Ways to volunteer
NASW is an organization that relies on the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers. As volunteers, members can help shape programming as part of a committee or working group, lead or contribute to projects and programs, or run for the board. NASW member volunteers are recognized each year in our ScienceWriters member magazine, as well as via our annual Diane McGurgan Volunteer Service Awards. Thank you to all who contribute and help NASW reflect the needs and interests of members.
Below is a list of currently open calls for volunteers.
ScienceWriters2024 Welcome Coordinators
Was your first ScienceWriters conference experience sometime in the last five years? Have you been to fewer than three in-person or virtual conferences? Help us shape the ways that we welcome first-time attendees to the annual ScienceWriters conference by volunteering as a Conference Welcome Coordinator.
Within NASW committees, "program coordinators" take the lead on specific projects. We are now seeking one or two people who have attended fewer than three conferences, or attended their first meeting within the last five years, to work together with last year’s Conference Welcome Coordinators to envision new virtual and in-person experiences and offerings designed to welcome first-time attendees. Ideally, volunteers would be able to continue as Welcome Coordinators for next year as well, so please indicate in your email if you think you might be able to volunteer for more than one year.
Potential tasks could include:
- Hosting and managing a dedicated chat channel in Whova for Q&A or conversation
- Hosting virtual meetups or other social events ahead of the meeting kickoffs
- Brainstorming ways to identify and help first-time attendees
- Creating special resources, such as an FAQ, for first-time attendees
- Other social or mentoring events at the in-person meeting
Volunteer time commitment is estimated to be around 10 hours per person between August and October. The coordinators will work with the NASW Programs Committee and staff — including past Welcome Coordinators Angel Kumari and Erin Rode — to develop and publicize opportunities. As with session organizers, Conference Welcome Coordinators will receive complimentary conference registration.
Email programs@nasw.org no later than Aug. 7 with your interest and questions.
This opportunity is open to NASW Professional Members and Student Members.
Freelance Committee
The NASW Freelance Committee is looking for an enthusiastic Project Volunteer to serve as Zoom tech and backup moderator for future Freelance Committee virtual events. This team organizes professional development meetups such as “Virtual Business Chat: Taxes and the Freelance Science Writer” and “Virtual Skills Chat: Using Generative A.I. as Writers and Editors", as well as virtual networking socials. Meetups occur on the first Thursday of each month at 10 AM PT.
This volunteer will collaborate with NASW member volunteers Jennifer Huber and Ellen Kuwana in making sure each virtual event runs smoothly — by starting the Zoom Meeting early, managing the Zoom chat and breakout sessions and jumping in as host if necessary. We estimate this to be a ~2-hour commitment each month. Volunteers should be well versed in running Zoom Meetings and moderating events — or willing to learn.
For more details, contact Jennifer Huber at sciencehuber@gmail.com and Ellen Kuwana at info@ellenkuwana.com
This opportunity is open to all NASW member categories.
Annual Volunteer Calls
Some volunteer needs follow a rough annual pattern. Watch the website for volunteer calls during these times:
- Programs Committee call for members: January/February
- ScienceWriters conference proposals: January/February
- NASW Award judges: March/April
- David Perlman Virtual Mentoring Program: May
- ScienceWriters conference volunteers: August/September
- AAAS Meeting Mentor Program: December/January
- Various Committee members and other needs: Throughout the year
Questions? Contact aed@nasw.org
Committee chairs: Are you in need of volunteers for your committee or help with a special project? Write up a call and send it to aed@nasw.org for posting here.
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