Volunteer Spotlight Archive

Outstanding Volunteer 2nd Quarter 2009

Name: Brooks Powers
Age: 25
Occupation: Project Coordinator for Production Resource Group Integration and Sales

How long have you been a Browncoat?
Since about 2005. It happened right after I saw the movie.
What is your favorite show on television right now?
Right now it has to be Battlestar Galactica
How long have you volunteered with Austin Browncoats?
About 1 year
How long have you lived in Austin?
I only live in Austin Vicariously.
What drew you to the Austin Browncoats?
Originally I was drawn in at their booth at All-Con and I pretty much hung out there for the rest of the convention. I just loved all the Serenity/Firefly stuff and the super friendly and awesome people.
Why did you decide to start volunteering?
I wanted to support the Austin Browncoats- not just by buying raffle tickets and donating to the charities they support but actually being a part of the team- so far it's been one of the most awesome experiences I could ask for!
What events or programs do you most often volunteer at?
Really I will volunteer for them at anything they are running I can make to. Most notably conventions.

What are some of your hobbies/interests?
I of course love collecting Sci Fi memorabilia and I love collecting autographs. I am really into lighting of all kinds. I like to cosplay and in general just go out and have fun with people.
What is your favorite Austin Browncoat memory?
That would have to be the Browncoat Ball. There were so many awesome memories made here and so many people I met. I think it would have to be after lunch on the walkie talkies when I was asking someone to go get me bubble bath! Lol!
What motivates you the most about our organization? What keeps you so generous with your time and resources?
I love being around the team every person is so cool and unique. The more I am with them the more I start to feel related to them!!! I am also motivated by what they stand for and what they are giving back to the community. I completely support them.
What is the easiest thing about volunteering, and what is the hardest?
Easiest thing is sitting there and promoting what we do, and being the 'go do/get this guy'
Hardest thing is telling people about the teas. I turn to Beth every time and I'm all “ask her” lol. Also striking the booth is never as easy as setting it up even though I have only done that a couple of times…I'm just sayin'.

Any tips or tricks of the trade you want to share with potential volunteers?
No tips or tricks really, you should just go out and be yourself, and if you don’t want to volunteer you can still be an Austin Browncoat. You can be a groupie. I was groupie before I volunteered! If you have the time to do it, I think you will find it very rewarding.
What do you get out of an experience such as BCB, CSTS?
Only the best memories of my life! Volunteering at the BCB was such a phenomenal experience. I met people who I will be friends with forever, not mention it was one of the most epic things I have ever done!
Favorite food?
Wow…umm…I guess…I like things that are totally bad for me like boneless fried chicken strips and cheeseburgers lol! I like to eat healthy things too. I guess I like most anything but brussel sprouts!
Why would you encourage other volunteers to support Austin Browncoats?
Because you get to meet fabulous people, experience epic events, meet people who love what you love and create memories that last a lifetime! I think those things alone are worth it!

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Outstanding Volunteer 1st Quarter 2009

Name: Brenda Alvarado
Age: 36
Occupation: Manager at large technology company

How long have you been a Browncoat?
I became a Browncoat in 2004, as Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BTVS) ended and Angel was ending, I was searching for something to replace them, so I started watching Firefly.
What is your favorite show on television right now?
Dexter is my favorite, but Supernatural is a close second.
How long have you volunteered with Austin Browncoats?
I donated items for the 2007 Can't Stop the Serenity (CSTS), but I started volunteering in the later half of 2007 while we were about to put in a bid to host the Browncoat Ball (BCB).
How long have you lived in Austin?
18 years
What drew you to the Austin Browncoats?
No one I knew loved the Whedonverse like I did until I found Austin Browncoats (ABC). It was like coming home to meet new brothers and sisters.
Why did you decide to start volunteering?
I have worked years of events professionally, and when the opportunity arose to work on the Ball, I felt like I had something to offer.
What events or programs do you most often volunteer at?
I have volunteered for the Browncoat Ball, CSTS, serving at the pancake breakfasts, and hosting some of the local shindigs.

What are some of your hobbies/interests?
Dogs, eurodance music, movies, sci-fi and travel. I just started knitting and hope to one day learn to knit a Jayne hat!
What is your favorite Austin Browncoat memory?
I met Nathan Fillion in 2006 at Moonlight Rising in the Poconos. My hands were full and he carried my purse for me. As far as ABC specific memories, our monthly karaoke is the best!!!!
What motivates you the most about our organization? What keeps you so generous with your time and resources?
I like how this organization focuses on both charity and fun. Even when we are working hard as a team, we still have a blast. I also like the exposure to the creativity of the other members who are very talented - it is an inspiration.
What is the easiest thing about volunteering, and what is the hardest?
The easiest part about volunteering with ABC is that there is something for anyone who wants to help. The hardest part so far was working at the Ball when there were so many incredible tracks going on that I wanted to join.

Any tips or tricks of the trade you want to share with potential volunteers?
Make your interest known and start reading the boards for opportunities. Come out to the next pancake breakfast or shindig and meet everyone!
What do you get out of an experience such as BCB, CSTS?
It's amazing to me how a great show brought this community together. I'm excited and proud to be a small part of all the good that Browncoats are doing.
Favorite food?
sweet potatoes
Why would you encourage other volunteers to support Austin Browncoats?
Volunteering with ABC gives you an opportunity to make new friends, be a part of incredible events and to help charity. It doesn't get any better than that!

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