Elen Woods
Volunteer Web Content Manager, www.riissettlement.org
Q: How did you become involved as a volunteer at Riis Settlement?
A: Back in November of 2012, I found myself wanting to get involved with an area organization. With the holidays looming, I wanted to start the New Year off on the right foot and get involved with an organization that does so much for so many people. I knew I had some limitations because of my work schedule, but quickly found a volunteer position on www.nycservice.org.
Q: What interested you in the volunteer Web Content Manager position?
A: Luckily, I had some experience from my current job at a non-profit organization that I could bring to the role at Riis, so I was delighted to do what I could to help keep their great work moving along! Everyone was so kind and enthusiastic. I really felt comfortable right away.
Riis Settlement’s website is a WordPress site which is pretty popular at the moment. There is a great network of people working on WordPress projects around the country that share their work, ideas and help you troubleshoot. So, if I didn’t know how to do something, I knew there was a great support system in place to help give the Riis staff and users what they want.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your volunteer work?
A. Working with the staff has been really great. Everyone is enthusiastic, receptive and willing to try new things. We all have our tough times living in such a hectic city, but to know that I have this ongoing project, that is hopefully helping the organization is really fulfilling for me.
I also believe in what Riis Settlement does. I go through all the photographs from events and I see so many smiling faces and so many great performances, art projects and gatherings-it’s so uplifting to be a part of it.
Q: What has been your best volunteer experience at Riis so far?
A: I really like the photo uploads because I can get a great sense of the Riis Settlement’s scope. The Joan Mitchell Art programs, in particular, are my favorites because I love looking at the artworks.
Q: What is something you have learned through volunteering?
A: Well, I’ve learned a lot about WordPress. I like hearing from the Riis staff about their design ideas and talking them out.
Q: What other volunteer projects are you/have you been involved in?
A: The web project is all I’m doing at Riis. Before, I used to do some work when I lived in Florida for TampaBayWatch which does a lot of beach cleanup in the Tampa Bay area. I have also volunteered at many museums and historic sites since college.
Q: What advice do you have for other volunteers?
A: I think it’s important to believe in the organization’s mission. It’s important that you strike a balance between productivity and enjoyment.
Q: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
A: I have really enjoyed working with the staff at the Riis Settlement.
Riis Settlement would like to thank Elen for her dedication and wish her the best of luck in all of her endeavors!
