Behind the scenes are 130 volunteers
By Kaye Hult
When people in the Inland Northwest think about The Fig Tree, Mary Stamp may be the person who comes to mind. She co-founded the newspaper more than 41 years ago and has overseen how its media have expanded over that time.
Beyond Mary, four other staff and about 130 volunteers make its media and programs possible.
Malcolm Haworth edits the yearly Fig Tree print and online Resource Directory and is in constant pursuit of new organizations to add to it, as well as making sure information in it is up to date from year to year. As ecumenical liaison he helps coordinate the Eastern Washington Legislative Conference.
Marijke Fakasiieiki, as development and editorial associate, contacts people to learn their stories, to network with them or to solicit advertisements or donations to support the venture.
Kaye Hult, administrative and volunteer coordinator, recruits and keeps in contact with volunteers for the various tasks.
Lorna Kropp, webmaster, keeps the website current.
Beyond them is a cadre of volunteers who do a variety of tasks needed for The Fig Tree's success. The Fig Tree is recognizing many of them with a brunch during the Dec. 3 mailing.
"Sometimes we look at five to 10 volunteers helping at one time with mailings, deliveries, displays, editing or writing. Other volunteers host tables or speak at benefits, share in videos, help plan events or serve on the board. Adding up, I realized more than 130 volunteers make the newspaper and directory possible," said Mary. "They help staff multiply their reach by doing a wide range of tasks."
For the newspaper, volunteer writers help write stories, and editors make sure they read well and fit in the space on the pages. Mary relies on some volunteer writers, interns and staff to write stories about people who are making the world a better place as they live out their faith and values.
The stories offer hope, using solutions-oriented journalism that invites a culture of peace and justice. Three days a month, editors and proofreaders help to shape the stories, editing online.
"There is value in having many eyes looking at the stories to ensure accuracy and readability," said Mary.
The writers and editors do a two-hour training with Mary about The Fig Tree editorial approach, so they understand the vision for the paper.
To keep The Fig Tree enterprise in shape, a volunteer board of directors meets monthly to review finances and suggest ways to raise funds. They recently approved establishing The Fig Tree's Sustainability Fund.
They also suggest story ideas and join other volunteers to carry out tasks, such as planning events, inviting donations and reaching out to others at displays.
Some volunteers gather on first Wednesdays to prepare thank-you letters and invitations to donate for mailing. Others pick up bulk quantities of each issue to deliver to worship centers and organizations in Spokane and other places in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
In late summer and early fall, they help distribute the Resource Directory. Second Harvest also provides a truck and two volunteers to deliver large orders of directories to agencies.
Throughout the year, Marijke finds events for The Fig Tree to have display tables that showcase both newspaper and resource directory. Volunteers oversee the table, engaging with those who come to introduce them to The Fig Tree, give them a Resource Directory and invite them to join the volunteer team.
The Fig Tree holds three events each year. In the fall is the Fall Fund Drive. At the end of January is the Eastern Washington Legislative Conference. In mid-March, The Fig Tree gathers more than 300 people at its Spring Benefits.
Volunteer teams help envision and carry out these events. They suggest presenters, sponsors and resource displays from faith and nonprofit organizations.
"As volunteer coordinator for The Fig Tree working with many dedicated individuals, it is important to give them a shoutout and recognize their special contributions," said Kaye.
Many volunteers come back year after year, with some assisting since the paper began.
Some volunteer or join as interns through Volunteer Spokane, Handshake or Just Serve—places that list volunteer opportunities. Some sign up to help at display tables.
While many have gray hair, The Fig Tree volunteers include college interns and others who are working but seek a meaningful way to volunteer their time.
Erin Endres has been a volunteer editor for several years.
"I started volunteering during COVID when I was laid off. I continue to volunteer because I want to give back to a small organization. Reviewing news stories is as easy as it gets," she said. "I volunteer because The Fig Tree's social justice lens is an honest, refreshing media approach."
Living into The Fig Tree mission to break through divisions among people to build understanding, and promote unity and action for the common good, The Fig Tree welcomes the participation of people from all walks of life, and without regard to gender, age, ethnicity, religion or lack thereof, as long as they seek the common good and unity.
"Our volunteers matter. Our first interest is to build relationships with them, so they know they are working with an agency that cares about them. It is important to let volunteers know they are appreciated as major givers with their time and talents," Marijke said. "We greatly appreciate their gifts of their hearts and commitment to the work of The Fig Tree."
"We are grateful for all those who share with us in this joy-filled mission of bringing hope, just by informing, inspiring, involving and gathering people," said Mary. "Their donation of their time, energy and skills become a major people effort. Many thanks to all."
For information, call 535-4112, email kaye@thefigtree.org or visit thefigtree.org/volunteer.html
