Volunteering at the WW&F

[Stephen Piwowarski]

Hi All,

We're working on a project for new volunteers/volunteer recruits and would value some quotes from our volunteers. Specifically, we're interested in quotes about what keeps you coming back, how you see your work at the railway, and what you think might be interesting for a new volunteer to know.

Best,
Steve P.

You can share your responses in reply to this note. Thanks!

[Dante Lakin]

What keeps me coming back is the constant upwards trajectory, but being able to move at my own speed. I'm never stuck to one crew or part of the WW&F operation, and when I do devote time to one facet of the railroad I'm able to progress and continually move forward and upwards to greater things.

[Benjamin Richards]

Self-plagarism OK ? Here's a snippet from an interview with Oren Helbok:

How do you describe what makes the W. W. & F. special?

I would say it is the people that make the WW&F special. There is nothing more gratifying than working together with people who are excited about the same things you are. Folks take very seriously "checking their opinions at the door". When we're on campus we're all railroaders. That unified vision really impresses upon visitors, too. We constantly receive comments about our volunteers' contagious enthusiasm for the museum.

[Bill Baskerville]

Like most volunteers I came for the trains.  I came back for the comradery of the other volunteers. 

My interest that stemmed from those two draws was amplified by being able to work on railroad projects that can’t be replicated in the other more formal museums or tourist railroads.  For more than 15 years my volunteering has given me the opportunity to be an integral part in helping to construct, expand and operate many aspects of a historical railroad. 

What I get from this a broader knowledge of history, trains, and construction techniques, also comes with enjoying the friendship of a growing cadre of volunteers and the gift of interacting with our visitors and riders.