If I show up for work dressed in an outfit that is a bit wacky, it never raises eyebrows. In fact, people expect that a storyteller would dress in a way that is “out of the norm.” I’m an artist, after all, and I have to meet the expectations of my audience. All I have to do to “dress for success” in my job is grab something offbeat from my closet … which is not a difficult task!
I don’t even own a business suit. Because I don’t work in the “real” world, I don’t have to “apply” for my jobs, and never face a formal job interview. With luck folks will continue to hire me as a storyteller and I never will have to apply for a job in the corporate world again. If that did come to pass I’d be in trouble. I’d have to go shopping for clothes that would be appropriate in the eyes of the business world.
I’d probably be able to afford to do that (I have magic plastic cards that would allow it), but there are women all over the world who can’t. They want a better job, but to get one, they have to dress properly. To afford the proper clothes, they need a better job so they can buy them! It’s one of those “Catch-22″ situations.
Can you imagine being in the position of facing a job interview without having access to clothing that is appropriate for the event? Unfortunately, we live in a world where we are judged by our appearance, especially when applying for a job. You might have the best qualifications for the job, but if you don’t look the part you might not get hired. If you don’t look the part, it could shatter your confidence, too.
On National Public Radio this week, I heard about an non-profit organization that seemed appropriate for an Only The Good Friday. It’s called Dress For Success.
The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Most people who are familiar with the program know it as “the place who gives suits to women,” but it does a lot more. The organization proclaims that “finding work is only one step in a woman’s journey towards economic independence; remaining employed and building a rewarding career are essential if a woman is to become self-sufficient.” They offer support and information to help women navigate as they work toward bettering their lives.
With a referral from a participating agency, and a job interview scheduled, a woman can get a suit that has been donated to one of the Dress for Success Affiliates. Once she gets the job, she can come back and get other clothing to help build the foundation of a professional wardrobe.
Have y’all sorted through your closets lately? Dress for Success sounds like a perfect opportunity to “go green” by recycling that lovely business suit that is just a bit snug on you … or the one that is too large now that you lost weight. You can be environmentally conscious, de-clutter your closet, AND empower some woman out there all at the same time. That sounds pretty good to me.
I wonder if Dress for Success ever helps out any storytellers? I’d be happy to send clothing to them, but I doubt that my wild garb would be much use. The best I can do is tell you about it and hope that you can help.
Y’all have a delightful day out there, and if you get a chance please visit some of my friends who also try to post “the good.”
RV Poetry; Candid Karina; All My Great, or Not So Great Adventures; Inside Mo’s Mind; Thorne’s World; Down River Drivel; Duward Discussion; Ramblings of an Unstable Mind; Insightful Nana; Newbie Lifeline; Everyday Tarot; West of Mars; Life’s Journey; Round Circle; Barbara’s Travels; Blog of Revelation; Desert Diva; Blogjem My Life As It Is
Related posts:
{ 1 trackback }
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like a great idea to me! I don’t have to dress up at school. I work in the kitchen. Everything gets bleach stains or grease stains on it. So I wear tshirts and jeans/capris covered by an apron(-: I would never fit into the corp. world! lol
Once upon a time when a company went bankrupt and left me with bouncing paychecks and facing eviction, a friend came up with a place to stay for 30 days and a new outfit for job hunting. That paid off in a major way for the next ten years. This is the sort of charity that really does give a hand up when needed.
Jamie´s last blog ..Take This Tune Prompt
This is a wonderful program. I don’t think it is as well known as it should be. Glad you mentioned them!
Marcia´s last blog ..Swimming Through Life
I had heard of it before, but didn’t realize it was global!