POOCH is a network of three cooperative houses committed to creating a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community. Our members are primarily 20s–40s, queer- and left-leaning working-class folks from various backgrounds. Together, we prioritize mutual aid, sustainability, and shared leadership. Learn more at peopleshousing.org.
Position Overview
We’re seeking a motivated intern to spearhead an Oral History & Digital Presentation project. Working alongside seasoned co-op members, you’ll collect stories, preserve archival materials, and produce a final multimedia piece that captures our co-op’s unique history, culture, and impact.
Key Responsibilities
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Archival Research & Organization
- Examine existing co-op documents (meeting minutes, flyers, photos).
- Digitize or reorganize materials to build an accessible archive.
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Interview Coordination
- Identify and schedule interviews with past and present members.
- Draft thoughtful questions and manage consent/release forms.
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Interview & Documentation
- Conduct recorded interviews (audio/video), ensuring quality and organization.
- Summarize and label all materials for easy future reference.
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Content Creation & Editing
- Select compelling clips and images that reflect POOCH’s story.
- Use basic editing software to assemble a concise final presentation (video, slideshow, or interactive website).
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Presentation & Community Engagement
- Organize a small event or screening to showcase your completed project.
- Gather feedback from co-op members and possibly the broader public.
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Project Handover
- Provide finalized digital files and clear documentation so future members can build on this oral history archive.
While we don’t require previous media production or oral history experience, we want to ensure our intern feels supported in learning new skills. During the internship, you’ll have access to:
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Self-Guided Tutorials & Resources
- We’ll provide or recommend free online tutorials (e.g., YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare) for basic audio/video recording and editing software (iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, or similar).
- You’ll receive tips on best practices for archiving (labeling, file organization) and conducting oral history interviews (sample interview questions, ethical considerations).
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Mentor & Peer Support
- A designated mentor or buddy in the co-op will be available for weekly check-ins to help troubleshoot any challenges, share feedback on interviews, and brainstorm ideas.
- Even though we don’t have official “professional” expertise on staff, several members have hands-on experience with event organizing, community projects, and creative storytelling. They’ll offer informal guidance and feedback.
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Interactive Workshops or Check-Ins
- We’ll hold a few mini-workshops or discussion sessions on interview techniques, how to approach sensitive topics, and organizing large amounts of digital files. These will be collaborative and shaped by the intern’s needs.
- We’ll hold a few mini-workshops or discussion sessions on interview techniques, how to approach sensitive topics, and organizing large amounts of digital files. These will be collaborative and shaped by the intern’s needs.
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NASCO & Community Connections
- If needed, we’ll help you connect with outside resources—like local libraries, NASCO trainings, or regional co-ops—for best practices on oral history or media production.
- We encourage you to use (and share) community-based knowledge—someone in the co-op or neighborhood might have editing or archival tips.
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Hands-On Learning
- Much of the training will be experiential. You’ll learn by doing: scanning photos, setting up interviews, and editing raw footage. We believe this approach fosters confidence and deeper understanding.
- Hands-on experience in oral history techniques, project management, and digital storytelling.
- Collaborative mentorship from experienced co-op members.
- Deep insight into cooperative living, community building, and social justice principles.
- A tangible portfolio piece (multimedia presentation) for future job or school applications.