|
Volunteer
Volunteer Orientation
All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation. Volunteer orientations train incoming volunteers on exhibits, program spaces and Museum protocol.
|
The next volunteer orientation will be held on Sunday, June 9th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. You must RSVP to attend this event. To RSVP, please e-mail volunteers@cdm.org.
|
Discover How You Can Make a Difference
The Volunteer Program at Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose offers unique opportunities to participate in and support the Museum's creative and educational exhibits and programs. With the variety of volunteer needs at the Museum, you can: work with children and/or adults; work in the public eye or behind the scenes; work special events that serve our community; or share your skills and learn new ones. At Children’s Discovery Museum, volunteers are at the core of its programs.
Why Volunteer?
There are many reasons to volunteer at Children’s Discovery Museum:
- Earn your community service hours;
- Give back to the community;
- Utilize your special skills and talents and learn new ones;
- Meet new people; and
- Gain experience working with youth.
Educational Programs
Working alongside staff educators, Museum volunteers support all aspects of the visitor experience. This includes leading special activities, working inside the Museum’s exhibit areas, facilitating art experiences on the Museum floor, as well as lending a helping hand in the Museum’s Art Loft and Wonder Cabinet. Volunteering at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is an excellent way to gain experience in the museum studies and/or education fields.
Volunteer Requirements
- at least 16 years of age or entering your sophomore year in high school;
- must attend a volunteer orientation;
- agree to commit 50 hours over a calendar year;
- enjoy working with children and other people;
- friendly, courteous, energetic and engaging
Behind-the-Scenes/Materials Preparation
|
Regularly scheduled behind-the-scenes volunteers visit the Museum a few times a month to help prep materials needed for our educational programs.
|
 |
Behind-the-scenes volunteering is ideal for individuals who want to support Children’s Discovery Museum but are not comfortable participating on the busy Museum floor. If you like to cut, paste, rip, unzip and take things a part in order to help keep our many upcoming and ongoing activity projects stocked, Behind-the-Scenes volunteering is ideal for you.
Special Events
You can sample the diversity of Children’s Discovery Museum with volunteer assignments during the Museum’s special events celebrating its community. The Museum holds numerous events each year which rely on volunteer support to facilitate the arts, crafts, music, dance and other activities that make these events truly unique for its visitors.
Family Volunteering Program
On weekend afternoons, we roll out the welcome mat and invite a parent or mentor and his/her child to serve as volunteers with activities tables. This is an excellent way caregivers can teach their families about the joy of volunteering in a family-oriented and -friendly environment. This program is available through pre-registration only and requires that the child be school-aged and at least one participant be over the age of 18.
Group Volunteering
Group volunteers are needed for special events and materials preparation. We are happy to schedule a time for you and your group to come in and volunteer. For more information please contact the Volunteer Supervisor at volunteers@cdm.org.
Specialty Volunteers
Sometimes volunteers are looking for an opportunity to use their own special skills to serve the Museum and its visitors in a unique way that we haven't advertised. If you would like to volunteer with us, but you don't see the type of opportunity you're looking for, contact our Volunteer Supervisor at volunteers@cdm.org.
It may not be possible for us to create a project that utilizes your special skills, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Be a Part of the Party
|
The Museum specializes in fun and entertaining birthday parties for visitors who make arrangements with our Birthday Party staff. Want to join the fun and help to facilitate a party? The Museum is always looking for volunteers who would like to be a part of the fun by helping the staff with set-up and clean-up activities.
|
 |
These parties take place on weekends and evenings. Volunteering for birthday parties is by assignment only. Want to get all the details? I want to be a part of the party.
Facilities Internship at Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
The Facilities Intern Program provides volunteer opportunities for retired individuals who want to help CDM with basic facility maintenance work. Volunteers would have basic repair and maintenance skills. Volunteers would commit to an 8-hour, 2 days per week, 3-month time period, working under the direction of the facility supervisor. Benefits to the volunteers will include free museum membership and passes for family members. Volunteer hours are flexible based on task required.
Volunteer Requirements
- basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills;
- basic woodworking shop skills;
- available to work 2 days per week in the 3-month internship
- work independently alongside Museum facility supervisor
For more information and to apply for this volunteer position, please contact the Museum at volunteers@cdm.org.
|
