by Meg Termote-Brew, AWC Amsterdam
This year, for the first time, I joined the United Nations Commission of the Status of Women (UN CSW69) for its second week. I was looking forward to exploring all avenues, attending a variety of sessions and venues offered, so in February when I received an email request for CSW Forum volunteers from NGO CSW/NY – I said “Sign me up!”
NGO CSW/NY had a Volunteer office in the Church Center (CCUN) to handle registering, scheduling and support for the volunteers. They were looking for students, retirees and anyone who could commit their time (no visas or accommodation were provided). Volunteers committed to three-hour shifts between 8 am and 8 pm.
Responsibilities included:
- Welcoming attendees (checking badges) and answering their questions;
- Assisting Parallel Event organizers as needed (i.e. room set-up, request technical/audiovisual support);
- Overseeing transitions between Parallel Events (i.e. enforcing time management);
- Enforcing rules of the building (i.e. no food/drinks (except water), no taping items to walls);
- Communicating with building captains and NGO CSW/NY staff as needed.
At the beginning of March, CSW/NY provided a virtual Forum Volunteer Orientation session, plus we received a document with CSW Forum Guidelines, including an overview of the volunteer position – Roles and Responsibilities. On Friday, I was assigned to CCUN 8th floor, with one large meeting room. I quickly got into the swing of Forum management, especially because each session required a different type of audiovisual equipment. I was glad the volunteer office had a technical coordinator available to assist me with microphones and every type of laptop connector! Plus, I was able to adjust the seating to accommodate the audience numbers and requirements for discussions.
I really enjoyed this experience. The sessions presented on the 8th floor were excellent, with Q&As allowing for much audience engagement. I would recommend volunteering again. Plus, they offered a Volunteer Thank-you Pizza Party and sent out Certificates of Appreciation!
