another sad thing...

[Former_Member]

Mr. Obama has called us to serve...
and I look at my struggling but not yet "depressed" neighborhood and had been thinking for awhile now about teaching in one of the community ed courses at the school.. teaching about making things for kids, and how to sell your work over the Internet.

Something, that might give some of the under employed or laid off parents something to make a little $$ while they figure out if they can be SAHParents or land that new or 2nd job... or even turn their new skills into that new or 2nd job.

People in this economy aren't really buying much for themselves so far as I can tell... but will save up for that handmade baby blanket or sweater. Or Plushie monster for the 15 yr old...

So no community ed class for me to teach now.
So how do I serve my community now?
(I don't have the strength to do a lot of the "normal" stuff that people are needed to do.)

[Former_Member]

You could volunteer at a shelter- be it a homeless shelter or an animal shelter. Shelters are always in need of volunteers and the experience is extremely gratifying. Working at an animal shelter would not require a lot of strength because you could just be there and pet some abandoned cats. A lot of the animals there- cats and dogs, need to learn to trust humans so the more interaction they get with them the better.

You could also volunteer at an elderly home. A lot of elderly people would just like some extra companionship, so you could just come in to talk to them and keep them company. There are tons of resources online about volunteering. Good luck in your search!

[Former_Member]

I give back by making blankets for Project Linus (http://www.ProjectLinus.org ) . It is a program for Kids in Crisis. Our team donates approximately 200 blankets every month. My partner does some of the deliveries around town.

I'm sure there is some sort of volunteer organization in your area that you could get involved with..Have you tried the local Seniors Center or maybe the library? Both of these locations are always looking for help.

[Former_Member]

crochetgal- Im suprised no one has replied back to you saying that you cant do that anymore because it will be illegal- blah blah. Ive been following these cspia forums closely for many days now and everything people say is so friggin negative.

I hope that even if they dont fix this law by the 10th of feb- that you will continue to make blankies for kids in crisis.

[Former_Member]

Knottybabywear, I know its all been negative with the CSPIA stuff. I don't know what's going to happen with the Project Linus at all yet, but I'm sure that the National organization will be looking into it very closely. We've our next meetup next week so there should be some more info then (hopefully).

[Former_Member]

I say teach them how to make it for themselves.

[Former_Member]

I don't understand why you can't teach that class.

You have such a lot of valuable wisdom to share. The feds are already discussing how to apply exemptions to this law. Not should they, but how to.

Many raw materials, such as wool, cotton, etc. will be expempted. If you help even a handful of families learn to sell diapers, or stuffed toys, or clothing online, you will be doing a great service to your country.

[Former_Member]

rabbit, the problem is, I don't want to set someone up to end up dealing with the law....
since I wouldn't be able to start the class until summer, or fall, right as the standard would change.

I'd have to become a legal expert on this law, before sending people to the library to get online and set up their shops.

[Former_Member]

I've made a risk assessment for MYSELF...
I wouldn't make a risk assessment for the widowed mom down the street with three kids, who was just laid off a week ago. She needs to make her OWN risk assessment.

I've decided I AM confident that my product is safe,and I am willing to go to court to defend all of us.

But my life circumstance is that I'm not the sole support for anyone under 18 and I do NOT own anything of significant value.
(I don't HAVE a house to lose.)

[Former_Member]

Well, it sounds very wise to wait to see how this law will be regulated. But if you find there are many items people can sell without any intrusion by this law, it will be great if you do teach.