Volunteer Stories: Ashley

I started volunteering with Glasgow Women’s Library (GWL) during the dark times of COVID-19. I had recently graduated from the University of Glasgow with my undergraduate degree and although I was working full-time in a remote role, I was looking for things to ‘get stuck into’. I had plans to do a Masters (and then hopefully a PhD) once COVID was over and I was painfully aware that as a wannabe gender historian, I needed to both develop relationships with key cultural institutions like GWL and cultivate skills that I wasn’t going to in my day-job. I also, although I didn’t know it at the time, was looking for something inclusive and friendly – a lack I didn’t feel until I actually started volunteering with GWL. As a young disabled woman, I often struggle finding communities where I feel like I fit in well – I’m always trying hard to fit certain boxes that I can’t, due to the day-to-day constraints that my disability puts on me. However, at GWL, there’s an understanding that women are people, and people come from a wide range of backgrounds, with a wide range of skills, commitments, talents, and personal challenges. It sounds so simple but being part of a community where this is actively acknowledged and worked with makes such a difference.

I started out by helping Morag (the GWL’s National Lifelong Learning Development Worker) sort through and edit the Vote 100 resources that are used by GWL to run workshops for schools. This was all done remotely as the library was closed – this actually really suited me because of my full-time job. I could commit time when I had it, instead of feeling pressured to give lots of time after a long shift at work. I loved engaging with historical materials and learning more about the women’s suffrage movement whilst being helpful (what a nerd, I know). Once COVID wasn’t as much of a thing, I started helping out at the library every so often on a Saturday, which I love, and I started writing blogs. I’ve published three so far (with more hopefully to come) and I’m really enjoying it! Again, this is something I can do around my full-time job and when I start my PhD in October, it will be an amazing transferable skill. I’m also looking forward to having a creative outlet during my degree that won’t be anything to do with my research (I’ve been told that’s important!).

Knowing that there is a group of friendly, like-minded women an email or wee train ride away is very special. The emails I get from Ren (one of the volunteer co-ordinators) bring a smile to my face every time, and I love the different workshops and events that the library runs – it’s a shame I can’t attend more! I feel really supported to enhance the work of the library in ways that suit me, which is such an empowering and fulfilling experience. I wish sometimes that I didn’t have other commitments so that I can dedicate more time to this amazing organisation. The collections are incredible and the building itself is amazing to wander round. If I haven’t convinced you already, I would definitely recommend that you go and see for yourself! And also, don’t forget to check out my blogs!