SHiFT Resources __________________________________________________
 |
Here you'll find a range of resources to support you in the search for more meaning in life and work. Seven categories: Encore Careers ... Jobs ... Volunteerism, Internships, Civic Activism ... SHiFT News ... Environmental Sustainability ... Health & Wellness ... and Off Center Stuff. There's also a directory of SHiFT Sponsors.
Each category offers an example or two, with links to archives on sub-pages.
Focus On: Encore Careers
Social + Security = Encore Careers
We're on the cusp of a breakthrough that could reduce the nation's budget deficit, restore individuals personal finances, and unleash a tremendous pool of talent on some of our biggest challenges: education, climate change, health, and poverty.
So says David Bank of Encore.org, who proposes three new initiatives on his Encore Careers blog.
Flaunt Your Experience
At age 64, Bart Kendrick became bored with retirement. In July, he started a job as a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working to promote broadband in rural communities.
His job search was brief -- and resulted in six strong leads. "I had to cancel five interviews," Kendrick said. "Anyone who says there are no jobs out there is full of hot air. Experience makes a difference — flaunt it."
 |
Archive for Encore Careers
Focus On: Jobs
A One-Stop Job Shop
Finally! A single location for multiple resources. Created by the unemployed ... for the unemployed.
►
Visit the Members pages for more ...
Five Million New Jobs ... Who Will Fill Them?
If the baby boom generation retires in the same way as current older workers, the baby bust generation that follows will likely be too small to fill many of the projected 5 million potential new jobs.
Nearly half of those jobs would be in the social sector: education, health care, government and nonprofit organizations. Who will fill them? Boomers 55 and older are likely candidates.
►
View the reports by MetLife ...
►
Read a NY Times piece on Encore Careers ...
It's Not Coal Mining
The current generation of 50somethings wants to keep working. And for the majority who are doing work requiring more brain than brawn, it won't hurt. "You're not mining coal; you can handle it," says Robert Skladany, an expert in older-workforce issues and vice president of research at retirementjobs.com.
But wanting a job and finding one are two different things. Newsweek magazine offers some tips for finding the job that will take you through the early years of your "retirement."
Focus On: Volunteerism, Internships, Civic Activism
Your Volunteer Job: Hit the Reset Button
In the Old Days, volunteers said: "Here I am. What do you want me to do?" The all-too-frequent result: a task that nobody else wants to take on.
Today's volunteers are more likely to say: "Here's what I love to do. And this is what I'm good at." In other words, they create —
rather than simply react.
Making Big Change with Pocket Change
.aspx)
In a time of economic downturn, the success of a burgeoning charitable organization might seem unlikely. But University of Minnesota staff member Eric Schnell is seeking to turn the tide of generosity, one dollar at a time.
The organization's mission is to alleviate poverty by raising large numbers of small donations. Its core message suggests donating just 99 cents.
Archive for Volunteerism, Interships, Civic Activism
Focus On: SHiFT
New Membership Benefit
SHiFT announces an exciting new Members program: discounts on health care services and popular consumer products. Save money on doctor visits, health care, dental and vision, prescription drugs. Purchase office supplies, computer equipment, and travel packages at affordable prices.
►
Click here to review the plans ...
New in SHiFT Member Resources
A website created by the unemployed … for the unemployed. A simple, straight-forward, one-stop shop for information on jobs, training and more: housing, health care, food, money, transportation, bargains and leisure time.
To the greatest degree possible, the sites listed are not time sensitive. SHiFT Members: sign in and check it out.
Join the SHiFT Time Bank
The core values of a Time Bank — reciprocity, social capital, respect, redefining work — resonate with our times to create a new brand of wealth. And new opportunity.
Here's how it works. SHiFT Members earn credits for their volunteer time and exchange those credits with other Time Bank members for services. It's the intersection of "What Can I Offer?" with "What Do I Need?" Want to participate? Learn More, and then Join ShiFT!
► Read a Minneapolis Star Tribune article on TimeBanking, featuring SHiFT Members Linda Bardes and Gary Johnson —
our TimeBank Coordinator.
Promote Your Business with SHiFT
Attention SHiFT Members: Got a business, product or service? Want some support in promoting it? Now you can tell our website visitors about it. We’ll help you with descriptions, photos, illustrations, etc.
To get started, contact Liz Willis.
SHiFT Member Pages Now Open
.aspx)
Member Directory ... Forum Podcasts ... Online Discussions ... Time Bank ... and a SHiFT Calendar.
Join our virtual community. Registration is a snap. Just click on the "Members" link at the top of any web page.
Welcome to the SHiFT Store
We're now an Amazon.com Associate Seller. Through the SHiFT Store, you can purchase books, music, and other items which relate to our core message: Move to Meaning in Life and Work. (Hint, hint: we also receive a small commission for every book we help sell.)
We'll also feature books recommended by you. To start, we've selected a number of timely books selected by our "librarian" — Liz Willis.
► To get started, Click Here ...
Archives for SHiFT Stories ...
Focus On: Health and Wellness
10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy
In the last few years, psychologists and researchers have been digging up hard data on a question previously left to philosophers: What makes us happy? Things like money, attitude, culture, memory, health, altruism, and our day-to-day habits all affect our well-being.
Without further ado: here are 10 scientifically proven strategies for getting happy.
Archives for Health and Wellness ...
Focus On: Environmental Sustainability
At Best Buy, Electric Motorcycles Go Mainstream
It's official: the Brammo Enertia, a much-hyped electric urban commuter bike, hit a Best Buy store last month in Portland, Oregon, and will expand to other locations nationwide soon.
The Enertia, which goes up to 50 mph and charges in three hours from a regular AC outlet, is an entry-level vehicle priced at $11,995. While the price may not be right for casual browsers, it's an enticing option for first-time motorcycle buyers.
Archives for Environmental Sustainability ...
Off Center Stuff
Money Uncomplicated
.aspx)
Wanna know how people like yourself save and spend their money? Peek over his or her shoulder. Go ahead, you know you want to. You can even compare by age, location, or income.
What spending type are you? Is your mate a Thrill Jockey? The answers are here.
Archives for Off Center Stuff ...