Volunteer Spotlight: Outstanding Volunteer

Name: Kazia Hodges
Age: 27
Occupation: Full-time mom with a dash of web design on the side.

How long have you been a Browncoat?
I like to think that I've been a Browncoat my entire life, but I just didn't have a name to place on the state of being until early 2008 when I sat down and devoured all of the Firefly episodes in one sitting. (You know you've done it too!) I had seen Serenity the previous year, but for some reason I hadn't put the two together. So I've been a born Browncoat for 27 years, realized Browncoat for over a year. What a year that has been!
What is your favorite show on television right now?
That's a toughy. Thanks to finally having access to DVR, I'm able to keep up with more shows that usual. I'd have to say that the one I look forward to each week is Burn Notice. Though I'm sure once I get the Torchwood schedule figured out on BBCAmerica and they start showing more Doctor Who, I'll change my tune.
How long have you volunteered with Austin Browncoats?
I started volunteering in the form of web design in November 2008 when I started work on a new look for the Austin Browncoats website. I guess it was around June 2009 that I was "officially" named the Webmaster, but I have been working in that capacity since last year when the design project started, I suppose. Time flies when you're having fun!
How long have you lived in Austin?
Well now, there's the rub. I've never actually lived in Austin. Hah! I'm a Texan, sure, though I'm displaced in Oregon now. I'm a perfect example that you don't have to live in Austin to be an Austin Browncoat.
What drew you to the Austin Browncoats?
After I discovered I was a Browncoat, I started a website at www.TexasBrowncoats.com and that put me in touch with Beth from the Austin Browncoats. In working to collaborate with her on that site, I saw how active the Austin Browncoats were, and I wanted to help out however I could.
Why did you decide to start volunteering?
Since I am currently unable to attend many of the Austin Browncoats events, I decided early on that I would do whatever I could to help out however I could. I figured that by helping with the Austin Browncoats' online presence, I'd help get the word out about their actions.
What events or programs do you most often volunteer at?
I have only made it out to one convention, Dallas Comic Con in February 2009, where I met Beth, Ryan, and Brooks. While the convention was a bit of a miss, especially for my first convention ever, I had fun with the Austin Browncoats. As for other events, I redesigned the website for Geekstravaganza 2009 this year as well as designing the poster for that event. I guess I really volunteer for every event, though most of my work is way, way behind the scenes, on the website(s) promoting the events.

What are some of your hobbies/interests?
I really love doing web design. I know I'm not the best. I still have so much to learn, but I think that's why I love it - there's always something new to learn. I'm very much a geek in other aspects too. I enjoy playing online fantasy RPGs, mostly MUDs these days - I'm even staff on one - but I've played graphic ones too such as EverQuest 2 and Warhammer Online.
What is your favorite Austin Browncoat memory?
Like I said, I haven't had many opportunities, due to geography, to go to Austin Browncoats events and the Dallas Comic Con wasn't exactly SDCC. Hah! So I guess I'm still looking forward to building memories with my fellow Austin Browncoats.
What motivates you the most about our organization? What keeps you so generous with your time and resources?
The Austin Browncoats take the Browncoat outlook on life - never give up - and apply that to their charity work for many great and worthy causes. I truly admire them for that and am proud to support them with my time.
What is the easiest thing about volunteering, and what is the hardest?
The easiest thing is knowing that even though I can't be there in person, the work I'm doing is helping make a difference. The hardest thing - not being there in person.

Any tips or tricks of the trade you want to share with potential volunteers?
Just be yourself. Everyone can have something to offer to help out. Even if you just help spread the word about events and our causes, you're helping out immensely. So don't think that just because you can't donate money or don't have the right geographic location to be there for every event, that you can't volunteer. I'm proof of that.
What do you get out of an experience such as BCB, CSTS?
Unfortunately I haven't been able to attend these events, but here's what I get from helping in my own special way. I get to see the excitement building up to the event, I get to help spread the word. After the event, I can see all the awesome photos and help announce the astonishing results (like in this year's Austin CSTS results). Even though I cannot be there in person, I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the smooth preparation for the events, and reading the recaps.
Favorite food?
Another toughy! I love all kinds of food, but I'd have to say that odd as it sounds, I love salmon. Hah! Smoked, grilled, you name it. When I took a trip to Scotland a few years ago, I swear we had salmon almost every night and that was alright with me!
Why would you encourage other volunteers to support Austin Browncoats?
Supporting the Austin Browncoats gives you the opportunity to help make a difference in the world around you and have a blast while doing it. They have taken the fandom to a whole new level with their activism and charity work. So become an Austin Browncoat. I did, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

For previous outstanding volunteers, view our Volunteer Spotlight Archive.