Recruitment Roller Coaster 2017 by Gursahiba Gill
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| Collage Courtesy Nimrat |
Imagine being told in the scorching month of June that you are the recruitment head of your organisation for that year. I know, sounds morbid and exhausting. Now imagine the organisation to be 'Beyoncé', yes! Thank merciful heavens abode because that's what working for 'Speaking Archaeologically' felt like. If by any chance you don't hold Beyoncé in the same regard as I do, I am sorry, your opinion is invalid. Anyway.
Little did the day of 3rd June know what it was holding in store for Nimrat and I, two gossip mongers were put together and asked to find people who shared passion for learning and all things archaeology. We are also briefed that with responsibility comes power, hence we were free to screen the recruits before we gave them a thumbs up.
We worked tirelessly, from dancing for three hours at a stretch to laughing for another two, we caught up with work whenever divine realization struck us.
Some brainstorming and encouraging voice notes from Shriya's end led to the release of flyers and no social media platform was left untouched when it came to promotions.
This time the recruitment had a target, we wanted to expand. We wanted people from various fields and those who held diverse interests to come forward. This time we wanted a strong community of writers, photographers, readers, bloggers, videographers and researchers. A popular trend at Speaking Archaeologically has shown that zealous humans with no formal training or education in history do
better than those who have acquired some knowledge or skill.
So, we roped in dropouts and Psychology majors, Anthropologists and lawyers. Budding artists and people with enthusiasm.
Speaking Archaeologically has always meant strict business, sheer happiness and contentment. To ensure that everyone followed a direction that suited them and their lifestyle, we deconstructed our wings.
Our three areas of work now turned into five because Jimmy Choo isn't the only wise one indulging in customization. Everyone found their place, some needed more than just a push but this blog is not my rant space, so maybe another time and in person.
This initial process of getting recruits together, answering their queries and killing their inhibitions was made feasible when Shriya told us that we are holding a workshop for the newbies. The workshop was a masterpiece, something that you can never expect from Trump, a good plan.
The workshop served the purpose of a sieve, it filtered the ones who had come for a gala time and no learning. After two days of contemplating we decided that the very first workshop should be held in a museum and not a cafe. Show them what we truly meant when we said 'Please don't bother joining us if you think this is a cocktail sipping charity where we meet once a month to discuss the history behind MET gala's yearly theme.' Obviously we did not say that but I wish we did, it sounds chic but then again that's not our motto.
So on 10th September we finally had our orientation workshop where everyone was encouraged to 'bring the oldest thing they owned'. Anticipation and giggly excitement filled the air, the old volunteers were seeing each other after months and the young new minds that awaited us made us get up an hour early.
Nimrat and I were obviously late and if you did not expect this from us, our apologies. We believe in making an entrance and excuses, we give the best hugs, ask Shriya or Tarranum.
Everyone sat on the floor, cross legged with rat eyes. Magnifying glasses, surgical gloves and inquisitiveness was our aesthetic. Now came the segment where we gasped at things and occasionally squealed, everyone had ransacked their own treasure chests. From old wedding swords to coins of the Mughal era, to a piece of pottery from the Harappan civilization, we all felt like rich collectors. Objects were scrutinized, stories were shared, Shriya dispelled all myths and hours went by. Finally everyone decided which area they'd want to work in and promised dedication and sincerity.
Oh! And the old items which were finally brought to life were seen grinning from ear to ear, the 105 year old 'Oxford dictionary' winked at the 'Flints' from 'Peters field Heath'.
And the gathering retired, objects went back home gleaming and their owners dazed. The sultry air around us quietly ushered in that 'Forgotten History was indeed Forgotten Culture'.
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| Flyer for Workshop Volunteering |
We worked tirelessly, from dancing for three hours at a stretch to laughing for another two, we caught up with work whenever divine realization struck us.
Some brainstorming and encouraging voice notes from Shriya's end led to the release of flyers and no social media platform was left untouched when it came to promotions.
This time the recruitment had a target, we wanted to expand. We wanted people from various fields and those who held diverse interests to come forward. This time we wanted a strong community of writers, photographers, readers, bloggers, videographers and researchers. A popular trend at Speaking Archaeologically has shown that zealous humans with no formal training or education in history do
 |
| Coins brought by a new recruit |
So, we roped in dropouts and Psychology majors, Anthropologists and lawyers. Budding artists and people with enthusiasm.
Speaking Archaeologically has always meant strict business, sheer happiness and contentment. To ensure that everyone followed a direction that suited them and their lifestyle, we deconstructed our wings.
Our three areas of work now turned into five because Jimmy Choo isn't the only wise one indulging in customization. Everyone found their place, some needed more than just a push but this blog is not my rant space, so maybe another time and in person.
This initial process of getting recruits together, answering their queries and killing their inhibitions was made feasible when Shriya told us that we are holding a workshop for the newbies. The workshop was a masterpiece, something that you can never expect from Trump, a good plan.
 |
| Old and New Volunteers at Work |
The workshop served the purpose of a sieve, it filtered the ones who had come for a gala time and no learning. After two days of contemplating we decided that the very first workshop should be held in a museum and not a cafe. Show them what we truly meant when we said 'Please don't bother joining us if you think this is a cocktail sipping charity where we meet once a month to discuss the history behind MET gala's yearly theme.' Obviously we did not say that but I wish we did, it sounds chic but then again that's not our motto.
So on 10th September we finally had our orientation workshop where everyone was encouraged to 'bring the oldest thing they owned'. Anticipation and giggly excitement filled the air, the old volunteers were seeing each other after months and the young new minds that awaited us made us get up an hour early.
Nimrat and I were obviously late and if you did not expect this from us, our apologies. We believe in making an entrance and excuses, we give the best hugs, ask Shriya or Tarranum.
 |
| When we find things that interest us |
Oh! And the old items which were finally brought to life were seen grinning from ear to ear, the 105 year old 'Oxford dictionary' winked at the 'Flints' from 'Peters field Heath'.
And the gathering retired, objects went back home gleaming and their owners dazed. The sultry air around us quietly ushered in that 'Forgotten History was indeed Forgotten Culture'.
P.S A massive thank you to the entire team who helped with social media promotions and Nimrat, my partner in crime, you make lovely posters. Let us do this again next year.
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