Dear Sean,
I do an annual survey to our volunteer docent corps. It is as anonymous as I can make it through Qualtrics. I ask basic questions related to their happiness and comfort participating in the program as well as input and feedback for every docent education program we offer over the course of the year. We also have a docent run Steering Committee where if they do not wish to bring concerns to museum staff, they can bring them to the SC who will introduce to the committee (which includes myself and our Dir of Education as staff support of the program).
I understand your concern for your docents not losing their sense of independence and/or self government with museum oversight and I also keep this in mind when communicating with our group. I want each one of them to keep their independent nature (they are volunteers after all and their time is so greatly appreciated) but to know that I need to have survey information in order to support them from an organizational level. I think I am "preaching to the choir"! I would be interested to know how your information is received and what feedback you get. I have been concerned lately with our turn over and would rather act in a proactive way also to be sure the group feels supported as you do.
Best of luck,
Sherri Jones
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Sherri Jones
Museum Education Program Coordinator
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art - University of Oregon
Eugene OR
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-14-2018 06:50 PM
From: Sean Mobley
Subject: Volunteer Check-Ins/Evaluation
Hey folks,
I'm investigating implementing a check-in/evaluation with our Volunteer Docents. My purpose is to build relationships with the individual Docents, ensure they're getting what they want out of the program, ensure we (the staff) are meeting their standards and they (the volunteer) are staying effective in their position and representing our Museum well to the public.
I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous because I sense the Docents may think of this as a way for us to 'meddle' when it really isn't. I've done information chats with our volunteers every month for a few years now, and this is a step beyond that.
Do any of your volunteer programs have a formal check-in/evaluation that you conduct with volunteers? If you used to have a program and discontinued it, why did you stop? If you started a program, how did you roll it out? If you have a program now, what are your goals for your meetings with the volunteers?
Thanks,
| 
| Sean Mobley | Docent Services Specialist
The Museum of Flight
9404 East Marginal Way S
Seattle, WA 98108
Work: +1 (206) 768-7151
www.museumofflight.org |