Community Connector Volunteer Role

About the Community Connector Role

Community Connectors are people who know their communities. They may be connected to churches, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, universities, businesses, professional networks, civic organizations, advocacy groups, or simply have relationships with people who would benefit from experiencing a Douglass Project visit. This is intentionally a light-lift volunteer opportunity. We are not asking Community Connectors to organize events, manage registrations, recruit a certain number of people, or make a major time commitment. We are simply asking them to help us spread the word. When the Douglass Project has an upcoming visit, particularly in a community where we are trying to reach more people, Community Connectors may receive information that they can share with people in their network who might be interested. Sometimes that may mean forwarding an email. Sometimes it may mean sharing a social media post, mentioning the opportunity to a church or organization, making an introduction, or simply telling someone, “I think you should experience this.” Our staff handles the registration process, follow-up, and visit logistics.

What Community Connectors May Do

  • Share upcoming Douglass Project visit opportunities with people in their community or network.

  • Forward an email, flyer, registration link, or social media post when appropriate.

  • Personally encourage someone who may benefit from attending a visit.

  • Connect Douglass Project staff with churches, organizations, universities, community groups, or other networks that may be interested.

  • Help us identify new communities and people who should know about the program.

  • Occasionally help spread the word when we have an upcoming visit that needs additional outside participants.

Time Commitment

There is no set number of hours and no required schedule. Community Connectors can help when their time and relationships allow. Some months that may mean sharing one email or making one introduction. At other times, there may be an opportunity to help us reach several people for an upcoming visit. Every connection helps.

Who We Are Looking For

We are especially interested in people who:

  • Are active or well-connected in their community.

  • Believe in the importance of bringing people inside correctional facilities into conversation with people on the outside.

  • Enjoy connecting people with meaningful opportunities.

  • Have relationships with community organizations, faith communities, schools, universities, nonprofits, businesses, civic groups, professional associations, or other networks.

  • Have attended a Douglass Project visit and want others to experience it — although previous participation is not required.

You do not need a particular title, profession, or background to serve as a Community Connector. You simply need to believe in the value of these conversations and be willing to help us get the word out.

Why It Matters

Many people would participate in a Douglass Project visit if they simply knew the opportunity existed. Community Connectors help us reach people we may never reach on our own. A forwarded email, a personal invitation, or one introduction can bring someone inside a correctional facility for a conversation that may stay with them long after the visit ends. Help us open that door. Become a Community Connector with the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice.

If interested in this role, please reach out to kmcconnell@douglassproject.org.