Open Forum

Hi all, I'm looking to talk with museum staff (development, volunteer engagement, and leadership) who are intentional about cultivating volunteers as donors - or donors as volunteers. Specifically, I'd like to learn more about the systems and practices that you use to nurture these relationships. 

As a volunteer engagement specialist, I see volunteering as a powerful point of entry into an organization. Charitable nonprofits are starting to focus on the volunteer/donor question. I would be interested in organizating a conference presentation on volunteers-to-donors and what that looks like in museums. 

Just hit reply if this is an area you have explored.

Many thanks! Elisa


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Elisa Kosarin, CVA
Volunteer Engagement Specialist
Twenty Hats
Falls Church VA
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Original Message------

Hi all, I'm looking to talk with museum staff (development, volunteer engagement, and leadership) who are intentional about cultivating volunteers as donors - or donors as volunteers. Specifically, I'd like to learn more about the systems and practices that you use to nurture these relationships. 

As a volunteer engagement specialist, I see volunteering as a powerful point of entry into an organization. Charitable nonprofits are starting to focus on the volunteer/donor question. I would be interested in organizating a conference presentation on volunteers-to-donors and what that looks like in museums. 

Just hit reply if this is an area you have explored.

Many thanks! Elisa


------------------------------
Elisa Kosarin, CVA
Volunteer Engagement Specialist
Twenty Hats
Falls Church VA
------------------------------

Original Message------

Volunteers are already donors and in many organizations they're more important than financial donors. Also, in my experience, some volunteers don't have the financial resources to give money (beyond a membership perhaps) but they have plenty of time to give.

What troubles me about this post is the implication that volunteers are somehow less than those who give cash to the same organization. I think that's naive and insulting.

db

Dan Bartlett
Curator of Exhibits
Elmhurst History Museum
(630) 833-1457 ext 6450