some ideas. They have never failed me yet.
This time, Rob Pelikan suggested the following: “A lot of LGBT community members are unemployed at this time. Rather than sit home, they should volunteer for local charities (MANNA, hospice, etc.). It’s a great way to boost morale, network and maybe find a new job or learn some skills along the way. Plus it looks damn good on a résumé. Maybe a column with some organizations in need of bodies or any great productive ways to spend your free time. Just a thought.”
This community always seems to present itself as a high-income group but, like the rest of the nation, we are also going through a recession. Members of our community are without jobs as well. If you’re one of them, first realize it isn’t you, it’s the recession. Then prepare yourself for the future growth of the U.S. Yes, I believe it will happen and, while you’re waiting, a little volunteerism wouldn’t hurt.
All LGBT nonprofits need assistance. (If they say they don’t, they have bad leadership.) There’s also a multitude of work you could do that is professional and would enhance your own possibilities in the workforce. Let’s look at just a few.
Youth development: working with the great folks at The Attic Youth Center to foster the next generation of our community. The numerous senior programs now underway in the community. What about working on health issues for Mazzoni Center, political work at Liberty City or on one of the campaigns of a candidate who has supported this community? MANNA needs people, from drivers to kitchen helpers. Or you could learn to cook — their meals are delicious, by the way. For HIV/AIDS, there are too many organizations to mention. What about education and working with those who work with the school board? Or Gay Pride and/or Black Pride? The sports organizations, with everything from softball to football. Gay tourism.
These are only a few. There are many more. In fact, it would take up more than one column to list them all. So no matter what your interest, rather than sitting home being bored or beating yourself up, do something that by the end of the day will make you proud and your community stronger.
Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media, and recently received the 2010 Columnist of the Year Award from the 2,000-member Suburban Newspapers of America. He can be reached at [email protected].