Western Archivists Meeting 2020 (Cancelled due to COVID-19)

The session is a discussion of the ups and downs of developing oral history programs that focus on involving groups traditionally underrepresented within the archival record. Panelists will present on a variety of projects dedicated to forging ties in the community and increasing diversity in their collections. Topics of discussion will include how to build trust, engage community members, and convince narrators their stories are valuable; participation of volunteers and students; consideration of alternative models such as story circles and performative pieces; establishment of processes and procedures that can be replicated and sustained; obtaining funding; lessons learned and future steps.