Volunteering at AINC
Reading for the blind, visually impaired, and print disabled residents of Colorado.
Volunteering at AINC
AINC relies on our dedicated team of volunteers to read and record print materials in our recording studios. For those who are blind, losing vision, or can’t read for a different reason, audio programming is a vital component of staying informed, connected, and engaged.
Join the scores of volunteers who help AINC Bring Print to Life.
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers can read and record various Colorado newspapers, magazines, shopping ads, and any vital information that is otherwise unavailable to the print disabled members of our community. Volunteers can also join the “Buddy Program”, where volunteers work directly with AINC listeners.
We aim for our volunteers to have a successful volunteer experience that not only enriches their lives but also the lives of those their service touches.
Volunteer readers are trained to be the best they can be in delivering spoken content, and to ensure this we provide training and support to our volunteers. Program assignments take into account a volunteer’s regular availability, and programming needs. Program recording sessions typically last between 45 to 90 minutes. Most volunteers start with one assigned program per week. Volunteer Buddies will receive training, resources and constant support from AINC staff throughout the program.
Host a Show
Come in weekly and use our professional studios in Boulder, Colorado. We provide training on how to operate the studio room and equipment independently, but staff are always happy to assist you. Studios are open Monday-Friday from 7:30am- 5pm.
Qualifications
- Pass the reading audition
- Enjoy reading local area newspapers
- Be familiar with internet navigation
Host a Show at Home
You can host a show from anywhere in the world. We can set you up with your smartphone or a computer, and we provide the training, microphone, and content. We train our remote readers to use the free VoiceRecord Pro app to record and send content.
Qualifications
- Pass the remote reading audition
- Enjoy reading local area newspapers
- Be familiar with internet navigation
- Be comfortable working independently
- Be comfortable with remote support
- Know how to trouble shoot problems that may come up in the recording or file sending process.
Make Friends with a Listener
The new Buddy Project will allow select volunteers to work directly with AINC listeners. These volunteers have periodic phone calls with listeners and obtain feedback through surveys to ensure programs are meeting listeners needs. Make a friend!
Qualifications
- As you may know, many of our listeners are aging and sometimes socially isolated. So, “people skills” are a must for all Buddy Project volunteers. You will ask listeners for suggestions about what new programs might be helpful. We hope that these phone conversations will be pleasant, brief, and meaningful, and that listeners will come to look forward to talking to their assigned Buddy.
- Must be be 21 years or older.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background check.
Volunteer FAQ’s
How often am I expected to read?
Most volunteers start with one weekly program.
What can I expect in the audition?
The Director of Volunteer Services will have you come into our studios at a set time, and you will read and record material they have prepared for you. The volunteer coordinator and you will review the recording.
How do you choose what program I will read?
Program assignments take into account a volunteer’s regular availability, and programming needs.
Where will my show be heard?
Our content can be heard on many platforms. Over television waves, on the internet, over the phone, through Amazon Echo’s, and even on other audio information service’s websites. Your voice will be heard all over Colorado and beyond!
What if I have technical issues when I record remotely?
AINC staff are here to support you. As a remote reader, you can call or visit us at any time during our business hours. Just call 303-786-7777.
More questions? Call us!
303-786-7777