We’re abuzz!
The team of volunteers behind the Americans of Conscience Checklist are industrious, busy bees!
Some of our volunteers go “flower to flower”, gathering information about the actions that grassroots organizations recommend and their celebrations in voting, immigration, and equality.
We’re attempting to build a country that US has never been, and that inclusive, thriving nation can only exist if we make it happen.
~ Kay S., Research Volunteer
Other volunteers distribute this information through graphics, tweets, and Facebook posts to provide nourishing fuel to our growing community of over 70,000 Americans.
Jen Hofmann, benevolent queen bee, writes actions every week and handles email distribution. Even with 41 of us, our hive needs to expand a bit more. We need you!
An open call to join our busy hive
For July 2018, we’re doing a quick open recruitment for new volunteers. Interested? Check out the opportunities below.
Research Sous-Chefs: Gatherers of information
Equality Team — 2 volunteers needed.
Research actions that support equality for all.
Each week, the checklist amplifies the good work of organizations advocating for Muslims, Native Americans, Black Americans, Latinx, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people in poverty, children, women, and more. Equality Sous Chefs use a thorough list of resources to find actions that increase equality in our country. Training provided.
Time commitment: 4-6 hours per month with a 6 month commitment.
Voting Team — 2 volunteers needed
Research actions to put ballots in more people’s hands.
Current efforts to restrict voting strive to take our country back to the 1700’s when only rich, white, landowning men could vote. Not on our watch. We amplify organizations who address this issue and need support. Voting Sous Chefs use a thorough list of resources to identify actions to get more Americans voting and dismantle the current barriers to the ballot box. Training provided.
Time commitment: 4-6 hours per month with a 6 month commitment.
Immigration Team — 3 volunteers needed
Research actions to protect the rights of immigrating people and families.
The AoCC logo is Lady Liberty’s torch. Our belief is that immigrants make our communities and country better. We support a clear, respectful path to citizenship. Asylum Sous Chefs research and amplify the actions of grassroots organizations who seek to end inhumane policies that treat vulnerable people like criminals.
Time commitment: 4-6 hours per month with a 6 month commitment. Training provided.
Social Media Teams — Distributing information
Twitter Team: Tweet Writer — 4 volunteers needed
Turn the AoC Checklist into tweets.
Each week, the Checklist includes actions, acts of gratitude, and good news. Tweeters shorten this information into tweets.
Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week with a 6 month commitment. Training provided.
Facebook Team: FB Share-er — 6 needed**
Share the Checklist link on Facebook groups.
We distribute the Checklist on Facebook to over 60 groups each week! FB Sharers create a unique 2-3 sentence intro that invites people to view the checklist and take action. **We are very short on this team, so it’s our current biggest priority to fill.
Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week with a 6 month commitment. Training provided.
Grafix Team — 6 volunteers needed**
Create graphics for distribution on social media.
Graphics are more visually appealing than plain text. Online they increase exposure and inspire more people to take action. Grafix Team volunteers create 12-20 graphics per week, using an established, branded template and style guide. You will need editing software. **This is a new position, and we’re eager to get started!
Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week with a 6 month commitment. Training provided.
How it works
Applying: Please complete the online volunteer application by July 7, 2018. From there, I’ll contact you to set up an informal phone interview. Don’t worry, we’re nice. 🙂
Training: You’ll receive a two-hour orientation and training along with other new volunteers. You’ll learn the philosophy of Americans of Conscience Checklist and receive clear, step-by-step instructions on how to fulfill your role. During training, you’ll also learn to use our online hub, Basecamp, to communicate with the team. The goal of the training is for you to feel prepared and supported.
Schedule: Because we publish the AoC Checklist on Sunday, each volunteer has specific production deadlines to meet every week. Because we value renewal, we take a break from the Checklist on the 4th Sunday. This gives the Research Teams the 3rd week off and Social Media Team the 4th week off every month.
Meetings: Teams meet monthly by conference line to check in about strategies, goals, and progress. The community is warm, supportive, and collaborative. Our volunteers are smart and helpful. It’s an oasis in these difficult times.
6-month commitment: Because of the time involved in training, all volunteers commit to providing six months of support. At that time, we reassess and decide if you want to renew for another six.
What this is (and isn’t).
To be 100% clear, this is a volunteer position that offers no promise of future employment or compensation (beyond personal satisfaction). If selected as an AoCC volunteer, you’ll be working with a professional (me) who has extensive experience working with volunteer teams and a trained volunteer team captain.
Expectations will be clearly and respectfully communicated. If misunderstandings arise, they will be resolved promptly and kindly. If you are in need of a referral or reference, I’ll happily provide one at the end of your 6-month commitment.
Who’s a good fit?
If you’re collaborative, curious, and self-motivated, you’ll fit right in. A sense of humor is a plus. Since all our work is virtual, volunteers need to be comfortable working online and with online tools (like Google Docs, social media, Google search, Basecamp) or a willingness to learn them.
Want to join the hive?
If you want to help Americans take meaningful action, here are your next steps:
- 1. Check that you’re available for the volunteer training (if not, we’ll have another call for volunteers in 3-6 months).
- Research Sous Chefs training: Sunday, July 15, 2018.
Time: 1pm E / 12pm C / 11am M / 10am P for two hours. - Social Media Team training: Sunday, July 15.
Time: 4pm E / 3pm C / 2pm M / 1pm P for two hours.
- Research Sous Chefs training: Sunday, July 15, 2018.
- 2. Complete the online volunteer application by July 7, 2018.
- 3. Look for an email from Jen asking you to sign up for a live interview.
Thank you so much for considering this opportunity!
Warmly,
Jen