Hello Kathy,

At Joslyn, I am the Visitor & Volunteer Services Coordinator, a position
first opened when I was hired in early 2000.  I am meant to hold a
'global view' of volunteer needs at Joslyn; hence, all calls about
volunteer opportunities, all calls for volunteers, the annual volunteer
reception, etc. are handled by me.  I interview would-be volunteers and
match them with 'supervisors' in particular areas including:

        Bagels & Bach (classical music series)
        Education (other than Docents, see below)
        Jazz on the Green (summer/outdoor jazz series)
        Library
        Membership
        Museum Shop
        and others . . . dependent upon the exhibition or event

Docent matters are handled by our Assistant Curator of Education,
Docents & School Programs (henceforth, 'Docent Coordinator') who leads
the TWO-YEAR training process.  Before everyone reacts against a two
year training process, allow me to explain:

Classes meet for about two hours each Monday morning.  ('Docent
Candidates', those who are just starting out, have additional classes on
Mondays.)  One year is spent doing an art historical survey, featuring
slide talks by the Docent Coordinator, curators, and special guests . .
. also visits to the our galleries (permanent collection and special
exhibitions) and visits to regional art centers (Des Moines, Kansas
City, Sioux City, etc.).  A second year is spent learning about
educational techniques for different age levels - from preschool to
seniors.  At any point during the two years, a Docent Candidate can
begin shadowing experienced Docents . . . then can start leading tours
independently . . . then can start developing tours of their own, to
teach other Docents, enriching the possibilities for everyone!

Indeed, we have a spilt but it has not created any tension.  It has,
instead, created two entirely independent volunteer forces.  That's not
such a bad thing, as responsibilities and rewards are totally different.

So, my "pearl of wisdom"?  Not sure if this qualifies, but here goes . .
.
As Nicholas suggests, you could keep the two groups as similar as
possible - with the only difference being the type of training they
receive.  This way, there will be no tension, and all will work well
together.  Or, equally valid method, you could keep the two groups
strictly defined as 'general volunteers' and 'Docents' - with few if any
similarities.  This way, they will go about their 'specialized' duties
without much contact beyond basic pleasantries AND (hopefully)
enthusiasm about helping your institution!  It all depends upon your
attitude, the size of your institution, your annual attendance (i.e.,
number of tour groups), the total number of volunteers/Docents, etc.

Kathy, or anyone else for that matter, please feel free to contact me
with further questions.

Sincerely,

Jay Heuman
Visitor & Volunteer Services Coordinator
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68102
342-3300 (telephone)   342-2376 (fax)

"You can’t lock up art in a vault and keep
it frozen for posterity.  Then the artist is
betrayed, history is betrayed."
                              Walter Persegati

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