Volunteers sought for Words of Peace project

Sampad is currently looking for volunteers to work on its latest First World War project ‘Words of Peace’.

Researcher Volunteer Brief

About Sampad

Sampad is a dynamic development agency for South Asian Arts based in Birmingham. It plays a significant role regionally, nationally and beyond in promoting the appreciation and practice of diverse artforms originating from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Through its work sampad serves, supports and initiates South Asian arts in all its forms working with youth, community, education and professional artists.

About Words of Peace

Funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, ‘Words of Peace’ is encouraging a new generation to take part in open discussions and debates on the themes of war and peace, while uncovering information about people and places associated with local pacifist movements.

Sampad is recruiting and training community volunteers who will have a chance to gain access to the collection of First World War archive material at the Library of Birmingham while working with independent researcher, Dr Siân Roberts, to explore its significance.

The information gathered will be used to inform creative workshops for young people in local primary, secondary and sixth form groups with the aim of inspiring them to produce their own modern-day ‘Pledges for Peace’ which will be shared at a celebration event this summer.

The Role

Sampad is looking to recruit several volunteers who can undertake research into the peace campaigns and leading individuals from these campaigns during WW1. After receiving training from the lead researcher, volunteers will be assigned a topic to research, where they will be expected to find relevant material from a variety of sources including;

• Birmingham Archives
• British Newspaper Archive
• Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre

Commitment

Volunteers must attend the initial training session, which will be agreed upon recruitment, but will take place during April 2016. All work must be completed by June 2016, but when a volunteer chooses to complete the task is up to them.

Benefits

• The opportunity to develop new historical and archiving skills
• Recognition for your work on the online Words of Peace Compendium
• The chance to meet new people and make new friends
• The opportunity to learn something new about the area you live in
• A reference on request upon successful completion of work

Can I apply?

We are keen to hear from reliable individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences, particularly if you live in the local area!

How to apply

Please contact  katy@sampad.org.uk as soon as possible for more information and to request an application form. Or alternatively call the office on 0121 446 3260.