Welcome


The Vote for Jobs campaign, reaching more than 60,000 members, is focused on advising and supporting action that generates jobs. Aware that Americans are hurting across the country now, we are encouraging efforts to raise employment and engender prosperity. We know that families, students, young graduates, and older experienced workers, need a voice. Today, many of our fellow Americans, believe remarkably, in the midst of the worst sustained unemployment in 75 years, no one is offering real solutions to put America back to work.  That isn't true, they're many solutions. But only with your support can we hold our elected officials responsible for what they do and what they don't do.


Join us, because one isn't enough.

Us Elsewhere

There are solutions, we can work together to ensure the jobs of tomorrow are created.

We are collecting stories from citizens all across the country who are struggling or want to have their voice heard. Submit yours today!

Volunteer your time or money, and join us on facebook and twitter. Start making a difference with just one dollar.

Solutions to the growing problem of unemployment

Our goals

The Vote for Jobs campaign is focused on pushing the agenda that generates jobs. We don't want jobs on paper, through long-term and often misguided economic projections, but bold legislative action that translates into significant employment for average Americans. We are also cognizant of the significant challenge facing young men and women as they strive and are stalled from starting their careers. Unemployment is affecting students abilities continue their education and, when persistent after graduation, will have long-term affects on their earnings and contribution to the overall economy. We are not only facing an employment crisis but a generational crisis as well.

Bills we are supporting

H.R. 494 – The 21st Civilian Conservation Corps Act, provides the President with statutory authority to reestablish and operate the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) until 2015. The new CCC will provide work to unemployed and underemployed U.S. citizens while carrying out a variety of useful public works. This bill was introduced Rep. Marcy Kaptur(D-OH).


The American Jobs Act – This comprehensive bill provides employees and employers the tools they need to put this economy on solid footing. It provides for the rebuilding and modernization of critical roads, highways, and schools. It grants tax cuts to small businesses and a $1,500 tax cut to the average American family. It safeguards protections such as unemployment insurance, to protect those most vulnerable. This bill was introduced at the request of President Obama.


H.Res 216 – The Jobs Corps Bill, provides for increased employment in Americorp, JobCorp, and the Peace Corps. This bill was introduced by Rep. Jim McDermott(D-WA).

 

The SHARE Credit Act – Provides for an employer tax incentive to provide paid leave while hiring additional employees. It is a proven way to increase employment and provide for a higher quality of life. This bill was introduced by Rep. John Conyers(D-MI).

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Submitted stories about unemployment in the United States

Gainful Employment?


posted by Billy Astrove
08/29/2011

I graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in December 2010 with a degree in Sociology and Educational Studies. With absolute uncertainty as to what I would do when I got out of college, I tried to balance 400 level college courses and being the leader of multiple campus organizations while looking for work. I focused on looking for work in West Virginia, but realized the prospects for a job were much better in DC or Maryland. In general, the Job Search part of my life has been one of the most aggravating and frustrating periods of my life.


However, I had very little focus on how I was going to narrow my job search. As my dad says, I was merely "shotgunning" my search-looking through newspapers, magazines, and local organizations. This lack of focus kept me unmotivated and slightly depressed as time went by. It did not help that on days when I was not volunteering, I would sleep until 9, be showered and at my computer by 1. However, I would not start looking until 3:30 sometimes. This led to disorganization and sheer frustration!

One of my closest college friends who graduated a semester before me is working 68 hour work weeks between lifeguarding, target, and working promotions at a local radio station which do not come every day. He is taking these long 7:00 AM-11:00 PM work days because he knows once camp ends, it will go right back to just Target. The 68 hour work week is one reality to the life of a college grad, but so is the 0-15 hour work week-those who can't find jobs. The 68 hour work week characterizes retail and seasonal jobs that do not require a college degree. Both realities are difficult, and forces us to ask the perennial question: Where are the quality jobs for the young work force?!?

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