Laura Quackenbush wrote:
>
> We talk about life-long learning, we talk about involving more people
> in process as key to understanding, we talk about making our
> institutions vital elements of our communities.  Well folks, this is
> how these practices become part of our operations--through volunteers.
> Maybe your institution won't be the one you have with an all paid
> professional staff, but it still can do good work.  Best of all, the
> community will perceive it as THEIR museum.

Dear Laura,
As I read this, I was thrilled to have my own feelings about volunteers
expressed so well.  Volunteering to contribute to the museum/community
service and volunteering as pre-professional experience are distinct
motivations.  I know that there are individuals that might start in one
category and move into the other--we have both a dedicated group of
volunteer docents and a strong intern program.  Our interns have gone on
to a variety of careers, including  curating, teaching in museums and/or
the classroom and being a stockbrocker!  We promise our docents that
every time they come to our museum, they will learn something and be
personally thanked.  Our docents are part of the museum "family" and the
museum's success is their success.  Thanks again for your response.
Kathleen Hutton, coordinator of education
Reynolda House Museum of American Art

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