Queensland Writers Centre –
Volunteer With Us
As a non-profit community arts organisation, volunteers form an essential part of our daily operations and a valued part of our team. While working with us, volunteers contribute their time and skills to the organisation, while receiving experience in many facets of the business, learning more about Queensland Writers Centre’s projects and services, and meeting others who are passionate about writing.
Trial period
All volunteers are offered a trial period, to allow both QWC and new volunteers to decide whether the volunteering arrangement suits.
All volunteers are offered a trial period, to allow both QWC and new volunteers to decide whether the volunteering arrangement suits.
Hours
Volunteers usually work in the office one or two 3-hr shifts per week, with standard slots being 10:00am – 1:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm, on a rostered schedule. We also have volunteer beta reading opportunities which can be completed remotely.
Volunteers usually work in the office one or two 3-hr shifts per week, with standard slots being 10:00am – 1:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm, on a rostered schedule. We also have volunteer beta reading opportunities which can be completed remotely.
Basic tasks and responsibilities
Volunteers’ primary tasks include:
Volunteers’ primary tasks include:
- Attending to our Front Desk ready to greet people coming into the Centre,
- Answering and redirecting phone enquiries on our main line,
- Reading and giving feedback on manuscripts and short stories, and contributing to reading teams for competitions and development programs
- Tidying and arranging our office spaces including the workshop room, storeroom, kitchen
- Assisting staff with ad hoc administrative and general tasks as assigned
- Preparing for events like GenreCon and weekend workshops
- Assisting Graphics with assembling marketing collateral, brochures and programs
Volunteer attributes
Our best team members find a balance between:
Our best team members find a balance between:
- Being self-directed and proactive, willing and able to work to the best of your ability with the information at hand and answer enquiries, without interrupting staff
While also…
- Being an active and enthusiastic part of the team, knowing when to ask for help and joining in on conversations and events, putting your hand up for work on projects that interest you, and not flying under the radar.
The majority of our volunteers are also writers. While there can be a temptation to see volunteering at QWC as an opportunity to chat with team members about your current writing project, and creative discussions are important, please note that the team are incredibly busy and we do not have time for impromptu, in-depth chats.
We coordinate over 50 major projects amongst a small team of less than 6 full-time equivalent staff, so there’s plenty to learn and get your head around. We’ll help out when you need!
Volunteer benefits
- Training and experience in organisational processes and procedures
- Skills development, including writing, reviewing, teamwork and customer service
- Invitation to volunteer events and the QWC Christmas party
- Free access to attend selected QWC workshops (nominate up to one per year)
Stick with us for at least 3 months of consistent volunteering to receive a complimentary Queensland Writers Centre One Year Membership.