The ENDespair Project: Hope & Healing To Transform the World of
Work
The ENDespair Project
Hope and Healing to Transform the World
of
Work
Mission. This project was
created to foster discussion about the impact of downsizing, ease despair
about work, increase social responsibility, empower people and prepare them
for change. It is for anyone--whether
presently employed, unemployed, in a job or career transition--who is
sensitive to the psychic distress of workers today, who yearns for a better
life and is willing to do something--at least on a personal level--to make
a difference.
ENDespair
is a concept, communication, consulting services, programs
and research. We're an informal, expanding coalition of citizens concerned
about what's happening in the business world, who are committed to raising
public awareness and helping to create new, more meaningful ways of working.
Through healing ourselves, as individuals, we heal society. When we
each clarify our own vision, when we move beyond our fears, vulnerability
and resistance to change, when we care enough about each other and our
future to come together--to talk, to dream and to plan--then anything becomes
possible.
This project was founded by Dr. Dorri Jacobs,
who serves as director. From May, 1997 through April, 1999, grants
from The Lifebridge Foundation helped to defray operating costs. Until
April, 2001, ENDespair
was a charitable project of The
Institute of Noetic Sciences, a non-profit 501 C-3 tax-exempt
organization. Funding has ended. However, the
issues and concerns of working people that spurred this project still
continue.
ENDespair is lovingly
dedicated to the memory and vision of the late Willis Harman, noted futurist,
author, thinker, scholar, humanist.
_______© 1996, 2002, 2005 by
Dorri Jacobs
Words are important. Some people
object to the name "ENDespair." They consider it negative in energy, adding
that by vocalizing about something, we give it too much power. There's certainly
great wisdom in trying to focus on positive aspects of our lives. However,
this can be carried too far. In spite of reports of a booming economy,
for many of us, these are difficult times. When we look the other way,
when we deny our own feelings and reactions because they are painful, we
become less authentic. When we keep quiet, when we ignore serious social
problems, change becomes more difficult.
And let's not forget that the flip side of despair is
hope.
Isn't everything better now?
Well, that depends. Though reports claim our unemployment
rate is low, such statistics can be misleading. They don't
include still unemployed persons whose benefits end, those never on
the roll, or contingency workers in temporary and part-time jobs. While some
people find better positions, gain in status, increase their income or take
on added responsibilities, others don't get hired. Companies continue to
cut positions. The disappearance of millions of jobs has taken a toll
on our psyches. Our society is in a wrenching transition, economically,
culturally, psychologically, spiritually--and we may never be the same
again.
Work causes great stress.
So does looking for work.
These days, much of your time and energy centers on earning a decent
living. With job security now a myth, most of us feel frustrated, angry,
anxious, unsure of our next move. A job or career shift seems too risky.
You probably know several persons who, though desperate for work, have been
unemployed for years. Some of them, ashamed about their status, out
of fear and desperation, gratefully accept low-paying positions that don't
make good use of their skills. Others choose to be self-employed, yet struggle
to survive.
Everything keeps
changing.
We're in the midst of great social upheaval, with major shifts occurring
in the work world as we know it, in the ways we've been accustomed to earning
money, in the job market and in our value system. Widespread downsizing,
many businesses where profit seems to matter more than human beings, diminished
job satisfaction for those now employed and an economy that seems dysfunctional
add to our general sense of hopelessness. As a result, regardless of
occupation, present employment status, career goals, finances, cultural
background, education or gender, no one feels safe.
Katrina left so many alone, separated
from loved ones and homeless. I'm doing something to make a difference. Now
you can help.
Follow the
link here to Rebuild the Big Easy
A personal story about one of my
cats,
Pooh, and a request for your help.
Follow
the link to see a picture and find out what to
do
A word about 9/11.
For a year, I did not write anything on this subject, although
it was certainly uppermost in my mind and heart. I did not want today
to be "business as usual" or making social engagements--I needed to
mark the day in some way, make it special. Here are some of the ways I spent
it:
I sent this message to family, friends, colleagues and clients--customizing
the words appropriately for each person:
On this important day of remembering 9/11, to me what is most important
is the people I care about, and making the world a better place, in some
way, on a daily basis.
Your having been a part of my life and work makes everything all
right.
Other activities I decided on:
I watched some of the early morning Ground Zero Memorial Service, did
NOT play tennis but saw my friends at the tennis center, took a walk in the
park, read, gave free contract advice for a National Writers Union member,
ordered my desk, updated this site, saw NY Historical Society exhibits related
to 9/11, attending an evening musical program at St. John the Divine. All
of this was very healing. I felt calmer than I had in a long time.
In spite of continuous terrible and frightening things on the news
that might have undermined my equilibrium, my life seemed richer and made
more sense.
How did you spend your time? What do you do to take charge of
your life in difficult times?
Each of us knows what is important, what we cherish.
Most of us want a better life.
What can we do?
Once, making a difference in a global sense was a high priority for
me. I saw so much pain.
But this project met with a great deal of resistance. And
my personality is not one of a forceful, charismatic leader who easily surrounds
herself with people who want to do something, get on board.
A colleague, Molly Hanchey, whom I met through her Web site, once, when
I was losing my faith in the concept, told me that perhaps the world
was not ready to support our vision. She said that our focus should instead
be much smaller, one-one-one. This has made my life much easier, and
so I thank you, Molly.
A strong spiritual current miraculously pushes us along. Even in the
throes of deep discouragement, a large number of us are regrouping. We
want to be more authentic and entrepreneurial. Following a passion
has become our priority. But, because our culture reinforces conformity
and playing safe, change won't happen as easily as we'd prefer--not unless
we can develop self-confidence, courage, greater flexibility, new skills
and a very strong support system.
