Fixt Point Arts and Media (Empathy Squad *VIRTUAL* Training Audio Storytellers and Podcast Creators)

Organization Name: Fixt Point Arts and Media
Opportunity Title: Empathy Squad *VIRTUAL* Training Audio Storytellers and Podcast Creators
Category: Social and Community Service
Commitment: Less than 6 months
Start Date: January 9, 2023
End Date: March 31, 2023

Email: empathysquad@fixtpoint.com
Website: https://www.fixtpoint.com/
Opportunity Description:

Gather Oral Histories to Foster Empathy and Build your Podcasting Skills. Volunteer Opportunity (Future Leaders aged 18-30 years) The Empathy Squad is now accepting applications for our Winter 2023 cohorts.   Cohorts 13 & 14 will run January to March 2023.  Approximately 12 hours a week of commitment for 12 weeks total. The training program is virtual, and open to applicants across Canada. See full program schedule at https://www.fixtpoint.com/empathysquad-apply Brief Program Overview:  The Empathy Squad program trains and equips youth from across Canada to generate empathy-building dialogue through the collection of stories via interviews and the creation of podcast pieces. Oral storytelling forges connections between people and ideas, makes information more accessible, and helps us understand the ties that bind us. Oral history nuances the stories of the past and present, helps us understand how communities experience history, and allows us to learn together on the path towards a shared future. Amplify voices, centre overlooked stories, and celebrate the unsung heroes in your community. You’ll have the chance to collect stories, learn podcasting skills, meet new people from different walks of life, and collaborate with future leaders across the country. Come spark change, one story at a time.     Deadline to apply: December 1, 2022  Fill out our application Form: https://www.fixtpoint.com/empathysquad-apply The Empathy Squad program is made possible by the Canada Service Corps.    Information Session We will hold an Information Session on November 15, 2022 at 7pm Eastern Time, where individuals can get to know our company, the Empathy Squad program and its facilitators, and find out more about the program details and expectations. You can register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkcO6opzIvGN2gNN9pGQ9OeaVnQOpuMJ7h   Join the growing cohorts of FUTURE LEADERS who have forged stronger connections with their chosen communities through art and volunteerism.   As a participant, you too can:  ✅ Volunteer in service of your community, learn about what’s important to them through active listening and help foster empathy for their lived experiences; ✅ Experience hands-on learning alongside fellow future leaders and from industry professionals across the country; ✅ Complete the program having gained the knowledge and practical skills needed to produce high-quality audio stories – interviewing and recording techniques, narrative shaping, and audio-editing; The program is delivered virtually and provides opportunities for developing skills and artistic practice to capture and preserve community stories to be shared with present and future generations, as well as opportunities for improving your communication and self-expression skills! With over 70 podcast pieces created, you can listen to them here: https://soundcloud.com/fixtpoint/sets/empathy-squad-squadcasts About Fixt Point:  FIXT POINT is a Toronto-based arts & media company with national reach. Our mandate is to inspire audiences and artists to imagine change, and our mission is to promote local culture and preserve local heritage through the telling of tales across multiple platforms. We endeavour to be leaders in public engagement, embedding training and outreach into our process of creation and dissemination. FIXT POINT was founded in 2006 and incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2011.   To date, we’ve interviewed over 3,000 Canadians from every province and territory in almost 200 communities in our storymobiles (mobile recording studio on wheels); edited and posted hundreds of oral histories on our storymap; produced two seasons of a TV/web series for TVO; and, most recently, we were awarded Touring Artist of the Year from the Canadian Arts Presenting Association (CAPACOA). The Tale of a Town Story Map (http://www.thetaleofatown.com) TVO Series (https://tvo.org/programs/main-street-ontario) Learn more at www.fixtpoint.com.