Seeking Community and Event Volunteers

As the Forest Calls transmedia initiative prepares for its feature week in Cincinnati this October, we are inviting local community members to play an essential role in bridging island and mainland conservation efforts. Inspired by the documentary “When Silence Becomes the Song” (which premiered on PBS in 2024), our movement uses artistic storytelling and Indigenous wisdom to highlight the urgent need to protect threatened species and habitats.

This October, a distinguished delegation of scientists, environmental leaders, artists, and cultural practitioners from Hawaiʻi will gather in Cincinnati for field visits, media production, and a live stage performance at the Patricia Corbett Theater. To help us host our guests and run a seamless week of public and private events, we are seeking dedicated Cincinnati-based volunteers to join us as Delegation Hosts and Field Liaisons, or as part of our Live Event and Venue Operations Team.

AVAILABLE VOLUNTEERS ROLES

1. Hawaiian Delegation Hosts & Field Liaisons (3 Volunteers)

Accompany and provide local transportation (driving) for visiting scientists and conservation leaders from Hawaiʻi as they participate in community visits, filming sessions, and private/public meetings and events across Greater Cincinnati (including visits to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Mill Creek Alliance, BLINK, FotoFocus, Indigenous Convergence, and various other filming locations).

We are seeking to match our visiting delegation members with local volunteers who share complementary interests:

• Avian Conservation Liaison (1 Volunteer): Drive and accompany our Hawaiian bird specialist. Ideal for birding enthusiasts, ornithology students, or local avian advocates.
• Flora & Botany Liaison (1 Volunteer): Drive and accompany our Hawaiian flora/ethnobotany specialist. Ideal for native plant advocates, horticulturists, or botanical enthusiasts.
• Marine & Aquatic Ecology Liaison (1 Volunteer): Drive and accompany our Hawaiian marine biologist. Ideal for individuals interested in marine biology, aquatic ecology, or freshwater conservation.

Time Commitment: October 8, 9, 10, 12, 2026 inclusively (daytime and evening visits and filming events / 9AM-9PM approximately). The exact time schedules are being finalized.

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and familiarity with the Greater Cincinnati area.

Expenses & Reimbursement: All volunteer-related expenses (including gas, parking, and a per-dem for meal breaks – if volunteer hours align with lunch or dinner) will be fully covered/reimbursed.

Note on Flexibility and Availability: Full-day or full-week commitment is not required! If you are interested in participating but are only available for specific hours, single events, or partial shifts, we still very much want to hear from you. Please feel free to share your specific availability when applying.

2. Live Performance & Front-of-House Team (8 Volunteers)

Support our mainstage live event (“The Story of the ‘Akikiki”) featuring a film screening, original music / music performance, slam poetry, cultural storytelling and more – at the Patricia Corbett Theater.

• Ushers & Wayfinders: Welcome attendees, distribute program guides, and assist with theater seating.
• Ticket Booth & Registration Attendants: Manage guest check-in, will-call lists, and ticket scanning.
• Display Table & Information Volunteers: Host educational project tables, partner organization displays, and interactive exhibits in the theater lobby.

STUDENT SERVICE HOURS NOTICE

• University of Cincinnati (UC) Students: Participation in this volunteering opportunity may qualify for UC community service or experiential learning hours. We are happy to provide official verification, signatures, or documentation upon completion of your volunteer shift(s).

HOW TO APPLY

If you are passionate about community engagement, nature conservation, and cultural exchange, we invite you to apply as soon as possible.

• Website: Apply directly via our Contact Us page.
• Email: Send your interest to ContactUs@ForestCalls.org.

Please include your name, contact information, the specific volunteer role(s) you are interested in (Avian, Flora, Marine Biology Liaison, or Front-of-House (FOH) Team), a brief description of your background/interests, and your general availability between October 8th and 12th.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: September 30, 2026

Thank you for your generosity, your time, and for helping us build a conservation connection between Hawaiʻi and Cincinnati!