What is the meaning of our Volunteer Voice Over logo and why did we create it?
The Volunteer Voice Over logo was created to ensure inclusivity with all people regardless of race, gender identity, religion or political beliefs. Although we are a more progressive and liberal company, we believe all people want the chance to volunteer their voice. As long as we stick to our voice, values and rules… we are good!
The logo looks like a dictionary entry. We want people to understand the true meaning of a volunteer. The colors filled in to the closed letters are meant to be an opening to all people regardless of race, gender identity, religion or political beliefs. Our logo makes a statement about inclusivity and the colors represent the pride we have as voice talents and being able to use our voices in an altruistic way. Although, this is not a “pride” based website, the colors have a visual meaning we feel stands for much more.
vol·un·teer
v : to offer or bestow voluntarily
n : a person who voluntarily offers oneself for a service or undertaking.
n : a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.
"How do I start?"
Join Volunteer Voice Over as a Rising Voice Talent or Nonprofit, create a detailed profile, and collaborate with each other. Your voice needs to be heard!
Rising Voice Talent or Nonprofits Start Here
How did Volunteer Voice Over start?
“Volunteering has always been an important value in my family. So, of course, once my voice talent skills were perfected and ready, I tried contacting Nonprofit organizations to volunteer my voice. However, there were only a handful of opportunities out there. The voice talent community is made up of generous people who not only want success as voice talents, but many are also second-career and experienced professionals who understand the value of volunteering and giving back. I realized that there needed to be a simple and affordable platform that offers Rising Voice Talents a way to give back by fostering a sense of community and personal growth while uncovering real opportunities to help their favorite charitable organizations."
"Many Rising Voice Talents start voice over as a second career and have amazing experiences in both their work and personal lives. Most Nonprofit organizations depend on volunteers, so it's a perfect way for them to collaborate with Rising Voice Talents who may want to practice their craft while building valuable industry relationships."
"I spent most of my professional career in Nonprofit organizations, so I understand the value of collaborating with many kinds of talent. It's also important for organizations to trust those who want to help. The Volunteer Voice Over platform will pair Rising Voice Talent members with vetted Nonprofit organizations that have a specific voice over project and are ready to be paired with a vetted Rising Voice Talent. The "people pairing" will be so much fun and exciting to watch! After all, it's people who make the difference, especially those who are altruistic."
Melissa Harlow, Founder Volunteer Voice Over
Transparency is a healthy thing.
"So instead of leading with gratitude you expect volunteers to pay, that’s offensive."
Voice Talent
OUR positive and transparent RESPONSE to this feedback:
"I’m so sorry you feel this way...
perhaps we need to explain the platform in a way that’s clear
and not offensive.
We have paid all the expenses for this platform, into the
thousands, with our own money and created it with our own
time and emotional investment…
No investors or sponsors.
I have volunteered all my life and I expect to pay something to be involved with volunteering, like a few gallons of gas, or taking a few hours from work, or buying a new pair of black pants or whatever.
Did you know that even the American Red Cross sells the Volunteer blood donations they get? They have to pay for collection, testing, processing, storage and transport to the hospitals. It’s understandable.
Volunteering is more than just calling someone and saying you want to help.
I did that and it took 2 years to actually volunteer my voice. It’s simply too confusing for nonprofits to understand this platform unless they are guided through the process and reassured that you are a safe person to work with.
Yes, nonprofits get money from many sources, but with help from volunteers, they can stretch that money even further.
In addition, we have connected with trusted people in the voice acting industry who feel this platform is a wonderful way for new talent to practice and learn their craft and at the same time volunteer their skills to causes they love.
I truly don’t understand how this can be offensive, and it’s certainly not our goal to get rich. If that were the case, I would have abandoned this project years ago and concentrated on making money with voice over.
Volunteer Voice Over is not for everyone.
Many people just want to make money. We get that.
We don't even allow tips because this platform is meant to be a completely altruistic way to give back. And yes, it takes a few dollars a month but the return on your personal investment gives you so much back… but only if you are part of this movement.
Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts to us."
Melissa Harlow, Founder Volunteer Voice Over
