Let's talk resumes.

[Zerbie]

If you had to make a resume of your activism experience, how would you go about it?

I'm asking b/c I'm interested in signing up for HRC's "camp equality" training, and the registration form actually asks for a resume. Well, since I've never done this stuff for pay, I have never written a resume about it. I just. . . did stuff.

One question really pressing on my mind is: WHY does HRC want registrants to post a resume in order to apply for the training?? Can't I take the training without having one? What is the purpose of this resume? I have NEVER been asked to show one before. Anyone have any idea why this might be a requirement??

***
Activists, how would you suggest a newbie turn their volunteerism into a resume? I have done a lot. How does one begin to categorize volunteer activism into bullet points?? Pointers, please!!

I'm ready to open Word and get started.

[Alecto]

Did you check the Wizard thingies in word? Are they adopt-able?
I kinda suck with the whole concept of resumes, and my activism-resume is very short indeed, so I'm probably not terribly helpful, but...I tried?

I would guess that they have limitations on how many people can take the training, so they want to pass it on to people they know will use it. Or, maybe they're just being pretentious.
Best of luck though!

[paul]

Zerbie,

Why not just ask them why?

On the speculative side, maybe it's a self protective effort.

I think you should post the SF site under activiites/references. They would get a perfect snapshot of you just by coming on this site and reading what you have written.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Alecto

my activism-resume is very short indeed, so I'm probably not terribly helpful, but...I tried?

Thank you!

I would guess that they have limitations on how many people can take the training, so they want to pass it on to people they know will use it. Or, maybe they're just being pretentious.
Best of luck though!

I rather doubt space is THAT limited. I've been to free seminars that catered to 100 people, why couldn't HRC get a large room? And I honestly don't believe there *are* that many activists, though AZ is a good place to find some excellent ones.

Originally Posted by u-dog

But I imagine that HRC EITHER wants to aim this training at people with SOME experience rather than at total newbies OR they want to KNOW how much experience the participants have so that they can tweak the program to be of maximum effectiveness. I have been to training events that either were way above or way below my level of experience and each is equally annoying and unhelpful.

R-r-r-r-ight. Well maybe that's it. Maybe if I put myself in the advanced track & they don't think my resume reflects that, they will suggest to me that I switch. Who knows? The training is only a month away - guess I'd better start writing.

As to what should go into your resume, just put in it the things you have done and been involved in. Your experience organizing Seven Straight Nights last year will alone, undoubtedly qualify you for whatever they have in mind. But you are a BORN activist. Find a way to talk about your childhood awakening to the unfairness of homophobia. I found that very impressive and moving.

Oh. I wouldn't 'o thunk of including that on a resume. Hmmm, now I'm gonna hafta mull over how to work that in, if I can.

Yeah, the 7SN thing will definitely be big on there. I did SO many different jobs!! And I have some other stuff, campaigns, lobbying experience, marches and protests. Time to brainstorm how to get it on paper.

Originally Posted by paul

Zerbie,

Why not just ask them why?
'Cuz I cannot figure out who to direct the question to. I have asked HRC questions before regarding activism and their alerts that I took action on, and never received responses either via email or phone call.


On the speculative side, maybe it's a self protective effort.

I think you should post the SF site under activiites/references. They would get a perfect snapshot of you just by coming on this site and reading what you have written.

That's another idea I hadn't thought of before! Way cool!! Wow. Will do.

Sighhhhhh. . . though I suppose if I'm referencing this for "business" purposes now, I'd better go back and edit all 4000+ posts to take out all the casual, conversational grammar and spellings, lest someone form a less than flattering opinion of my communication skills. On second thought, maybe I'll just list Soulforce as a group I belong to and forego mentioning the forum.

[antonyh]

I work in non-profit and what I did was to give my professional resume and then a supplementary resume with my volunteer work. Just a thought.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by antonyh

I work in non-profit and what I did was to give my professional resume and then a supplementary resume with my volunteer work. Just a thought.

Ermmm, but none of my activism has ever paid. So it's ALL volunteer.

[Zerbie]

Hi all,

Got a first draft started. Have a few problems and questions with rendering the activities onto paper.

Who might be willing to critique the resume once I have a draft ready?

[antonyh]

I'll critique it if you like. Just send me a copy to ardhemail@gmail.com

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by antonyh

I'll critique it if you like. Just send me a copy to ardhemail@gmail.com

Check your email!

Thank you SO much!

[Zerbie]

Hi folks,

Thanks to those of who you provided feedback (and big thanks to the one who re-formatted the columns - the page layout is much neater now!!)

Now. I'm adding a section for media links. At present, struggling a bit with the fact that the story is 6 months old and some of the links go astray, but I'm assuming I can fix them and maybe find permanent archival links somewhere. We'll see.

My question is: quality or quantity? It might be nice to show the wide array of coverage, but otoh, some of it is just a blurb here or there, and one of the pieces attempts to slant us in not so spectacular a light. Would you include just the really strikingly good coverage?

Thanks.