Workshop 1 - Recap and Resources
Here’s what happened in our first workshop!!
Post-it activity!
The Vermont Community Fellows Program - Introduction to approach and methods
Qualities of this work:
Research is rooted in community-expressed needs or interests, and its primary purpose is to benefit individuals/communities involved, #itsnotaboutyou, #communityleads
The methods seek to understand people’s experiences from their own perspectives, on their own terms. #collaborationiskey
Has the potential to transform and change the perspectives of all involved, #itsawayofbeing
The process informs the product, #processisproduct
If you’d like to read more about ethnography and other research methods check out the “Further Reading” folder in the “VCFP 2025 Resources” Google folder
Program overview, Q&A
Find a copy of the program overview in the Google folder
Group exercise: Positionality - limits and possibilities
It is critical that you begin your project by thinking about, exploring, and discussing the experiences, preferences, and prejudices that you carry with you.
Model interview and introduction to interviewing
Andy interviewed Dan Barlow, Executive Director of the People’s Health & Wellness Clinic in Barre, VT. Learn more about Dan (and donate to the clinic!) HERE.
Before workshop #2 we’re asking you to record your first interview for your project:
Refer to the “Fieldwork Activities” handout for suggestions on planning for and completing your interview
These Interviewing Tips & Fundamentals may also be helpful
Find other resources related to long form interviewing in the Google folder (look in the Workshop #1 folder and the Futher Reading folder)
Introduction to recording gear
You took home recording gear to try out for your first interview!
Whether you took an iRig and microphone to use with a smartphone or other device, or a Tascam digital recorder, practice with your gear at home before you head out for your interview.
We have a variety of gear available to loan out, pending availability. If something isn’t working out for you please check in with Mary Wesley (mwesley@vtfolklife.org) or Andy (akolovos@vtfolklife.org) with any questions.
Find instructions related to recording gear the Google folder