Invitation to the Newly Unemployed

[Les Squires]

Good morning,

They reported on the news yesterday morning that 71,000 people were laid off across the U.S. the day before. Deep breath! And very best to each of you in creating suitable futures for you, your home and your family!

What would you think of this.... If you, or somebody you know, is affected by layoffs, would you be interested in spending a 1-2 hours a day working with others around the country who are interested in rebuilding the resilience of our local communities, addressing climate change, strengthening our local economies, identifying and nurturing transition initiatives....

The transitioners at http://transitionus.ning.com and http://transitioncolorado.ning.comwill most likely not be able to assist in your job search per se, but they will surely welcome you at the door and engage with you as you apply your passions and skills to the momentous issues we all share.

To learn more, please visit http://transitionus.ning.com/notes/Help_--_Who_We_Are and pick your issues -- to name a few, the economy, local production, sustainability, renewable energy, efficient and resilient communities, zero waste, local currencies. Register and introduce yourself. Meet like-minded neighbors. Start discussions. Announce events. Introduce your local groups. Organize your community. Get together with new people to create new organizations -- perhaps even find new work. Moreover, if your interests would take you in a different direction, and you see some value in the approach taken here, I’ll be delighted to assist you to create a community of your own choosing. Share that beautiful part of yourself that no pink slip can ever take away.

Yes we can!

Les Squires
http://transitionus.ning.com
http://transitioncolorado.ning.com
LSquiresSkype

[christij]

Les's letter was in my inbox this morning and the theme is exactly what I was thinking about for my letter to the editor. My county will be close to the national unemployment average and MO unemployment checks are weeks behind. I am sure across the nation there are cities/towns/counties that are facing a similar reality. I really feel this movement gives us a chance to take part in what is happening to us - anything from empowering us to immediate action by putting a hoe in our hand to a time of reflection about when we lost the ability to provide ourselves within our own communities our basic neccesities.

What about a national letter to the editor campaign as concerned transitioners? Letters that address the economic challenges we face while welcoming those interested in building local resilience in our communites.

[Jed Diamond]

I think its a great idea to have a forum where people who are out of work, or know people who are, can come together to discuss "the upside of down."

In retrospect I can see I was fortunate when I had a medical emergency in 1991 and could no longer work as I had before.

My wife and I moved to Willits, California and began to network with others who wanted to support each other in this small, creative community of 15,000 people.

In 2004 we began to address Peak Oil and Climate Change as a community and started WELL the Willits Economic LocaLization) network.

This year we are focusing on "food" and food security. We have created a local currency backed by something real, healthy, and tasty.

Unlike the $10 bill with the picture of Alexander Hamilton, our first Secretary of the Treasury, on it, which is backed by....nothing--my Mendo $10 bill is backed by my choice of one of the following:

11 pounds of pinto beans
11 pounds of brown rice
11 pounds of white rice
17 pounds of triticale.

Feels good to be carrying "money" around that really means something, is locally supported, and benefits the local community. It also feels good to know that in times of trouble I have secured a supply of healthy, life-enhancing, food.

Our other major project is the book I am writing:

Post-Petroleum Stress Disorder: How to Survive and Grow Rich When the Ship of Civilization Sinks, which will give people the tools they need to make the transition off the sinking ship of "civilization," on to sustainable "arks," and finally into a new world that is truly healthy and sustainable for all.

For those who would like to hear more about our work you can contact me at [e-mail]

[Alice Kelsey]

I just read your email entitled "Invitation to the Newly Unemployed". I too was shocked (& scared) to hear that statistic this morning. This is a wonderful response, especially the phrase "...Share that beautiful part of yourself that no pink slip can ever take away." You're a great guy, Les. We're so lucky to have you with us on this journey. Alice

[Iver Lofving]

I just did the transition training in Boston and found out that 2 of my friends were unemployed. They both were going through some changes. What to do? There are more jobs down there, but their burn rate is higher too, since it costs a lot more to live down there. Is it a good idea to buy a doomstead with your money or to hunker down in the urban areas where the jobs are? I don't know.

My job is uncertain because of budget cuts too. I may be wrestling with these issues soon too.