In March of 2021, the American Association for Museum Volunteers surveyed museum volunteer managers about the impacts of COVID-19 on their volunteer program. This was similar to a survey we conducted in July of 2020, but the questionnaire was expanded to collect more detailed responses. Overall, respondents indicated that the pandemic had negatively impacted their volunteer numbers, staffing levels, and budgets. Despite the negative impacts, most respondents demonstrated hopefulness about the future of their programs and noted the dedication of their volunteers. The full survey results are available on the AAMV website at aamv.wildapricot.org/COVID19. Some highlighted findings are detailed below:
- 85% of respondents have experienced either a decrease in staff, furloughs, lay-offs or salary cuts
- 100% of respondents reported their museum had experienced a closure in 2020, with 21% experiencing multiple closures and 27% yet to reopen.
- 50% of respondent's museums were open at the time of the survey (March 2021) with the remaining 50% either closed or partially closed.
- 39% had volunteers actively volunteering on site at the time of the survey.
- 77% anticipate having fewer volunteers in the next 3 – 6 months (compared with 90% in the summer 2020 survey)
- 45% report that their volunteer department budget has decreased. 0% reported an increase in budget.
- Most commonly cited struggle: managing expectations of volunteers wanting to return
- 13% reported that their museum had not responded to the increased national discussion around race, systemic racism and police brutality. 67% reported some sort of response (increased trainings, creation of DEAI committee, programming, exhibitions). 19% didn't comment.
- 31% reported they have had no volunteer involvement around DEAI work. 47% reported some involvement (trainings, discussions, committees, programming). 21% didn't comment.
- Most commonly cited silver lining: Volunteers adapting to emerging virtual technology
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Jenny Woods
AAMV President
Seattle, WA
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