About MOA

• About The Museum
• Our Mission
• History & Organization
• Building Highlights
• Volunteering
• Collections & Conservation Internships
• Sponsorship
• Employment
• MOA Press Releases
• Annual Reports

MOA Volunteers

Many activities undertaken by MOA depend for their success on the energy and assistance of enthusiastic, well-trained, and reliable volunteers. There are two volunteer organizations at the Museum of Anthropology: the Volunteer Associates and the Museum Shop Volunteers. Though each organization has its own mandate, there are many opportunities throughout the year for the two groups to come together to share information, experiences, and learning opportunities.

The Volunteer Associates

The self-governing Volunteer Association works under the direction of Museum staff to meet many of MOA's public education, research, and collections needs. Through various committees, including Archaeology, Collections and Conservation, Education, Lobby Information, and Library, Volunteer Associates lend their assistance and expertise to ongoing and special projects including museum events. Public Program volunteers on the Archaeology, Education, Gallery Guide, and Information Desk committees offer school programs, deliver free guided gallery walks, and staff the Information Desk.

Museum Shop Volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in the operation of the Shop. Funds generated contribute toward purchases for the Museum's collections, publication of Museum Notes, and programs dedicated to research and community access. Shop Volunteers provide sales service to visitors, stock the Shop, and assist the manager as needed behind-the-scenes and on the floor.

Volunteer Training Program

New Volunteer Associates are recruited in the spring of each year through an information session, interviews, and a general orientation for all accepted Volunteers. This is followed by a training session, Seminar One, which takes place during the first two weeks of September (three weekdays per week). After completing Seminar One, new volunteers undertake training specific to their committee. Lobby Information Desk Volunteers are the exception, as they begin their duties immediately after orientation; however, Lobby Information Desk Volunteers are encouraged to take part in Seminar One. Should additional volunteer positions arise during other times of the year, training will be offered as needed.

Specialized Training

To qualify as full Volunteer Associates, volunteers are required to participate in two or, in some cases, three relevant UBC Anthropology courses within their first five years of service. There is no cost to the volunteer for these courses. Volunteers with specific skills and experience may be invited to work on special short- or long-term projects.

Contact

For information on becoming a Volunteer Associate, please contact 604.822.5087 or info@moa.ubc.ca. For information on becoming a Shop Volunteer, contact 604.822.3440 or shop@moa.ubc.ca