Jon Hall introduced Keith and Gwen to an attentive audience (many in blue T-shirts)and invited Gwen to tell the story of their matching wardrobe. She had made matching shirts of FreeNet colours (blue and green). The design stripe running down his shirt is made up of many small pieces of print, symbolizing the many different facets of FreeNet life which Keith so capably has brought together in a working pattern.
The patched pieces in Gwen's shirt symbolized the various types of people and projects ongoing at FreeNet. Some paths crossed, some stopped, some are plain, some more elaborate, symbolizing diversity of talents and tasks. The intricate ribbon tucking is suggestive of the many paths volunteers follow and cross. The four-layer prairie points across the back yolk stand for board/staff/volunteers/members of Edmonton FreeNet. One print was selected (a peacock to show off like Gwen does) suggested our entrance into the graphics with Software Alberta Society (SAS).
These shirts are but more evidence of Gwen's multi talents and were a great introduction to her attitude towards working with volunteers.
The emphasis of the session was on "learning and relearning how to value both the person and the work". Keith and Gwen launched into a humorous and entertaining skit about life with the office volunteers in their very cramped space. The message came through of how much work there really is and how much value the volunteers are in accomplishing the daily work load. Keith demonstrated the "sardine shuffle" of dancing around volunteers and packing boxes to get from his desk to the coffee pot and back again without disturbing the volunteers at work. He talked about his "Les Nessman" virtual office walls and door that separate his workspace from that of the volunteers' all in the same room (now that takes skill!!). They humoured us with some of the office phrases such as "off and running like a herd of turtles" and "need help, Keith? no, I need Gwen (and she's no help)" to express a Freudian slip.
On the serious side, they covered what volunteers could do and then how they accepted the volunteers for who they were and matched the volunteers to the work available. They emphasized a loving, caring, nurturing environment in which to train and support volunteers. They discussed how not all volunteers are useful to Edmonton FreeNet and how they encourage these individuals to seek another organization where they may fit in better. They covered the extensive training programs that are offered to and expected of the volunteers. It's not a "drop in and do" but a well-thought out, structured program. There are expectations and commitments required of the volunteers. They then opened the floor to questions of how their experiences may relate to the "back home" situation.
Discussion ensued and comments were expressed that it was obvious Keith and Gwen were a well-knit team who recognized the human side as well as the work side of volunteers. Appreciation was obvious for their compassion and care in dealing with individuals of all walks of life.
The volunteers in the audience who are directly involved with Keith and Gwen participated and expressed their respect for this Edmonton FreeNet team in matching colours.
Edmonton FreeNet is truly fortune to have this Duo in their midst.