National Volunteer Week is April 14 – 20. We at WCC are proud to be celebrating our fabulous volunteers all month long! This year’s NVW theme is Every Moment Matters.
Meet Steve Elliot, a long-time WCC writer, facilitator, and our incredible Peel Region Chapter Lead! In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we asked Steve to reflect on his volunteer experience and what “every moment matters” means to him. Read our April Facilitator Spotlight below…
Q: CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WCC JOURNEY, FROM WRITER TO FACILITATOR?
STEVE: I first came to the WCC as a writer in an open workshop in Mississauga. I was introduced to the WCC by Jesse Cahoon and fell back in love with writing. I felt so strongly about the writing and the workshops I inquired about becoming a facilitator.
I jumped in and did a virtual workshop soon after my training. I found the experience to be everything I thought it would be, and then some. I feel blessed to still be facilitating sessions as I gain so much from the experience.
When an opening for Chapter Lead opened up, I decided to learn more about the role and what it would require. I decided to apply for the position and have not looked back. The Chapter Lead role has been by far the most challenging role I have done with the WCC. It has been great to work with other organizations and clients and growing the reach of our organization.
Q: WHAT ARE WORKSHOPS LIKE, AS A VOLUNTEER FACILITATOR?
STEVE: The first few sessions were exciting and nerve racking. The training we receive, as facilitators, is amazing and prepares you for the role. Facilitating the first few workshops was a matter of relying on what I had learned, but also bringing my personality to the experience.
I was privileged to have a regular group of writers who supported and helped me through. Since then I have been blessed to also facilitate in-person sessions. This was a challenge as I hadn’t ever done it before. It deepened my relationship with the WCC as the experience was very powerful.
I am constantly awed by the writing that emerges from our workshops. I have worked with different populations, and this holds true for all. The writing is deep, and powerful, and I feel grateful to be in the room when it is read.
Q: THIS YEAR’S THEME FOR NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK IS “EVERY MOMENT MATTERS.” AS A FACILITATOR AND CHAPTER LEAD, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
STEVE: As a facilitator, I think every moment matters is a great summation of what a facilitator does. Deep listening and providing meaningful feedback to the group requires focus. Listening for every word and making the moment count for that writer who is sharing their writing is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
As a Chapter Lead, I think every moment matters in regards to providing profile to the community. Making sure that I show up as my best self and truly reflect the vision of WCC. Working with organizations and local government officials requires making the moment matter as time shouldn’t be wasted.
When taking a meeting or making a call, careful consideration should be given to moving forward and making that moment count. Recently, we have received funding which will give me time to have more moments here in Peel. I look forward to growing within our community. I look forward to expanding our reach and making a difference for those who attend our workshops.
Thank you Steve for your ever-inspiring work as a WCC facilitator and Chapter Lead. We are proud of how you show us that every moment matters.