Oakland Local is 3 months old and we need some help!

Volunteers play an essential role in the operation of Oakland Local. We are looking for smart, interested volunteers who want to lend a hand with data entry, newsletters, community news, research assistance, newsletters, multimedia production, and more.

If you would like to volunteer with us, please complete the Volunteer Application right here

Detals on what we need

If you're interested in volunteering for one of these part-time positions, 3-5 hours a week, please get it touch with us. And fill out this form!

Marketing/partner outreach associate

We need someone to help us manage our growing partner and user list.  This involves answering emails, doing outreach, managing email lists and groups. Person needs to have past experience with using blogs, social media, and doing basic marketing outreach, newsletter management. Best job for someone looking to build new skills on the web with past experience in partner management and marketing, or student looking to build portfolio. Must have own computer, can work from home but prefer someone local who can come to meetings and work with publisher. Contact editor@oaklandlocal.com

Database/information associate(s)

Oy, do we have data! And we could sure use some volunteers to help manage it. If you'd like to help us get all this data straight, please contact editor@oaklandlocal.com. You need basic word-processing and online skills and pleasure in documenting things. Will teach web skills if needed, but person must have own computer. Can work from home but prefer someone local who can come to meetings and work with publisher. Contact editor@oaklandlocal.com

Community writers: Tell everyone what's going on

We need community members who can work with a basic template and write simple, factual stories about meetings, local events, and neighborhood projects. If you are passionate about a group you belong to, or your community, consider writing for Oakland Local. Help spread the word about what's happening in Oakland by sharing what you observe.These are volunteer positions; we are happy to suggest or request topics. Contact editor@oaklandlocal.com

Community Manager(s)

We value conversation; help us grow our community--both online and off. This role can encompass party and event planning, commmenting on blogs, and helping to manage discussions on Oakland Local. Contact editor@oaklandlocal.com

Coder/CSS/PHP Drupal/Design

We have an amazing development team and we love them, but if you have skills you might want to volunteer to OL in design, PHP, CSS, etc. don't be shy. We will make you brownies.  Vegan ones, if you insist.  Or fried chicken, or whatever makes you happy. Contact editor@oaklandlocal.com

Sales associate

We're going to start selling ads--want to help? This could grow into a paid position. Need someone with prior sales experience and some understanding of the Internet. Contact editor@oaklandlocal.com to discuss

Oakland Local is a non-profit started in October 2009. We partner with community organizations and non-profits and support diverse voices, If you would like to be involved in the site in some other way, please get in touch.

About Susan Mernit

Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner Andy, her housemate, a big old dog named Winston, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist.