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Help support our veterans and the HVWP — it’s a patriotic cause!
The continuation of HVWP through the 21st century depends on you!
Why I became a volunteer — a veteran writer and volunteer shares his story!
10 helpful tips for volunteer writing aides!
Help support our veterans and the HVWP — it’s a patriotic cause!
It can mean so much to a hospitalized veteran when a story, poem or artwork is published in Veterans' Voices magazine, proving again that love (and writing) is still the best medicine. Hospitalized veterans are looking for a helping hand like you to bolster their self-esteem, to make them proud to have served our country. These veterans, whatever their disabilities, need to know that while their service is interrupted, they are not forgotten. HVWP has gone to great lengths to instill in the hearts of veterans a pride of accomplishment, a reward for an endeavor well done. For many veterans, seeing their poetry or prose in print is the boost that they need to get over depression. At least one veteran author has gone on to have several books published – and he still regularly contributes to the magazine. To this day, Van Garner is encouraged when he sees his writing in print. Read his testimonial:
As a former mental patient, veteran Van Garner knows the value of a friend..... someone who is there in bad times as well as good times. Van believes, in a way, HVWP saved his life, lifted him up from the bottom when he needed it. "HVWP is that friend that guided me from the darkness of myself into a light of trust for tomorrow,” writes Van.
Every issue of Veterans’ Voices contains the writing and artwork of hundreds of veterans from nearly every state. Manuscripts and letters from veterans express how thrilled the veterans are to see their remembrances and compositions in print. You can help this long-standing American tradition to carry on by volunteering your time, your skill, and your energy to this most patriotic cause, the HVWP and Veterans’ Voices!
The continuation of HVWP through the 21st century depends on you!
Volunteers are so important – HVWP could not exist without volunteers! The Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) is an all-volunteer organization. Volunteers serve as writing aides in VA facilities to assist veterans in learning to write and to put their thoughts on paper. Some volunteers type manuscripts for veterans. Some serve as VA Voluntary Service committee members to represent the HVWP. Other volunteers serve on the HVWP Board of Directors. Others help with the mailing of the magazine. And still, there are others who assist with fundraising. The magazine, Veterans’ Voices, is edited by professional writers and proofreaders who are all volunteers. Without the dedication of our wonderful volunteers, Veterans’ Voices could not continue to exist as it has since 1952!
Why I became a volunteer — a veteran writer and volunteer shares his story!
The following article on volunteerism was written by one of our veteran writers, Bill Burns, who died June 1, 2004. He was a volunteer at the Dallas VA Hospital with over 3,000 hours of service and was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award for 2003.
WHY I BECAME A VOLUNTEER
By Bill Burns, veteran writer and HVWP volunteer
I had something to give, but did not know what. I do not have a lot of money or other goods, but I did have time. So, it is time that I put to good use, by helping others. By donating time, I discovered that I had a lot to give, more than others that I know. I got a lot back. I met many new friends. I found that I could put a smile on someone’s face by helping them find the help that they needed. I have learned a lot as a volunteer! I do not need a lot of money or material possessions to help someone in need. I have what money cannot buy. I have time and time well spent. I feel good about myself and about others, so as a volunteer, I am proud to be one. If you do not have a lot of money or goods, but have the time, you, too, can be a volunteer and see the good that comes of it. Just like the Army, “Be all that you can be.” Become a volunteer and you will be an Army of one!
10 helpful tips for volunteer writing aides!
Are you considering volunteering as a writing aide for the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP)? Here are a few tips to help you get started!
1. Your interest in our writing project is a great beginning!
2. You must be a good listener, be compassionate and always be ready with a pen and paper (or a tape recorder) for whenever a patient has a story or poem to relate.
3. Find a regular meeting place. Many times the patio just outside the VA Canteen is an excellent area…and those wheelchairs can pull right up to the tables. The fresh air and light-hearted talk encourages participants to share experiences and a bond is formed. Time always goes too fast, but many patients begin to write about their memories or dreams to bring to the next time meeting.
4. You’ll be provided with any information you need to get started. If you have any questions, simply contact the HVWP office. Networking with other HVWP volunteers is also a good resource. Since 1952, HVWP volunteers have been supporting each other in this nationwide endeavor to assist our veterans.
5. A good tip to remember is that it’s perfectly all right to have the meeting even if there has been no writing at all! When the patients realize that there is no pressure, it is then that they know they can relax and talk on many subjects. Invariably someone will say, “Hey, that’s a title,” or “Why don’t you write about that?” Then, at the next meeting someone will bring a poem or a story or a drawing on the subject covered at the previous gathering.
6. We do not collect any dues or monies at any of our meetings. Often service organizations and/or individuals will generously donate writing materials (pens, pads, pencils, calendars and even envelopes and stamps).
7. With special people donating to the local VA writing group, a little bit of magic begins to happen! A sense of family develops and the staff and volunteers begin to send “referrals” to the group. They may call us at home or leave notes at the VA, telling that a new patient wants a visit or that he/she has some writings to submit. When you get a call, take writing materials and a copy of Veterans' Voices. You may want to take a tape recorder to get “instant” stories which you can have typed later.
8. Also, keep in touch with outpatients who want to write. Mail them a newsletter. They may either bring or mail their writings and artwork to you. Every veteran has a style of writing and drawing that is entirely his/her own. Encourage patients to express themselves.
9. There is never a dull moment in being a writing aide. The rewards are seeing the patients’ happy faces when they see their work in print. It is one of the happiest sights in the world! We also realize that a little bit of caring…and a little bit of sharing has made a big difference in the patients’ program of healing therapy.
10. Being a volunteer writing aide is worthwhile, exciting and a different kind of volunteer experience. Your talents are needed in this vital writing therapy. Contact your local VA to volunteer your help.
HVWP is so thankful for our volunteers, but, of course, we can always use more. Can we recruit you to help a veteran write, to assist with mailing the magazine or to help us raise funds to support this important work?
Please contact the HVWP office at 913-432-1214.
Or send an email to volunteer@veteransvoices.org
You may also contact your nearest Veterans Administration facility and visit with the volunteer services director and/or the recreation therapy director.
Thank you!
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