Yes, I am unemployed.  Yes, I am over 55.  Yes, I volunteer.   I am practicing "Recession Proof Ethics". 

Having previously coordinated a corporate volunteer program, I was keenly aware of the need out in my community for volunteer help.  Blending my personal desire to find worth in my daily activities along with the extra time I had while not job hunting, I found reaching out to a few local non-profit agencies was just what I needed.

Yes, selfishly I have to say "I need them" maybe more than they need me.  I have varied skillsets, able to volunteer in various types of areas, but where I found my niche is (believe it or not...) in Social Media.  Setting up a communication plan and implementating it with willing 501 3c's has been keeping me keen and involved in my field.

Success is easy to measure, I watch their Facebook Fan Pages grow, they get markedly more requests for brochures and info (~from non-locals), donations come via PayPal...how great is that!

I was priviledged to sit through a formal "Volunteer Orientation" last night with one of the agencies.  I realized why I  volunteer. 

• It is a "RUSH".
• I feel good about doing it. 
• I like helping those who are not able to help themselves. 
• I like sharing knowledge/teaching "Give a person a fish and he eats for one night, teach a person to fish and he eats for a lifetime" (chinese proverb).
• I can put in as much or as little time as I want.
• I can see results.
• I can eat... (2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.)

Ok, so maybe I am stretching it a little talking about the eating part...but I do appreciate having an opportunity to produce.  So I am encouraging you out there, challenging you...whether you work, are unemployed, retired, whatever position you find yourself in today...FIND THAT VOLUNTEER OPENING THAT ONLY YOU IN ALL YOUR UNIQUENESS CAN FILL AND PRACTICE RECESSION PROOF ETHICS.