Volunteer

Let’s Get Started

Interested in becoming a volunteer mentor at our programmes for children, young people and adults with additional needs? If you enjoy spending time with children and young people and you are a good listener, then you are qualified to volunteer. No previous experience is necessary!

What kind of people volunteer at Fighting Words?

Everyone! All mentoring at Fighting Words is free and delivered by teams of volunteer writing mentors. We have over 400 volunteer mentors - people from all walks of life - including third level students (from all disciplines!), retired people, writers (both professional and aspiring), teachers, journalists, visual artists, musicians and filmmakers - just to name a few.

What kind of skills do I need to volunteer at Fighting Words?

Anyone who enjoys working in a creative environment with the individuals and groups that come to our centres - and is a good listener - is welcome to volunteer. You don't need to be a writer or a teacher to be a Fighting Words volunteer writing mentor.

What about people who like to draw? Are there opportunities for illustrators?

Yes! We look for illustrators at our primary school story writing workshops. Students love to see their ideas interpreted as illustrations! You don't need any professional experience - we look for people who want to give it a go and enjoy it. The process for becoming a volunteer illustrator is the same as for our volunteer mentors.

What kind of commitment to I have to give?

Volunteering with Fighting Words is totally flexible because your time is a valuable resource. Mentors choose the days and times they come in using our online calendars. You simply click on the day you'd like to come in and sign up.

There is no minimum time commitment - and we mean that!

What is the process in becoming a volunteer?

There are a few steps involved in becoming a volunteer, so you're fully ready for your first workshop and to comply with our commitment to the highest standards of child protection. Our team will guide you every step of the way!

What's involved?

Application Form
Reference Check
Garda Vetting
Training

Can my company take part as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme?

Yes! Please contact our Operations Manager, Sara Bennett, for more information about how your team can volunteer with us - sara@fightingwords.ie.

Volunteering at Fighting Words - Tell Me More!
Ag obair go deonach le Fighting Words - Inis Tuilleadh Dom!

Please complete the form below and a member of the Fighting Words team will contact you with all the information and the forms that you need to get started as a volunteer mentor!

Please note that volunteer recruitment runs from September to late May.

First and last name / Ainm agus sloinne

Email / Seoladh ríomhphoist

Telephone / Uimhir ghutháin

Why would you like to volunteer at Fighting Words (there are no wrong answers!) / Cén fáth gur mhaith leat obair dheonach a dhéanamh le Fighting Words? (Níl aon fhreagraí míchearta ann!)

Please indicate your preferred Fighting Words location. Registered Fighting Words volunteer tutors are eligible to help out at any of our locations around Ireland!* / Roghnaigh an láthair Fighting Words is fearr a d'fheilfeadh duit. Is féidir le hoibrithe deonacha atá cláraithe le Fighting Words cúnamh a thabhairt i gceann ar bith dár láithreacha ar fud na tíre!

Transition Year Work Experience

Are you in Transition Year (or will be next year)? Fighting Words welcomes TY students for placements at our centres in Dublin and Wicklow.

It's fast paced and fun and you will receive plenty of support from Fighting Words staff. You’ll be part of the team in no time!

Learn More

Gasice Award

Fighting Words is a Gaisce Challenge Partner! Work toward your Gold, Silver or Bronze Award with us.