Welcome to our Winter 2012 eNewsletter!

As we celebrate the holidays and reflect on all we have to be thankful for—we remember that many in our community are struggling in a difficult job market as we enter 2013. In this edition, we share thoughts, ideas and inspirational stories to encourage you to move forward creatively in your search for meaningful employment—whether it’s sideline or parallel work or a career transition that takes you in a new direction.

Remember, we’re here help you find the work you love and love the work you find—so call or visit us soon!

On behalf of everyone at AWP, have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!

Kathy Schrier
National Director, AWP

John Mattson
Western Region Director, AWP


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In this issue...

It's the Economy!

Can you believe we’re already in the middle of the holiday season, and a brand new year is only weeks away? AWP National Director Kathy Schrier and AWP Western Region Director John Mattson take a look at the state of the U.S. economy in this busy holiday season—i.e. where are the jobs and who’s getting them?—along with some hints on how AWP can help! Read more.


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Career Assessment—Step One of Career Planning

Are you in need of work, but have no idea what fields would be a good fit for your unique skill set? Start with our Career Assessment! AWP's Career Counselors offer helpful group activities, workshops and tools to give you insight into planning a future career and new ways to explore your options. Read more about tools AWP offers in your search. Career Assessment is an important part of our workshops in both New York and Los Angeles, including Career Exploration 101 in New York, Career Assessment Workshop in Los Angeles and Are You On the Fence with Life in the Industry? Learn how these workshops can help! Explore all that AWP has to offer people in performing arts and entertainment, and try your own career assessment!

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AWP NY Gets an A+

Debbie D’Amico has been a researcher, evaluator, program developer and administrator in worker education and training for more than 20 years. Recently, she’s been asked to assess New York City’s providers of free workforce education through the Consortium for Worker Education (CWE). Debbie gives AWP high marks as a vital part of keeping our entertainment community on the job! Read more.




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"Beyond the Gig”—Strategies for Success in a Challenged Music Industry

In October, AWP partnered with Local 802 AFM, AFL-CIO and the Musicians Assistance Program for a day-long workshop, Beyond the Gig—Building Your Career as a Musician, at Local 802’s NYC offices. Career Counselor Supervisor Patch Schwadron fills us in on lessons learned that could help you grow your career in the best possible way! Read Patch’s report.






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Companion Care–An Expanding Field

Have you tried waiting tables or bartending, but you’re feeling burned out? Sideline careers DO exist that are good fits for people working in the entertainment industry. AWP’s Billie Levinson (NYC) and John Mattson (LA) fill us in on Companion Care, one of the fastest-growing areas of the Personal Care Services field and how you can put your creative skills to work helping the elderly. Read more.

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Why Volunteer?
Count the ways!

Volunteering is one of the best ways to learn new job skills, boost your resume, make connections, and even find parallel/sideline work. Get tips for finding the right volunteer match, and hear from AWP members—Mykel Dicus, Max Weinstein, Mimi Gramatsky and Serena Lee—who share how volunteering changed their lives for the better! Read more.

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AWP offers a wide range of free workshops and seminars in New York and Los Angeles, as well as individual career counseling for our members across the country. Visit www.actorsfund.org to learn more.

Mission: The Actors Fund is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts & entertainment. The Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis or transition. Your privacy is important to us. Please read about our privacy policy here.