Position Overview:
We are currently seeking an individual with teaching and/or writing experience to volunteer as an Oral History Program Advisor. As a volunteer, you will help train a group of high school students in question writing and interview techniques, as well as edit and revise their written narratives. This volunteer will also be responsible for layout and design of booklets using Canva. This position reports to our Marketing & Community Engagement Manager, and offers a unique opportunity to preserve and share valuable personal narratives and contribute to the preservation of collective memory while developing leadership, editing, and graphic design skills.
Responsibilities:
- Project Management: Collaborate with the organization's leadership to schedule trainings and interviews throughout the span of the project.
- Volunteer Training: Coordinate with our staff to train a team of high school student volunteers on best practices for developing questions and conducting interviews.
- Quality Control: Review the oral history narratives that students write, edit them for clarity, lay out the booklets using Canva and be sure to maintain consistency in formatting and appearance.
- Community Outreach: Promote the oral history program within the community, establish partnerships with relevant organizations, and explore opportunities for collaboration and participation.
- Project Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the oral history program, gather feedback from participants and volunteers, and make recommendations for improvement.
- Ethical Considerations: Uphold ethical guidelines for conducting oral history interviews, including informed consent, privacy, and the responsible use of personal information.
Qualifications:
- Experience working with high school students as a teacher, counselor, advisor, or coach is preferred but not required.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening and empathy.
- A strong understanding of the written English language is essential, especially in regard to writing, editing for clarity/cohesion, and proofreading.
- Proficiency in Canva, Zoom, & Microsoft Office
- Sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds and an understanding of the importance of inclusivity in capturing oral histories.
Benefits:
- Meaningful Contribution: Contribute to the preservation of personal narratives and stories of older adults in the Durham community.
- Skill Development: Enhance your project management, leadership, and delegation skills while gaining experience in oral history practices.
- Community Engagement: Connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities, fostering understanding and promoting dialogue.
- Professional Networking: Collaborate with a variety of community stakeholders.
Join us as a volunteer for the Oral History Program Manager position and help us capture and share the stories that shape our collective memory. To apply, please email your resume and brief statement outlining interest and relevant skills/experience to Hannah@tnvlc.onmicrosoft.com
