Open Forum

Our organization is curious to know how others feel about the importance of offering benefits to volunteers and what kinds of benefits seem to be most appreciated. 
We offer discounts on art classes and in the gift shop, an annual family pass, a luncheon, and a newsletter to our volunteers, with 100 hours of service. We are looking for additional ideas to possibly expand our offerings. Our organization is a museum with an attached theater.
I'd also like to know if anyone's organization has a number of service hours expected before giving benefits, or if they find a tiered approach (benefits increase with number of hours) works best. Interested in your thoughts.
Thanks!

------------------------------
KATHY FRANCIS
Director of education
Morris Museum
Morristown NJ
------------------------------

Hi Kathy,

Here at The Ringling, all volunteers receive complimentary general admission, a 10% discount in our museum store, a 15% discount on dining, and a 25% discount on any level of membership.  Based on the number of hours they contribute each year, they can also earn additional store discounts and member-for-a-day passes.  These passes entitle the user to basic member benefits during their visit and they're good for one year from the issue date.  Many of our volunteers receive out-of-town guests throughout the year (particularly in March when spring break is in full swing) so the passes are very popular.

Before the pandemic, we used to host two annual events for our volunteers: a recognition breakfast in the fall where awards were presented to those who achieved significant milestones, and a more casual appreciation event in the spring with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. At the recognition program, we distribute badges to volunteers with their cumulative hours printed on them, and these badges spark wonderful conversations with museum visitors and provide another avenue for acknowledgement. 

We know our volunteers are disappointed that we've been unable to have these types of in-person events due to Covid-19 and the impact it's had on our budget.  In collaboration with colleagues from multiple departments, we did host a pretty entertaining virtual event a few months ago.  But our volunteers have serious Zoom fatigue at this point, so we're unsure about what we'll try next.

Like many other organizations, we also recognize Volunteer Appreciation Week each year.  But many of our volunteers are seasonal residents, and they're usually gone before Easter.

I'm always interested to hear how other museums and organizations recognize their volunteers, so thanks for bringing this up.




------------------------------
Hollie Corbitt
Volunteer Program Coordinator
John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Sarasota FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2021 12:32 PM
From: KATHY FRANCIS
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Our organization is curious to know how others feel about the importance of offering benefits to volunteers and what kinds of benefits seem to be most appreciated.
We offer discounts on art classes and in the gift shop, an annual family pass, a luncheon, and a newsletter to our volunteers, with 100 hours of service. We are looking for additional ideas to possibly expand our offerings. Our organization is a museum with an attached theater.
I'd also like to know if anyone's organization has a number of service hours expected before giving benefits, or if they find a tiered approach (benefits increase with number of hours) works best. Interested in your thoughts.
Thanks!

------------------------------
KATHY FRANCIS
Director of education
Morris Museum
Morristown NJ
------------------------------

Hi, Kathy!

At Space Center Houston, we are fortunate to have organizational support for a number of benefits for our volunteers.  Many of our offerings serve as motivators for volunteers, while others are focused only on showing appreciation and/or team building among our volunteer corps.  Below is some of what we offer.

• Free admission and parking
• 20% discount in gift shop, 40% discount in Food Lab (food court)
• 2 free tickets for every 60 hours volunteered in a calendar year
• Incentive programs:
  • Spring Break - For every hour volunteered, we put their name in a raffle for prizes (gift cards, tours, etc.) at the end of the week.
  • Galaxy Frights (Halloween event) - For 3 shifts, free tour of Neutral Buoyancy Lab (for 6 shifts, they can bring a friend)
  • Galaxy Lights (evening holiday event) - For each shift, volunteers are given 2 free tickets to return to the event as a guest (many work multiple shifts to stockpile tickets so they can bring their entire family).
• Membership benefits
  • Volunteers that donate 150% of the annual hours requirement  are given a free family membership
  • Volunteers that donate 200% of the annual hours requirement are given a second membership to gift to a friend
• Appreciation events
  • Volunteer Appreciation Event during National Volunteer Week
  • Volunteer Holiday Party (sometimes combined with employee party)
• Volunteers-only tours and presentations
• Inclusion in All-Crew events (town halls, presentations, trainings, meals, friends-and-family exhibit/event previews, etc.)

That's everything that comes to mind.  I hope something in that list is helpful to you.  I'll be happy to answer any questions, or hear any feedback, you might have.

Have a great day!

