Walter Anderson Museum of Art

Description

The volunteers of WAMA are an indispensable component of the total museum community. Known as WAVES, an acronym based on Walter Anderson Volunteer Education program participants, there are 52 members involved on a very regular basis, 40 more to be called upon for special needs, 56 more on the Advisory Board in a Special Friends classification, and 22 on an increasingly active and engaged Board of Trustees. In May of 2000, a Junior Guild was formed to augment the WAVES. The 17 enthusiastic young people are juniors and seniors in high school. Prospective volunteers are welcomed and given a Volunteer Information Sheet to fill out. This records their personal data, and asks that they tell us about their own interests and capabilities. All volunteers receive Volunteer Manuals containing biographical information on Walter Anderson and basic information on the museum. Occasionally a volunteer will indicate an interest in becoming a docent, but most newcomers prefer to begin at the Reception Desk or in the Museum Store. Few come to us familiar with the museum experience and/or touring techniques, although several of our most faithful and flexible docents have previously held positions in a museum setting. They are already quite comfortable with their ability to converse with and answer questions for the visitors.