Virginia Voice, an independent, non-profit organization,
provides an audio reading and information service for those who are
unable to read for themselves because of a vision impairment or other
disability. Our readings are broadcast by way of a special
closed-circuit radio system. During the course of a week's broadcast we
read from more than 100 publications. Volunteers are an integral part
of the service. At least 100 readers are needed for the production of
each week's programming, and we have an ongoing need for volunteers to
assist in a number of other ways.
Readers (an audition is
required): We are dependent on volunteers for all
the reading. "Live" reading is done by a team of two readers,
alternating articles. Recorded readings are done in
individual studios with the volunteer reader operating the recording
computer. The recording process is not difficult and the only computer
skill absolutely required is the ability to use a mouse.
Staff is always available for training and assistance. Volunteer
readers may commit to a specified amount of time
each week, or may prefer to be "on-call" as needed. Actual
time
involved may vary from a two-hour reading per week to one hour a month,
depending on the volunteer’s availability and the
Voice’s needs. For more information, see Volunteer
Reader FAQ.
Radio
Deliverers: Volunteer radio deliverers are the
first, sometimes the only, face-to-face contact our listeners have with
Virginia Voice. Deliverers need to be "people
persons."
Office
Assistants: We occasionally require help in the
office with preparation of mass mailings.
Social
Media Assistants: We need volunteers who can help us with
social networking, specifically Twitter, Facebook and Blogging.
Board
Operators: These volunteers need to have
computer experience, a good broadcast voice and technical
aptitude. They may volunteer for a specified time period each
week, or occasionally as needed.
Production
Assistants: These volunteers assist with the
creation of special recorded projects using the audio editing software
Sound Forge and Windows
XP.
Interviewers:
We need volunteers who have professional experience in broadcast
interviewing.
Special
Events: We need volunteers to assist with
special events, such as our annual volunteer recognition party.
Spokespersons:
We often participate in “Health Fairs” at various
locations in the area. We need volunteers to "man"
a table, providing information and answering questions about the
Voice. Orientation and training are provided.
The
Out-of-Sight Players: Readers who have been with
the Voice for at least six months and who have a flair for the dramatic
are eligible for this group. Past productions include
Alice’s
Adventures Through the Looking Glass and A Christmas
Carol. We have a need for volunteers with
directing
experience who are willing to organize rehearsals and direct a
production.
ProspectiveVolunteers must
attend an Orientation.
Orientations are held in the Conference Room of the Library and
Resource Center of the Virginia Dept. for the Blind and Vision
Impaired, 395 Azalea Avenue, where Virginia Voice is located.
Orientations are held from
6:30 to 7:45 p.m., the third Thursday of each month,
except for July and December.
Orientations scheduled in 2010 are:
Thursday, August 19, September
16, October 21 and November 18.
If
you plan to attend an Orientation, please let us know. Call
804-266-2477 or email Rebecca Emmett, Program
Director, at remmett@virginiavoice.org.
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