Ten Steps to the Hidden Eco-Job Market
(1) SURF WITH A PURPOSE

The Internet is a powerful tool you can use to learn about
issues, approaches, organizations, and potential opportunities.
Be sure you're truly familiar with the major eco-portals and
directories. Set aside a day to focus and explore them
thoroughly.

For links to all the major eco-portals, networks and
directories in Canada and beyond, see:
http://www.planetfriendly.net/ecoportal.html

Follow the links, and you'll find many organizations and
opportunities that you never knew existed. If you don't
have a high speed connection, invest just a few dollars
and spend an afternoon at a nearby Internet cafe. Or
ask friends and neighbours if you could borrow, rent
or barter to use their connection for a few hours.

While you surf, have pen and paper (or word processing
software) at hand. Take notes, set priorities, start a "do list".
It's up to *you* to make something of what you find.
Otherwise, it will all go in one eye, and out the other. The
Internet, like TV, can be very passive and hypnotizing.

(2) GET OUT THERE

Actively network and participate to learn, make contacts,
and find your way around. The most effective networking
happens when you're actively involved in one way or another
-- whether as an organizer, participant, volunteer or
consultant.

Networking tips and links:
http://www.planetfriendly.net/networkingtips.html
Create community anywhere:
http://www.planetfriendly.net/community.html#anywhere
And if you find it difficult to break out of the mold in your
own community, perhaps some eco-travel could help:
http://www.planetfriendly.net/living.html#travel2

(3) JOIN THE CLUB

For a few dollars a year, why not become a member of at least
a few organizations that interest and inspire you? Whether or
not you choose to participate actively, as a paid member you
will be privy to regular communications from the organization
-- possibly including the first word on participation, volunteer
and job opportunities. If you *do* participate actively, you may
find yourself becoming even more "in the loop" (or if not, maybe
it's not the right organization for you). Your membership and
participation is of great importance to the organizations you
support, even if it's hard to see. To find environmental organizations
across Canada: http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/networks.html
Peace groups: http://acp-cpa.ca/en/group_directory.html

(4) FOLLOW THE LINKS

How many times have you seen an interesting posting
but been frustrated by the location, date, or requirements?
Most GoodWork postings include related or "topical links
and resources", just below the job posting itself. Follow
the links! They lead to organizations, opportunities and
resources on the same theme. Don't wait for that perfect
job to land in your inbox -- spend some time actively
seeking it out. GoodWork's archive of postings includes
a rich, unique collection of links and potential opportunities:
http://www.planetfriendly.net/gw.php

(5) JOIN UP & GET INVOLVED

For better or worse, some organizations advertise only to
people who join up, volunteer, or at least directly express
interest. To be "in the loop", you need to visit their website,
join up, subscribe to their member e-mail list, attend their
events, or volunteer for several months or more.

Start as a volunteer, even if it's just a few hours each
week -- and do such a great job that they see no point in
posting widely. But first, give some thought to what kinds
of roles you're looking for, and why. Other than one-time
help at events, applying for a volunteer position should
be given the same degree of thought as applying for paid
work. Do a little research, do some planning, and have a
resume at hand (and a cover letter, if it's a competitive
posting). Even if you don't need a cover letter, writing
one can help *you* think things through and make the
right choices.

It's all about matchmaking -- understanding your own
needs and wants, and those of the organization. And
communicating them effectively. To do less can
be a waste of both your time and the organization's.
Rapid volunteer turnover (or unreliability) can be a real
burden -- it's the main reason why some organizations
no longer seek volunteers (or may need to be convinced
that you're worth investing time in).

(6) LIVE SIMPLY & SUSTAINABLY

You can dramatically reduce your dependency on
unsustainable and often self-destroying work -- by living
frugally, simply and sustainably. By focusing your
priorities on the things that really matter. This can give
you the flexibility you need to build meaningful work
into your life. http://planetfriendly.net/living.html
http://planetfriendly.net/living.html#simplicity
Car-free http://planetfriendly.net/carfree.html

(7) ASK THE BIG QUESTIONS

It's important never to lose site of the big questions, the
broader perspective. Whether you're researching an
opportunity, networking, or having an interview, this
can help you learn and find your niche. How does this
organization make a difference? What are it's biggest
successes? What problems and hurdles does it face? How
is it funded? What is its long-term goals? Its immediate
needs? How does its projects relate to big-picture issues
such as sustainable livelihoods, climate change, the gap
between rich and poor, war and peace? Keep such questions
in mind while you peruse websites or other materials...
or if an opportunity arises, ask them in person.

Books and materials from inspiring individuals who are
concerned about environmental & social issues:
http://www.planetfriendly.net/heroes.html
How to do an information interview:
http://www.google.ca/search?q=%22information+interview%22
Practice "critical thinking" (in a non-judgmental way)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking
http://directory.google.com/Top/Science/Science_in_Society/Skeptical_Inquiry/Critical_Thinking/

(8) CREATE YOUR OWN JOB

Learn about fundraising and how to write grant proposals.
Or, learn about how to start a small business. Free or
subsidized workshops are available in urban centres each
year. There are also many print and web resources on the
topic. Then approach some groups... ask them if they'd
be interested in your project idea... write some grant
proposals ...and make yourself a job!

Fundraising tips and resources:
http://sustain.web.ca/cbt/int-fundraising.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundraising
http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Organizations/Nonprofit_Resources/Fundraising/
Small Business tips & resources:
http://www.planetfriendly.net/goodworklinks.html#smallbusiness
http://www.google.com/Top/Business/Small_Business/
http://www.google.com/Top/Shopping/Niche/Green_Living/

(9) HELP EACH OTHER

If the green community is to grow, we need to help each
other, individually and as a community. We need to create
organizations, activities and communication structures that
are truly welcoming to newcomers.

Don't kill the messenger! Without communication services
like GoodWork, we'd be stuck with mainstream services
that are often driven only by commercial goals. Please
support GoodWork and other "free" services you use
with an annual contribution or volunteer effort.
http://www.GoodWorkCanada.ca
http://www.planetfriendly.net/donate.html

(10) MAKE IT HAPPEN

Some people wait years for the perfect job to "appear", when
they could have found or created it themselves much more
quickly, if only they were a bit more proactive. Set aside some
time each week to explore, plan, and try new things. Or, set
aside a week to try out each of the nine steps above.

In a very real sense, the future will be what *you* contribute to
and create.

- Peter Blanchard
GoodWork Canada
http://www.GoodWorkCanada.ca