Volunteer
RWSW has had the vision for it to be a free, community-run space in Bend for generative writing and spoken word on the second Sunday of each month. This means, various people coming to front and sharing how we (as a community) shape this space we've been gifted. While, historically it's been led by Irene and Mello, part of the motivation of this page is to expand that to more of the community. We're so grateful to all the community members who have helped us build this space over the years.
We are currently looking for volunteers to welcome guests, host the writing time and the open mic, keep time during the open mic, and help with social media and marketing.
How to apply: email mello@ragingwriters.com and tell us which role interests you.
Welcoming host
Be the warm first face at our monthly gathering (~2–4pm). Prefer covering the full afternoon so late arrivals and open mic guests are greeted too; writing time only also works if that is what you can offer. Until this role is filled, welcoming and sign-in fall to the writing time host. Unpaid volunteer.
Responsibilities
- Arrive about 15 minutes early to greet people as they walk in
- Warmly welcome guests and briefly tell them what the event is (generative writing, then spoken word open mic)
- If someone looks confused and seems to think Spork is open, let them know Spork is closed and that we are holding a spoken word poetry event they are more than welcome to join
- Have every person sign in
- Give each person a copy of the poems we will read that day
- Point out the QR code to sign up for our newsletter for all things spoken word in Bend
You might be a fit if…
- You enjoy meeting people and making a room feel friendly and clear
- You are comfortable explaining the event gently to walk-ins and first-timers
- You can show up reliably for a second Sunday when scheduled, or step in as backup
Time commitment
One Sunday per month when you are on the calendar (about 2–2.5 hours on site for the full afternoon, or about 1–1.5 hours if you cover writing time only). Arrive about 15 minutes early to set up the sign-in table, poem handouts, and newsletter QR.
Writing time host
Lead the first hour of our monthly event (~2–3pm): generative writing rooted in poems and discussion. This role is only for the writing portion—not the open mic. Unpaid volunteer.
Responsibilities
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early (45 minutes is safer) to help welcome folks, sign people in, and get set up
- Introduce the poems and/or writing prompts you have chosen and facilitate group discussion on what comes up. Comfort with a wide range of topics seems go well with this role.
- Bring your own poems, prompts, and handout materials for the session
- Guide writing time and keep the room on schedule
- Uphold our community agreements and navigate violations if they arise (rare, but the host should be prepared)
You might be a fit if…
- You are drawn to social justice, activism, poetry, and writing
- You enjoy holding space for reflection and conversation
- You can show up reliably for a second Sunday when scheduled, or step in as backup
Time commitment
One Sunday per month when you are on the calendar (about 2–2.5 hours on site, plus prep for your materials). Scheduling is open as we fill slots as hosts become available.
Open mic host
Lead the spoken word open mic (~3–4pm): sign-ups, introductions, timekeeping, and keeping the energy supportive. This role is only for the open mic, not the writing portion. Unpaid volunteer.
Responsibilities
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early (45 minutes is safer) to coordinate with the writing host and set up
- Run the sign-up sheet and introduce performers
- Keep poets to five minutes each and manage encore rounds when the list is short
- MC experience is preferred; if you have none but you are a confident, social person, we would still love to hear from you
- Uphold our community agreements and navigate violations if they arise (rare, but the host should be prepared)
You might be a fit if…
- You love spoken word and want to amplify community voices
- You are comfortable in front of a room and keeping things moving with care
- You can show up reliably for a second Sunday when scheduled, or step in as backup
Time commitment
One Sunday per month when you are on the calendar (about 1–1.5 hours hosting, plus arriving early). Scheduling is open as we fill slots as hosts become available.
Time keeper
Support the open mic (~3–4pm) by tracking each poet’s five minutes from the front row. Until this role is filled, timekeeping falls to the open mic host. Unpaid volunteer.
Responsibilities
- Sit in the front row during the open mic
- Start the timer when a poet begins
- Raise the whiteboard paddle for a one-minute reminder, then raise the time’s-up paddle when five minutes are over
- Coordinate with the open mic host so introductions and timing stay in sync
You might be a fit if…
- You are comfortable sitting up front and giving clear, quiet visual cues
- You can stay focused through the full open mic and keep timing consistent for every poet
- You can show up reliably for a second Sunday when scheduled, or step in as backup
Time commitment
One Sunday per month when you are on the calendar (about 1–1.5 hours during the open mic). Arrive a few minutes before the mic starts to check in with the host and get the timer and paddles.
Ready to volunteer?
Send a note to mello@ragingwriters.com with the role you are interested in, a little about yourself, and whether you are looking for a primary or backup slot. We will get back to you soon.
New here? Read What is RWSW? or check upcoming events to find the next second Sunday at Spork.
Social media & marketing
Help more people find RWSW online and stay in the loop about our monthly gathering and related community events. Unpaid volunteer.
Responsibilities
You might be a fit if…
Time commitment
About 2–5 hours per month for now, but we can figure this out together.