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Becoming a volunteer can be personally rewarding and help you to learn new skills or 'give something back' to your community. There are many ways to volunteer at the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site. Volunteers can choose from many different opportunities. Please see the Steps to Becoming a Volunteer and some common questions and answers below.

 

Before you start
Now that you have found an organization you are considering volunteering with, it is useful to go and meet them for an informal chat and find out more about what you would like to do. This is a chance for you to ask questions about the volunteer opportunity, see the place you would be working and meet some of the people you might be working with.

 

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer
1. Submit a completed Volunteer Application and Volunteer Agreement form.

2. Attend a placement interview with a Volunteer Coordinator staff member to:

    • confirm your availability and the level of commitment you are able to make;

    • outline your skills and interests;

    • review volunteer position opportunities and requirements;

    • establish a suitable volunteer placement.

3. Attend a general volunteer orientation session.

4. Complete specific training for your placement with an experienced volunteer and/or staff.

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What kind of work can I do at the Woodstock Museum?
Almost any. We aim to match your interests and skills with the specific requirements of different volunteer opportunities. You'll be consulted about where you'd prefer to work as a volunteer. We'll also talk to you about the skills, interests, values or ambitions that you'd like to match with your volunteering opportunities. Opportunities in education, collection work, exhibit preparations, research and reception are available for those wishing to volunteer. If there is a specific area you would like to help with that hasn’t been covered please speak with the Volunteer Coordinator to see if it can be added. There are many ways to volunteer depending on how much time you can spare. Full-time, part-time, evening and special event volunteering are options.

Examples of just a few of the ways you can volunteer are:

    • leading games at our P.A. Day’s, March Break or Summer Camp

    • working with the artifact collection or exhibits

    • researching local history topics

    • working on community projects

As a volunteer you will be giving your time to help the Museum improve the quality of people’s lives in our community and visitors to our City by learning about our history, but volunteering can provide you with many benefits ncluding:

    • the chance to have fun doing something you've never tried before

    • increased confidence

    • a sense of satisfaction and achievement

    • the opportunity to make new friends and contacts

    • increased job and career prospects and new skills -  over 70 per cent of employers

      would hire a candidate with volunteering experience over someone who has never

      volunteered

How long do I have to commit for?
It's your choice. Your commitment to a particular volunteer position depends entirely upon your circumstances, interests, and the length of time your volunteer position is available for.

How much time do I need to give?
You can volunteer at any time that is convenient to you and the Museum. While most volunteering takes place during office hours, you can volunteer evenings and weekends too, for our special events that may take place outside office hours. Typical volunteer opportunities outside office hours include: Exhibit Opening Receptions, Evening Education programs, Winterfest, Cowapolooza, Woodstock Fair, and Side Walk Days.

If you require a set amount of volunteer hours for school or a service requirement please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to set up a time to meet and discuss your time frame. There are many opportunities to get your volunteer time either completed quickly or over a longer time.

Are there age restrictions?
You are never too old or young to volunteer and your age may in fact make you more suitable for some kinds of volunteering. When volunteering for a not-for-profit organization the usual minimum age is 18. However, school mandated volunteering and the appeal for young people to volunteer at the Museum has given us the opportunity to have young volunteers from age 14 to 18 volunteer with a parent or guardians approval.

Do I need experience or qualifications?
This depends entirely on the role. Attitude and experience are very important. Some volunteer roles require specific job skills or qualifications, while others ask only for a willingness to learn. Opportunities in education, collection work, and reception exist for those without formal training in these areas.

I work full time - can I volunteer?
Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities that do not require you to be available during "normal" office hours. One of the best things about volunteering is that it can be done at a time that best fits with your lifestyle. As well as on-going opportunities, the Woodstock Museum offers you the chance to volunteer seasonally, intermittently, or for one-off occasions.

Will I be interviewed? What will they ask me? What can I ask them?
There is a set procedure for all volunteers interviewed by the Museum. The interview process gives you, and the Museum, a chance to assess each other and an opportunity to ask questions. It is important to ensure that you are well-matched to a volunteer opportunity.
A typical interview may include any of the following:
Why you are interested in volunteering?
What sort of voluntary work are you interested in?
What skills do you offer?
What new skills would you like to learn through your volunteer work?
How much time you have to offer?
You can ask them anything that you want to know, including:
What training is offered to help you do the job?
What the position involves?
Who is your supervisor or mentor you can talk to and ask questions?
What support and supervision are available from your volunteer coordinator? (It's important to have someone you can talk to regularly about how you are getting on.)

Do I need references?
The Woodstock Museum requires reference contact details, depending on the volunteer role. Before referring you to a particular volunteering opportunity, we'll talk to you about any references that the Museum requires.

Do I need to have a police check?
Volunteer roles that involve working with vulnerable people, such as the frail aged or children, require careful screening. Police and “Working with Children” checks protect your safety as well as the clients of the Museum. The type of check depends upon the volunteer role; you'll be advised if a check is required to undertake the role.

What are my rights as a volunteer?
As a volunteer it is important to know what your rights are for example in terms of health and safety. To find out about what your rights are while volunteering come in to consult our volunteer manual and speak with the Volunteer Coordinator about what everyone’s roles and responsibilities are.

Can I volunteer with my family or friends?
Some volunteering opportunities are available for groups – though there's more choice available for individuals. Examples of volunteering where two or more people can easily join together include: many of our special events throughout the year. Check with the Volunteer Coordinator about the group volunteering opportunities that are currently available.

Will volunteering cost me anything?
It does not cost anything for individuals to volunteer at the Museum. If there are supplies required for you to complete a project we will provide you with what you need. There are parking spaces close to the Museum that are 2 hours of free parking as well as a lot that is $1 for the entire day. Bus routes run by the Museum and we are located in the heart of downtown Woodstock, walking distance to schools, the Library, Art Gallery, restaurants and all amenities.

What happens if I start volunteering but I decide to leave?
You're under no obligation to keep a volunteer position that you're unhappy with. To see if your issues can be addressed, talk with your supervisor to see if they can help you find another project that suits you better, before you give an appropriate amount of notice that you're leaving your voluntary role. Also, there are many places within Woodstock and Oxford County to volunteer. We might be able to direct you to an organization that you prefer.

What can I do after I volunteer?
The skills and experiences that you gain while volunteering at the Museum are often very useful for careers and life generally. The skills and experiences may enhance your resume. Many organizations will also provide you with a reference. Often people use volunteering to road-test a new career or to secure paid employment; others find the experience valuable for personal reasons. We hope that your enjoyment will bring you back to volunteer again.

 

Contact the Education Officer (519) 537-8411 ex. 2903
More Questions, if we haven't answered your question here, contact the Museum at the phone number above with your question and we will try to answer it.