by Jennifer Hudson-Taylor
Most of us think of church or local ministries when we consider volunteering, but there are plenty of volunteer opportunities at the ACFW Conference. It isn’t only about writing workshops and meetings with agents and editors, although those are wonderful assets to the conference. More importantly, God is at work during prayer time, praise and worship, devotions, in chance meetings in the hallways, foyers, meal times–and through volunteer opportunities.
Volunteering offers great benefits whether it’s your first ACFW Conference or your tenth.
1) It gives you a chance to meet other writers on a deeper level because you get an opportunity to work with them in a way you wouldn’t experience in a brief conversation or just passing through. You could meet people who make a huge difference in your life and will be a part of your future for years to come.
2) It’s a chance to give back to an organization and other writers who have helped you grow and develop in your own work.
3) It provides an opportunity to learn about how things work in ACFW and the publishing industry.
4) Sometimes it gives new writers a chance to meet and talk to seasoned writers, editors and agents in a unique setting that might not be possible at any other time.
5) It brings those special moments when God can use you to touch someone with a kind word or an encouraging blessing. Or it might be you who receives the blessing.
6) It can help you feel fulfilled in a busy conference with so much going on.
7) Most importantly, the ACFW Conference can’t exist without volunteers.
Even if you don’t get a chance to sign up and volunteer this year, while you are there, pay attention to the many volunteers who are working to help make your conference experience a blessing. Remember to pray for them, thank them, and encourage them. Think about a volunteer role you might like to try next year in 2010.
For available volunteer positions, check out Margaret Daley’s post on Enhancing Your Conference Experience Through Volunteering.
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Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an inspirational historical author whose debut novel, Highland Blessings (May 2010), was one of two manuscripts that won awards in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) 2007 Genesis Contest. Jennifer is a member of ACFW and Romance Writers of America (RWA), as well as RWA chapters Faith, Hope & Love, and The Beau Monde. Several of Jennifer’s articles have been published in Guideposts’ Angels on Earth, Heritage Quest Magazine and The Military Trader. She offers writing and history workshops and speaks on topics with inspirational messages. She resides with her husband and daughter in Kannapolis, NC.
Jennifer Hudson Taylor
Highland Blessings ~ Coming May 2010, Abingdon Press, Scottish Medieval
www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com
http://jenniferswriting.blogspot.com
http://carolinascots-irish.blogspot.com
http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com