Over the past few weeks, Jennifer Drummond interviewed new, continuing, and outgoing volunteers about their experience with James River Writers, what they are reading, and their current writing projects.
Today, we turned the tables on Jennifer, a long-time and very busy JRW volunteer, as Executive Director Katharine Herndon asked her about her volunteerism.
Katharine: Tell us what your role was with JRW, how long you volunteered, and what that job was like.
Jennifer: I have been the newsletter editor and then I started doing only parts of the newsletter- Get Your Word On. That has been the bulk of my volunteer work at JRW since 2012. I have also volunteered for two Writers Conferences sponsored by JRW. I enjoyed working with the people.More
One of James River Writers’ busier volunteer members, Jennifer Drummond, took some time to ask other active members about their volunteer and reading/writing experiences. Here are their responses.
When did you become a volunteer at JRW and how many hours per week or month will you be volunteering?
Janet Woolridge: I am a new volunteer! I just took over co-editing GYWO from you! I am also doing the Literary Events Calendar since Cathy (Allen) moved on, too. I think Sheila said the time estimate was about 20 hrs. a month.
Cathy Short: I recently became a volunteer and will be working as a greeter at the Writing Shows.
Kellie Larsen Murphy
Kellie Larsen Murphy: I just recently became a volunteer in the last several weeks. My volunteering assignments currently are to recap the next Writing Show and do some editing/proofreading when necessary. I would say it’s only about 5-10 hours per month.
Erin Cundiff: I attended my first JRW conference in 2005 and began volunteering by collecting items for the totebags for the 2006 conference. In January 2007, I was hired as a staff member of JRW serving as bookkeeper and conference registrar, assisting Anne Westrick with various JRW tasks and managing the ever-growing spreadsheet of JRW members. As bookkeeper from 2007-2013, I had the privilege of working with and learning from writers serving as treasurer on JRW’s board, including Phaedra Hise, Gigi Amateau, Shawna Christos, and Lee Gimpel.More
James River Writers’ mission states it builds community by connecting and inspiring writers and readers in Central Virginia. While this is certainly true, JRW has also quietly built a community of wonderful volunteers. These volunteers have given, and continue to give, many hours of their time and talents each week. Whether they are keeping the community informed, creating awesome events, or offering a valuable resource, the volunteers are making great things happen.
So it is at this time we say thank you to our volunteers for all they have given and for choosing to be part of JRW. We spoke with a few volunteers who took the time to share their thoughts with us as they move out of their current roles at JRW.
After seven years, Cathy Allen has passed on her role of editing the Lit Calendar for James River Writers.
Jennifer Drummond: How long have you volunteered at JRW and what volunteer role did you fulfill? How many hours per month did you volunteer?
Cathy Allen
Cathy Allen: Since 2007, I’ve have proudly served as JRW’s Lit Calendar Editor. For 7 years I devoted 20 hours a month “snipping and clipping” a diverse range of literary events in the metro Richmond area and beyond.
Denise Golinowski: I’ve volunteered at JRW in one way or another for over ten years (maybe longer, but I haven’t a clue when I started). Initially, I helped with registration at the Writing Show when we were meeting at the Science Museum back with Anne Westrick and crew. Then I stepped in to hostess Writers Wednesdays until this year.
Cathy Hill: I didn’t make a mental note of the year I started volunteering, but it was probably four or five years ago. The Writing Show was still meeting at the Science Museum. I served as greeter/hostess, helping set up and clean up, folding and handing out programs, collecting entrance fees, etc. It took about 4-5 hours a week.
Also, I twice served as a first round reader at the Best Unpublished Novel contest, which was extremely enlightening and enjoyable. More
