Well, volunteering is encouraged, whenever possible. However, it has been a good use of time, during my unemployment. In years past while working, I have volunteered for the Oregon Humane Society, Bus Project, Abby's Table, Obama campaign-voter registration, and various music festivals (Kinetik, Convergence 13, SXSW, and CMJ)
I'm planning in the next few months to volunteer at these upcoming events:
Bite of Oregon-http://www.biteoforegon.com/volunteer.html
TBA-http://www.pica.org/tba/tba10/overview.aspx
Triton Festival-http://tritonfestival.com
The benefits of volunteering are:
1. You feel morally engaged with your community by giving back
2. You get free admission to most of the events you volunteer for- YAY
3. You can make great contacts for networking
Most of all, I have made so many friends and connected to a diverse group of people, I don't think I'd otherwise be exposed to. Also, I have learned so many interesting organization and human management
skills from viewing the event management inside out. It's quite extraordinary to watch an event go from crazy behind the scenes mayhem to a successful outsiders viewpoint.
In closing, unemployment has been interesting. I strongly suggest, to all out there dealing with the same issue, to make good use of your time. It can become a time of catching up on much needed chores around the house. In the process don't get down, or at least let yourself have limited depression time. To find money: try a garage sale, cash in on your points for credit cards and other plans you probably have (I had a flex medical plan at work), and get yourself registered with discounted food, utility, etc plans. Unemployment is not something we all plan to be long term, but it's never good to blow through all of your savings if you don't need to.
