Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.

Dear Volunteers,

Though I cannot thank you all in person, I want you to know how grateful I am for your strength, your dedication, and your flexibility this past year. Times of hardship have a way of revealing who we are at our core. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven what we already knew—that Smithsonian volunteers are people of tremendous commitment, thoughtfulness, and creativity. Over the past twelve months, we asked you to step up in unprecedented ways and you rose to every challenge with grace.

All of us faced different obstacles: juggling countless obligations, enduring periods of isolation, worrying for ourselves and our loved ones, and wondering when we would be able to move forward. You continued to support the Smithsonian and the communities we serve despite those obstacles.

You found new ways to connect with staff and the public. You adapted to new schedules, new methods of collecting data, and new modes of volunteering. You developed new skills and pivoted to new technologies. Since the initial building closures of last spring, welcome and information desks at five Smithsonian museums transitioned to virtual environments. Volunteers at the National Zoo continued to work both onsite and virtually to care for animals. And the Smithsonian Transcription Center grew to 46,000 volunteers, an extraordinary increase of 32,000 people since the closures. I am impressed and deeply proud of these accomplishments.

We now look forward to a time when we can embrace each other again without fear; when we can greet colleagues and friends and see their unmasked smiles; when we can shake hands and share spaces with strangers. And as we chart a careful course to reopening over the next several months, we will continue to depend on you.

On behalf of the entire Smithsonian, let me once more say thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do. Take care of yourselves, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Lonnie Bunch

Secretary

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