By Roberta Sommer, NWM Volunteer Coordinator
We know well that the power of volunteers catapults the reach of our events and programs to more people throughout our region. For most of its years, Northwest Maritime has prospered immensely from the generosity of thousands of individual volunteers who have shared their skills, experience, and zeal to help transform numerous lives through maritime activities.
What keeps our volunteers coming back for more? Why do people continue to seek to become our new volunteers? Well, let’s be honest—our bona fide Victorian seaport location, the boats, and the Salish Sea at our doorstep (just to name a few) all hold great allure. However, we can also boast that we offer a fine spectrum of truly unique volunteer roles that are simply a blast! And, naturally, like most volunteer opportunities, our volunteers can meet new people, learn new skills, and embark on exciting adventures.
With our wide range of volunteer opportunities, we strive to find the perfect fit for each individual who generously offers their valuable time to Northwest Maritime. We aim not only to meet but to exceed our volunteers’ expectations. Recently, we asked a handful of our volunteers why they think Northwest Maritime is a cool place to volunteer. Keep reading to catch an insider glimpse into the world of our volunteers as they share perspectives from their various Northwest Maritime roles.
What inspired you to start volunteering with Northwest Maritime?
“We were rebuilding our boat Sonia in the shop below the sail loft during the Wooden Boat Festival in 1993. It had sunk in the Alcohol plant storm of December 1990 after 4 feet of the stern was bashed off and the masts broken by a loose large metal boat. Seeing the need for volunteers and what they do inspired me to want to volunteer.” – Jeff Graham
“We still lived in Ketchikan but had our home here for retirement, when we heard about R2AK and connected over that, hosting some of the key staff for the first years of the race. When we did retire, we explored more of what we could do and I was delighted to find that the (then) Chandlery needed volunteers as I had retail experience and loved working with people.” – Anna Shaffer
“Came up in 2017 on a road trip from Arizona and saw a poster in a store asking for volunteers for the Festival. Volunteering ever since. Liked the community so much I moved here.” – Jim Quin
Can you share a specific experience while volunteering that has been particularly meaningful or memorable?
“I especially like working the merch tent at Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival—long hours and challenging but I love helping all the people find what they want.” – Anna Shaffer
“When I was recently sitting at the front desk, a lady called wanting information about boat tours. As it turned out, she also was English and we ended up chatting for about 30 minutes. I was able to fill her in not only on the boat tours, but also the classes, the boat shop, the library, and all the sponsored races. On my recommendation, she made reservations at the Swan Hotel. She was appreciative of my time, but I also really enjoyed chatting with an ex-pat!” – Anne Cameron
“Volunteering 1500 miles away from home and I bumped into a neighbor from Arizona also volunteering. Small world!” – Jim Quin
What type of volunteering have you done with NWM?
“Just recently, I unloaded a couple of volunteer jobs elsewhere to commit to a full day a week in the Boatshop. It helps that Joel cooks a hot lunch and the fleet maintenance tasks Sam walks me through are different every time. Now I’m helping an experienced shipwright give a high gloss to the sid skiff built from a piece of Martha’s old mast to ready her for the festival. Combining shop tasks with docent duties is a sound new idea.” – Carol McCreary
“Except for a couple of years, I have volunteered at both the Ruckus and Wooden Boat Festival in various roles which has included bartending, main gate, ID checking, and HQ tent. For several years, I also assisted at the Navigator brunch by helping to serve mimosas and checking in invitees. Since 2022, I have covered the front desk for a couple of shifts weekly. At the front desk, I have worked on CampBrain and Salesforce, checking books in and out from the library, answering questions from people who visit the office, answering the phone, and various other tasks as needed.” – Anne Cameron
How long have you been volunteering for Northwest Maritime (or Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival)?
“I guess for most of 30 years, except when we had our boat in the Festival or not in town.” – Jeff Graham
“I must have started volunteering in 2006. First, it was the Volunteer Tent, then out in the 24-hour parking lot. For years I did only set up and tear down because I couldn’t miss the sessions. Then I got wise to Grounds because it’s so active; a friend who comes from Washington DC also loved hauling garbage. Since then, we’ve served chowder and breakfast to the visiting boaters (even aceing a Health Department compliance check), helped kids in the paddleboard pool, and set out some weird food for the Blazer Party.” – Carol McCreary
Have you made any lasting friendships or connections through your volunteer work?
“Definitely!” – Anne Cameron
“Volunteering IS connecting in Port Townsend, especially for someone who tends toward solitary pursuits. Four hours of work with a stranger is enough to cement regular chats whenever you cross paths. Faces familiar from shared volunteer shifts make so many of us feel buoyed everywhere we go in town.” – Carol McCreary
“Yes, both with local competing [Race to Alaska] teams and with some of my fellow volunteers.” – Cheryl Baldwin
What would you say to someone considering volunteering for the first time?
“It’s fun working with people from here and all over. The staff is very supportive and appreciative of volunteers so you don’t have to come knowing all the answers!” – Anna Shaffer
“Do it, you will have fun!” – Jeff Graham
“I would encourage anyone thinking of volunteering, and let them know they would find it to be a very positive experience.” – Anne Cameron
“Northwest Maritime staff are caring, supportive, and committed individuals who can exhibit a hare-brained but safe approach to seafaring activities! Good people on both sides of our shared border.” – Cheryl Baldwin
“Do it! Give back to the community and you will be rewarded by your efforts by meeting people and community spirit.” – Jim Quin
Volunteers are the heart of Northwest Maritime, helping us bring our programs to life and reach more people. No matter what inspires you to volunteer, there’s a fun and rewarding role waiting for you. Volunteer shifts for the annual Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival are now open for sign-up! Join us, make a difference, and have a blast along the way!
Browse and sign up for Wooden Boat Festival volunteer shifts at woodenboat.org/volunteer.
