The goals of LaidOffCamp Tucson are many faceted. Defining the event can be done from several perspectives. However, it greatly helps to clearly state upfront what LaidOffCamp Tucson is not:

LaidOffCamp Tucson is not a job fair.

What is LaidOffCamp Tucson?

It is an extension of a national effort to help people find work — full-time, freelance, volunteer, or whatever work is next for them.  Like other LaidOffCamp events, ours is a locally-based, community-supported effort to offer resources, reassurance, and support to jobseekers.  Tucson’s event is in great debt to the organizers from LaidOffCamp Phoenix and LaidOffCamp SW Valley for their support and inspiration (especially Susan Baier).

Unlike job fairs, jobseekers are looking to help each other out (not fight over a job posting). The notion of competition is completely absent.  Instead, an all-day series of seminars and/or mini-workshops are offered on a variety of topics designed to help jobseekers make their next step and achieve their goals.  When someone does, everyone  succeeds.

The entire day, including breakfast and lunch, is free for all attendees.  All speakers are volunteers, and food and beverages are donated by sponsors.

LaidOffCamps across the nation see wide range of attendees — from young people who haven’t yet found a job, to those who have lost a job after 40 years with the same employer, to those wanting to make a change that just don’t know how. If you fit in that generous range, then the answer is yes (even if you do not and you are still interested – then the answer is yes).

LaidOffCamps, like ones held in Phoenix, have people who have been laid off for two weeks, and others who have been out of work for two years.

What do they all have in common?  They all need to feel hope.  They all need to know how hiring companies connect with jobseekers in today’s economy, and with today’s tools.  And they all need to feel like they’re not alone, and that there are people who genuinely believe in them and want to help them.  LaidOffCamp and its volunteers are dedicated to delivering on these promises.

If you are interested in hearing about one individual’s experience with LaidOffCamp Phoenix & SW Valley, check out Ben Chatteron‘s guest blog post.

Tucson’s first LaidOffCamp will be Saturday, November 12.  Again, it is free to attend.  In order to plan for the event we are using a ticketing system, EventBrite, to gain an accurate headcount.  

DATE:  Saturday, November 12, 2011

TIMES:  8AM-4PM

LOCATION: Gangplank Tucson, 5120 South Julian Drive, Tucson, AZ 85706
(following the white signs with the skulls to the door marked Suite 148.)