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March/April 2024
The Volunteer Spirit
In diverse capacities, from gallery or informational guides to public programming support, volunteers often serve as museum ambassadors that bridge the institution to the community. Read on to learn about the motivations, challenges, and opportunities for volunteerism in museums.
In this issue:
From the Editor:
Valuing our Volunteers
“This moment presents exciting opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Embracing change, nurturing a sense of community, and consistently aligning with the core values of purpose and social impact, museums can catalyze a new era of volunteerism—one that transcends boundaries and fosters enduring connections between volunteers, visitors, communities, and the museums that enrich their lives.”
» Read the full introduction to this issue from Museum’s editor, Dean Phelus.
Rethinking the Status Quo
FEATURE
by Jenny Woods, Brandi Shawn-Chaparro, and Abbey Earich
What does museum volunteer retention look like in a post-pandemic world?
Pride of Place
FEATURE
Feature | by Tracy Ovenell
The Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum is a community jewel that runs mainly on volunteer power.
Slowing Down With Intention
FEATURE
by Claire M. D’Emic
Through reflective practice, the Green Teens volunteers at the Long Island Children’s Museum develop programming for visitors—and lifelong skills.
Welcoming Change
FEATURE
by Valentina M. Quezada
The USC Pacific Asia Museum took a trust-building approach to working with docents on an evolving education program for student tours.
In Defense of Volunteerism
POINT OF VIEW
by Chris Morehead
Volunteers play a vital role for museums, and museums need to prioritize their volunteer programs.
A Renewal in the Rebuilding
POINT OF VIEW
by Michelle Carpenter
Docent programs that evolve with the times will continue to serve their museums and communities well.
Mar/Apr 2024 issue
By the Numbers:
Museum Volunteers
Explore some of the data from 5,340 museum volunteers who participated in the 2023 Annual Survey of Museum-Goers. (US adult educational attainment data from US Census Bureau.)
» Explore more Data Stories from the Annual Survey of Museum-Goers.
2x
Volunteers are twice as likely as
other museum visitors to say that museums have helped them gain civic empowerment.
87%
of museum volunteers have a college degree, compared with 34% of all US adults.
20%
Volunteers are 20% more likely than other museum visitors to say museums support the quality of life in their community.
70
is the median age of museum volunteers.
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Stay tuned!
May/June 2024 – Health and Well-being (our 2024 Annual Meeting theme)
July/August 2024 – Polarization
September/October 2024 – Leadership, article pitches due May 6, 2024
November/December 2024 – DEAI, article pitches due July 8, 2024
» Explore the Editorial Calendar for potential topics under each theme.
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