High School Community Service Opportunities

Posted: January 29, 2007

Description

Volunteering with the Museum’s Education Department is designed to expose students to the high energy, multi-faceted world of Museum education. Students applying should understand that hours can be long and that the ability to multi-task and demonstrate initiative are crucial to a successful experience. There is no predictable day. A sense of humor is very helpful.

The job description below is an indicator of the type of experience you might expect from volunteering with the Museum of Glass. Not all activities are guaranteed; volunteer timing and length will dictate a prioritization of functions.

Typical Duties

• Researching and learning all temporary exhibition content
• Shadowing a docent mentor
• Preparing a personalized tour of select exhibitions for the general public and/or school groups
• Implementing a tour
• Understanding and assisting with the floor management of groups
• Planning and directing activities in the Museum drop-in Studio space
• Preparing, identifying and collecting supplies for the Studio
• Assisting with Family Day activities (second Saturday of the month)
• Engaging in any special projects designed to enhance visitor understanding of particular exhibition content. Special projects might include photography projects with area schools, engaging and supporting Museum theater productions, assisting with implementing activity stations in the galleries, assisting with Girl and Boy Scout activities, etc.
• Preparing documents (good computer/writing skills required)
• Other duties as assigned

Application Process for the High School Community Service Project

High School students wishing to fulfill their community service graduation requirements with the Museum of Glass must submit a proposal to the museum six weeks prior to your schools required deadline. The proposal must include a brief summary of the student’s academic accomplishments and clearly indicate how such an experience will assist you to achieve your educational goals and objectives. The Museum of Glass takes this statement very seriously, as it evaluates applications. Thus it is to your advantage to clearly articulate your goals and objectives for your education and the volunteer experience.

Special Requirements

• Students are required to submit a proposal to the museum six weeks prior to your schools required deadline.
• Students are required to arrange a planned meeting and not show-up at the museum unannounced.
• Students are required to arrive on time.
• Students are required to behave and dress professionally.
• Students are required to meet all deadlines.

To submit your proposal, or to obtain additional information and assistance, contact:

Ryan Branchini
Education Program Manager
Museum of Glass
1801 East Dock Street
Tacoma, WA 98402-3217
253.284.4729
rbranchini@museumofglass.org