How to do it:

If you already have hard-won knowledge in some area, focus on that. In my friend group there’s an insurance whisperer, several SSDI experts, a retired nursing home social worker, and a veteran who has notched up seven assists qualifying peers for earned VA benefits.

If this is you, begin by posting stories on social media about whatever topic you picked. Publicize deadlines and changes to requirements – there are a lot of aid systems shifting in November. Chances are people will start asking questions on your posts. Offer to help where you can.

If this is NOT you, pick something and begin researching it. Post stories about it and put deadlines on your calendar to publicize. Offer to sit with people trying to figure it out. That could mean learning some tasks from someone with experience, or just taking the kids to the park.

If you have professional experience and can legally do so, consider running a monthly workshop at your local library, open to the public. Ask a friend to help organize. Or organize “helpful amateurs” to sit with folks and try to figure it out together. Sometimes you just need a supportive environment.