Our Guild is always looking for ways to engage the talents and gifts of our members. Participation in one or more of our committees is a great way to get to know others in the Guild

Ross Tarr,
Founder / Chairperson

Join our Education Committee and help nurture the art and craft of storytelling! Volunteers help design and support workshops, training sessions, and learning resources that strengthen members’ storytelling, performance, and technical skills. The committee also explores storytelling traditions and ethics, guiding members as they develop and share their work. If you enjoy teaching, learning, or mentoring, this is a rewarding way to grow alongside others. You’ll gain insight, inspiration, and deeper storytelling skills while helping our Guild empower storytellers at every level.

Nancy Kissane
Committee Chair

Join our Membership Committee and help create a warm welcome for every new storyteller who joins the Guild! Volunteers connect with prospective and new members, provide orientation and resources, and ensure everyone feels valued and included. You’ll also help organize member gatherings, track engagement, and celebrate milestones. It’s a meaningful way to build friendships, strengthen our storytelling community, and develop skills in communication and coordination—while sharing in the joy of helping others find their voice and their place within the Guild’s creative circle

Walt Belcher
Festival Coordinator

Be part of the magic that makes the Suncoast Storytelling Festival come alive! Volunteers help with everything from pre-event planning—decorating, promoting the festival, organizing materials, and preparing venues—to day‑of activities like greeting guests, assisting performers, guiding visitors, and keeping the program running smoothly. You’ll gain behind‑the‑scenes experience, meet inspiring storytellers, and be part of a creative, welcoming community that celebrates the power of story. Volunteering is also a great way to build skills, make connections, and share in the excitement of an event that brings voices and stories from across the Suncoast together. Your time and enthusiasm truly make the story possible!

J D Adler
Committee Chair

Join our Marketing and Promotions Committee and help share the story of the Suncoast Storytellers Guild! Volunteers create buzz for our events by designing marketing campaigns, posting on social media, and spreading awareness of the Guild’s good work. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in community outreach, event promotion, and creative storytelling—while building valuable communication and teamwork skills. It’s a fun, collaborative way to make a visible impact and help our storytelling community continue to grow and shine!

OPEN

Join our Special Events Committee and help bring the Guild’s stories into the community through exciting one‑day events—like school storytelling days, literacy festivals, and waterfront park programs. Volunteers help coordinate logistics, manage spaces and hospitality, and ensure each event runs smoothly and memorably. If you enjoy teamwork, creativity, and seeing plans come to life, this role is for you! You’ll gain hands‑on experience in event planning and production, meet inspiring storytellers, and make a visible difference in how storytelling touches our community.

Melanie Payne
Committee Chair

Join our Media and Publicity Committee and help amplify the voice of the Suncoast Storytellers Guild! Volunteers promote our programs and events through press releases, community calendars, social media, and local news outlets. You’ll help craft our public image, share inspiring stories, and connect the Guild with new audiences. It’s a creative, rewarding role where you can build media and communication skills, collaborate with passionate storytellers, and play a key part in expanding awareness of the vibrant storytelling community we’re proud to nurture.

Wanda Stuart
Committee Chair

Join our Hospitality and Catering Committee and help make every gathering feel welcoming, comfortable, and well‑fed! Volunteers support 2nd Saturday meetings, special events, and the annual Suncoast Storytelling Festival by planning and serving refreshments, setting up and tidying food areas, and adding thoughtful touches that make guests feel at home. In return, you’ll enjoy being “at the heart of the room,” build practical event‑hosting skills, connect with storytellers and community partners, and know your efforts shape how people experience every Guild event.

OPEN

This Committee is responsible for coordination of our Guild’s needs for audiovisual equipment, computer hardware or software and any other equipment or technology needed by the Guild to carry out its activities. We produce both live and hybrid (live/virtual) events and publish our programs to social media.

OPEN

The Sponsorship Committee seeks out potential sponsors and fundraising opportunities; assures that periodic communications with existing donors and sponsors takes place; and ensures that the appropriate promotional marketing and other materials are available for enrolling potential partners with the Guild.