Context
The OCCSC Volunteer Event was an integral part of the organization’s online celebration for the 2021 volunteer recognition. My role as a Graphic Designer involved creating various promotional materials such as invitations, social media posts, and printing materials. A significant focus was placed on designing a volunteer yearbook layout, intended for print and distribution to all volunteers.
Method
Collaborating closely with the event manager, I streamlined the graphic creation process. The graphics, once I received the necessary materials, were developed with a clear and straightforward approach.
Design Process
Early planning involved conceptualizing event invitations and social media posts, considering the diverse audience served by the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre, including newcomers from various countries. The design incorporated bilingual elements in English and Chinese to cater to the community’s linguistic diversity.
Solution
When the event manager expressed the desire for a tangible and cherished gift for volunteers, I proposed the idea of a yearbook. While the team suggested practical items like cups or tote bags, I emphasized the lasting value of a yearbook. Volunteers could opt for a printed or digital version, providing a meaningful keepsake. The yearbook would showcase photos of the programs they participated in and the individuals they collaborated with—an enduring gift, especially in the first event post-pandemic. The team unanimously embraced this suggestion.
Results
The yearbook idea was well-received by event participants, and each OCCSC volunteer received a digital version. The success of this initiative prompted the continuation of yearbook creation in subsequent years. The project not only celebrated the volunteers but also established a tradition of documenting and commemorating their contributions to the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre.
Anna Ren 