VOLUNTEER FAQS

DO I NEED SPECIAL TRAINING TO BECOME A HOLTER VOLUNTEER? Not at all. If you feel motivated to bring art into your life while helping the Museum, we will find a place for you to start. Over time, building on your existing skills and interests, you may find that you’ve learned quite a lot about art and the art world…while enjoying Museum life. Some volunteers end up making significant contributions to one or more areas of the Museum; these individuals essentially receive “on the job” training.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED TO COMMIT? This varies greatly based on the individual. Some volunteers mainly work at special events; some volunteers commit to manning the phone once or twice a week for two or four hour shifts. Some volunteers work on special projects which can vary greatly. Some of our Docents (volunteer museum educators) log many hours when the Education Department has public school tours scheduled, followed by some down time. It is up to you. We want volunteering at the Holter to be an enriching experience for each person. Work with us to design a schedule that appeals to you, even if the schedule is simply to be on our calling list to pour beverages at occasional receptions or special events.

WHAT KINDS OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES EXIST? Many varied opportunities exist. Depending on your skills and desires, our hope is to find you a niche you’ll love. Here are some positions to think about:

• Special Event Support
• Front Desk/Phone/Museum Store Support—tasks vary from receiving the public to unpacking pottery to personal shopping to entering inventory into the computer
• Docent Program—volunteer museum educator (training available)
• Art Smart—for teens who like to work with young children
• Librarian
• Curatorial/Exhibition Support—tasks vary from creating and affixing labels to touching up the paint on gallery walls and pedestals
• Light Carpentry/Remodeling
• Data Entry
• Mailing Support
• Clerical/Filing

WHAT IF I FEEL UNCERTIAN ABOUT HOW TO PRESENT MYSELF AT GATHERINGS, WHEN ANSWERING THE PHONE, OR GREETING VISITORS? Be yourself. At the Holter Museum, we strive to welcome each person who initiates contact with the Museum and encourage him/her to pursue an ongoing dialogue with art. Convey this to visitors and callers by taking a genuine interest in their inquiries, handing out gallery guides and maps if applicable, connecting them with appropriate staff as needed, etc. A short phone script and staff roster with names, job titles and phone extensions will be provided to you if you are taking calls. If you don’t receive one, please ask.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Museum personnel, including volunteers, are asked to present themselves professionally, although smart casual, including jeans, is acceptable except at some special events. If you have agreed to help with painting, cleaning, or other potentially messy jobs, please dress accordingly.

WHAT IF SOMETHING IMPORTANT COMES UP AND I CAN’T MAKE MY COMMITTED TIME? As a courtesy, please call the person you are working with as soon as you know you can’t make it and explain the situation. Museum life is inherently fast-paced and exciting, with new exhibitions coming in and going out, sometimes seemingly overnight. One day we may host a gala, the next day Irish dancers may perform in the same space. We really count on our volunteers to help make it all happen. Please make every attempt not to over commit yourself and give organizers as much time as possible to adjust.

HOW DO I GET STARTED? Call the Museum or stop in and tell us you would like to volunteer and we’ll give you a simple application. Or view a printable volunteer application pdf now and get it back to us. It’s that simple. Thanks for your interest!