What Does it Mean to Be a Member of a Local Writers’ Association Like WAG?

Have you ever noticed something about interest groups? Like book groups or cooking groups or writing groups? Actually, any group run by volunteers manifests certain specific characteristics, regardless of the common theme drawing people together in the first place. And one of the most glaringly apparent commonalities lies in the fact it’s the same people who shoulder the responsibilities for keeping the group viable and relevant to the membership.

I once belonged to a group called Peacock-Harper Culinary History Friends group, at Virginia Tech (VT). The group’s mission centered around promoting the culinary collection at the VT library, housed in the Special Collections rooms. For the most part, retired human nutrition faculty and foods extension agents comprised the group’s founders. Over the years, many of them served in every capacity on the board of directors over and over again. I myself, though not a founder, served as president two different times. Probably the most challenging aspect for the group lay with finding fresh blood, new and younger members to carry forward the timeless mission envisioned by the founders. And you may be thinking that WAG (Writers Alliance of Gainesville) faces the same challenge. Which it does. Calls for volunteers are not merely words drifting in the air at WAG’s general meetings, held monthly. WAG really does need you, the membership, to get on board and volunteer for various tasks. If you enjoy what WAG offers you as a writer, think about signing up to help with some of the many activities WAG provides for members:

1. Monthly meetings for the general membership, always featuring a wide variety of speakers on topics related to writing and publishing.
2. Bacopa Literary Review, with its worldwide reputation.
3. Sunshine State Book Festival, giving members the opportunity to sell books and gain greater visibility as writers. Annual event, always in need of volunteers.
4. Critique groups (PODS), offering a small group experience and the opportunity to share your work with other writers.
5. Hogtowne Quill, a bimonthly online publication providing members with a platform to share stories of the writing life and craft.
6. WAG Digest, a bimonthly online publication chockfull of news about your fellow writers, writing contests, and calls for manuscripts from various literary journals and so on.
7. Beta Reader program – find someone to read your manuscript!
8. Speakers Bureau, giving you the opportunity to speak to various groups in the community, raising your visibility as a writer.
9. Mentoring Program, for those who don’t feel ready for a critique group.

All of these benefits require members who volunteer their time and energy. But the upside is meeting lots of interesting people and sharing your expertise. If you are willing to help in the administration and maintenance of a vital writing organization, please contact President Jenifer Dearinger or any of the members at this link to discuss your interests. We look forward to hearing from you!