Volunteering to Help at the Conference

The Whidbey Island Writers Conference team works all year to make the conference happen, but when it comes down to the conference weekend there is always more to do. That's when we call on volunteers.

Conference attendees can reduce their registration costs and increase their participation by becoming ad hoc volunteers during or just before the big event. Interested individuals will be assigned to a variety of tasks vital to the conference’s success. As a participant volunteer you will receive all the benefits of conference attendance plus the unbeatable experience of being on the team of one of the best writers conferences in the country working with top authors, screenwriters, and poets, as well as agents, editors and publishers.

Volunteer Assignments and Responsibilities

Prior to the Conference we will call all volunteers and individually discuss volunteer needs and make assignments. Shortly before the Conference begins, you will receive a written schedule of your commitments, and you are responsible for showing up at the required place at the assigned time. Most volunteers will have to miss a session or two during the conference, or at least part of a session or two, because, as you can see below, many of our volunteer needs are while the conference is going on. We will make every effort to ensure that participant volunteers miss as little of the conference as possible.

In addition to our participant volunteers, we will also have a number of very generous community volunteers working with us to make the Conference a success. These volunteers do not attend Conference sessions, and cover many of our volunteer needs during the sessions to give our participant volunteers the chance to attend as many sessions as possible.

Volunteer Needs

Volunteers help make the conference a success by providing administrative assistance (registration desk, copies, sign-ups for agent/editor consults), setup and cleanup of rooms, and support for important events such as meals and the book-signing reception. Always there are errands and various logistics needs.

Our volunteer coordinator will make an effort to schedule you for work that does not conflict with sessions you want to attend. Sometimes, however, conflicts are unavoidable. When you volunteer and receive a reduction in your conference registration, you agree to help the conference do what it needs during your scheduled time. We cannot guarantee that you'll be able to attend all the sessions you want.

Becoming a Volunteer

You can check the volunteer box on your registration form, or you can call the conference director. The number of shifts you work will determine the amount of your registration discount. The more you work, the greater your discount. The WIWA office will give your name and contact information to the volunteer coordinator who will contact you to learn about your interest and skills and to schedule your help.

We know circumstances occur that could affect your availability. If you know in advance of a problem, please let us know so that we can use the time to find a volunteer replacement. If you are unable to work your scheduled shift(s), we will charge your credit card for the difference in registration fee.

For More Information

Please contact the conference director at writers@writeonwhidbey.org or call (360) 331-6714.