Volunteering
Volunteers are vital to the success of our organization, and we are grateful for the hundreds of hours our volunteers dedicate to the work of the Canadian Pride Historical Society. This volunteer spotlight is for Kaiden Reding, one of our amazing Research Coordinators based out of Calgary, AB. Read more about Kaiden’s volunteer experience below!
How did you first learn about the CPHS?
I came across the CPHS when I was a graduate student in Public History, looking for a way to give back to my community that I could balance with my job and studies. I ended up finding the position of Research Coordinator which perfectly fit the bill!
How has the CPHS helped you in your professional development?
My time at the CPHS has helped me to develop my abilities as a researcher and become more familiar with the different archival repositories across Canada, both of which have been beneficial for my work in the museum sector as a curator and interpreter. I was also able to use some of what I’ve learned during my master’s program and to later find new job opportunities.
What do you find the most challenging at the CPHS?
Sometimes the research can be quite emotionally difficult – not only in terms of the content but also the gaps in that content. It’s sad to see how much information and knowledge has been lost in such a short amount of time, particularly outside of major cities, but it’s encouraging that these preservation efforts are underway and I’m glad to be a part of them.
What do you like the most about the CPHS?
It’s a very supportive, respectful, and collaborative environment where it feels like the whole team is on equal footing and each person’s unique experiences and knowledge are valued. There’s also a lot of flexibility for different styles of working, and it’s easy to communicate with other team members to offer feedback or work through any problems that come up. I also appreciate how the CPHS takes an intersectional approach to historical research and supports accessibility in its many forms.
