Volunteering

The Victoria Writers’ Society presents a variety of programs and supports for its members. In order to maintain this level of service and for the society to continue, volunteers are essential as there are no paid positions. We are always looking for new volunteers! Below are descriptions of the various roles and their time commitment. We value the time and dedication our volunteers bring to the society!

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

The Executive Members of the Steering Committee consist of the President, the Vice President, the Treasurer, and the Secretary.

  • President: Prepares for and attends the Steering Committee meeting. Prepares for and attends monthly general meeting. Prepare for and attend the AGMs. Liaises with other organizations in support of the VWS. Eight hours per month, spread over the month.
  • Vice-President: Prepares for and attends the Steering Committee meeting. Organizes, prepares, and hosts the monthly general meeting. Prepares for and attends the AGM. Acts for President, as needed. Eight hours per month, spread over the month.
  • Treasurer: Accepts payments for memberships, contest entries and Island Writer Magazine copy orders. Prepares and maintains financial records for the Society. Prepares for and attends the Steering Committee meeting. Prepares for and attends the monthly general meeting. Prepares for and attends the AGM. Nine hours per month, spread over the month.
  • Secretary: Prepares for and attends the Steering Committee meeting. Creates and maintains the minutes of meetings. Prepares for and attends the monthly general meeting. Prepares for and attends the AGM. Creates and maintains the minutes of AGM. Responds or re-directs emails to the VWS. Eight hours per month, spread over the month.

STEERING COMMITTEE

The Steering Committee consists of the Executive as well as various other volunteers. Though these positions are usually role specific, the volunteer can move from one position to another. The Steering Committee meets the last Wednesday of every month, except for July & August, via zoom.

  • Critique Group Coordinator: Coordinates with Critique Group Leaders, adding members when requested, creating new groups when necessary. Responds to emails and new member requests to join a Critique Group. Prepares for and attends Steering Committee meeting. Prepares for and attends monthly general meeting. Prepares for and attends AGM. Reports to the Steering Committee. Eight hours per month, spread over the month.
  • Newsletter Editor: Maintains a newsletter template. Researches local and relevant writing-related news and events for inclusion. Liaises with VWS leadership to collect and input content. Takes photographs at general meetings and gathers information for the newsletter. Formats for readability and seasonal interest. Sends out to Steering Committee for proofing/feedback. Ensure links are operational. Proofs and edits for sending to membership. Prepares for and attends Steering Committee meetings. Prepares for and attends the monthly general meetings. Prepares for and attends the AGM. Reports to the Steering Committee. Resources required: Access to Microsoft Office and Google docs. Ten hours per month, spread over the month.
  • Contest Coordinator: Selects and liaises with judges for each genre (Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, and Fiction).  Oversees submission tracking, maintains anonymous entries, and verifies all contest guidelines are met. Works with the Steering Committee to provide a monthly update and a final report. Coordinates contest announcements and winner updates with social media and website coordinators. Attends meeting and introduces winners. Eight hours per month, spread over the month.
  • Website Coordinator: Maintains the Society’s website, ensuring current information is reflected. Works with Social Media Coordinator. Prepares for and attends the Steering Committee meeting. Prepares for and attends the monthly general meeting. Prepare for and attend AGM. Reports to the Steering Committee. Eight hours per month, spread over the month.
  • Social Media Coordinator: Works with Newsletter and Website coordinators to promote upcoming VWS dates, deadlines and events. Promotes related community events. Eight hours per month, spread over the month. Reports to: Website Coordinator and Newsletter Editor. Resources required: Access to Microsoft Office, Facebook, Instagram and Google Docs.
  • Island Writer Magazine Editor-in-Chief: Responsible for the organization and creation of Island Writer Magazine, a publication of the Victoria Writers’ Society. Manages the Editor-In-Chief email account and utilizes Microsoft Office and Google Docs. Publishing twice a year and leading a team of six experienced volunteers, this volunteer position averages 2 hours a week. The candidate doesn’t need editorial or publishing experience but should be comfortable working to a project plan and meeting deadlines. Reports to the Steering Committee.

There are also various roles with less of a time commitment that support the above positions. Email secretary@victoriawriters.ca for more information on all these positions.

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