Labor Day: Remember the unemployed

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is dedicated to the American worker. Celebrations over this holiday weekend typically include simple barbeques, local events and gatherings. It was initiated to pay tribute to the contributions workers have historically made in this country. Family time and pride in your country is a good thing. Then again, this holiday becomes irrelevant, even painful, for those who fill the ranks of the 9.1 percent unemployment rate in the U.S.

Being unemployed these days should not be looked upon as a stigma. Lay-offs, downsizing and company shut downs are happening across the board. In my own family, my highly educated father was out of work for over two years. He has finally found a position, but that time in limbo was surprisingly long. Friends and other family members have also had to wade through the murky waters of unemployment, complete with uncertainty, government assistance and mounting debt.

What you can do.
First what not to do; do not ignore, make a difference. Take this opportunity to talk to your kids about Labor Day and the unemployed. Unemployment does not necessarily mean homeless. While that is certainly a fear, the vast majority of unemployed and underemployed are struggling to hold it all together. It may be your neighbor who just got the news, or the father of your child's best friend. Decide as a family this Labor Day to make a difference in this coming year.

Ways to help on Labor Day and beyond

• Listen. If you have relatives or friends coming by that are unemployed this Labor Day, be willing to listen. Give them a chance to talk about their situation if they want to without being told it will all be fine, or worse, telling them to look harder.
• Pot luck. Do not expect the unemployed to bring a particular dish to your Labor Day gathering. When money was extremely tight, I remember how hard it was to find the extra twenty-some dollars to bring a specific requested dish to my sister-in-law's party. Let them bring what they can without drawing attention to the size of the offering. For example, a potato salad may be easy if they already have the potatoes, while chocolate chip cookies could be a major expense if there pantry is bare of cooking supplies.
• Make it stretch. Teach your kids, and yourself, how to make do with less so that you can help others. Being able to discreetly help out can relieve a huge burden. If you know of a specific area that can lighten the load, such as school fees, plan to pay it forward.
• Babysit. If there are kids at your gathering whose parents are struggling, make it a point to invite them over again so their parents can have a night to themselves. Money stress can do a number on relationships. Consider letting your kids do the asking so it doesn't seem like charity. Aside from an evening out, keeping their kids during the day can make job searching a little easier.
• Send over extras. Packaging up some of the extras from your barbeque can be a no-big-deal sort of gift. The extra food can help and often includes treats that may have been long-time cut from the shopping list.
• Coupons. During my father's stint with unemployment, my mom learned a lot about the value of coupons. Jump on one of the online moneysaver groups and learn all you can about special deals. Picking up diapers, personal items, detergent and paper products for a struggling family does not have to cost you much, but will be much appreciated. If you do not know anyone with a baby but found a great deal on diapers, donate them to a local organization that helps moms in need.

Remember
This Labor Day, be open to remembering the struggles of those who want to work, but can not find a job. Teach your kids compassion and make a real difference in the lives of those in your immediate circle, as well as those struggling in the community. In today's economy, you really never know when you will need to helping hand.

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