MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM It takes a village to cultivate a volunteer. Volunteer Office Courtney, Carly, and Amanda

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

It takes a village to cultivate a volunteer.

Volunteer Office

Courtney, Carly, and Amanda


“The best part of working with the volunteers is getting to know them. It always amazes me when I hear what diverse backgrounds they come from.”- Gail Wilson, Guest Service Associate “I just wanted to let you know that, as the person who welcomes guest, you did your task very well!”-David Fisher, MIM visitor about a guest service volunteer


How does someone become a volunteer at MIM?

1)Completes a volunteer application packet

2)Comes in a for a “Meet and Greet”

3)Completes a background check, assessment test, and drug screen

4)Attends a volunteer orientation

5)Placed with a site supervisor for training in the volunteer role.


Who are the Volunteers At MIM?•325 volunteers•Serve in 13 different volunteer areas: Docents, Gallery Guide, Guest Services, Experience Gallery Guides, Museum Store, Ushers, and Behind the Scenes.•Range in age from 17 to late-80’s. •Volunteers have a wide range of experience from being retired doctors, school teachers, to current students.



Why do people volunteer at MIM?


Three General Reasons Why People Volunteer:

1)Self-Serving, it meets their personal needs.

“To increase my knowledge of musical instruments from around the world.” –MIM Volunteer


2) Relational, making connections.

“To be a part of the MIM and enjoy all it has to offer. Meet new friends and give back to my Desert Ridge community”- MIM Volunteer


3) Belief drive, passionate about the cause

“Opportunity to help with MIM's mission; increase knowledge of the "world of music"; deepening of "connectedness" with MIM.”-MIM Volunteer


Having Purpose and Values:

Mission statement for the volunteer programTo enrich MIM’s team, by recognizing and utilizing the talents of community members to serve the ever-changing demands of the museum.


What You Can Expect from Volunteers All volunteers must:•Comply with MIM standards.•Dress appropriately for their assigned duties.•Be reliable and punctual.•Notify the Site Supervisor of any conflicts of schedules. In some departments, it will be required for the volunteer to find his or her own substitute for a scheduled shift.•Be a team player; make suggestions and ask the staff when there are questions.•Act as a responsible representative of the MIM.•Abide by all policies and procedures set forth by MIM, as outlined in the Volunteer Handbook.•Understand that they can be terminated at any time for not complying with the policies and procedures of the MIM.•Reserve all rights for the MIM to use volunteer photos on the website or any other promotional materials.•Understand that there are no weapons or illicit drugs allowed on the premises.•At no time be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs while on duty.


“Two-fifth of volunteers stop volunteering for reasons related to poor management practice” –Urban Institute Report, 2004

What are some of the skill sets of a good manager?


What Volunteers Can Expect from You •Training and orientation specific to your department and positions.•Well-planned duties upon arrival for each shift.•Information regarding departmental procedures and policies.•Communication regarding job expectation, performance, and goals.•Acclimation to work environment.•Notification of any crucial department and volunteer job changes.•Open communication, friendliness, and a relaxed atmosphere.•Reasonable notice if their duties are no longer needed in the department.•Volunteers want to be provided with meaningful work and feel appreciated.


What do you do if you experience any problems with a volunteer?

Re-supervise the volunteer Occasionally, you will meet a volunteer who does not follow the rules or guidelines set forth during orientation. The volunteer may need to be reminded that the rules and procedures need to be followed. A friendly reminder may be enough to solve the problem.


What do you do if you experience any problems with a volunteer?

Re-train the volunteer Some poor performance may be due to a lack of adequate training. You will find that some volunteers need more training and guidance than others. You may find that the volunteer only needs a refresher course or needs more extensive training in order to be more effective at his or her job.


Re-motivate the volunteer You may determine that you have a volunteer who is suffering from boredom or a lack of enthusiasm. If possible, attempt to regain the interest of the volunteer by giving him or her new challenge. Determine what motivates the volunteer and try to appeal to that motivation. Visit the Volunteer Manager to seek additional tasks that may be added to the job duties of your volunteers.


•If you are having difficulty with a volunteer, please do not hesitate to consult with the Volunteer Manager/Coordinator regarding your concerns.•Please share your concerns about using volunteers and help decide how to resolve them.•Let us know about successes and challenges who have had with volunteers


“The most important component of a successful volunteer program is staff who are

eager and knowledgeable about using volunteers.” Paula Meadows, Director of

Volunteer and Visitor Service at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science


It Takes All Of Us To Cultivate the Volunteers- Thank You and Enjoy Working with Our Volunteer Team Members!


References:

Essential Volunteer Management, McCurley, Steve and Lynch, Rich

Points of Light Foundation, Changing the Paradigm: Volunteer Involvement Self Assessment Kit, McCurley, Steve

Documents

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM It takes a village to cultivate a volunteer. Volunteer Office Courtney, Carly, and Amanda