Meet Our Volunteers: John & Steven

Everyone here at Clydesider HQ fully believe Clydesider would not be what it is without its community and volunteers.

So, this year we thought we would introduce you to the people behind the bylines.

First up we have John and Steven who wanted to interview one another [note from Jenny: these two are full of mischief].

John: Right, Steven, we are here today to talk about volunteering in West Dunbartonshire. I want you to answer as honestly as possible. So, tell me why you volunteer?

Steven: No. Hahaha. I enjoy it. To give me something to do and to give something back to the community.

: So, what do you think you get back from volunteering apart from that?

Steven: I enjoy the company as well as helping in the community.

John: Do you feel proud to be a volunteer with the Clydesider magazine? Does it give you asense of self-worth?

Steven: Oh yes, it’s great. It gives me a purpose.

John: Why did you pick Clydesider magazine?

Steven: It picked me haha. During lockdown I went to one of their Community Response Network meetings on Zoom first and then I joined in on another thing and then another thing and then basically I didn’t realise I was a Volunteer, haha.

John: So, you metamorphised into becoming a Volunteer then?

Steven: Yeah! It’s been great though. I’ve learned loads.

John: How do you get on with the other members in the Clydesider team?

Steven: See that John….! [insert lots of laughter] I get on well with everyone, everyone brings different things to the team.

Steven: Do you want me ask you something?

John: Yeah.

Steven: How did you get in involved in the first place?

John: The reason I got involved I seen the magazine first and I was kind of looking for a way to work in the community and give back. I got in touch with the editor and then became a volunteer.

Steven: What have you enjoyed doing?

John: I’ve enjoyed everything about the magazine. I enjoy the camaraderie of the team. I like the buzz of being surrounded by people. I think that’s where you pick up a lot of ideas for yourself as well and you pick up a lot of knowledge, being around people there.

Steven: What’s your favourite article or the favourite thing you’ve done?

John: Well, if I was selfish, I’d say the article about myself. I’ve got a few favourite articles, but I think the one that was done for the Clydebank Ladies choir by one of the other volunteers Patricia was one of my favourites because they give back to the community.

Steven: What would you like to write articles about in the future?

John: I’m not really sure just now, I’m quite happy being directed by the editor and the rest of the team.

Steven: Do you have any more questions for me?

John: Do you have a favourite article?

Steven: I like lots of the things I have done. I think the one that is all about myself, the one that is a day in my life. I also like the one about the Brittle Bone Society.

This is where they start to have lots of discussion about the many things they have done for the magazine over their time with us and some of the hijinks they get up to at our Community Newsrooms.

Steven: Oh, what about the Cost of Living project, did you enjoy doing that?

John: Yes! Well, another reason Steven I forgot to say why I joined the magazine is I want to learn. There’s a lot of stuff that happens in making a magazine that I’ve never known about. So, it’s been a conduit for learning as well. Not just for me, but for the team, and for the community. And there’s an old saying Steven, if you don’t know, you don’t know…. but Clydesider magazine lets you know.

Steven: It brings a community together as well.

Jenny: What would you say to anyone that was thinking about volunteering that hadn’t volunteered before?

Steven: Give it a go!

John: Try it and see what you think.

Somehow the conversation evolves into favourite biscuits, and it was decided Steven likes a bourbon biscuit and John likes a wagon wheel.

We will feature more of our amazing Volunteers in future issues.

If you would like to find out more about Volunteering with Clydesider Creative, please contact jenny@clydesider.org

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