Recently, we featured Tamara Miller, a volunteer who fulfilled her dream of becoming a Write Around Portland facilitator. Tamara knew for many years that she wanted to be a facilitator, and you may be wondering if this is your calling, too.
Becoming a Write Around Portland volunteer facilitator is a meaningful way to build community and care for others through writing. It’s also a powerful commitment to the organization and the people we work with. With our facilitator application open through June 28, here are some things to think about before you take the leap:
- You resonate with our mission. You believe that writing is a powerful tool for healing, connection, and change, and you want to help create spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
- You enjoy learning and growing alongside others. Facilitators write with participants and guide the writing experience. There is no hierarchy at the writing table.
- You can make the time commitment. Volunteers will complete a 27-hour training course and will need about 5-6 hours per week during a 10-week writing group that runs from early September to early November.
- You’re comfortable showing up consistently. Facilitators are key to executing our mission and we depend on them to lead sessions, stay organized, communicate with staff, and follow through on commitments.
- You value flexibility and connection. We serve diverse communities, so facilitators accommodate participants’ needs (with the help of Write Around Portland staff), experiences, and energy.
- You don’t need credentials. We’re not looking for expert writers and teachers. We’re looking for people who carry warmth, curiosity and have a genuine interest in others.
“I still can’t believe Write Around Portland’s facilitator training was only a month long. I learned so many key lessons—about building curricula, managing time, modeling feedback—and above I learned about presence, about how to show up with the warmth, steadiness, and care that workshop participants need and deserve. That training made me a better teacher, listener, and person. I’d do it once a year if they let me.” – Brian Benson, volunteer facilitator.
Take some time to reflect on these points before you start the facilitator application process. If you have any questions about the application or volunteering in general, contact Volunteer Coordinator Maya Friedman at mfriedman@writearound.org, or call the office at 503-796-9224.