------------------------------
Paul Bishop
Volunteer Programs Supervisor
Space Center Houston
Houston TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2021 11:10 AM
From: Hollie Corbitt
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Hi Kathy,

Here at The Ringling, all volunteers receive complimentary general admission, a 10% discount in our museum store, a 15% discount on dining, and a 25% discount on any level of membership.  Based on the number of hours they contribute each year, they can also earn additional store discounts and member-for-a-day passes.  These passes entitle the user to basic member benefits during their visit and they're good for one year from the issue date.  Many of our volunteers receive out-of-town guests throughout the year (particularly in March when spring break is in full swing) so the passes are very popular.

Before the pandemic, we used to host two annual events for our volunteers: a recognition breakfast in the fall where awards were presented to those who achieved significant milestones, and a more casual appreciation event in the spring with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. At the recognition program, we distribute badges to volunteers with their cumulative hours printed on them, and these badges spark wonderful conversations with museum visitors and provide another avenue for acknowledgement.

We know our volunteers are disappointed that we've been unable to have these types of in-person events due to Covid-19 and the impact it's had on our budget.  In collaboration with colleagues from multiple departments, we did host a pretty entertaining virtual event a few months ago.  But our volunteers have serious Zoom fatigue at this point, so we're unsure about what we'll try next.

Like many other organizations, we also recognize Volunteer Appreciation Week each year.  But many of our volunteers are seasonal residents, and they're usually gone before Easter.

I'm always interested to hear how other museums and organizations recognize their volunteers, so thanks for bringing this up.




------------------------------
Hollie Corbitt
Volunteer Program Coordinator
John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Sarasota FL

Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2021 12:32 PM
From: KATHY FRANCIS
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Our organization is curious to know how others feel about the importance of offering benefits to volunteers and what kinds of benefits seem to be most appreciated.
We offer discounts on art classes and in the gift shop, an annual family pass, a luncheon, and a newsletter to our volunteers, with 100 hours of service. We are looking for additional ideas to possibly expand our offerings. Our organization is a museum with an attached theater.
I'd also like to know if anyone's organization has a number of service hours expected before giving benefits, or if they find a tiered approach (benefits increase with number of hours) works best. Interested in your thoughts.
Thanks!

------------------------------
KATHY FRANCIS
Director of education
Morris Museum
Morristown NJ
------------------------------

Oh, and we also give out service pins for milestone service years (5, 10, 15, etc.)!  They really seem to love the pins!   

Lastly, we offer a "Volunteer Emeritus" status for volunteers that have given at least 10 years of service, but can no longer volunteer.  Our Volunteers Emeritus no longer volunteer shifts, but they retain the majority of their volunteer benefits.

OK, I'm done.  :)

------------------------------
Paul Bishop
Volunteer Programs Supervisor
Space Center Houston
Houston TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2021 12:50 PM
From: Paul Bishop
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Hi, Kathy!

At Space Center Houston, we are fortunate to have organizational support for a number of benefits for our volunteers.  Many of our offerings serve as motivators for volunteers, while others are focused only on showing appreciation and/or team building among our volunteer corps.  Below is some of what we offer.

• Free admission and parking
• 20% discount in gift shop, 40% discount in Food Lab (food court)
• 2 free tickets for every 60 hours volunteered in a calendar year
• Incentive programs:
  • Spring Break - For every hour volunteered, we put their name in a raffle for prizes (gift cards, tours, etc.) at the end of the week.
  • Galaxy Frights (Halloween event) - For 3 shifts, free tour of Neutral Buoyancy Lab (for 6 shifts, they can bring a friend)
  • Galaxy Lights (evening holiday event) - For each shift, volunteers are given 2 free tickets to return to the event as a guest (many work multiple shifts to stockpile tickets so they can bring their entire family).
• Membership benefits
  • Volunteers that donate 150% of the annual hours requirement  are given a free family membership
  • Volunteers that donate 200% of the annual hours requirement are given a second membership to gift to a friend
• Appreciation events
  • Volunteer Appreciation Event during National Volunteer Week
  • Volunteer Holiday Party (sometimes combined with employee party)
• Volunteers-only tours and presentations
• Inclusion in All-Crew events (town halls, presentations, trainings, meals, friends-and-family exhibit/event previews, etc.)

That's everything that comes to mind.  I hope something in that list is helpful to you.  I'll be happy to answer any questions, or hear any feedback, you might have.

Have a great day!

