Overview

Volunteers conduct guided conversations with clients (in person or via Zoom) to preserve personal histories,
values, and messages for loved ones. We prioritize access for low-income families; BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities;
disabled and neurodivergent individuals; immigrants; unhoused and justice-involved neighbors; and veterans.
Training and templates are provided, bring your heart and your curiosity.

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare and conduct legacy interviews using Antara’s question guides and trauma-informed approach.
• Record high-quality audio/video (we’ll train on a simple, low-cost setup; remote options available).
• Organize files, add basic trims/titles, and ensure clear naming for the family archive.
• Capture bilingual stories when possible; coordinate interpreters as needed.
• Respect accessibility needs (pace, plain language, breaks) and client consent for use/distribution.
• Maintain brief session notes and securely transfer final files to families.

Training & Tools Provided

• Interview frameworks, question banks, and cultural humility guidance.
• Basic audio/video recording tips (mic placement, room tone, framing) and file-handling workflow.
• Light editing walkthrough (trimming, leveling, simple title card or cover image).
• Reflective supervision for volunteer well-being and growth.

Time Commitment

• 2–4 hours per project (prep, interview 45–90 min, light edit, file delivery).
• Monthly goal: 1–2 projects (flexible). Minimum preferred term: 3 months.

Qualifications

• Warm presence and excellent listening; curious, patient interviewer.
• Comfort with basic tech (Zoom, smartphone or webcam, simple editing, training provided).
• Commitment to equity, consent, and dignified storytelling.
• Ideal for: writers, podcasters, videographers, oral history students, community archivists.

Accessibility, Equity & Inclusion

• Volunteers of all backgrounds/abilities welcome; accommodations available whenever possible.
• Language access, ASL/interpretation, and plain-language materials arranged when feasible.
• We honor chosen names, pronouns, culture, and family structure in all recordings and titles.

See our Community Care Standards and
Non-Discrimination Policy.

Scope, Consent & Privacy

• Client ownership: Families receive final files; public sharing requires explicit consent.
• Non-clinical role: We do not provide therapy or legal advice; we can refer to resources.
• Data care: Follow Antara’s secure file-transfer and deletion guidelines.

Screening & Onboarding

• Volunteer application and conversation with program lead.
• Reference and background check (for certain placements; covered by Antara).
• Completion of training modules and agreement to Antara’s standards and privacy practices.
• Shadowing/mentored project for the first assignment when appropriate.

What You’ll Gain

• Powerful experience capturing stories and cultural legacies with dignity and care.
• Portfolio-friendly projects (with permission) and mentorship in ethical storytelling.
• Skills in interviewing, light editing, and accessibility-minded production.
• Verification of volunteer hours upon request.