Vinspired
Vinspired
25 May 2024 ·

History Jam: Behind the Scenes!

History Jam was a pioneering event orchestrated by a dedicated team of volunteers in collaboration with Choice FM. This initiative was part of Vinspired’s ‘I Have a Choice’ match fund project, aimed at fostering civic engagement and celebrating Black History Month.

A Collaborative Effort

A core team of volunteers, aged 19-24, converged at Global Radio over four weeks to design a community event. This event was a celebration of Black history, featuring established music artists, emerging singers, designers, and inspirational speakers, such as Dragons’ Den winner Levi Roots. The free event was a resounding success, attracting over 300 attendees to Café De Paris in the West End.

The volunteers demonstrated the power of volunteering through live demonstrations, showcasing the benefits and personal growth they experienced. This aligns with the impact areas of civic engagement and arts & culture, which Vinspired champions.

Volunteer Experience: A Personal Journey

Day 1

Arriving at Global for the first time was an exhilarating experience. The corporate office environment was new, and meeting familiar faces from past volunteering events made it feel promising. Despite a smaller team than expected, the atmosphere was vibrant, with free snacks and drinks to kick-start the day.

Day 4

As the team settled into their roles, camaraderie blossomed. The laid-back yet professional ambiance of Choice FM was inspiring, and interactions with DJs were a highlight, sparking an interest in radio as a potential career.

Day 8

The concept of ‘hot-desking’ offered a dynamic work environment, and the anticipation of working alongside the vibrant events team added excitement to the routine.

Day 15

By now, the office was familiar, and relationships with staff, including the friendly ‘charities’ department, were well-established. The experience underscored the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

Day 19

Balancing volunteering with university commitments was challenging yet rewarding. Making calls to sponsors and press contacts honed skills in project management and organization, proving the value of persistence and effective communication.

The Night Before

The anticipation of the event’s success was palpable. The team’s dedication over the past weeks had been immense, and the hope was all would go smoothly.

Post-Event Reflection

Reflecting on the event, it was clear how much everyone had grown. The manager’s trust in delegating tasks based on volunteers’ strengths was validating. Seeing Levi Roots and Action Jackson on stage was a rewarding culmination of efforts, reinforcing the value of fundraising and grant writing skills.

Experience the impact of civic engagement by exploring more about I Have A Choice.


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