The ENDespair Project

Hope and Healing to Transform the World of Work

Mission. This project was created to foster discussion about the impact of downsizing, ease despair about work, increase social responsibility, empower people and prepare them for change. It is for anyone--whether presently employed, unemployed, in a job or career transition--who is sensitive to the psychic distress of workers today, who yearns for a better life and is willing to do something--at least on a personal level--to make a difference. 

ENDespair  is a concept, communication, consulting services, programs and research. We're an informal, expanding coalition of citizens concerned about what's happening in the business world, who are committed to raising public awareness and helping to create new, more meaningful ways of working.  

Through healing ourselves, as individuals, we heal society. When we each clarify our own vision, when we move beyond our fears, vulnerability and resistance to change, when we care enough about each other and our future to come together--to talk, to dream and to plan--then anything becomes possible.

This project was founded by Dr. Dorri Jacobs, who serves as director. From May, 1997 through  April, 1999, grants from The Lifebridge Foundation helped to defray operating costs.  Until April, 2001, ENDespair  was a charitable project of The Institute of Noetic Sciences, a non-profit 501 C-3 tax-exempt organization.   Funding has ended.  However, the issues and concerns of working people that spurred this project still continue.

ENDespair is lovingly dedicated to the memory and vision of the late Willis Harman, noted futurist, author, thinker, scholar, humanist.

_______© 1996, 2002, 2005  by Dorri Jacobs

Words are important. Some people object to the name "ENDespair." They consider it negative in energy, adding that by vocalizing about something, we give it too much power. There's certainly great wisdom in trying to focus on positive aspects of our lives. However, this can be carried too far.  In spite of reports of a booming economy, for many of us, these are difficult times.  When we look the other way, when we deny our own feelings and reactions because they are painful, we become less authentic.  When we keep quiet, when we ignore serious social problems, change becomes more difficult.  

And let's not forget that the flip side of despair is hope.

Isn't everything better now?  Well, that depends. Though reports claim our unemployment rate is low, such statistics can be misleading.  They don't  include still unemployed persons whose benefits end, those never on the roll, or contingency workers in temporary and part-time jobs. While some people find better positions, gain in status, increase their income or take on added responsibilities, others don't get hired. Companies continue to cut positions.  The disappearance of millions of jobs has taken a toll on our psyches. Our society is in a wrenching transition, economically, culturally, psychologically, spiritually--and we may never be the same again. 

Work causes great stress.
So does looking for work.

These days, much of your time and energy centers on earning a decent living.  With job security now a myth, most of us feel frustrated, angry, anxious, unsure of our next move.  A job or career shift seems too risky. You probably know several persons who, though desperate for work, have been unemployed for years.  Some of them, ashamed about their status, out of fear and desperation, gratefully accept low-paying positions that don't make good use of their skills. Others choose to be self-employed, yet struggle to survive.  

Everything keeps changing.

We're in the midst of great social upheaval, with major shifts occurring in the work world as we know it, in the ways we've been accustomed to earning money, in the job market and in our value system. Widespread downsizing, many businesses where profit seems to matter more than human beings, diminished job satisfaction for those now employed and an economy that seems dysfunctional add to our general sense of hopelessness.  As a result, regardless of occupation, present employment status, career goals, finances, cultural background, education or gender, no one feels safe. 

Katrina left so many alone, separated from loved ones and homeless. I'm doing something to make a difference. Now you can help.  
 Follow the link here to Rebuild the Big Easy

A personal story about one of my cats,
Pooh, and a request for your help.  Follow the link to see a picture and find out what to do


A word about 9/11.

For a year, I did not write anything  on this subject, although it was certainly uppermost in my mind and heart.  I did not want today to be "business as usual" or  making social engagements--I needed to mark the day in some way, make it special. Here are some of the ways I spent it:

I sent this message to family, friends, colleagues and clients--customizing the words appropriately for each person:

On this important day of remembering 9/11, to me what is most important is the people I care about, and making the world a better place, in some way, on a daily basis.

Your having been a part of my life and work makes everything all right.

Other activities I decided on:

I watched some of the early morning Ground Zero Memorial Service, did NOT play tennis but saw my friends at the tennis center, took a walk in the park, read, gave free contract advice for a National Writers Union member, ordered my desk, updated this site, saw NY Historical Society exhibits related to 9/11, attending an evening musical program at St. John the Divine.  All of this was very healing.  I felt calmer than I had in a long time.  In spite of continuous terrible and frightening things on the news that might have undermined my equilibrium, my life seemed richer and made more sense. 

How did you spend your time?  What do you do to take charge of your life in difficult times?

Each of us knows what is important, what we cherish.

Most of us want a better life.
What can we do?

Once, making a difference in a global sense was a high priority for me.  I saw so much pain.

But  this project met with a great deal of resistance.  And my personality is not one of a forceful, charismatic leader who easily surrounds herself with people who want to do something, get on board.

A colleague, Molly Hanchey, whom I met through her Web site, once, when I was losing my faith in the concept,  told me that perhaps the world was not ready to support our vision. She said that our focus should instead be much smaller, one-one-one.  This has made my life much easier, and so I thank you, Molly.

A strong spiritual current miraculously pushes us along.  Even in the throes of deep discouragement, a large number of us are regrouping.  We want to be more authentic and entrepreneurial.  Following a passion has become our priority.  But, because our culture reinforces conformity and playing safe, change won't happen as easily as we'd prefer--not unless we can develop self-confidence, courage, greater flexibility, new skills and a very strong support system.