------------------------------
Paul Bishop
Volunteer Programs Supervisor
Space Center Houston
Houston TX

Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2021 11:10 AM
From: Hollie Corbitt
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Hi Kathy,

Here at The Ringling, all volunteers receive complimentary general admission, a 10% discount in our museum store, a 15% discount on dining, and a 25% discount on any level of membership.  Based on the number of hours they contribute each year, they can also earn additional store discounts and member-for-a-day passes.  These passes entitle the user to basic member benefits during their visit and they're good for one year from the issue date.  Many of our volunteers receive out-of-town guests throughout the year (particularly in March when spring break is in full swing) so the passes are very popular.

Before the pandemic, we used to host two annual events for our volunteers: a recognition breakfast in the fall where awards were presented to those who achieved significant milestones, and a more casual appreciation event in the spring with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. At the recognition program, we distribute badges to volunteers with their cumulative hours printed on them, and these badges spark wonderful conversations with museum visitors and provide another avenue for acknowledgement.

We know our volunteers are disappointed that we've been unable to have these types of in-person events due to Covid-19 and the impact it's had on our budget.  In collaboration with colleagues from multiple departments, we did host a pretty entertaining virtual event a few months ago.  But our volunteers have serious Zoom fatigue at this point, so we're unsure about what we'll try next.

Like many other organizations, we also recognize Volunteer Appreciation Week each year.  But many of our volunteers are seasonal residents, and they're usually gone before Easter.

I'm always interested to hear how other museums and organizations recognize their volunteers, so thanks for bringing this up.




------------------------------
Hollie Corbitt
Volunteer Program Coordinator
John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Sarasota FL

Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2021 12:32 PM
From: KATHY FRANCIS
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Our organization is curious to know how others feel about the importance of offering benefits to volunteers and what kinds of benefits seem to be most appreciated.
We offer discounts on art classes and in the gift shop, an annual family pass, a luncheon, and a newsletter to our volunteers, with 100 hours of service. We are looking for additional ideas to possibly expand our offerings. Our organization is a museum with an attached theater.
I'd also like to know if anyone's organization has a number of service hours expected before giving benefits, or if they find a tiered approach (benefits increase with number of hours) works best. Interested in your thoughts.
Thanks!

------------------------------
KATHY FRANCIS
Director of education
Morris Museum
Morristown NJ
------------------------------

Hi Paul,
Some great ideas here! Thanks so much!

------------------------------
KATHY FRANCIS
Director of education
Morris Museum
Morristown NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2021 12:50 PM
From: Paul Bishop
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Hi, Kathy!

At Space Center Houston, we are fortunate to have organizational support for a number of benefits for our volunteers.  Many of our offerings serve as motivators for volunteers, while others are focused only on showing appreciation and/or team building among our volunteer corps.  Below is some of what we offer.

• Free admission and parking
• 20% discount in gift shop, 40% discount in Food Lab (food court)
• 2 free tickets for every 60 hours volunteered in a calendar year
• Incentive programs:
  • Spring Break - For every hour volunteered, we put their name in a raffle for prizes (gift cards, tours, etc.) at the end of the week.
  • Galaxy Frights (Halloween event) - For 3 shifts, free tour of Neutral Buoyancy Lab (for 6 shifts, they can bring a friend)
  • Galaxy Lights (evening holiday event) - For each shift, volunteers are given 2 free tickets to return to the event as a guest (many work multiple shifts to stockpile tickets so they can bring their entire family).
• Membership benefits
  • Volunteers that donate 150% of the annual hours requirement  are given a free family membership
  • Volunteers that donate 200% of the annual hours requirement are given a second membership to gift to a friend
• Appreciation events
  • Volunteer Appreciation Event during National Volunteer Week
  • Volunteer Holiday Party (sometimes combined with employee party)
• Volunteers-only tours and presentations
• Inclusion in All-Crew events (town halls, presentations, trainings, meals, friends-and-family exhibit/event previews, etc.)

That's everything that comes to mind.  I hope something in that list is helpful to you.  I'll be happy to answer any questions, or hear any feedback, you might have.

Have a great day!