"Dissatisfaction with the status quo can be a powerful force.
Sharing our dreams,
values, feelings, spirituality and unique ways of overcoming obstacles will
channel energy
in a positive direction. When people feel empowered instead of victimized,
they become
change agents for the social transformation now occurring."
Dorri Jacobs, ENDespair founder
It's time for healing
our hearts and
souls.
To ease the distress associated with work so prevalent today, we must
empower those who feel disenfranchised so they create new, viable work
options--coach them, inspire them, boost their self-esteem, help them overcome
fear, accelerate their readiness for work and ability to take charge of their
own future.
The Vision. Collaboration is the key here.
Dorri Jacobs, ENDespair
founder, says,
"One voice is hollow. Together, we will be heard. Our focus
here is on
emotions,values, spirituality, caring, creativity, passion, authenticity,
healing, communication, social responsibility, awareness, action, courage,
change and expanding a collective consciousness. We will end alienation and
self-blame and give people a sense of connectedness so they can understand
that what they've been experiencing is shared by others."
What can you
do?
Change Is Created, One Step at a Time.
Thank you for finding your way here! By visiting
this Web site, you're already part of the
ENDespair
project. Enjoy your stay. Come back again
and see all the different areas. Be sure to visit the
News and Recent Activities link on the
map for announcements or updates on events.
Consider how to become involved. There are many ways to support our
goals. Choose what seems comfortable, but stretch a little if you can. Do
whatever you wish to do--knowing that it will surely make a difference for
yourself, as well as others. Here are several suggestions:
1. Consider yourself a member of the
ENDespair
Coalition. Be sure to sign in.
Make your visit count. Follow the
guestbook link
on the site map.
Or you may join by sending an
E-mail with your full name, and the
message, "I support this project. As of today, I am a member of The
ENDespair Coalition." You may include this optional information:
your mail address, phone number, occupation, work status, comments. There's
no charge to become a member.
2. Continue our dialogue. The Coalition
is an informal, expanding alliance of those concerned about working today
who will continue this dialogue. Our aim is to raise public awareness about
the impact of downsizing, and about how working people really feel about
working today. Through personal conversations, we will increase social
responsibility, develop connectedness, heal despair, bring hope, prepare
ourselves for change.
3. Help to expand others' awareness about these issues and the need
for change. Follow the Pledge Your
Support Through Action link on the site map. Fill out a Pledge
of Support, agreeing to continue a dialogue by speaking with people
about work whenever it seems appropriate.
Share this information and the Pledge with others. Talk with your friends,
family and colleagues. Suggest that they visit this site. If they are not
able to get on the Web, print out these pages and distribute them.
4. Acknowledge your own feelings about work today. Does
your current state of mind seem less positive than you'd prefer? Instead
of blaming yourself, realize that what you have been experiencing is
shared by many other people--and that it is symptomatic of problems in our
society needing attention.
5. Share your own story and coping strategies. Follow the
Share Your Story link on the site
map, write out your experiences and ways of coping, then send it by regular
mail or by e-mail.
6. Hold a program about working today in your organization or community
that will inform, inspire, encourage people or promote
change .
7. Rather than put it together yourself, consider outside assistance.
Consider the services that are available to you as an individual
or as an organization. Do you want to know more about the
impact of downsizing, how to deal with despair, gain strategies for success,
find greater meaning or feel appreciated on-the-job? Are you interested in
holding a program on work issues for employees or for the general public?
Possibilities include: A course, meeting, corporate discussion, mediation
to prevent and resolve conflict, support group to discuss work issues and
heal despair (for both unemployed and employed people), series of counseling
sessions, training for career counselors, executive search firms, therapists,
social workers and other professionals. For more information,
follow the Services link on the site
map.
8. If you enjoy reading, check out the recommended books. Follow
the Bookstore link on the site
map.
9. Make every moment and every day count. Focus on small
ways you can affirm, help, heal, communicate, share, encourage, feel, demonstrate
caring, foster change.
SITE MAP
Project History: A Personal Message
News and Recent
Activities
Book now in process
Services
Coaching /Mentoring
Corporate Programs
Public Speaking
Support Groups
Professional Training
Mediation /Arbitration
Articles for Publication
How You Can Help
Sign
the Guestbook
Make
Your Voice
Count!
Share Your Story
Sign the Pledge To Continue A Dialogue
TODAY!
Bookstore
Who's Who: Advisory Group
Tips
How To Make a
Difference
When You Feel
Stressed
Links to Related
Sites
NEW
Search
Engine COMING
SOON!
Articles for sale
COMING
SOON!
CONTACT:
Dr. Dorri Jacobs
Founder & Director
The ENDespair Project: Hope &
Healing
to Transform the World of Work
E-mail: Endespair@aol.com
A special thanks
to:
Nancy Alexander, Rev. Darrell Berger and the Fourth
Universalist Society, Stephen Campbell, Career Magazine, Liz Denton,
Rosemary Erickson, Foundation for Ethics and Meaning-NY and the Community
of Meaning, Carol Gordon, Lenore Garnock, Liz Hanke, Peggy Heide, Molly
Hanchey, Elizabeth Haynes, the IONS Board of Directors, Dr. Philip and
Alice Katz, Dr. Shirley Kramer, Harriet Littman, Christine Loter, Ellen Mendel,
Paula Pace, The Pathfinding Project, Susan Pulaski, Carolyn Schadle, Daralee
Schulman, Phyllis Thomsen, The National Business Employment Weekly, The
Village Voice, The Westsider, The Lifebridge Foundation--for
understanding my vision and the importance of this project, ENDespair Advisors,
group participants, contributors, organizational sponsors, individuals who
write to us, those who share their stories as well as the many other
friends who continue to add their ideas, positive energy and money to
this project.
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