Austin's Portfolio

🤍 Volunteering

3 min read

What You'll Find Here

Below are the various volunteer roles I’ve held, showcasing my contributions and the skills I’ve developed through these experiences.

🎭 Afterschool Improv Comedy Teacher - Future School of Fort Smith

Sep 2017 - Dec 2017

At Future School of Fort Smith, I volunteered as an afterschool Improv Comedy Instructor, leading a high school classroom through Improv Comedy 101. My focus was on helping students build confidence, creativity, and communication skills through on-stage sketch comedy and scene work.

Through a mix of interactive exercises, improv games, and performance techniques, I helped students break out of their comfort zones, think on their feet, and embrace teamwork. By emphasizing yes, and thinking, quick decision-making, and active listening, I provided a space where students could explore self-expression in a fun, judgment-free environment.

Key takeaways from my work:
✅ Confidence Building – Encouraged students to take risks and own their presence on stage.
✅ Improved Communication – Strengthened their ability to adapt and engage in conversations naturally.
✅ Team Collaboration – Taught the importance of trust and support in group performances.
✅ Creative Problem-Solving – Helped students develop spontaneity and think outside the box.

This experience reinforced my passion for teaching, public speaking, and creative storytelling, and I loved seeing students grow both on and off the stage.

💬 7Cups.com - Volunteer Online Therapy Listener

Sept 2016 - Nov 2017

What I Did: Volunteered as an active listener, offering emotional support to individuals dealing with personal challenges such as relationships, loss, and betrayal trauma. I created a safe, empathetic space where people could talk through their feelings.

What I Learned:

  • Empathy and Listening: Helping people feel heard and supported during tough times.
  • Communication: Strengthening my ability to listen without judgment and offer thoughtful responses.
  • Emotional Support: Providing a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and gain clarity.

📸 Photographer - Afternoon with the Arts

What I Did: Volunteered as a photographer for a local arts event, capturing moments to help promote and celebrate the local creative scene.

Responsibilities:

  • Took candid and staged photos during performances and artist showcases.

  • Collaborated with event organizers to capture key moments.

  • Shared photos for marketing materials, social media, and press.

What I Learned:

  • Marketing Support: Contributed to event promotion through visual content.

  • Attention to Detail: Capturing important moments to support event goals.

💻 Political Campaign Website Designer, Administrator, and Support

What I Did: Supported a state representative campaign by managing its website and helping drive the digital presence. This role combined my web administration, digital marketing, and IT support skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Designed and maintained a WordPress site to represent the campaign’s message.

  • Created and updated content like blog posts and press releases.

  • Provided technical support to ensure the site’s security and mobile compatibility.

  • Assisted in developing the campaign’s overall digital strategy.

What I Learned:

  • Web Development: Proficient in designing and managing WordPress websites.

  • Digital Marketing: Helping shape content strategies to engage voters.

  • Technical Support: Ensuring smooth website functionality for the campaign.

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