Lauren Lamonica

I had an idea and wanted to get feedback about it. Many of my friends have recently become unemployed. These are San Francisco professionals with experience in marketing, web development, graphic design, writing and music creation (and those are just my friends). While we’re out of work, why not use this time for Ad hoc Education, cheap social outings, and make some deals with retailers, restaurants and coffee shops (with free wifi) to network and teach others our skills?

Main objectives of this program:

1. Networking
2. Job and skill training
3. Stimulating the economy by throwing local vendor some business
4. Filling a gap in employment history with an official agenda
5. Giving back, even when you have nothing to give

NETWORKING: You may have just lost your job, but your previous employer may still be in need of a web developer. Your web developer friend may know someone who needs a project manager. Etc. Also, when we get back on our feet, we’ll remember who was with us in the trenches.

JOB AND SKILL TRAINING: I’m in grad school at SF State working on my MBA part-time. I could share my acquired knowledge and hundreds of dollars in textbooks with those looking to learn about project management theory, flowcharting, basic web design, and UX design. I’d like to learn: backend web design, SQL, and PHP. I’d like to find a model for some figure drawing sessions, someone to teach me how to play the guitar, and learn how to make a killer osso buco.

STIMULATING THE ECONOMY: I live on Union St. in Cow Hollow and all I see is "70% off" in every store window. I haven’t been out for a coffee in weeks as I’ve been drinking green tea at home, to save money. Well, what if this "club" had a discount card for certain shops, coffee shops, and hosted discounted lunches for meetings? These businesses are suffering too, and could use the bump.

EMPLOYMENT GAP: What did you do while you were unemployed? Did you finally get to watch the last season of 90210? (That’s a confession) Did you volunteer? What if you were a part of this Ad hoc Educational Coalition, which gave you the opportunity to teach as well as learn? That’s a pretty good story.

GIVING BACK: You finally have the time to do it.

While you consider this idea, check out one of my favorite new blogs, Unemploymentality , and join the group Depression 2.0! on Facebook. If you decide not to jump of the Golden Gate Bridge, please leave a comment for encouragement…