The SWG is a volunteer-run organization that depends on the help of our members to host events and provide other forms of support to keep the group active and vibrant. While we occasionally seek volunteers for specific tasks, the following are areas where we are currently seeking help. We encourage our members to get involved if they'd like to support the SWG as a volunteer. We offer a lot of flexibility and welcome fans with all levels of experience to come work with us. Whether you have a couple minutes a week or a couple of hours, we appreciate the help our volunteers have to offer! Contact our moderator team to learn more about specific opportunities or to express interest.
Around the World and Web Editor
Around the World and Web is a long-running feature in our newsletter that we offer as part of the Connectivity and Service components of our mission. By sharing announcements from groups and events outside of the SWG, we hope to encourage participation in the fandom at large and provide an easy way for our members and guests to find ways to get involved in Tolkien fanworks and fandom.
Our Around the World and Web editor will provide weekly updates to this section of our site for inclusion in our weekly newsletter. This would involve
- learning posting format, including accessibility considerations, for the SWG site;
- posting announcements from the #signal-boosts channel on the SWG Discord server to the SWG site;
- monitoring other fandom events roundups for announcements suitable for Around the World and Web;
- compiling information from a group/event's website or blog into an announcement; and
- updating scheduled posts as new information becomes available.
This role would require 30 minutes to an hour of work per week. The role tends to require more time in the first half of the year, as more events are announced then. There is room for creativity and growth in this role beyond the above-mentioned responsibilities, if desired, but this is not expected. If you are interested in this role or have questions, you can contact the moderators or message Dawn directly.
Evergreen Volunteer Roles
These volunteer roles are always open!
Scouts
Around the World and Web is a long-running section of our site that aims to signal-boost events, resources, and content of interest to visitors to our site. Scouts are volunteers who find content that might be of interest to SWG members and guests and post it to our site.
We are specifically looking for scouts for the following sites. If you are a part of the Tolkien fandom on these sites, why not consider sharing what you find with the SWG?
- Tumblr
- the #signal-boosts channel on the SWG Discord server
How much time should I expect to spend as a scout?
The scout position is highly flexible in the amount of time required. You should expect to spend a few hours each month at a minimum, though you can of course spend more time if you want.
What are the requirements for a scout?
- Familiarize yourself with the requirements for posting to Around the World and Web.
- Use the form we provide on the site to share events, resources, and content that might interest visitors to our site.
- Communicate with the site moderators if you are unable to complete your responsibilities or have questions about your job.
Note that we will also assign the Scout role to event organizers who wish to post announcements about their event on our site. You will also need to be familiar with the guidelines for Around the World and Web, but we will only expect to see new announcements from you about your event.
Contact the moderators about becoming a scout.
Inclusivity Committee
The SWG recognizes that fandom has actively and implicitly excluded and minimalized contributions of fans from certain groups. In order to ensure that this problem receives both fair hearing and attempts at solution on our group, we maintain an inclusivity committee to discuss both policy changes related to inclusivity and issues that may arise in our community related to inclusivity.
The inclusivity committee is open to anyone who is a member of a group marginalized in fandom. The committee meets on a private channel on the SWG's Discord server. There is no minimum requirement for participation, though we do reserve the right to "prune" the committee of inactive members. If Discord is not an accessible platform for you and you wish to participate on the committee, just let the mods know when you contact us, and we will work with you to arrange accommodations.
Contact the moderators about joining the inclusivity committee.
Newsletter
We are always seeking input for our weekly email newsletter at a variety of levels. Whether you want to write a monthly column, contribute occasionally (or just once!), or brainstorm ideas on our #newsletter channel on Discord, we are open to a variety of contributions. Our Write for Us page has more information about contributing to our newsletter.
Contact the moderators if you'd like to be added to the #newsletter channel on our Discord.
Run an Event
In addition to sitewide events, like our monthly challenges, the SWG also hosts member-run events. Member-run events include
If you'd like to run an event through our site or Discord that you don't see here, contact the moderators.
