Remote
This two-hour, interactive (and virtual!) orientation will prepare you to become a paid Documenter. We’ll talk about how this program works, what to expect at a local government meeting, and best practices for notetaking.
The training has about two hours of content, but will run from 12-2:30 to allow time for breaks and questions.
After this orientation, if you choose to take an assignment, we will include pay for time spent at training (2.5 hours) in your first paycheck.
To attend:
Step 1) Make an account here: https://www.documenters.org/become-a-documenter/
Step 2) Hit the register button on this page!
Step 3) After you register, the Zoom link will be visible to you in the “instructions” box.
Registered attendees will receive an email with more information leading up to the event.
Please contact Jackie at jackier@pillsburyunited.org with any accessibility requests or questions.
FAQ - The training will cover these questions as well, but here’s some info in advance:
How does compensation work?
We will always pay you for a minimum of 3.5 hours ($70 at $20 hourly) per assignment. We assume the meeting will be up to 2 hours long, and that you may need about 1.5 hours to review the tape afterwards and fill in blanks. If the meeting goes longer than 2 hours, we pay for each additional hour at $20 hourly. We include a $10 stipend for meetings attended in-person (many may be attended remotely).
Documenters are independent contractors and are paid bi-weekly. You can choose to be paid via check or direct deposit. There is also an option to participate as a volunteer, if desired.
How do I get an assignment?
Assignments for notetaking at meetings are posted on our website about two weeks in advance. I typically post them early in the week, give everyone a few days to peruse them, and assign them at the end of the week. If you don’t get an assignment, please feel free to apply for another one! Sometimes there are ones left open. The most active Documenters do one or two assignments per week. The commitment is flexible – once you’ve completed the training, you can apply as often as you like. I prioritize giving everyone an opportunity when assigning the meetings. For example, you could apply to cover two meetings – let’s call them Meeting A and Meeting B. If you’re the only applicant for Meeting A, and Meeting B has multiple applicants, I’m probably going to give you meeting A so that another applicant can do Meeting B.
What do you cover?
Right now, we cover all City of Minneapolis bodies (City Council + other policymaking bodies like the Planning Commission + resident advisory groups), the Minneapolis Board of Education and Hennepin County Board. I’m hoping to add the Minneapolis Park Board & Met Council as we get more funding and people.