Volunteer Policy

The Kansas Historical Society's large volunteer force is critical to our operations. Numerous diverse volunteer opportunities are available. Your service can make a world of difference to the future of Kansas

VOLUNTEER POLICY STATEMENT

The Kansas Historical Society volunteers are an important extension of the Society's staff. Volunteers perform a wide variety of work that is essential to the institution. The following policy statement is similar to the one applied to the paid staff to promote a maximum degree of excellence.

1. SERVICE CATEGORIES

Several volunteer service categories are available within the volunteer program. Volunteers may serve in more than one category as long as time requirements permit. The education supervisor is responsible for coordinating the volunteer organization. However, a staff supervisor has been assigned to each membership category.

A. Archival Assistant - assists with processing manuscripts, photographs, and archival materials; assisting research room patrons at the research center; and preparing material for use on the website.

B. Discovery Place Volunteer - serves as a weekday room facilitator by monitoring activity and offering assistance when needed.

C. Docent - conducts educational guided tours of the museum.

D. Information Volunteer/Museum - stationed in the main lobby to greet the public and answer questions. Also conducts orientation sessions to scheduled groups not receiving a tour.

E. Information Volunteer/Mission - stationed in the gallery of the Pottawatomi Mission to greet visitors, answer questions, and provide a tour of the facility.

F. Museum Store - assists store manager with operation of museum store.

G. Sharing Traditions - performs craft demonstrations on weekend afternoons and at special events.

I. Special Projects - assists various divisions with special projects including research, clerical work, cataloging, planning, and implementation of special programs.

2. VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

Volunteers are entitled to a number of benefits not afforded the general public:

A. A keener understanding of Kansas history through access to reference materials, close working relationship with professional staff, and training sessions.

B. Monthly programs on scholarly topics held in conjunction with volunteer service area meetings. These programs are held in the first Monday of the month from September through May.

C. Free admission to all training activities, including lectures, workshops, and field trips.

D. A monthly newsletter providing notification of upcoming Society events prior to general public announcements.

E. A volunteer-recognition holiday party held the first Monday of December and a volunteer field trip held the first Saturday in June.

F. Reduced admission to some special programs.

G. Access to behind-the-scenes areas of the Kansas History Center related to volunteer service.

H. Ten percent discount at the museum store.

I. Income tax deductions for out-of-pocket cash expenses incurred as a result of volunteer service.

J. An opportunity to be part of a group of interesting people who are interested in preserving Kansas history and sharing it with the public.

3. RECRUITMENT

An individual interested in becoming a volunteer first has an interview with a member of the Education and Outreach Division. During the interview, the volunteer's interest and experience will be discussed. Interested parties also will be given a general overview of the Kansas Historical Society and a thorough explanation of each service area in the volunteer program. Training programs, time requirements, contract stipulations, and fingerprinting will be discussed at this time. After the interview, both parties should make some careful considerations. The applicant should decide at this point if the volunteer program meets his/her needs and standards and if he/she can fulfill the requirements of the program. The interviewer should decide whether to accept the applicant into the program.

4. APPLICATION

All volunteers are required to complete an application form. This form provides information on the different service areas. It also provides the staff with pertinent information on the volunteer to assist in matching the volunteer with the appropriate job. Click here to go to the Volunteer Application.

5. VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT

The volunteer agreement will outline the responsibilities and time commitments of the volunteer. All new volunteers will assume provisional status for the first year of service. During this year classroom and/or on-the-job training will educate the new volunteer on his/her responsibilities.

6. TRAINING

Volunteers are required to attend all training activities held in their service category(ies). Required training is outlined in the volunteer agreements. If unable to attend a required session, it is the responsibility of the volunteer to notify his/her staff supervisor. If possible, arrangements should be made to obtain the information presented at the session. An unreasonable number of absences jeopardize the individual's volunteer status. It is recommended that all volunteers read Robert Richmond's book Kansas: A Land of Contrasts. Copies are on file in the volunteer library.

7. EVALUATION

The primary purpose of evaluation is to ensure that the volunteer program is as effective as possible. Periodic reviews of the volunteer's work are intended to be positive and informative. The volunteer will be encouraged periodically to evaluate the program and staff for the same purpose.

It is the responsibility of the party being evaluated to consider seriously and implement any suggestions made by evaluators.

8. SUBSTITUTES

A volunteer who is unable to keep a commitment on a given day mus secure a qualified substitute to take his/her place. The "Volunteer Directory," a listing of volunteers in alphabetical order as well as by service areas, is printed annually for this purpose. The appropriate staff person should be notified of all substitutions. If a volunteer cannot find a substitute, the staff supervisor should be notified.

9. DRESS CODE

Volunteers are often the only Society personnel visitors ever see or meet. It is imperative that volunteers make a good impression. Comfortable office dress is appropriate for most volunteer jobs. The volunteer name tag should be worn at all times when on duty.

10. RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Annually, the Society compiles the hours donated by the volunteers. Volunteer hours are published in the Society's annual report along with the names of the volunteers. This information is also used for budget, lobby, and public relations purposes. It is important that all volunteers record the hours they work at the time they are incurred. A sign-in sheet is located in the Education and Outreach Division office. Volunteers should record the actual hours they work plus add one hour for travel time.

For tax purposes, volunteers can request the number of hours they have contributed or the number of trips to the Kansas History Center in a calendar year. This request should be made to the Education Supervisor.

11. LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Volunteers are asked to notify their staff supervisor when they must take leaves of absence. Leave will be granted for no longer than one year. A volunteer who remains inactive for more than one year must reapply before returning.

12. RESIGNATION

In the event that a volunteer decides to resign, a letter of resignation should be submitted to the staff supervisor two weeks prior to the effective date.

13. TERMINATION

The Society reserves the right to terminate a member's volunteer agreement if his/her services are no longer needed for any reason. In this event, the volunteer will be given two weeks' notice.