Become a Literary Docent at Larksong Writers Place
or volunteer for individual events!
Reasons to become a Larksong Docent:
- To support the literary arts in Lincoln
- To get involved in the writing community
- To meet other writers
- It looks good on your resume
Larksong Literary Docents are dedicated volunteers who are passionate about writing and wish to serve the writing community on a scheduled basis. Docents agree to volunteer on a regular schedule, signing up for specific ongoing events. They facilitate Larksong Writers Place events by welcoming writers and guests to various events, including Open Write Times, Third Thursday: Writers in Conversation, Slam Poetry nights, and Visiting Writers Series. They are responsible for greeting guests, informing people about the facility and Larksong activities, and assisting with various light duties associated with each event.
Want to be a part of the community but the Literary Docent gig feels like too much human interaction all at once? We get it. We’re introverts too. Larksong events also entail set ups and clean ups before and after each event. Please let us know if you’d like to be a member of the Event Support team.
Responsibilities include assisting in setting up (moving chairs & tables, setting out food and drink tables before an event), or assisting with tear down (putting everything back the way it was before the event).
There are other ways to be involved, too
In addition to these roles, some volunteers take on planning or coordinating responsibilities for specific events or projects. For many, that’s a way to deepen their connection to the work, contribute more directly to the community, or try out ideas of their own. These opportunities grow out of ongoing involvement and take shape as plans are developed together, so the work stays connected and manageable as Larksong continues to grow.
However you choose to get involved, whether as a docent, event support, or in a planning role, there are a few shared ways we tend to work together at Larksong.
What does it mean to volunteer at Larksong?
Volunteering at Larksong means taking part in the shared work of supporting writers and building a creative community. Larksong runs on the energy, ideas, and generosity of its volunteers. Whether you’re helping at a reading, a workshop, Bethany in Bloom, or an Open Write session, you’re part of what makes this place work.
Volunteers help bring Larksong’s programs and events to life. This might mean welcoming guests, setting up a space, supporting a reading or workshop, or serving on a small planning group. At times, volunteers take on coordinating roles, such as leading a committee or serving as an event chair. In those roles, volunteers help keep planning moving forward, coordinate with others involved, and serve as a point of contact for that project. This includes staying in touch about progress and letting others know if availability changes, so the work can continue without interruption.
Volunteer roles are defined at the start of a project and may shift as needed through conversation. Tasks and responsibilities are agreed upon, rather than assumed, so that the work stays clear and coordinated. As plans develop, adjustments may be needed to keep the work aligned with Larksong’s overall calendar, budget, and communications.
All volunteer work connects to the larger life of Larksong. Our calendar includes ongoing programs, visiting writers, community partnerships, and special events throughout the year. To keep things running smoothly, plans stay connected as they develop, budget questions are discussed ahead of time, and communications are coordinated so Larksong presents a consistent voice.
The Executive Director helps hold the full picture of Larksong’s work and is there to support volunteers across projects. If questions come up or plans start to shift, you’re not on your own—checking in early is part of how we keep things moving and make adjustments when needed.
At its best, volunteering at Larksong means being part of a larger conversation—about the work, the mission, and the community we’re building together.
If you have questions at any point, just ask—clarity early makes everything easier.
If you’d like to get involved, fill out the form below—we’d love to hear from you!