By Jana Wennstrom – ACM Volunteer Coordinator
April is recognized throughout the entire country as National Volunteer Month. For many organizations the celebrations focus around National Volunteer Week, which is April 23 – 29. While those are great openings to propel volunteers into the spotlight, America’s Car Museum aims to offer recognition all year long by providing numerous benefits and opportunities. After all, volunteers provide over 27,000 hours per year to assist ACM in enhancing the visitor experience in a myriad of ways out on the Museum floor, as well as behind the scenes. They should know that their dedication won’t go unnoticed and unappreciated.
For their valuable time and efforts, ACM volunteers can expect to receive complimentary admission and parking, a Family Membership if they contribute over 100 hours in a calendar year, discounts in Classics by Pacific Grill and the ACM Store and plenty of opportunities for learning and socializing. For many, it is the last two benefits that ultimately have the most impact. The chance to learn more about a topic of interest and meet others with those same interests is as priceless as volunteer time is to ACM.
While traditional training does occur for exhibits, safety and more, learning opportunities go beyond ACM’s doors and even the automobile. ACM offers offsite tours of private collections and businesses, like our recent foray to Cats Exotics in Lynnwood and last year’s visit to Butch Dennison’s shop in Puyallup. We’ve also traveled to the Museum of Flight, the Museum of Glass and other seemingly unrelated venues. The value of visiting other museums is to witness how other organizations and volunteers orchestrate the guest experience. There is much to be gleaned by seeing how others succeed.
Sharing a meal or joining in a celebration can add significance to our lives and a feeling of belonging to something larger than us. ACM Volunteers are invited to participate in potlucks and recognition celebrations, like the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party (which is usually during National Volunteer Week, of course!). These are wonderful opportunities to meet volunteers that don’t work similar days or shifts. ACM staff also participate in these events so it is a great chance to chat, have fun and maybe meet a few new faces.
If you want to get more out of volunteering and join a great group of people who appreciate all that America’s Car Museum has to offer, we hope you will consider us as an option. There is always room for more good people who want to share their love of automotive culture! Click here to learn how to get involved.