Getting Involved with Pennwriters: Start Local, Grow from There
One of the best things about Pennwriters is that there is no single path to becoming more involved. Some members join for the conference. Some come for online classes, critique groups, write-ins, or the chance to meet other writers who understand the ups and downs of the writing life.
But for many members, there comes a point when attending is no longer enough. They want to help, connect, and/or be part of the energy that keeps Pennwriters moving forward.
If that sounds like you, the best place to begin is at the local level.
Volunteering for Pennwriters does not have to start with a board position, a major event, or a large commitment. In fact, most involvement begins much more simply. It starts with raising your hand in your own area and saying, “How can I help?” This is exactly how I started with Pennwriters. I talked with Todd Main the Area 1 Rep and asked what can I do to help. We settled on a plan to get me more involved with the organization. My first task, become part of the committee that runs the annual mini conference. My role was to help come up with donations that could be used to enhance the event. From there, I became the liaison between our local Area 1 writing group and the NWPA Wrimos for NaNo. I was tasked to find ways to add Pennwriters sponsored events that could be used to help all writers and maybe bring in a few new writers to the organization. From there, that led to the beginning of a weekly write-in night that we would do all year and not just in November.
Your Area Representative is a great first contact. Area Reps often know where help is needed, whether that means assisting with a local gathering, helping spread the word about an event, welcoming new members, supporting a critique group, or offering a skill you already have. Maybe you are organized. Maybe you enjoy talking to people. Maybe you are good with social media, newsletters, planning, photography, hospitality, or simply making others feel included.
All of those talents matter.
Local volunteering is also one of the easiest ways to try something new. You do not need to have all the answers before you begin. You only need to be willing. Many of the strongest programs and groups in Pennwriters began because one member saw a need and decided to take a small first step.
If there is no critique group near you, consider starting one. If there is no write-in in your area, maybe you could help organize one. These efforts may not grow overnight. Some groups take time to build. The key is to keep showing up, keep inviting others, and keep asking your Area Representative and fellow members to help spread the word. I believe almost all of our feedback and write-in groups throughout the state and country have taken years to develop. The Area 1 mini-conference took years to build. Success or a large group takes time to build and cultivate. Just because you may be a charismatic individual does not mean that the group will automatically take off. Granted, there are some outliers. In October of 2025 a group of writers in the Warren, PA area started a group. They are strong, vibrant, and continue to grow. They have a great leader in Doug Callen and the sky is the limit for that monthly feedback group. But again, this happened because someone or a group wanted a feedback group that was closer than Erie. They had a vision, reached out to Pennwriters for support, and are consistently reaping the benefits of what they set out to start.
The rewards often come later, but they do come. A small gathering can become a steady group. A casual idea can turn into an annual event. A simple offer to help can lead to friendships, confidence, leadership experience, and a deeper connection to the Pennwriters community.
Volunteering locally also gives members a chance to learn how the organization works. It builds relationships. It helps members discover where their interests and strengths fit best. For some, local involvement is enough, and that is wonderful. For others, it becomes the first step toward helping with larger events, committees, conferences, or even board service.Most, if not all, of your board members and committee chairs began at the local level and said what can I do to help Pennwriters.
But it does not have to begin there.
It begins at home, in your area, with the writers around you.
Pennwriters is strongest when members do more than attend. We grow when members participate, share their time, offer their talents, and help create the kind of writing community they want to be part of.
So if you have been wondering how to become more involved, start small. Reach out to your Area Representative. Ask where help is needed. Be open to trying something new. Bring your ideas. Bring your enthusiasm. Bring your willingness to help another writer feel welcome.
That is how involvement begins.
And that is how Pennwriters continues to grow.