 A new crop of docents are recognized at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in November 2008. The event featured a Latin Jazz theme, spicy food, and a live jazz band.
Above: A new crop of docents are recognized at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in November 2008. The event featured a Latin Jazz theme, spicy food, and a live jazz band.
 A volunteer explains how to sort letters on a Railway Mail Service train car.
Above: A volunteer explains how to sort letters on a Railway Mail Service train car.
 Owney the Dog is a favorite for many museum volunteers who enjoy sharing his story with visitors.
Above: Owney the Dog is a favorite for many museum volunteers who enjoy sharing his story with visitors.
 Visitors display “mail art” postcards created at a museum workshop.
Above: Visitors display “mail art” postcards created at a museum workshop.
 Students mailed their docent a giant package of thank you notes after visiting the museum.
Above: Students mailed their docent a giant package of thank you notes after visiting the museum.
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Volunteer Positions
Docents
Share stories of American history with drop-in visitors and scheduled adult tour groups.
Participate at least once a month. Weekday or weekend positions are available.
Family Event Volunteers
If you enjoy working with people, learning about postal history and stamp collecting, and being part of a dynamic team, this opportunity is for you! Volunteers help out at public programs throughout the year, from workshops to lectures to family festivals.
People with friendly smiles, strong communication skills, and a passion for learning and teaching are encouraged to apply. No knowledge of postal history of philately is necessary. Saturday availability is desirable. A one-year commitment is required though special arrangements can be made for students and interns. Volunteers commit to volunteering at 10-12 programs each year. Browse this season’s calendar here: http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/museum/1b_calendar.html Perks include discounts at Smithsonian stores and eateries, volunteer appreciation events, behind-the-scenes experiences, and learning to accurately pronounce “philately.”
The next Volunteer Orientation will take place in summer 2010. Contact Erin if you are interested in joining the volunteer team: NPMprograms@si.edu
Student Tour Docents
Lead fun, hands-on tours on weekday mornings for school groups from preschool through
sixth grade. Participate at least once a month during the school year.
How to Apply for the Above Positions
Trainings for all volunteer positions above are held in March and September. Applications are due January 31st
for the March training session and July 31st for the September training session.
You may fill out a Volunteer Application online. For questions about the Museum's volunteer program,
call 202-633-5534 (voice) or 202-633-9849 (TTY).
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Museum Information Desk Volunteer
Volunteers in this program work at a museum information desk where they are on the front lines interacting with visitors of all ages on a daily basis. They not only welcome Smithsonian visitors but also provide information and answer questions about the Institution—its exhibitions, activities, and services.
More information about this volunteer opportunity visit:
www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/volunteer/vis-vol.htm
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The Arago Volunteer Researcher Program is a volunteer program at the National Postal Museum and is administered in coordination with the Smithsonian Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer Program. It provides volunteer researchers the opportunity to share their specialized knowledge and cumulative research with a vast audience.
More information about this volunteer opportunity visit:
www.postalmuseum.si.edu/Arago/Researchers.html
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General Volunteer Information
Volunteer Benefits
In exchange for your valuable contribution of time and expertise you will receive:
- 20% discount at all Smithsonian Shops
- 10% discount on items at the National Gallery of Art and the Kennedy Center shops
- Behind-the-scenes access to the Museum
- Invitations to special programs and events
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