^{"Dissatisfaction with the status quo can be a powerful force.  Sharing our dreams,
values, feelings, spirituality and unique ways of overcoming obstacles will channel energy
in a positive direction.  When people feel empowered instead of victimized, they become
change agents for the social transformation now occurring."    Dorri Jacobs, ENDespair founder}

It's time for healing
our hearts and souls.

To ease the distress associated with work so prevalent today, we must empower those who feel disenfranchised so they create new, viable work options--coach them, inspire them, boost their self-esteem, help them overcome fear, accelerate their readiness for work and ability to take charge of their own future.  

The Vision.  Collaboration is the key here. Dorri Jacobs, ENDespair  founder, says,

^{"One voice is hollow. Together, we will be heard. Our focus here is on
emotions,values, spirituality, caring, creativity, passion, authenticity,
healing, communication, social responsibility, awareness, action, courage,
change and expanding a collective consciousness. We will end alienation and
self-blame and give people a sense of connectedness so they can understand
that what they've been experiencing is shared by others."}  

What can you do? 

Change Is Created, One Step at a Time. Thank you for finding your way here! By visiting this Web site, you're already part of the ENDespair  project. Enjoy your stay. Come back again and see all the different areas. Be sure to visit  the News and Recent Activities link on the map for announcements or updates on events.

Consider how to become involved. There are many ways to support our goals. Choose what seems comfortable, but stretch a little if you can. Do whatever you wish to do--knowing that it will surely make a difference for yourself, as well as others. Here are several suggestions:

1. Consider yourself a member of the ENDespair  Coalition.  Be sure to sign in. Make your visit count. Follow the guestbook link on the site map.

Or you may join by sending an E-mail with your full name, and the message, "I support this project.  As of today, I am a member of The ENDespair Coalition."  You may include this optional information: your mail address, phone number, occupation, work status, comments. There's no charge to become a member.

2. Continue our dialogue. The Coalition is an informal, expanding alliance of those concerned about working today who will continue this dialogue. Our aim is to raise public awareness about the impact of downsizing, and about how working people really feel about working today. Through personal conversations, we will increase social responsibility, develop connectedness, heal despair, bring hope, prepare ourselves for change.

3. Help to expand others' awareness about these issues and the need for change. Follow the Pledge Your Support Through Action link on the site map. Fill out a Pledge of Support, agreeing to continue a dialogue by speaking with people about work whenever it seems appropriate.  

Share this information and the Pledge with others. Talk with your friends, family and colleagues. Suggest that they visit this site. If they are not able to get on the Web, print out these pages and distribute them.

4. Acknowledge your own feelings about work today.  Does your current state of mind seem less positive than you'd prefer?  Instead of blaming yourself, realize that what you have been experiencing is shared by many other people--and that it is symptomatic of problems in our society needing attention.  

5. Share your own story and coping strategies. Follow the Share Your Story  link on the site map, write out your experiences and ways of coping, then send it by regular mail or by e-mail.

6. Hold a program about working today in your organization or community that will inform, inspire, encourage people or promote change .

7. Rather than put it together yourself, consider outside assistance.  Consider the services that are available to you as an individual or as an organization.  Do you want to know more about the impact of downsizing, how to deal with despair, gain strategies for success, find greater meaning or feel appreciated on-the-job? Are you interested in holding a program on work issues for employees or for the general public?

Possibilities include: A course, meeting, corporate discussion, mediation to prevent and resolve conflict, support group to discuss work issues and heal despair (for both unemployed and employed people), series of counseling sessions, training for career counselors, executive search firms, therapists, social workers and other professionals. For more information, follow the Services link on the site map.

8. If you enjoy reading, check out the recommended books. Follow the Bookstore link on the site map.

9. Make every moment and every day count.  Focus on small ways you can affirm, help, heal, communicate, share, encourage, feel, demonstrate caring, foster change.

SITE MAP Project History: A Personal Message News and Recent Activities Book now in process  Services Coaching /Mentoring Corporate Programs Public Speaking Support Groups Professional Training Mediation /Arbitration Articles for Publication How You Can Help Sign the Guestbook  Make Your Voice Count! Share Your Story Sign the Pledge To Continue A Dialogue  TODAY! Bookstore Who's Who: Advisory Group Tips How To Make a Difference When You Feel Stressed Links to Related Sites  NEW Search Engine COMING SOON! Articles for sale COMING SOON!											CONTACT: Dr. Dorri Jacobs Founder & Director The ENDespair Project: Hope & Healing     to Transform the World of Work   E-mail: Endespair@aol.com

A special thanks to:

Nancy Alexander, Rev. Darrell Berger and the Fourth Universalist Society, Stephen Campbell, Career Magazine, Liz Denton, Rosemary Erickson, Foundation for Ethics and Meaning-NY and the Community of Meaning, Carol Gordon, Lenore Garnock, Liz Hanke, Peggy Heide, Molly Hanchey, Elizabeth Haynes, the IONS Board of Directors, Dr. Philip and Alice Katz, Dr. Shirley Kramer, Harriet Littman, Christine Loter, Ellen Mendel, Paula Pace, The Pathfinding Project, Susan Pulaski, Carolyn Schadle, Daralee Schulman, Phyllis Thomsen, The National Business Employment Weekly, The Village Voice, The Westsider, The Lifebridge Foundation--for understanding my vision and the importance of this project, ENDespair Advisors, group participants, contributors, organizational sponsors, individuals who write to us, those who share their stories as well as the many other friends who continue to add their ideas, positive energy and money to this project.