------------------------------
Paul Bishop
Volunteer Programs Supervisor
Space Center Houston
Houston TX

Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2021 11:10 AM
From: Hollie Corbitt
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Hi Kathy,

Here at The Ringling, all volunteers receive complimentary general admission, a 10% discount in our museum store, a 15% discount on dining, and a 25% discount on any level of membership.  Based on the number of hours they contribute each year, they can also earn additional store discounts and member-for-a-day passes.  These passes entitle the user to basic member benefits during their visit and they're good for one year from the issue date.  Many of our volunteers receive out-of-town guests throughout the year (particularly in March when spring break is in full swing) so the passes are very popular.

Before the pandemic, we used to host two annual events for our volunteers: a recognition breakfast in the fall where awards were presented to those who achieved significant milestones, and a more casual appreciation event in the spring with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. At the recognition program, we distribute badges to volunteers with their cumulative hours printed on them, and these badges spark wonderful conversations with museum visitors and provide another avenue for acknowledgement.

We know our volunteers are disappointed that we've been unable to have these types of in-person events due to Covid-19 and the impact it's had on our budget.  In collaboration with colleagues from multiple departments, we did host a pretty entertaining virtual event a few months ago.  But our volunteers have serious Zoom fatigue at this point, so we're unsure about what we'll try next.

Like many other organizations, we also recognize Volunteer Appreciation Week each year.  But many of our volunteers are seasonal residents, and they're usually gone before Easter.

I'm always interested to hear how other museums and organizations recognize their volunteers, so thanks for bringing this up.




------------------------------
Hollie Corbitt
Volunteer Program Coordinator
John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Sarasota FL

Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2021 12:32 PM
From: KATHY FRANCIS
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Our organization is curious to know how others feel about the importance of offering benefits to volunteers and what kinds of benefits seem to be most appreciated.
We offer discounts on art classes and in the gift shop, an annual family pass, a luncheon, and a newsletter to our volunteers, with 100 hours of service. We are looking for additional ideas to possibly expand our offerings. Our organization is a museum with an attached theater.
I'd also like to know if anyone's organization has a number of service hours expected before giving benefits, or if they find a tiered approach (benefits increase with number of hours) works best. Interested in your thoughts.
Thanks!

------------------------------
KATHY FRANCIS
Director of education
Morris Museum
Morristown NJ
------------------------------

Thanks Hollie,
We so appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us!

------------------------------
KATHY FRANCIS
Director of education
Morris Museum
Morristown NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2021 11:10 AM
From: Hollie Corbitt
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Hi Kathy,

Here at The Ringling, all volunteers receive complimentary general admission, a 10% discount in our museum store, a 15% discount on dining, and a 25% discount on any level of membership.  Based on the number of hours they contribute each year, they can also earn additional store discounts and member-for-a-day passes.  These passes entitle the user to basic member benefits during their visit and they're good for one year from the issue date.  Many of our volunteers receive out-of-town guests throughout the year (particularly in March when spring break is in full swing) so the passes are very popular.

Before the pandemic, we used to host two annual events for our volunteers: a recognition breakfast in the fall where awards were presented to those who achieved significant milestones, and a more casual appreciation event in the spring with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. At the recognition program, we distribute badges to volunteers with their cumulative hours printed on them, and these badges spark wonderful conversations with museum visitors and provide another avenue for acknowledgement.

We know our volunteers are disappointed that we've been unable to have these types of in-person events due to Covid-19 and the impact it's had on our budget.  In collaboration with colleagues from multiple departments, we did host a pretty entertaining virtual event a few months ago.  But our volunteers have serious Zoom fatigue at this point, so we're unsure about what we'll try next.

Like many other organizations, we also recognize Volunteer Appreciation Week each year.  But many of our volunteers are seasonal residents, and they're usually gone before Easter.

I'm always interested to hear how other museums and organizations recognize their volunteers, so thanks for bringing this up.




------------------------------
Hollie Corbitt
Volunteer Program Coordinator
John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Sarasota FL

Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2021 12:32 PM
From: KATHY FRANCIS
Subject: Volunteer Benefits

Our organization is curious to know how others feel about the importance of offering benefits to volunteers and what kinds of benefits seem to be most appreciated.
We offer discounts on art classes and in the gift shop, an annual family pass, a luncheon, and a newsletter to our volunteers, with 100 hours of service. We are looking for additional ideas to possibly expand our offerings. Our organization is a museum with an attached theater.
I'd also like to know if anyone's organization has a number of service hours expected before giving benefits, or if they find a tiered approach (benefits increase with number of hours) works best. Interested in your thoughts.
Thanks!

------------------------------
KATHY FRANCIS
Director of education
Morris Museum
Morristown NJ
------------------------------