volunteering and networking

Volunteering and networking: the former I've done a lot of, the latter I am slowly improving upon. Today, I did both.

Word on the Street is an annual event here in Vancouver, held at the downtown Public Library. 'Twas my first year volunteering at the event, but not my first time volunteering at a large-scale event (I've also done the 2009 Juno Awards, Terry Fox Runs, etc.). I had a generally positive experience today, helping set up the silent auction items and then aiding my sister in her assigned duties at the Information Booth. Unfortunately, my lovely sister did not have such a great time, having been ignored by the Volunteer Coordinator and left to run the manic stand solo. Not having been briefed properly on all the 'information' we might need to know during the course of the day, both my sister and I were finding (read: educationally guessing?) the answers as best we could, in between selling t-shirts and loot bags. There were a handful of bitter members of the public, appalled at us for not 'having information at the information tent' (oh, that particular woman was not even helping herself make sense) which I think left my sister jaded by the volunteering experience.

This is a conclusion I've seen come to many a good-natured, time-giving volunteer after large-scale events that were not well prepared (yet very reliant on volunteers). Many events could not run successfully without the unpaid time and patience of volunteers. They turn out to be the face of the event, and sometimes take the brunt of the public's frustration. I'm sorry to those people we could not help today, but I hope you at least found our Volunteer Coordinator to divulge your displeasure.

As for networking, I've been challenging myself to do it. Almost ruthlessly. Like connecting the dots, or picking Door A after Door D, hoping that one will lead to the next opportunity. From a former professor, to the director of a masters' program, to a children's author, to an introduction to a publisher willing to take on interns...I hope I have a door opening for me upon my return from travelling. It's kind of exciting. I know it comes down to my enthusiasm and perseverance, though, and should I pause to dither-dather over whether to e-mail a new contact or not, the door may close with a loud sigh in my face. So no hesitations for me. The rest of my life is a head of me and I want to knock on all the doors.