Finding Inspiration in Unemployment

When Toan Lam lost his job as a TV reporter last December, he wondered what to do next. He'd been reporting local news for over a decade. Should he find another job reporting or use his ability to share people's stories to do something a little different?'

He realized that in such a sour economy, what people need more than ever is inspiration and a feeling that they can do something to make a difference. He started the Web site GoInspireGo, which he conceived as "a one-stop-shop for inspiration and action."

The site aims "to provide a global platform where people can see and share stories of inspiration." The project's vision is that "every person will be inspired to better someone's life (or better their community)."

The site got on my good side right away by carrying a story I myself covered, about Phoebe Russell, the 5-year-old who raised almost $4,000 for the San Francisco Food Bank by collecting cans. Toan Lam created a detailed video (below) about the young donor and posted it on GoInspireGo's YouTube channel. There are other ways to connect with the inspiration train: check out GoInspireGo's Facebook page or blog.