V is for Volunteering

Everything that you see, or hear, or do, in the Guild of One-Name Studies is prepared, maintained or facilitated by an individual volunteer or a group of volunteers.  It is how the Guild runs and a total of hours donated by these volunteers would be staggering. Just take a moment to think of how many volunteers have interacted with you during your membership: it began with processing your application to join and ensuring your details were posted to the register; your first of many contacts from a regional representative; the website that is developed, maintained and enhanced for ease of communication and sharing of information; forums, Facebook, Twitter; the assistance and information when you first set up a DNA project; an annual conference; seminars in your region; the new webinar strategy; the website project and the Family Search option; the setup of stands to promote and educate and those who staff the stands, and of course, the Committee that takes on the administration of the Guild.  So many of you have given of your time over the years, and benefit from the experience and engagement that comes from participating in these roles. 

For the first time, I recently volunteered on the stand at WDYTYA in Birmingham. I was impressed by the knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication of the volunteers.  This is a great way to keep connected as well as to share what you know and to learn from your colleagues.

As the saying goes, many hands make light work.  In every organisation, there are some volunteers who have to take on too much.  If the work is shared, it makes everyone’s job easier to manage.  Do you think that you have to be in the UK to volunteer?  I am on a team where the members are from Australia, Ireland, Canada, USA, and the UK.

Do you want to help but you’re not sure what you can do?  The screenshot below shows where you can get some information on volunteering for specific roles.  See the job descriptions and check out the Volunteer Opportunities.  

But also remember the many other activities that do not require an ongoing commitment: marriage challenges; event assistance; seminar organising; writing an article for the Journal; submitting information for the indexes.  There will be an opportunity that meets yours interests and skills!