If you're interested in volunteering with Fighting Words NI, please read the information below and complete our APPLICATION form.
All of our programmes - Schools workshops, Community engagements and Write Clubs - are facilitated by teams of volunteer mentors. We’re always looking for people who are passionate about helping young writers to find their creative spark.
What kind of people volunteer at Fighting Words?
Everyone! No previous experience is necessary. We have over 60 active volunteers - people from all walks of life - including students, retired people, writers (professional and hobbyists), readers, teachers, journalists, visual artists, musicians and filmmakers - to name just a few.
What kind of skills do I need to volunteer at 
Fighting Words?
Anyone aged 18+ who is a good listener and enjoys working in a creative environment with children and groups is welcome to volunteer. You do not need to be a writer or teacher to be a Fighting Words volunteer mentor.
What kind of commitment do I have to give?
Volunteering with Fighting Words is flexible, because we know that your time is a valuable resource. We have volunteers who choose to come in on the same day every week, and others who come in only a few times a year. Workshops are usually two hours long and there is a half hour preparation before each workshop session and half hour wrap up afterwards.
Can I help with story illustrations?
Yes, we love to have volunteers who 
can create the illustrations that accompany our young writers' stories. You can check out some examples on our Stories page. You don't need to be a professional illustrator, just someone who likes to draw!
Where do Fighting Words workshops take place?
We are currently offering online and in-person workshops. Our in-person schools workshops take place, primarily, in our bespoke creative writing space in Connswater Shopping Centre on Bloomfield Avenue in east Belfast, whereas our community workshops can take place in venues across Northern Ireland.
Our online workshops are delivered using the Zoom platform.
How do I sign up and what happens next?
- Please fill out an application HERE
- Our Volunteer Coordinator Aoife will be in touch to book you into a training session and will contact your referees.
- Complete a two-hour training session. These are held on the first tuesday of every month alternating online and in-person.
- Once you have completed training and your references are returned, you will be given a login and password to access our Volunteer Hub added to the weekly opportunities email and can sign up to get involved in a workshop.
...And this could be you.
