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Student & Volunteer FAQs
How can I get involved with Last Writers?
There are several ways to get involved with Last Writers. If you are a university student, you can join your university's chapter of Last Writers (if applicable) or apply to become an independent volunteer. To read more or apply, visit our "Get Involved" page here.
There's not a Last Writers program at my university, but I want to write a memoir. How can I do that?
We are current accepting applications for independent volunteers and would love to hear from you! Please follow the instructions here to fill out the application.
I want to write a memoir for one of my family members. Could I do this under Last Writers?
Our independent volunteers are welcome to work with family members. Please fill out the volunteer application form here and note in the appropriate section that you plan to work with a family member for the memoir writing process. Please note that you will still be required to undergo the same onboarding and training process as other independent volunteers.
I want to start a chapter of Last Writers at my university. Who should I contact to start the process?
We're happy to help! Please contact us or send us an email including the following information: (1) your name and year of study, (2) your academic institution, and (3) your resume. A team member will review your information and reach out to schedule a meeting if we believe that you and your school are eligible candidates for the Last Writers program.
What is the application and onboarding process for independent volunteers?
Our independent volunteers are unaffiliated with our university chapters. If you are interested in becoming an independent volunteer, please fill out our application here. A team member will review your information and schedule an interview with you. Eligible candidates will then be matched with a patient before beginning our brief training program. After training, you are then allowed to begin interviewing and writing. During this period, volunteers regularly check-in with Last Writers staff and complete benchmarks while working to produce a final product.
What is the application and onboarding process for collegiate volunteers?
Our collegiate volunteers are affiliated with our university chapters. If you are interested in joining your institution's chapter of Last Writers, please fill out an application here. Your chapter leaders will review your information and schedule an interview with you. Requirements for collegiate volunteers are similar to those for independent volunteers, though the timeline differs. Collegiate volunteers undergo training during their first weeks of class before interacting with their assigned patient; check-ins and other activities are integrated into the course curriculum. Collegiate volunteers also typically have to fulfill a semesterly hours requirement. Information on this requirement, if applicable, can be found in your course materials.
Can I volunteer remotely?
Yes, we offer remote and COVID-cautious volunteer opportunities, particularly for our independent volunteers. Availability is subject to matching volunteers with compatible patients interested in virtual interviews. Collegiate volunteers are subject to restrictions put in place by their institutions and may not be eligible for remote volunteering. Please contact us or your institution's chapter, respectively, with questions.
I don't want to write a memoir, but I'm still interested in narrative medicine. Are there other books I can write?
We do our best to support all volunteers' interests. Previous volunteers have interviewed hospice staff, from nurses and physicians to administrators, to provide an illuminating behind-the-scenes account of the hospice injury. Other volunteers have interviewed their peers, compiling profiles of students who volunteer with Last Writers. If you have an idea for a non-memoir book, please fill out our independent volunteer application here and discuss your idea in your application.
I don't want to write a memoir, but I'm still interested in working with Last Writers. Do you have any other open positions?
We are not currently recruiting for any other positions. As applications for leadership positions and other roles open, we will post them on our website. Check back regularly!
Is Last Writers a Certifying Organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award?
We are currently working to become a Certifying Organization for the PVSA. We will edit this page and notify all existing volunteers when we obtain our official status.
Get involved
Non-uni memoir
Family memoir
LW chapter
Ind. volunteer onboard
Collegiate volunteer onboard
Remote volunteer
Narrative medicne
PVSA
Other roles
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