April 21, 2008

Dear Friends,

As spring makes its appearance once again, the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) will be graduating a new class of docents after a six-month training period. They have studied the history of the Museum, its approach to folk art, the current exhibitions on view, and techniques of giving tours and interacting with visitors of all ages and walks of life. The new graduates will join the ranks of our veteran docents who serve as the ambassadors of MOIFA, guiding visitors through the museum galleries and introducing school children to the exciting world of folk art. The docents make a difference every day as they represent the Museum to the public. Their contribution is invaluable as collectively, they give thousands of hours annually to this work, which helps to fulfill our educational mission.

Photo, above left Mountain View from MOIFA offces

Less visible but no less vital are the volunteers who work behind-the-scenes, alongside MOIFA staff in the collections storage areas, photographing and packing collections as part of a major re-storage project funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, helping to organize materials in the library/archive collections, entering accession records in the registrar's office, assisting curators with exhibit projects, organizing fund-raising events, and more. In every case, volunteers demonstrate the multiplier effect, increasing the effectiveness and productivity of staff beyond what the employees could possibly do alone. Without these dedicated volunteers, many vital functions of the museum would be impaired, costing much more in terms of time, energy, and monies. Volunteers give time and expertise to care for and monitor collections, meet project goals, raise funds, and accomplish the daily tasks that are key to museum operations.

Studies have shown that people who are engaged in their communities have a more positive outlook on life and tend to be healthier than those who neither actively participate in social networks nor engage in meaningful activities. Our docents and volunteers fit the description of "do-ers," people who are willing to get involved and be part of something bigger than themselves, giving back to the community for the greater good. Many come from successful professional careers and generously offer their expertise and experience to benefit the museum. They bring enthusiasm, energy and knowledge to their volunteer positions as individuals who value learning and enjoy putting their skills to good use.

Photo, above left: Volunteers doing inventory, Girard Storage, 2007.

The volunteers and docents exemplify a can-do attitude that sets Americans apart from the rest of the world when it comes to volunteering. It is one area in which we can be justifiably proud of the USA being #1, as a role model for other nations to emulate. One of the questions that museums and other not-for-profit organizations are concerned about at this time is where the next generation of volunteers will come from and whether they will be as generous with their time and skills as those in the present population.

Economic circumstances may not allow for as many people to take early retirements and the same community-minded spirit may not be so pervasive in future generations unless it is nourished and encouraged. Identifying, recruiting, and retaining new volunteer groups will be essential to sustaining healthy communities. More flexible schedules for both paid employment and volunteer work may offer more opportunities for people to stay in the work force while volunteering with an organization that they care about. Some companies encourage their employees to volunteer an hour each week to a charitable cause; others offer to match donations to non-profit organization on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Recognizing the great importance of volunteers to organizations throughout this country, we need to make certain their efforts are acknowledged, appreciated and encouraged.

Thank you, docents and volunteers, for being who you are and for doing what you do!