Volunteer at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the men and women who served when their nation called them. The Memorial deliberately sets aside the controversies surrounding the war, providing a place where visitors can reflect on the sacrifice of those who served far from home under difficult circumstances. The designer, Maya Lin, felt that "the politics had eclipsed the veterans, their service and their lives." She kept the design elegantly simple to "allow everyone to respond and remember."

Vietnam Veterans Memorial volunteers often play a crucial role in a person’s visit to the Memorial. They help visitors understand the patriotism, devotion to duty, and courage of the men and women honored by the Memorial. They may assist visitors in locating their loved one’s name on the wall or provide explanations about the layout and symbolism of the Memorial.

The National Mall and Memorial Parks mission is to manage, preserve, and maintain the monuments, memorials, and historic sites in the heart of Washington, D.C., and to provide opportunities for all Americans and park visitors to understand and be inspired by their significance. You can help advance this mission by volunteering in the park. Volunteers interact with visitors and assist Park Rangers in answering questions, giving talks, and leading tours of the monuments and memorials.

Description of Duties:

Works primarily at the Vietnam Memorial grounds alongside park rangers and other volunteers (VIPs). Incumbent will be station at the contact station and will be responsible for sharing information about the park as well as directions to the visitors. The incumbent is also responsible for keeping the work area neat and organized.

Work is a combination of sitting inside and going outside to rove and make contacts with visitors.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate must have good communication skills. Knowledge of the Vietnam Memorial and facts about other park sites and the local DC area is essential.

Also required:

Must be 16 years of age or older (exceptions can be made for younger applicants)

Position commitment of at least 3 months and a minimum of eight hours a month

VIP shirt and cap (provided); business casual slacks or khaki shorts (summer)

Minimum requirement is one day biweekly (every other week) for at least one of the following time slots:

• 9:00am - 1:00pm

• 1:00pm - 5:00pm

• 5:00pm - 9:00pm (Available from Memorial Day - Veterans Day)

Available dates and shifts to volunteer:

Monday - all shifts are available

Tuesday - afternoon and evening shifts are available

Wednesday - all shifts are available

Thursday - all shifts are available

Friday - all shifts are available

Saturday - afternoon and evening shifts are available

Sunday - afternoon and evening shifts are available

Support:

Training for this position will be provided. In addition, guides, rangers, and supervisory personnel are always on hand and will be available for questions and assistance.