Do more good.

Producing the Americans of Conscience Checklist requires many caring people.

AoCC volunteers bring hearts, values, and brains to three specific focus areas:

Research Teams: Gather information about grassroots organizations’ recommended actions and good news in the areas of democracy, voting, immigration, and equality.

Social Media Team: Distributes this information through graphics, tweets, and Facebook posts to fuel to our growing community of concerned Americans.

Production Team: Puts all the research together, edits it, and formats into our published document.

We’re attempting to build a country the US has never been.
That inclusive, thriving nation can only exist if we make it happen.
~ Kay S., Research Team

What we’re seeking right now

Several of our teams are requesting support in the following areas.

Social Media: Facebook Team

This team shares the Checklist on over 100 Facebook groups each week! FB Sharers write a unique 2-3 sentence intro that invites people to view the Checklist and take action. It’s a great role for people who want to do a lot of good in a short amount of time. Training provided.

Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week with a 6-month initial commitment.

Social Media: Instagram Team

Our newest team needs 1-2 creative people who enjoy the Instagram platform and the sense of community it creates. Our Insta Team creates posts and stories that engage and inspire. If you’re creative, interested in the production and strategy of social media, and like to collaborate with an innovative team, do apply!

Time commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week with a 6-month initial commitment.

Social Media: Twitter Team

Be one of the amazing people behind our AoCC Twitter account, spreading good news, useful info, and kindness in the twittersphere. This team is collaborative and fun, and each member takes a turn at the helm–a good mix of teamwork and autonomy. Training provided.

Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month with a 6-month initial commitment.

Research: Equality Team 

This team researches actions that support equality for all. Each week, the AoC Checklist amplifies the good work of organizations advocating for the rights of religious minorities, people of color, LGBTQ people, disabled people, people in poverty, children, women, and more. Equality researchers use a thorough list of vetted resources to find actions that expand equality in our country. Training provided.

Time commitment: 4-6 hours per month with a 6-month initial commitment.

Research: Immigration Team 

This team researches actions to protect the rights of immigrating people and families. The AoCC logo is Lady Liberty’s torch. We believe that immigrants make our communities better, and the current administrations policies are wasteful, inhumane, and unAmerican. Immigration researchers explore the actions of grassroots organizations who seek to end inhumane policies and expand a spirit of welcome to diverse people.

Time commitment: 4-6 hours per month with a 6-month initial commitment.

The process of becoming an AoCC volunteer

Info Session: You’re strongly encouraged to attend the informational session for prospective volunteers on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Registration and details here. If you can’t attend live, complete the application below, and Jen will contact you with the link to the recording.

Applying: Please apply by Friday, January 23, 2020 using this online application. From there, Jen will contact you to set up an informal phone interview.

Training: The goal of the AoCC trainings is for you to feel prepared and supported in your role as a volunteer. You’ll receive a 2-hour orientation from Jen to learn about the vision, mission, and values of the Americans of Conscience Checklist, the strategies we use, and our role in the movements we support. You’ll learn practical skills including an orientation to our team’s online workspace, Basecamp. Your second training (about one hour) is led by the captain of your specific volunteer team to train you on the specific tasks you’ll complete, the typical schedule, and ways to communicate with your team.

Production schedule: Because we publish the AoC Checklist on Sunday, each volunteer has specific tasks and production deadlines to meet every week. We value renewal, so we take a week-long break from the Checklist each month. The Research Teams takes the 3rd week off and Social Media Team the 4th week off every month. 

Community: We connect using a private, secure online workspace called Basecamp. Your Team Captain is available there to answer your questions, a clear, weekly to-do list of volunteer tasks, and the opportunity to interact with your teammates. The community is warm, supportive, and collaborative.

Meetings: Jen hosts a monthly Kickoff Call to talk about goals, plans, and celebration. Occasionally we have guest experts present for growth and learning as a community. Individual teams usually meet monthly by conference line to check in about progress, strategies, and goals. 

Commitment: This year, all current volunteers made a commitment to be an AoCC volunteer through the 2020 election. After you’ve completed your initial, six-month trial period, you’ll receive an invitation to commit through November 2020 with the rest of the team. If you already know you cannot make a commitment through November 2020, we ask that you not apply. Continuity allows us to deepen trust and focus on the work.

What this is (and isn’t).

To be 100% clear, you’re applying for a volunteer position that offers no promise of future employment or compensation (beyond personal satisfaction). If selected as an AoCC volunteer, you’ll be working with a trained volunteer team captain and a professional (Jen) with extensive experience working with volunteer teams.

All tasks and expectations will be clearly and respectfully communicated to you. If misunderstandings arise, they will be resolved promptly and kindly. If you are in need of a referral or reference, you are welcome to request one after 6 months.

Benefits of volunteering

Here’s what some of the team had to say:

“I love volunteering with AoCC because I know my actions will have a direct multiplier effect. I know that when I put my time and effort in, more people will be able to take quick and effective action.”
~ Erica W., Social Media Team Captain

“My volunteer work for the AoCC gives me strength and hope even as the news gets worse. A huge benefit is having a structure/container for my news consumption now. Plus, I have a supportive community of fellow volunteers to turn to before, during, and after that container time, which is so much better than just reading the news and then feeling hopeless and alone.”
~ Wendy C., Voting Team

“I love volunteering for AoCC because it feeds my bias for action. Not only does it give me guides to action, but it also allows me to share those actions with many others. I have met and become inspired by the other awesome volunteers!”
~ Anne P., Facebook Team Captain

“As an AoCC volunteer, I’m part of a community of like-minded people from all over the country and beyond. People, who once were strangers, are now friends doing good work together. We have built a family here, which includes all the people who use the checklist. When they send us thanks and appreciation, it cheers my heart and reminds me how worthwhile this work is!”
~ Nancy C., Twitter Team

“Volunteering with the AoC Checklist helps me to know there are quite a few people out there who feel the way I do. It makes me feel better to do something that counteracts all the awful things happening and knowing I’m not alone in taking action.”
~ Chanie B., Twitter Team Captain

Who’s a good fit?

The people who enjoy volunteering at AoCC

• • • Can balance collaboration with independent work
    • Are comfortable working under a deadline
    • Have a sense of humor
    • Enjoy learning and teaching
    • Value the AoCC’s civil, nonpartisan tone
    • Are comfortable working online and with online tools and/or a willingness to learn
    • Have a support system and practices self-care

Want to take the next steps?

If you want to help Americans take meaningful action, here’s what comes next:

1. 1. Watch the volunteer info session to learn what it’s about. (Click here.)
   2. Complete the AoCC volunteer application here.

If you want to do more good and get connected, volunteering with AoCC might be just what you’ve been looking for. Please be in touch!