Just to jump on the Volgistics bandwagon.... it really is a decent piece of scheduling software. Not flawless, but it allows us to do so much including group communications and it's actually where potential Docents go to fill out our application! Once the application is filled out, it then processes the information and creates creates a basic profile for them. We can add to the profile as need be, but this really depletes the amount of data entry we normally would do without the software. It's so helpful and saves a lot of time.
My favorite thing about it is that you can change the settings so that either volunteers can sign themselves up, or you can control the schedule yourself, and docents can only see their schedule, not make changes. Our shifts are weekly and do not change so the latter works better for us. It's also great because it tracks there total number of hours, which is a way we offer rewards/incentives.
I'm a fan!
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Katie Courtien
Docent Program Manager
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
New York NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2015 10:31 AM
From: Nancy Schomburg
Subject: Docent Scheduling
We also use Volgistics for all of our volunteer scheduling, including docents. The volunteers love it and I do too....most of the time! We researched it pretty thoroughly about a year and a half ago when we were making the decision to go with on-line scheduling. It isn't perfect, but right now, I think it is the best one out there for our needs. The cost is based on the number of volunteers, how many administrators will need access, and any add ons that you need. You would want VicNet, which is an add on, that is how the volunteers access the scheduling from home. We pay $57/month for 200 volunteers and 4 administrators, but it is well worth it.
It has its kinks, for sure, but based on our research a year and a half ago, it was the best on line scheduling program out there and much more reasonable than creating our own through our website.
Since adopting it, our volunteers are more eager to sign up because it is easy to use and they get immediate confirmation. They are also less likely to forget their assignments, thanks to the automatic reminders.
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Nancy Schomburg
Manager, Volunteer Services
Grounds for Sculpture
Hamilton NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2015 12:54 PM
From: Amy Miller
Subject: Docent Scheduling
Hello all,
I manage the volunteer docent program at the Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis, and I'm looking for ways to make scheduling tours easier for both myself and my docents.
Do you know of any scheduling software (ideally free!) or other strategies I could use to have docents sign up for tours? Since we are a very small museum and all of my docents are full-time students, having them sign up for regular shifts is not an option.
I am open to any and all ideas that don't involve email chains at this point!
Thanks so much,
Amy
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Amy Miller
Assistant Educator
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
St. Louis MO
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