Category: Volunteer Opportunities (Page 15 of 18)

Boston, MA, (February 20, 2015) – Boston National Historical Park is recruiting volunteers with

a passion for history who want to do something meaningful and have a positive impact on the

hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to visit Boston’s National Parks over the busy spring

and summer months. Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) work side-by-side with National Park Service

employees and partners to share knowledge of Boston’s history and provide a friendly welcome

at visitor centers in Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard, and at other sites on Boston’s

Freedom Trail.

Boston National Historical Park will host a “Volunteer Open House” on the lower-level of historic

Faneuil Hall on Saturday, March 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with an opportunity to meet

current volunteers and park rangers and enjoy special activities, demonstrations and free

refreshments

“Volunteering with Boston National Historical is fun, it makes a difference, and it’s easy to get

started,” said Superintendent Rosalyn Fennell. “It’s a great way to meet new people, gain

experience, and give back to the community.”

Behind the scenes tours, continuing education learning opportunities, and special programs are

offered for volunteers only. Tax credits, senior citizens’ reimbursements, and, in some cases,

reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses may be available. Volunteers are provided with

uniforms and professional training.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please call the Boston National

Historical Park Volunteer-in-Parks program office at 617-242-5222. You may also send an e-
mail directly to ethan_beeler@nps.gov

Greenway Volunteer Program

Arts Ambassador

About the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

The Conservancy is the designated steward of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a mile-and-a-half of

contemporary parks in the heart of Boston that connect people and the city with beauty and fun. The

non-profit Conservancy maintains, programs, and improves the Greenway on behalf of the public and in

partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Position Overview

The Conservancy is dedicated to bringing innovative and contemporary art to the Greenway through

free, temporary exhibitions. A five-year public art strategy was developed for 2013-2017 that stresses

the importance of engaging people in meaningful experiences, interactions and dialogue with art and

each other, as well as giving artists unique opportunities to exhibit bold new work that consider the

possibilities of 21st century Boston.

In 2015 we will bring these ideas to life with an

aerial sculpture by world renowned local artist

Janet Echelman that will be installed over our Ft.

Point Channel Parks from May through October.

We will also continue murals on the Greenway

Wall at Dewey Square Park and the photography

exhibition The Fence, and will be growing this

program as we move forward.

This volunteer position supports our public art

program by providing park-based ambassadors

that are knowledgeable about contemporary art

practices, the artwork on the Greenway and our park system. This new position is intended to help the

public better understand the artworks that dot the park system, helping to inspire our many visitors. We

are looking for people who are passionate about public art and public spaces, and are willing to work

with a team to create meaningful experiences for park patrons. This position is moderately structured

with set shifts and responsibilities, and includes a range of opportunities and experiences.

Responsibilities

Arts Ambassador responsibilities include:

• Acting as a friendly, knowledgeable and approachable presence at our public art exhibitions

and events

• Leading Greenway art tours

• Engaging visitors with information about our exhibitions and activities on-site

• Completing measureable observations for inclusion in public art reports

• Administering surveys that measure the visitor experience

• Providing on-site support during performance events, lectures and other programs related to

our public art program

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Qualifications

• Passion for public art, with academic or professional experience in the arts preferred

• Ability to commit to a set schedule of shifts for at least 3 months with a minimum of eight hours

per month

• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to engage with park visitors

• Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor and commitment to providing a positive

experience for our park guests

• Ability to work outside in a variety of weather types, to move equipment including a rolling kiosk

and program materials, and to stand for a period of time

• All volunteers must complete a general orientation as well as specialized and periodic training

on our exhibitions, and must follow our volunteer policies at all times

• Must have email and internet access, as this will be the primary means of scheduling and

communication

Details

This position reports to Lucas Cowan, our Public Art Curator. We will rely primarily on set shift

schedules that provide volunteer coverage during busy times of the week and allow us to consistently

advertise the times when we have activities near our exhibitions. There will also be some special shifts

that will support a range of activities, performances and lectures, particularly in relation to the Janet

Echelman aerial sculpture.

Arts Ambassadors will primarily be needed from May through early October and assignments may shift

throughout this season as exhibitions change and new opportunities arise.

Shift length will vary depending upon assignment but will generally be between 3 and 5 hours. At least

two shifts per month are required, given the amount of training involved in this assignment. Ideally, all

volunteers will be able to do at least four shifts a month and have a fairly regular schedule. We are also

willing to work with volunteers who would like to take a larger number of shifts and create a

professional experience in the public arts field that would be suitable for college credit.

Volunteers will be provided with and asked to wear a t-shirt identifying them as an Arts Ambassador.

Otherwise we ask that volunteers wear casual but professional clothing appropriate for the outdoors.

Benefits

• Further develop public presentation skills and be involved in a large-scale, impactful art piece

• Be a part of a great team of Arts Ambassadors and interact with Greenway staff and partners,

potentially including artists, performers, and Boston arts professionals

• Gain public art knowledge and experience to support career development

• Participate in the benefits of the Greenway volunteer program, including a summer Volunteer

and Member picnic, a t-shirt, and other training and event opportunities depending on

accumulated volunteer hours

• Opportunity to gain college credit, when applicable at your university

Application Process

Positions are limited. Applications for the first round of recruiting are due by Monday, March 2nd. To

apply, please fill out the Arts Ambassador application and submit it along with your resume to Keelin Purcell, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@rfkgc.org. http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/files/4514/2316/0124/2015_Arts_Ambassador_Volunteer_Application_Form.pdf

Applicants will be interviewed and selected by April 3rd and training sessions will be scheduled for April.