Ellen Halteman <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >How does your Museum acknowledge the invaluable service of its >volunteers? We have about 1000 volunteers in total at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature. Our major volunteer recognition is an event held in the spring, usually in the adjoining concert hall's piano nobile. It is a very nice social gathering where wine, appetizers, fruit etc. is served along with pianists or harpists, speeches from the President of the Board and Executive Director (acknowledging the outstanding work of the entire volunteer corps and individuals that have made particularly outstanding contributions -such as 10 and 20 years of service). Volunteers that have worked for a minimum of 6 months receive a free membership to the Museum/Planetarium/Science Centre, which entitles the member to free admission, discounts on shop purchases, course fees, etc. Longstanding volunteers who reach milestones (e.g. 20 years) are honoured with a Museum medallion, or framed limited edition museum print, or something equivalent. Parking is subsidized (50%, because we don't own or operate our own lot) We strive for consistency between departments and functions, in terms of recognition. The program is coordinated by a staff member, the Volunteer Program Officer. The budget has been about the same for many years. Hope it helps, George Wurtak Director of Programs Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature [log in to unmask] >CSRM would be interested to know what other institutions do to >acknowledge volunteers. What form of recognition do your volunteers >receive? Is there an annual event or do awards and activities occur >throughout the year? Do benefits differ among various programs within >the institution? Who manages volunteer recognition? How is the >volunteer recognition budget determined? >Please reply to the e-mail address above, or to [log in to unmask] I >will summarize for the list if topic proves to be of interest. >Thank you. >Ellen Halteman, Librarian >California State Railroad Museum >111 I Street >Sacramento CA 95814 >916-323-8073