A huge part of any not-for-profit organization is its team of volunteers. Without dedicated, like-minded individuals who are truly interested in making this community a thriving, living creation, we would be lost.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, click HERE for all Team Job Descriptions and contact information.

The Board

Co-BOARD CHAIRs ~

Mit Gopaul

As a software and database specialist, Gopaul wrote seven books for IT professionals. He then turned his attention to writing two books on spirituality, which paved the way for a hidden passion to emerge. When crafting and completing Tainted Justice, a novel, a lifelong dream of Gopaul’s has now become reality.  Next he was inspired to write and publish Justice Denied, another thriller. More important to this project is his work as an author, speaker, presenter, and workshop facilitator that spans over thirty years. More information about books by V. M. Gopaul can be found at http://onenessmovementforhumanity.com/book/. Some of them are: Teach the Baha’i Faith with Ease, Family Virtues, 7 Ways to Obtain Divine Gifts and Powers and Preserving Oneness of Humanity. 

TREASURER ~ Lauren Solar

My parents are both lifelong, copious volunteers. A list of their various volunteer positions I once compiled covered two full letter-size pages. As a child, I saw the fulfillment and pleasure my parents derived from this and the opportunities it gave them. I learned that if you found a community that was of service to you, you should offer your services to it. I have found the WCYR to be a good resource and a supportive network for me, and so I have offered my services in a capacity that ties into my work history: bookkeeping. I am also the President of the York Region Community Choir and a regular volunteer with Food Allergy Canada. I find all of these communities and my work within them very rewarding. Through these commitments, I have met many people and made many friends.

PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR ~ Loni Cameron

Writing and reading wherever I go. I’m not the girl I used to be. I’ve become an adult without realizing it. I still have my youthful fancy, but I’m much more responsible. It’s scary. I’m a wife and mother. I am still a writer and reader. So many books to read, so many stories to tell. Twitter: @LoniStorm Instagram: loni_storm Facebook: @LoniCameronWriter LinkedIn: Loni Cameron Writing Focus or Interests: Fiction – Multiple Genres, Novels, Short Stories

 

PROGRAM COORDINATOR ~ Allison Hannah

My name is Allison and I have been a WCYR member for three years. I love to write alone and with others. I am the incoming program coordinator for WCYR. I attend any and all workshops and events WCYR offers and enjoy spending time with my writerly friends on zoom or in person when possible.

Writing Focus or Interests: memoir, short stories (fiction)

 

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR ~ Elise Abram

I am a high school teacher of English and Computer Studies, former archaeologist, and current author, editor, freelance writer, avid reader of literary and science fiction, and student of the human condition. I have written for as long as I can remember. Over the years, writing has become as essential to me as eating, sleeping, or breathing. 

I have been a member of the WCYR for about five years, and it has proven invaluable for forging connections with other writers and helping to get my work out there. The members are incredibly supportive, and I feel as if the group has been instrumental in helping me claim my identity as an author. I have gained so much since joining the WCYR, and I am excited to return the favour in the role of membership coordinator. 

SECRETARY ~ Sheila Horne Teixeira

I started writing at fourteen years old while living in a small town in Texas. I filled notebooks with short stories inspired by beach movies, cheerleaders and football players. In my sixteenth year, we moved to Toronto. I switched from stories to protest poems fuelled by the lyrics of Bob Dylan. Then came my thirties. I put writing aside for diapers, Dr. Seuss and tying shoelaces, returning to it in my forties when I enrolled in the George Brown Creative Writing Program.

Years later when my contract in mental health ended, I focused on writing articles and short stories for publication in magazines and anthologies. Taught creative writing, facilitated writing workshops and critique groups. Over the years I wrote three novels: Sunshine Girls, Paper Sun, Place in the Sun. That’s when I realized as much as I love my friends they aren’t always interested in my writing woes or the problems with the characters in my stories. So, I joined the WCYR. It didn’t take me long to recognize that I was part of an inspiring organization. Not only do I meet other writers, the WCYR provides their members with support, opportunities to attend workshops, and be part of events. This year I decided to give back and become a volunteer on their Board of Directors. I hope one day to meet everyone in person.    

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES COORDINATOR ~ Vacant

Members at Large

BOARD ADVISOR ~ MJ Moores

Reading and writing have long been a passion of mine that really didn’t start to feel “legitimate” until I joined a critique group and subsequently a writer’s organization. The WCYR family welcomed me with open arms. When I decided to leave teaching and go into editing/writing full-time, I felt a need to give back to the community that had done some much for me (and continues to do so). I’m an extremely busy person, but I will always have time to help others and support fantastic communities like the WCYR.

BOARD ADVISOR ~ GARY D. MCGUGAN

Volunteering provides opportunities for Networking and Mentoring. In my 40+ years working at senior levels of large multinational corporations, I learned these may be the most valuable attributes of all. Every member of our writing community has excellent opportunities to do both. We’re an eclectic group of writers.  I joined the WCYR to network with other excellent folks and have found the experience enriching and rewarding. I’ve agreed to serve as an advisor to our board of directors to provide assistance when requested. 

ASSISTANT MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR ~ Ruth Patterson

Since retiring from a career as a speech-language pathologist, my favourite place, in all seasons, is in the woods- usually skiing, hiking, or biking. I love to write and share poetry about what I see when I am in nature. I joined WCYR as a member and volunteer two years ago and have enjoyed the workshops and the camaraderie of writing in various groups. I am currently trying to start a local writing group at the Whitchurch-Stouffville library.

PUBLICITY REPRESENTATIVE ~ Vacant

SOCIAL MEDIA LEADER ~ Loni Cameron

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT ~ Stephanie Craig

NEWSLETTER LEADER ~ Alyssa Vorobey

WEBMASTER ~ Rampant Wolf Media

ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR ~ Ronda Theaker

ASSISTANT SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATORS:

• Special Events Assistant ~ Vacant
• Special Event Aid ~ MJ Moores
• Special Event Aid ~ Cameron Currie
• Virtual Write-In Leaders ~ MC Perron, Melissa Small, Loni Cameron
• Contest/Grant Coordinators ~ Vacant [temp. MJ Moores]

BLOG EDITOR ~ Marilyn Carr

HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR(s) ~ Mark Koning & Marie Vail

VOLUNTEERS COORDINATOR ~ Vacant

LIBRARY LIAISON ~ Catherine Brydon

Volunteers

RAFFLE ORGANIZER ~ Maria Marchese 

LENDING LIBRARIANS:

• Lead ~ Allison Hannah
• Helpers ~ Vacant

EASY WRITER BLOGGERS:

• Loni Cameron (Meetings, Membership Perks, Volunteer Announcements)

THE 2021 BOOKSHELF TEAM:

• Event Coordinator ~ Cameron Currie
• Sponsorship Coordinator ~ Vacant
• Vendor Coordinator ~ Melissa Small
• Social Media Coordinator ~ Loni Cameron
• Volunteers’ Coordinator ~ Genevieve Chatel
• Readings Coordinator ~ Vacant
• Event Day Manager ~ Genevieve Chatel
• Webmaster ~ Rampant Wolf Media

OCCASIONAL SEMINAR DAY-HELPERS:

• Sheila Horne
• Vicki Pinkerton
• Val Tobin
• OPEN/Vacant
• OPEN/Vacant

ELECTIONS OFFICER ~ Vacant (2022)

FARMERS MARKET REPRESENTATIVE ~ Vacant

OPEN MIC READINGS HOST/MC ~ Erika Macneil

YOUTUBE CHANNEL MANAGER ~ Melody Zhong