Why I Volunteer for RMFW

When I first heard about RMFW, I had been floundering around on my own, convinced there were hardly any other writers in my neck of the woods. I’d met a few writers through a small critique group I belonged to, but it wasn’t until I saw an item about a meeting on the “events” page of our local paper in 2012 that I knew I was literally surrounded by writers.

It wasn’t long before the meetings moved to where I worked, because we had an available meeting room with lots of parking at no cost. I loved going to the meetings, and I attended them all because we have a gated compound and I needed to be there to unlock the gate and the building. But I would have been there anyway, because I was (and still am) like a sponge, soaking up all the information I could get.

I also saw very quickly that even if a workshop came up with a similar name to a prior one, the new presenter had different things to tell us. I learned something every single time. When the opportunity came along to take over as the Education Chair for RMFW, as well as the Western Slope Liaison, I didn’t hesitate. Not only did it allow me to give back to the organization, but I was able to contact and meet so many great presenters and get to know them as writers, and as friends.

As the Education Chair, I attend the board meetings and have gotten to know the other board members. I’ve sat on other boards, but I’ve never met a more dedicated, caring bunch of people. And it’s a very opinionated board, which is great because nothing is ever rubber-stamped. No one person dominates the meetings or discussions. And these are people who are busy with their own careers, families, outside jobs, and the other things all of us are juggling.

I also got more involved with RMFW’s annual Colorado Gold conference, volunteering a couple years and being lucky enough to get a scholarship to my first Gold. I was the quintessential newbie, standing in the corner, wistfully watching all these groups of people who clearly knew each other so well. I’m an introvert (yeah, I know, so are most other writers), and it was so surprising to have people in line for drinks turn and ask me, a total stranger, about my writing. It wasn’t long before I felt comfortable enough to walk up to a group and ask if I could join them.

I’ve had the opportunity to drive agents and editors to and from the airport and book agents, editors, and all kinds of speakers for the Annual Event (like the one coming up April 13th in Golden). The other board members and volunteers for RMFW are all incredibly helpful if I have a question or need advice.

If you want to give back some of what you’ve learned at RMFW, or just meet more writerly types, consider volunteering. I guarantee you’ll get more than you give. Oh, and don’t forget to Write On!