What Volunteer opportunities are available at Virginia Voice?
We work with Volunteers across our organization. Most of our volunteers are readers who help us create content for our 24/7 radio broadcast. Other volunteers help with administrative tasks or events, deliver radios, or provide Live Audio Description for cultural events.
How do I become a Volunteer?
Please take a moment to fill out our Volunteer Application. Our Program and Volunteer Director will reach out to you once it has been received in order to set up an audition or meeting.
What kind of things do you read on the air?
Our Volunteer Readers create programs from a variety of sources, including TIME Magazine, Richmond Living, Forbes, Soap Opera Digest, Bon Appetit, Guideposts, Sports Illustrated, Christianity Today, Smithsonian, and TV Guide. Our programming schedule also includes several book hours, which feature various fiction and non-fiction titles. We read from The Richmond Times-Dispatch daily.
Is there an age requirement to Volunteer?
Volunteers must be 18 years old or older.
Do I need to commit to a certain number of hours each week?
No. A program recording usually takes between 1 – 1 1/2 hours. Some readers volunteer once a week or every other week, some once a month, and some simply schedule time as they are available. There is no set time commitment – it is entirely up to the volunteer as to how much time they want to give.
Who decides what I will read?
You will work together with our program director to identify materials that are suited to your voice and ability.
Will I always read the same program?
Most volunteers are dedicated to a single program, others “float” and may read for a different program each time. This will depend on the needs of the organization, as well as your availability.
What is the audition like? What are you looking for in an audition?
Our audition is very simple, and typically takes less than 20 minutes to complete. You will be asked to read 2 articles and a series of vocabulary words. We are looking for vocal strength and quality, inflection, intonation, speed, phrasing, enunciation and pronunciation.
When I can come to the studios to record?
Monday 9 am – 7 pm
Tuesday 9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday 9 am – 7 pm
Thursday 9 am – 7 pm
Friday 9 am – Noon
Saturday 9 am – Noon
Sunday 2 pm – 5 pm
Do you offer opportunities to record at home?
Yes. We are actively recruiting volunteers who are interested in recording remotely. We have a remote recording manual, and can work one-on-one with individuals who are interested in recording from home but aren’t sure where to start. Please indicate that you are interested in recording remotely when you fill out your volunteer application. Remote readers are required to audition and attend an orientation at our studios in Richmond, Virginia.
What if I don’t pass the audition? Will I still be able to volunteer?
We always need volunteers to help us with administrative tasks and events. Let us know on your application if you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities!
Is there a volunteer orientation?
Yes. A brief volunteer orientation will be scheduled after you have passed your audition. At orientation, we will go over Virginia Voice polices and procedures, including scheduling, recording, and saving your program. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with several of our staff members and learn more about our organization.
Do I need to know anything about radio in order to volunteer?
All that is required to be a volunteer reader is a good voice and the ability to use a computer. We provide technical assistance for readers, and our studio staff is always happy to help troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.
For more information, contact the Program and Volunteer Director: (804) 266-2477 or pgmdir@virginiavoice.org