Taking the Next Step: Serving Pennwriters as an Appointed Chairperson
In our last post, we talked about the importance of getting involved at the local level. For many members, that first step of helping with a local event, joining a critique group, or supporting fellow writers becomes the beginning of a much deeper connection to Pennwriters.
But what happens when you are ready to take the next step?
Pennwriters has a variety of appointed positions that help keep the organization moving forward throughout the year. These roles are filled annually, with appointments approved by the Pennwriters Board of Directors. They provide members with an opportunity to use their skills, share their ideas, and contribute to the continued success of our writing community.
Unlike elected board positions, appointed chairperson roles focus on specific areas of service. They allow members to take an active role in shaping programs, supporting fellow writers, and helping Pennwriters fulfill its mission.
What Are Appointed Positions?
Each year, Pennwriters selects members to serve in key organizational roles. These individuals bring their experience, creativity, and dedication to areas that are essential to the success of the organization. The chairpersons are the head/leader of that particular area and have full ability to recruit other members to help them fulfill their duties. All roles receive a small token of gratitude for their service in the form of a discount on the Annual Conference.
Several appointed positions also serve an additional role within Pennwriters. The Conference Coordinators, Internet Activities Coordinator, and Newsletter Editor receive voting approval on the Board of Directors, allowing their areas of responsibility to have a direct voice in organizational decisions.
The current appointed positions include:
Conference Coordinators
The Pennwriters Conference is one of the most visible and important parts of our organization. Conference Coordinators help oversee planning, communication, logistics, and coordination to create a valuable experience for attendees, presenters, and volunteers.
This role requires organization, teamwork, and the ability to bring many moving parts together.
Internet Activities Coordinator
Online connections have become an important part of how members communicate, learn, and share their writing journeys. The Internet Activities Coordinator helps support Pennwriters’ online activities and ensures members have opportunities to connect beyond in person events.
Newsletter Editor
The Pennwriters newsletter keeps members informed, connected, and engaged. The Newsletter Editor gathers and organizes content, highlights member achievements, shares important updates, and showcases the many activities happening throughout the organization.
Bylaws Chair
Every organization needs a strong foundation. The Bylaws Chair helps review and maintain the guidelines that govern Pennwriters, ensuring the organization continues to operate effectively and consistently.
Public Relations Coordinator
Sharing the story of Pennwriters is an important part of growing our community. The Public Relations Coordinator helps promote the organization, highlight opportunities for writers, and increase awareness of the resources and connections available to members.
Annual Writing Contest Coordinators
Celebrating writers is at the heart of Pennwriters. The Annual Writing Contest Coordinators help manage the yearly contest process, including organization, communication, and ensuring members have the opportunity to showcase their work.
Online Classes Coordinator
Learning never stops for writers. The Online Classes Coordinator helps organize educational opportunities that allow members to develop their craft, learn new skills, and connect with instructors and fellow writers.
Webmaster
A strong online presence is essential for a modern organization. The Webmaster helps maintain and improve the Pennwriters website, ensuring members can easily find information, resources, and updates.
Elections Chair
The Elections Chair helps oversee the annual election process, ensuring members have the opportunity to participate in selecting their organizational leaders.
How Does a Member Become an Appointed Chairperson?
The process begins with a simple step: reaching out.
Members interested in serving as an appointed chairperson should send an inquiry to the Pennwriters President expressing their interest. The President will then request a resume from the member and schedule a meeting with members of the Board who have voting approval to discuss the candidate’s experience, skills, and potential fit for the position.
Because appointed positions are approved annually at the Pennwriters Conference, members interested in serving should begin this process before the conference. This allows enough time for consideration, discussion, and approval before appointments are finalized.
Members do not need to wait until they have years of leadership experience to express interest. Many successful volunteers begin by sharing their willingness to help, learning along the way, and working with others who have served before them.
Pennwriters Runs on Volunteers
Every conference organized, every class offered, every newsletter published, every contest completed, and every member welcomed into the organization happens because someone chose to contribute.
Pennwriters belongs to all of us. Whether your first step is helping at a local gathering or your next step is serving as an appointed chairperson, your involvement makes a difference.
If you have a skill to share, an idea to offer, or a desire to help fellow writers, there may be a place for you within Pennwriters.
The future of Pennwriters is built by members who are willing to step forward.