This year’s WordCamp London is taking shape nicely. We have had more speakers apply than ever before, and sponsors eager to help us make this an awesome event.
There is just one more thing we need to pin down: a full contingent of volunteers. We need another dozen or so amazing people to help make this WordCamp 2019 run smoothly.
My story
Babs Saul, WCLDN 2019 Co-Lead, writes about why she volunteers.
So I thought I would share how I, a self-employed WordPress person (making websites, supporting, blogging ) decided to give a little back to the source of my business for some years. Because I’m not a designer or a developer I used to feel a bit ‘less’, not exactly someone for whom WordCamps would be relevant, and certainly not that I would be relevant for. But after spending time loitering within the StudioPress Genesis Slack community and being made to feel so very welcome, I thought perhaps it was time to get out and meet some people in real life! So in 2016 this introverted, somewhat-disabled, middle-aged mum applied to be a volunteer, not imagining that she would be of any use.
I was wrong, of course. But I wanted to share this in case anyone else out there would kind-of like to join in, might consider this a way to come along to a WordCamp without quite feeling so lost or apart, or who doesn’t think they have much to offer. Well this person has proved useful for four years now – my lack of mobility is useful at the control stations and to be a point of contact for the other volunteers, my experience from my years of working in various disciplines and perhaps even my extra years and as mother of teens (dragons would be easier, I’m sure!) helpful somehow.
You see we all have our experiences, enthusiasm and knowledge that can be useful, and what better way to get stuck in than to be a part of a team. I found it a great way to become a part of the community – jump in and be helpful! Of course this does not suit everyone, and it may be that you have the confidence to rock up at a conference not knowing the people at all – and with a WordCamp that works too – it really is that awesome.
Everyone is welcome
For indeed this community of people, using WordPress within their business, is really quite wonderful. Everyone is welcome, whether at a WordCamp, a local Meetup, online in the Slack group – I’ve yet to come across anything quite so supportive and diverse. And that is why I have stepped forward each year since my first WordCamp. My confidence having grown thanks to the welcoming atmosphere, to the point where for 2019 I’m co-leading. I would never have imagined that possible but with the previous WCLDN leaders – Jenny and Ana – and the incredible people that volunteer and organise, I realised that actually I can.
So if anyone is unsure of coming along to a WordCamp, perhaps, come as a volunteer and be a part of a team. Or just come anyway because the atmosphere is awesome, and we do have some great talks this year too, it would seem.
What do volunteers do?
What’s involved with being a volunteer? Well it really is not that onerous but we do need you to get stuck in with your assigned tasks – usually equal to at least a quarter of the weekend (more if you want), and for this you get your ticket for free, your volunteer t-shirts (one for each day) – though this year the team have been wondering about pearly caps to match the Wapuu!, or I rather fancied a new apron but that was not popular – and a thank you, which has previously been in the form of a Friday evening social event but not everyone can attend those so this year we’re doing something for every volunteer and speaker – but that will be a surprise on the day.
We have quite a few volunteers that return each year, for the camaraderie as much as anything, and to give something to support fellow WordPress people. And yes, if I have the energy to bake cake, I will… But may have to send out for doughnuts instead.
So how do I volunteer?
If you want to join in, visit our volunteer post for more details and apply using the form by Sunday 3 March 2019.