This winter was a season of job searching after my consulting contract at DuPont was not renewed for 2009. As an example of the power of social media, Ken Grant (whom I did not know previously), responded to a “tweet” of mine on Twitter about my standing in the unemployment line. It started a conversation that continued off and on over a few weeks.
Eventually Ken got around to telling me that his church, Hockessin Baptist Church, was trying to get something started to help those in the local community who are out of work find a place for networking and support. It was funny because I too was approached by someone at Fellowship Church about doing something as well. One thing led to another, and I agreed to help Ken get something started by offering my technical talents.
The result was a network we have called Community Matters. The response has been great and this past week (after only 3 official meetings) we have had local press coverage in the News Journal, WDEL 1150 AM, and WHYY television. If you know of someone who is in transition, searching for a job, or who perhaps isn’t seeking for themselves but would like to offer help or just plain network with people in the community who have lots to offer, please direct them to the web site: CommunityMattersDE.net Here they will find a link for an online form that they can fill out to get connected with the group. They are meeting on Friday mornings at 9:30 at Hockessin Baptist Church, and also have workshops planned to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, perspective from a HR manager, computer skills, social networks, etc.
To learn more about the group, check out:
- WHYY Delaware Tonight leading story from March 6 (this link will be valid until Mar 13).
- The podcast from the WDEL Rick Jensen show on March 5. (part 1, part 2) I’m actually on the radio!
On a related note – my winter of job searching is over as of tomorrow. I’m starting a new job with a local company in West Chester, PA!