Lost Voices
I work at my University's rhetoric center, and the best part of my job is telling people that their voice matters, that their culture matters, that their life matters. Even in essay writing, especially in creative writing, I tell them that their unique perspective is valuable. If everyone wrote the same story, about the same things, in the same way, we would live in a dull world. Now I want to tell all of you, what I tell my clients.
So I am announcing my new project, "Lost Voices", on my blog officially. I have been advertising for it on my Instagram (which you can find in the about section or click the icon up top), and now I want to get to work.
I am incredibly passionate about telling my story because I believe that my voice matters. I am also incredibly passionate about helping other people tell their stories because everyone's voice matters. This project is about projecting the lost voices in the world. If you feel your voice has been silenced, I want to give you a platform to speak.
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I want to be clear about how I am defining these lost stories. These are the stories you feel are underrepresented in the media. These don't have to be huge stories, but they certainly can be. If there is something that was lost or something that you're scared of losing, I want to hear about it. If you have an idea, but you're not sure that it works with what I'm doing, just ask me!
Now, because I come from an engineering background, I want to outline my methods to hold myself accountable and to be completely transparent about the process.
You contact me in any way and say that you would like to interview and what you might want to talk about.
I will reach out and establish a date and time that works for both of us to talk. I will also establish how we will call and record the interview.
I will send a copy of tailored interview questions based on these three: 1. What is your story? 2. What about it feels lost? 3. Why is it important to tell? (This is to alleviate any pre-interview nerves, you do not have to prepare if you would not like to)
When we talk before the interview, I will first ask for some initial information: your name, age, topic, and pronouns. I would also like to collect some introductory statements or information so I can include an about the speaker section. You may also request to remain anonymous*. You do not need a name attached for your voice for it to matter.
I will ask if you are ready for me to start recording for the "official" interview. After fifteen or so minutes I will stop the recording when you have said all you wanted to say.
At some point, I would like you to send me photos you want to include in the post. I would love a horizontal picture of you for the cover (unless you wish to remain anonymous of course).
I will write up your bio, and send it to you for your approval.
I will transcribe the interview and send it to you for your approval.
I will format the interview into a post. This may include cutting some parts of the transcript depending on length, adding the bio, formatting the photos, and my own closing remarks. I will send this to you for approval.
Once you have fully signed off on the final draft, and feel that I have accurately represented your voice, I will post it to my blog!
*At any point in the process, you may take your name off of your interview to remain anonymous. I will also work hard myself, and with you, to take out any information that would make it possible for anyone to trace the interview back to you. Your safety and comfort is my highest priority throughout the entire process. I want to tell your story for your sake, not for mine. Once again I would like to say that you do not need to have your name attached for your voice to be heard.
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I am committed to projecting your voice. I am committed to your story. I am committed to encouraging you, each and every one of you, because your voice should not remain lost.