Here's an idea that I posted in August of 2010 - probably too late to get something organized behind it. I thought that given that our situation here in the U.S. hasn't changed and for many it even has gotten worse - that this would be a good time to re-post this idea. Seeing that the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon (JLMDT) will only be a shadow of its former self this year I don't feel as bad suggesting this and having such an event share the day with the JLMDT - maybe something like this can be pulled off.
Labor Day will be coming around shortly and what a better day to hold a National Jobs Telethon.
Think of it as a real "LABOR Day Telethon".
The theme of the telethon could be something on the order of "Put America Back to Work".
Essentially callers would call into the people handling the phones with - job opportunities - instead of cash donations. Maybe some large companies as well as web based job search companies could be coaxed into sponsoring such an event.
Even regular people (not companies) could call in with job opportunities to list 'around the house jobs' like painting, plumbing, electrical, remodeling, handyman type jobs, etc - as a way to transfer monies to people that will go out and spend it and kick start the economy. After all - a job is a job - and the money that is transferred would be pumped back into the economy.
This telethon could essentially be a national clearinghouse for all types of job opportunities around the country. I guess there would have to be a place where one could go to review the opportunities and apply for them. I know this would be a monumental undertaking. But just like the Jerry Lewis event - the states could have their own job listings - but National job listings would also be available for those people that are mobile and willing to move for a job. Companies and people would have to report back when a person was employed because of this telethon.
Human interest stories could be used to generate interest. They could be of people that have been out of work and the hardships they had to endure during this economic downturn in our country. Illustrate how hard it is for them to find a job and how they and their families are struggling to keep their heads above water. Focus on communities around this country (like Detroit) and how bad they've been hurt by this downturn. Tout new industries where a large job hiring potential exists (i.e, alternative energy,etc).
Such a telethon could also be used to feature American companies and encourage people to "Buy American".
Unemployment statistics could be discussed. And the big tote board would essentially be two boards - one for 'job opportunities called in' and a second for 'job placements as a result' (i.e., how many people benefited from the opportunities called in).
This event would have to be 'non-political' in order for it to really get support. It should center on 'patriotism' and U.S. jobs for Americans would be a way to get all parties involved. Who could argue with 'putting people back to work'. Appeal to the sense of patriotism to potential employers.
I really liked this idea last year and how neat it would be to get the whole country focused on jobs and getting this country back to work.
I'm thinking by making it non-political - it would embarrass some of the Pols in D.C. What a better way to do that but to have the American People organize such and event and show the Pols in D.C. how to get the job market rolling. We couldn't do any worse than they.
So I thought I'd re-surface this idea and put it out again here to DU and see what people on this board think.
Any comments and other ideas to make something like this type of event more meaningful and effective would be appreciated. Certainly the people here on DU are creative and could come up with other ideas that could make this even a better event.
Really folks - I posted this last year in the spirit of doing something good - try and keep your comments focused positively. I still think such an event would have merit. Even if it just opens peoples eyes to the really dire situation many Americans have been facing since this recession hit.
Here are some of the responses to my post from last year:
1. by tridim
Brilliant! Let's make it so.
2. by JDPriestly
Great idea. A televised job fair.
Would this be a simulcast around the nation? Would each local station accept job information and applicant information for its own area?
Wouldn't this require a lot of volunteers to process the information and answer phones?
This could work locally if not nationally.
And why not hold it on Labor Day Weekend? Seems to me that right now this might be more urgent than the Jerry Lewis thing? Maybe both could be held. Jerry Lewis asks for money. This would ask for job applicants and employers.
Problem is there isn't much time between now and Labor Day. How about doing this over Thanksgiving? Or is that too late?
3. by steve2470
excellent idea ! nt
4. by glowing
Actually, what would be better is for people looking for work to have their applications and any references (ie for the handy man jobs) in the database prior to the telethon. During the telethon, employers would call in jobs and what types and how much money and if it was temp or perm.. So say Mrs. Smith is pledging $500.00 for handiwork around her home for the week plus willing to pay for the supplies... Pledge is matched with a handi-man carpenter type in her area that has been pre-screened to make sure he/ she has work history related to type of work as well as a cleared background check (Mrs. Smith probably doesn't want a rapist in her home).
For the larger corporations, their call in could be like AT&T has pledged 100 temp jobs in such and such state and another 50 permanent in another state.. then the database would have to help mathc qualified candidates.
A very good software program would have to be created to match the types of jobs; the people pledging; and the qualifications.. but also be loose enough specs to allow for someone who does human resources to take a temp job as a secretary for 2 or 3 months in between looking for a more desirable position.
Another issue is that many corps will do a temp hire... maybe a month, then throw people back or use the situation to replace older employees with newer, desperate, cheaper employees.. Now, you have a whole new subset needing a new job.
5. by glowing (a follow-up to the one above)
You know what would be a really neat-o idea, is to have small businesses who need cash flow, put up their cash flow needs. People could pledge in money to keep the small business floating thru while the big banks decide they are unworthy of credit... The return on money pledged could be maybe % back (non-usary). If you pledge $100.00 into the business conglomerate, its a "donation" with a chance to see a return with small profit.... Similar to what they do with micro-lending in small countries; with less interest pd. You could put back into the pile; or take the money back. No big companies enter. A mini-wall st/ micro lending set up. Something like this would really pull resources away from the big banks and put some capital back into main st.. side-step the criminals completely.
6. by State the Obvious
Americans are at their best when they help others.....this could work!
We help other nations in times of need......maybe it's time to rally and help our fellow Americans.
7. by taupe
great idea This is a wonderfully creative idea. I like it!
8. by Buns_of_Fire
An "Americathon" for real -- I like it!
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AmericathonThe big hurdle might be what network would host it? I think it's a great idea, though...
9. by OneGrassRoot
I love it!!!
:applause:
Count me and Wishadoo in as you brainstorm further. :)
I've wanted to do a reverse telethon for a long time: Rather than have celebrities on stage, performing and manning the phones, asking regular people to donate what little funds they have, I want a telethon where regular, community heroes (with simulcasts from across the country) man the phones, local bands and others perform, and only those who can donate $5000k or more call in, with proceeds benefiting each local area as far as critical needs. Maybe it can be a combination of the two!
10. by jailthecrooks
What a great idea!
Hats off to ya.
The Gov't should reinstate the WPA which was a public works program in the 1930s that put people directly to work using gov't funds to pay their salaries. They built roads, bridges, dams, fixed up the national parks and a bunch of other things. It's time Obama quit waiting for big business to help out the economy. They aren't doing a thing to help. It's time to get people back to work and fix our infrastructure problems at the same time.
This telethon would be a great way to publicize it and fill the jobs.
11. by red red red (
Love it!... and, with ideas like that, I nominate you to be our next Congress Critter!
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