Author: Lemon, Amy

Publication Year:

Media Type: Report

Summary:

In a presentation at The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports Congress on Cultural Volunteerism in Pontevedra, Spain, Lemon, the coordinator of the second largest volunteer program at the largest museum complex in the world offers a historical portrayal of volunteerism in America before specifically addressing the volunteer program at The Smithsonian Institution.

Abstract: In a presentation at The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports Congress on Cultural Volunteerism in Pontevedra, Spain, Lemon, the coordinator of the second largest volunteer program at the largest museum complex in the world offers a historical portrayal of volunteerism in America before specifically addressing the volunteer program at The Smithsonian Institution. In 2002 there were 5,346 unpaid volunteers at the Smithsonian who contributed 470,335 hours of service. Given that the Smithsonian only has 6,000 paid staff members, Lemon attributes the ongoing success of the organization largely to volunteers. To name a few of their duties, volunteers contribute in the care, organization, documentation, security, and preservation of artifacts at the Smithsonians 16 museums. Over 30 volunteer opportunities are offered at the Smithsonian Institute. Lemon discusses these opportunities as well as the selection process and rewards of volunteering at the Smithsonian.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Volunteerism, Economic Impact