Get Involved: Volunteer Programs

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SAMA Newsletter

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SAMA is always looking for energetic and enthusiastic individuals to volunteer in all departments & for a variety of programs.  The museum would not be what it is today without the dedicated volunteers that serve, educate and welcome SAMA’s visitors. 

For All Volunteer Positions:

All volunteer positions are unpaid.  An interview is required. 
We reserve the right to order background checks on potential volunteers.

Docent

SAMA needs enthusiastic people who enjoy public speaking and working with a variety of museum patrons of all ages, especially school-aged children. 

Docents must have a sincere interest in art and history, though no formal background is required in either subject area.  Submission of the Volunteer Program Application and a Letter of Interest is required before attending a New Docent Preview Session.

BECOMING A SAMA DOCENT IS A COMMITMENT.  Docents Must: 

  • Commit at least two years to the Docent Program (1st year - training; 2nd year and beyond - leading school tours on at least one recurring half-day per week on Tuesdays-Fridays
  • Become proficient in all school tour themes offered by the Education Department.
  • Be willing to learn about and tour every collection area and all Museum exhibit spaces as requested.
  • Maintain functioning email and internet access.
  • Become a SAMA Member at your preferred level.

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    INTERVIEWS

    Before the one-year training program begins, you will meet some current docents for a preview of the Docent Program and a group interview. 

    This gives us the opportunity learn a bit about you and to provide you with an overview of the Docent Program and the training involved and to answer any questions you might have. 

     

    Please plan to attend one of the following New Docent Preview Sessions.  You must register your date preference in advance by contacting Laura Rushing.

    • Thursday, August 19, 10 am - 12 pm
    • Tuesday, August 24, 6 – 8 pm

    ORIENTATION WEEK AND TRAININGS

    Each year, new Docents attend a five day orientation followed by weekly New Docent Training classes which usually occur on Mondays from 10 am – 3 pm throughout the school year. 

    Training focuses on SAMA’s collection, age-appropriate tour techniques, inquiry methods, and gallery activities.  Once training is completed, Docents are expected to commit to giving tours on at least one half-day per week and occasionally throughout the summer for a minimum of one year.

     

    New Docent Orientation Week: 

    • Monday, August 30 – Friday, September 3 from 10 am – 3 pm.

    New Docent Trainings: 

    • Monday, September 13, 2010 – Monday, June 6, 2011, 10 am – 3 pm

     

    Interns

    Interns assist staff members in various departments with computer tasks, filing, research, and special projects.  The time commitment as an Intern varies with each project and the needs of the staff.  Interns are responsible to make special arrangements through their university to earn college credits if they are needing to fulfill an internship requirement.  Interns are encouraged, but not required to become a museum member at whatever level is comfortable for them.

    To apply for a position as an Intern: Submit Volunteer Program Application, Resumé and Letter of Interest.  Applications for fall internships due by Friday, August 27, 2010.


    REQUIREMENTS of all Internship Candidates:

    • Currently working toward the completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in art history,the humanities, or other museum-related field; if not currently enrolled in a degree program, intern must be in a transitional period between degree programs
    • Ability to work independently with little supervision
    • Ability to manage multiple tasks and demonstrate organizational skills
    • Demonstrate professionalism when working with all museum staff
    • Commit to work hours as scheduled with supervisor
    • Academic credit needs to arranged through university
    • Business casual attire

     

    AVAILABLE Fall 2010 Internship Opportunities at the San Antonio Museum of Art

    (only the departments listed have openings at this time)

    DESCRIPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY MIDSUMMER


     

    Event Volunteers

    Event Volunteers are needed to assist staff of various departments during night, weekend and day-time events and programs.  The need for Event Volunteers varies and they are contacted as required throughout the year.  The flexibility of this volunteer position works well with individuals who work or attend school full time.  Event Volunteers are encouraged, but not required to become a museum member at whatever level is comfortable for them.

    To apply for a position as an Event Volunteer: Submit Volunteer Program Application