Discovery Days Volunteer

As a Discovery Days Volunteer at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, you will play a vital role in providing engaging and educational experiences for K-5 students visiting our museum. You will facilitate discussions and activities with young people and inspire them to explore and appreciate art. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the cultural enrichment of children through volunteer service.

We are seeking greater diversity in our volunteer guide program to better reflect the demographics of the schools we serve. We want students to see themselves at the museum.

Education staff prepare talking points, discussion questions, and activities for volunteers. Training will be provided on art engagement techniques and strategies, grade-age characteristics, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), cultural fluency, and content specific to Discovery Days.

Commitment:

1. Volunteer as a Discovery Days Volunteer for a minimum of one year, renewable each year. 
2. Volunteer for a four-hour shift (typically 9:30 am -1:30 pm), on Wednesdays, at least one time per month (two times preferred) throughout the year, especially January through May.
3. Participate in an initial five-session onsite training and ongoing training and professional development.
4. Maintain regular attendance and fulfill scheduled volunteer shifts to ensure the success of Discovery Days.
5. Serve the museum's mission of “enriching the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.”

Duties:

1. Facilitate object-centered discussions and hands-on activities for groups of K-5 learners and other museum visitors at Discovery stations and in the galleries on Discovery Days. 
2. Tailor interactions to the age group and interests of visiting school children (K-5).
3. Utilize multimedia resources, props, and hands-on activities to enhance the educational experience.
4. Adapt facilitation strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
5. Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages students to be curious and creative, and to connect global art to their own lives. 
6. Maintain a safe environment during Discovery Days, ensuring the well-being of students and artwork.
7. Provide excellent customer service to school groups, educators, and museum visitors.

Skills and Abilities:

1. A desire to share a passion for art and learning with children in kindergarten to fifth grade.
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences.
3. Experience, confidence, and comfort with speaking with children. 
4. Patience and empathy when working with children.
5. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
6. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
7. Ability to use technology including chat/text messaging for communication and iPads for gallery activities.

Additional Preferences:

1. Proficiency in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or ASL 
2. Previous experience working with children in an educational or museum setting.
3. Enjoyment of interacting with young learners and creating memorable educational experiences.
4. Demonstrated ability to connect with children and inspire their curiosity and creativity.

Requirements:

1. At least 18 years old.
2. High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework preferred.
3. Availability to volunteer between the hours of 9:30 am and 1:30 pm on Wednesdays.
4. Completion of a criminal background check as required by state regulations.
5. Commitment to upholding the museum's mission, values, and code of conduct.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to remain in a stationary position
2. Ability to move about to accomplish tasks and move throughout the galleries
3. Capable of lifting and carrying lightweight educational materials or props as needed.
4. Stamina to maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout the duration of Discovery Days, which may last up to four hours.

Volunteers enjoy free admission to special exhibitions, discounts at the cafe and store, ongoing continuing education, and more. Join our team as a volunteer and make a lasting impact on the next generation of art enthusiasts.

Volunteer Positions at Mia

We deeply appreciate the time and effort that our volunteers dedicate to helping us fulfill our mission of promoting and preserving art in our community.

Please note that volunteering at Mia is a valuable way to contribute to our work and gain experience in the museum environment. However, being a volunteer does not serve as a pathway to paid employment within the museum and is separate from our hiring process. We encourage those seeking employment to regularly check our website and other job postings for available opportunities.