National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week April 15-21, 2012

Ashlee Gloede, Assistant Education and Outreach Coordinator

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is very honored each year to celebrate National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 under President Richard Nixon to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers throughout the United States. National Volunteer Week is just not about thanking our current volunteers, but also encouraging people of all ages to volunteer. 

 The University of Iowa of Museum of Natural History has over 20 regular volunteers who dedicate time each week to help the museum grow and succeed. We have a very small permanent staff, so volunteers are heavily relied on to help with the collections, programs, tours, and special events. A majority of our volunteers work at the front desk in our main gallery, so they are the face of the museum when visitors arrive.

I believe the Museum of Natural History has some of the greatest volunteers! A majority of our volunteers are UI students since we are conveniently located in the heart of UI campus. I am proud to say that our program is starting to expand!  We currently have students from elementary through high school volunteering on a weekly basis at the museum.

This year the Museum of Natural History is celebrating National Volunteer Week in a unique way. Our volunteers are getting the opportunity to participate in a behind-the-scenes tour of our collection spaces. These spaces are not open to the public, so this is an exciting opportunity for everyone. Also in accordance with National Volunteer Week, the Pentacrest Museums (Museum of Natural History and Old Capitol Museum) are hosting its 6^th annual Family Weekend on the Pentacrest. Family Weekend is Saturday April 21 from 10am-5pm and Sunday April 22 from 1pm-5pm. The Museum of Natural History hosts a selection of environmentally themed programs throughout the weekend, including arts and crafts activities and several talks and demonstrations. This event could not be done without the help of all our volunteers! This year our goal in honor of National Volunteer Week is to get 100 volunteer hours or more throughout the week. 

Below is a link to the Volunteer Appreciation Video made by the UIMNH Education Staff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULywIEyAYUA

-Written by Assistant Education Coordinator Ashlee Gloede