Volunteer - Visitor Services

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Who We Are:

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate (the EMK Institute) is dedicated to educating the public about our government, invigorating public discourse, encouraging participatory democracy, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders.

We believe that the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate will be one of the leading organizations working to turn the tide on civic education. Offering a new model for education and outreach, the EMK Institute will invite the American public into the discourse on the challenges facing the nation. Toward that end, the EMK Institute will be a portal into the legislative process and a training ground for the decision-makers of the future.

This Role:

At the signing of the Serve America Act, President Obama stated, "[Senator Ted Kennedy’s story] is a story of service. And it’s also the story of America - of hard work and sacrifice of generation after generation, some called upon to give more than others, but each committed to the idea that we can make tomorrow better than today."

It was Senator Kennedy’s mission to encourage the necessity of civic engagement and the importance of public service and volunteerism. The late Senator believed that each person possesses the power to affect positive change within their communities. Continuing the Senator’s lifelong dedication to service and volunteerism, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Through this volunteer program, EMKI will uphold the Senator’s legacy of service by incorporating volunteers to forward the Institute’s mission.

Responsibilities may include:

• Greet visitors and orient them to the Institute
• Act as historical educators, providing in-depth information and history behind different exhibits
• Assist in registration and orientation duties
• Act as guides to interactive exhibits and interpretation
• Answer questions from visitors and assist visitor engagement
• Guide visiting groups including middle and high school students, university students, government officials, families, overseas visitors, tourist groups, and the general public through the exhibits
• Welcome special event and program visitors

Relevant Experience/Educational Background:

• Experience in customer service, education, or history strongly preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Friendly, upbeat, welcoming
• Outgoing personality, ability to interact with a diverse group of visitors
• Enthusiastic and interested in:
  • History, United States History, Political Science, and/or
  • Education, and/or
  • Government, Public Policy, Democracies, and/or
  • Museum Sciences
• Commitment to honoring and furthering the legacy of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Eligibility / Commitment

• At least one four-hour shifts per week is required, but two or more shifts is preferred; plus additional training time
• A four month commitment to this position is required, with the option to renew every four months
• 8hrs minimum / 20hrs maximum weekly, 8 hours maximum daily
• Must be 18 years or older
• May work for extra hours at special events hosted at the Institute (with dignitaries, government officials, and special speakers)

How to Apply

Download application: http://emk.3cdn.net/58da719fbd0a00f9de_kcm6b60jt.pdf

Send to:

volunteer@emkinstitute.org, indicate "Volunteer Application" in the subject line (preferred)

OR

Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

Volunteer Program

210 Morrissey Boulevard

Columbia Point

Boston, MA 02155

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

This is an unpaid position and is not eligible for benefits or unemployment compensation.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for The United States Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.