My volunteer position at the Writer's Guild of Alberta is coming to a finish and I just wanted to say a couple of things about my experience and what I have learned over the semester.  Being a part of a non profit organization comes with many advantages and disadvantages.  Wages might not be the best part of the day but the feeling that comes with helping out an organization that really makes a difference might be.  All the people that I have encountered during my position at WGA were very well rounded and dedicate in providing services and organizing events.  They strive to go the extra mile. I have a basic idea of what it takes to run a non profit organization but I am sure there is probably more to it.

  On the other hand I found out some of the hardships that non profit organizations experience when it comes to attaining donations and funding for different events and operations.  Being in charge of doing research for the Isabel Miller Award for Young Writers was definitely a challenge. Even when it came to asking companies and organizations just for the steps for donation applications.  I found most of the information from the internet in addition to calling the companies and ask for the application steps via the phone.  A majority of the people I talked to were uncertain.  But assured me that if I gave them my number they would call me back as soon as possible.  I received a small fraction of calls back.  This is a primary example of the difficulty that comes with working for a non profit organization. You have to have plenty of patience, consistency, and determination to get results.  My placement coordinator always stayed positive.

  I also got to experience first hand some of the services the Writer's Guild provided for free.  For instance, when I attended the Marty Chan's "Business for Writing" seminar, as stated in a previous post.  I want to emphasize on the fact that I got to ask people their opinions about the Writer's Guild and how they have helped them.  All were positive.  At the end of the day, the good overshadow the bad.  This is probably a concept a lot of non profit organization acknowledge frequently.  I have lots of respect for non profit organizations and I hope the my volunteer position help the WGA because they definitely taught me something valuable.

  I appreciate being in the CSL program very much and my position was a good experience.  I really enjoyed all the different things I have learned in ALES 204.  The course provided me with essential tools that I can use  now, while in school and a lot of things that I can use in attaining a career or even in my career.

        (Splice Event Logo Retrieved Dec 7,   2011 from:      http://www.epl.ca/sites/default/files/images/Marketing/wir_splice5_320x230.jpg)

The last thing I am going to mention is the Splice event that the Writers Guild and the Edmonton Public Library are holding on December 8, 2011 at 7 sir winston churchill place at the edmonton public library basement.  This event i will be helping out with set up as well as taking names for people who registered for the event.  The event consists of a collaberation at different arts.  For instance someone will be reading a passage from a book while an artist draws what they think about thw passage.  Music will be collaberated as well with various forms of art.  If anyone is interested you can click here to register.  I can wait for the event and I hope you all have a wonderful Christams and a Happy New Year.

Hey just wait there!  Why don't you check out Wagma and her final experiencces at Info Link at the University of Alberta.