Guest Post by WAVAW Volunteer Cynthia Williams

My name is Cynthia and I am an office support volunteer at Women Against Violence Against Women.

My interest in volunteering with WAVAW was really not an interest at all. It was a need. Knowing the pain that violence had caused the beautiful and strong women close to me, and knowing the pain that violence continues to cause so many women and children in my community and communities world-wide—I needed to be involved with WAVAW.

Part of the need to volunteer came from knowing that dealing with the aftermath of violence is a long an arduous journey. So many women have been forced to take that journey. Part of the need stemmed from wanting to know the depth of support that is available to survivors of violence. Thanks to organizations like WAVAW, the support runs deep. Part of the need stemmed from the desire to be surrounded by like-minded women. The women involved with WAVAW are beyond exceptional.

I also receive so much by volunteering at WAVAW. Being in an environment where critical feminist discourse is an everyday topic of conversation is elevating and motivating. Being surrounded by women on the front lines is inspirational. All of the staff at WAVAW are incredibly supportive and their work is so essential.

Even though I feel like I am helping out in such a small way, if the support I provide to the staff positively impacts any number of survivors, that’s okay by me.

The moral of the story—why aren’t you volunteering yet?