Christian Aid Week Media Volunteer
Christian Aid Week Media volunteer
Task description
Are you a passionate about eradicating global poverty? Do you have a keen interest in media? Christian Aid has a vision to end poverty and many of our supporters organize fundraising events to move us closer to this vision. In May, thousands of people join us in Christian Aid week to fundraise and raise awareness. We are looking for someone to raise awareness of Christian Aid week across Greater Manchester in the media. This a really fantastic and unique opportunity to gain experience in media and gain experience in a well-known international development charity. We are looking for someone who also has a passion for ending world poverty and an enthusiasm for raising awarenss. You will have the opportunity to be part of a team, develop communication skills, learn more about the underlying causes of poverty, and make a difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.You will also make a significant contribution to Christian Aid’s work in fighting poverty by bringing the issues to as wide an audience as possible.
What will I do?
- work with the Regional Coordinator of Greater Manchester to identify local media opportunities
- help build and maintain a local media contacts database
- rewrite Christian Aid corporate press releases to include a local slant
- draft press releases about Christian Aid activities in the local area
- send press releases to local media including print, broadcast and online media
- help devise creative media stunts and draft photo call notices
- take photos of media events or liaise with photographers
- attend local media events
- arrange media interviews for members of Christian Aid staff
- identify opportunities in local media for profile raising articles such as regular columns about local people’s jobs etc
- help compile press cuttings
- help collect stories about local people that could be used in Christian Aid’s communications – Christian Aid News, website etc
Examples of areas of work that require media support include:
How much time can I give?
That depends on you – anything from a couple of hours a year to several hours a month.
What skills do I need?
- excellent written English and writing skills
- a good telephone manner
- knowledge of local media
- ability to work independently and as part of a team
- ability to be proactive (finding your own stories) and reactive (responding to Christian Aid national or regional press releases)
- ability to think of exciting ways to communicate Christian Aid’s activities in your local area
- good organisational skills
- a creative approach to media work
- photography skills are not essential but would be beneficial
What support will I receive?
- individual support from a named contact
- access to our media contacts database
- regular email contact
- training sessions with other volunteers
- quarterly volunteers e-newsletter
- opportunities to meet visiting overseas partners
- out of pocket expenses
We will also be happy to provide a reference at the end of your volunteering placement with us.
Are there any other requirements?
- you will be asked to provide evidence of your writing skills. If you don’t have examples of articles that you have written you will be asked to do a short written exercise
- you will need to be in sympathy with Christian Aid’s values and vision
How can I find out more?
Contact Bex Turner on 01925 582 817 or email
______
Christian Aid UK registered charity number 1105851 Company number 5171525
Northern Ireland charity number XR94639 Company number NI059154
Republic of Ireland charity number CHY6998 Company number 426928
Scotland charity number SC039150