Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester: Volunteer First!

On Friday, Dec. 20, I was reading a book about kangaroos to kids called “Pouch” when I realized that doing the same thing for payment wouldn’t be the same.

The reason I’m bringing this up is that there’s a weekend job offering at the Children’s Museum as a facility fun manager (something to that effect). I’m tempted to take the position as a way of supporting my writing endeavors.

But the problem is this: what should volunteers do when they are offered a job?

Of course, the answer is dependent upon your situation. If you’re a student, you may not have time to work. If you’re already employed, you may not need the job. But if you take the job, how will the experience change?

The beauty of volunteer work is that you’re performing a service without an exchange of money. But if you can continue to enjoy the experience, why not take a paid job doing what you enjoy?

Volunteer work is centered on service. However when you volunteer, you meet awesome people, discover new things you enjoy, learn about yourself and realize you have potential.

If it were up to me, everyone would spend time doing volunteer work before they ever decided on a career path.

Minnesota Children’s Museum of Rochester: Volunteer Orientation

My volunteer orientation with the Minnesota Children’s Museum of Rochester is complete. We went through an informational PowerPoint, discussed learning techniques and played with Play-Doh®. What else would you do in training to become a “Playologist?”

I’ve been through a few of these orientations and, although the experience varies by organization, there are a few actions you can perform to ensure your success.

1) Be happy. Smile while greeting other volunteers or employees of the organization.

2) Firm handshakes and good pronunciation of your name. The goal here is being remembered. Some volunteer coordinators see a lot of volunteers in a given day. Don’t go overboard by dancing or screaming … too much … but ensure your presence is known.

3) Get to know another volunteer. May sure you’re paying attention to the orientation speaker but, if you get a chance, chat with another volunteer. It’s good to have friends at work for questions, problem solving and collaboration.

4) Know the job. Orientation is a great time for asking questions. If the job isn’t clear, ask as many questions as possible. Once you’re on the floor, you may not have the guidance you’re getting in orientation.

5) Have fun. You’re a volunteer, doing good work for a good cause. If you enjoy parts of the orientation, you will have a great time working for the organization.

Boys & Girls Club: Overcoming Chaos

Alright, its time to be honest. Volunteering with youth, no matter where you are, is going to be chaotic. Here’s my advice.

1) Remain calm.
2) Approach and address children one at a time.
3) Remember each child is unique and it will take time for you to understand him or her. Likewise, it will take time for children to understand who you are.

I’m inspired to jot down of few words of advice and encouragement while performing a youth service position because, as fun as it can be, small things make your work as a volunteer difficult.

For an entire hour of volunteer work on Monday, Dec. 17th, L was jumping out from corners of the room and screaming in my ears. I’ve struggled with this same young gentleman enough times in the past to know that he uses screaming as a coping mechanism.

Screaming, at least for L, helps him deal with stress. However, L manages to scream his stress directly into me.

So what do you do?

1) Remain calm and take a second to think about what to say.

2) Focus in on L and pay less attention your surroundings. The brain can focus and really zero in on one thing at a time. The Boys & Girls Club serves a lot of youth and there are a lot of distractions – but when it comes time to mentor a child, you need to focus.

3) Speak with with L. Discover screaming is “fun” for him. Explain, “L, I admire your creativity, but I think it would be best if you used it towards something that doesn’t harm or negatively impact others. You’re hurting my ears, buddy.”

4) Here’s an important step: Acknowledge that you aren’t going to permanently change a child’s life with one conversation. L continued to scream until he received a STEP (the discipline policy at the Boys & Girls Club, Rochester).

I’d like to comment on my last tip. Volunteers perform an awesome service and make a HUMONGOUS difference – one uninspired by the changing hands of money. However, remember to have fun, keep a positive attitude and give up some of the control.

You can’t always be the hero, changing lives for the better and keeping everyone safe. Other people don’t need a hero – not if we want them to grow up to be independent leaders.

Volunteer service is all about new friends, new experiences and good times.