Volunteer Open House

Looking for a rewarding way to serve the community? The California Museum invites you to learn how to join our volunteer corps at the Volunteer Open House on Saturday, August 16!

This free, informational event offers prospective volunteers an overview of our program and requirements, as well as the opportunity to meet staff, enjoy complimentary refreshments, tour current exhibits and start training to be a volunteer. Join us for an open house from 10 - 11 am and an optional new volunteer orientation from 11 am - 2 pm.

Whether you're looking for a few hours to fill or a regular position, a range of opportunities are available to choose from including:

• Gallery Guides to facilitate field trip & group visits
• Events Assistants to work at the Museum’s special events
• Classroom Presenters to provide K-12 education programs to field trip groups
• Tour Guides to educate general admission & tour visitors
• Ambassadors to represent the Museum at community events

We are especially seeking classroom presenters (virtual and in-person), gallery guides, and tour guides with daytime availability and events assistants with weekend availability.

No experience necessary — all volunteer positions feature in-depth training and offer reimbursement for parking, public transit and ridesharing. Best of all, benefits include Museum memberships with reciprocal admission at other institutions, store discounts, invitations to volunteer events and more!

To attend, please register by 5 pm on Friday, August 15.

Q: What are the requirements for becoming a volunteer at the California Museum?

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, vaccinated for COVID-19, and complete a background check. For more information, visit http://www.californiamuseum.org/volunteer.

Q: What volunteer roles are available?

Available volunteer roles include:

• Gallery Guides to facilitate field trip & group visits
• Events Assistants to work at the Museum’s special events
• Classroom Presenters to provide K-12 education programs to field trip groups
• Tour Guide to educate general admission & tour visitors
• Ambassadors to represent the Museum at community events

We primarily have daytime availability during the academic year working with school children or leading guided tours. We do not offer volunteer work in curation, exhibits, or preservation. Rarely are there opportunities for back-office work.

Q: What can I expect during the Open House session from 10 am - 11 am?

The open house includes a chat that provides a brief overview of:

1. The history of the museum
2. Open and available volunteer roles
3. Volunteer resources and trainings
4. Volunteer perks
5. Q&A

Q: What can I expect during the Orientation session from 11 am – 2 pm?

During the optional new volunteer orientation from 11 am – 2 pm, participants can expect an in-depth overview of the volunteer roles and expectations followed by the actual onboarding of volunteers.

Topics that will be covered include:

• Review of the application materials + COVID-19 vaccination cards
• Overview of volunteer handbook and exhibit guidebook
• Volunteer roles in depth

• Benefits/perks
• Museum expectations
• What is the guidebook and how to use it
• Overview of self-guided training days after the orientation

• How to use the self-serve scheduling system

• Signing up for roles
• Locating resources

• Tour of the Museum

Q: What should I bring to the Volunteer Open House?

• A pen. There will be a few documents for you to sign and complete.
• Comfortable shoes. Majority of the orientation you will be sitting, but there is a small portion where you will be walking through the museum, roughly 45 minutes.
• A copy of your covid vaccination card. We require all volunteers to be vaccinated for covid.
• $25 for your background check. Volunteers must complete a background check paid for by the volunteer.We take cash, credit/debit, or check in the Museum Store.

Q: Can I bring a friend to attend?

Yes, however your friend should register separately using their own name and email address. Tickets and registration are limited to one per person and email address.

Q: What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

The California Museum is easily accessible using public transportation and located at the Archives Plaza light rail stop. Visit Sacramento Regional Transit for more information at http://www.sacrt.com.

For attendees who prefer to drive, reduced parking is available in the Bonderson Garage. Visit the City of Sacramento for more information at http://www.cityofsacramento.org/public-works/parking-services.

Q: Who can I contact with questions?

For questions or assistance, contact our education department at (916) 653-8099 or [email protected] during office hours Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Thank you!

Host or Publisher California Museum