Sign of the times, wikis and tech tools come to the rescue of those in need of work.
The always in the know of all things New York, Nichelle Stephens, put LaidOffCamp New York, a BarCamp for the Out of Work or Underemployed on my radar.
Their wiki page states that "it is an ad-hoc gathering of unemployed
and non traditionally employed people (including grassroots organizers,
entrepreneurs and startups) who want to share ideas and learn from each
other. At LaidOffCamp, attendees will discuss topics in sessions that
may include: living on an extreme budget, building your personal brand,
how to be a freelance consultant and more. New York's first LaidOffCamp
will occur in April or May 2009. You do NOT have to be unemployed".
LaidOffCamp was founded in January 2009 by Chris Hutchins.
The first get together is taking place on March 3rd in San Francisco.
Besides New York and San Francisco, similar groups exist in San Diego, Detroit, LA, Seattle, Fort Collins, Chicago…
At least in 2009 there are now Free or Cheap tools to organize events or/and support groups, a plus…
Related: Is Being Invisible at Work a Good Way to Survive the Axe?