Volunteer FAQ

Volunteering with Fighting Words - 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!

We offer opportunities at locations across Ireland: Dublin, Wicklow, Limerick, Offaly, Laois, Monaghan and more!

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.  

We do require that all of our mentors are over the age of 18, with the exception of Transition Year students in secondary school on work experience placements.

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 can I expect when I start volunteering? What kinds of roles are available?

There are many roles within the workshop - big and small - and all of them help the workshop to run smoothly. There is staff support at every step of the way and training is provided. Volunteers may find it helpful to remain in one role for 2-3 sessions before moving on - progression will be at your own pace. 

• Workshop 1: At your first workshop, you will be introduced to the way the workshop flows overall and are reminded to observe all the roles. You may be asked to write participants' names on name tags when they arrive, count votes during the first half as participants decide on the structure of the group story or to pass around our feedback book at the end of the workshop
• Workshop 2: At your second workshop, you will be a little more front-and-centre: you may be asked to assist the facilitator by typing the first half of the story with the class or writing up ideas and suggestions on our whiteboard. 
• Workshop 3: At your third workshop, you will be ready for a spoken role. You may welcome the class to the workshop and explain next steps at reception or manage the portion of the workshop where participants read their work aloud.
• Workshop 4: At your fourth workshop, you will be ready to facilitate the group portion of the story writing, either on your own or with another mentor, supported by staff/other volunteers. 

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
• Training
• Garda Vetting

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

Yes! Please contact our Operations Director, 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 at any of our locations.

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

Related Links

• Click here to find our Volunteer Resources
• Already a volunteer? Click here for our Volunteer Calendar
• Click here to learn about Internships at Fighting Words