Start the New Year right by volunteering with the National Museum of the American Latino

Are you interested in sharing the rich and diverse history of the U.S. Latino experience? If so, the National Museum of the American Latino invites you to join their volunteer cohort! But hurry—the application deadline is February 16.

National Museum of the American Latino volunteers in the GM Learning Lounge. Photo courtesy of Natalia Febo.

Help support educational programs by engaging in hands-on activities and tours that connect with the Molina Family Latino Gallery content. You’ll get to enjoy fun, educational and participatory experiences while positively impacting the community!

Volunteer Duties

• Support facilitating activities at the GM Learning Lounge. Volunteers will assist with hands-on activities that engage visitors to make connections about the exhibition content, people, and places. Activity themes are related to history, arts, and culture, as well as science and technology.
  • Facilitate the Active Learning Carts.
  • Offer highlight tours of the Molina Family Latino Gallery to intergenerational groups.
• Support other educational activities at the Molina Family Latino Gallery
• Provide occasional support during special events like family days, festivals, special celebrations, and Hispanic Heritage Month activities.

Desired Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to speak in public and talk to groups of 15-25 people.
• Strong interest in U.S. Latino history and a love for learning.
• Enjoy sharing the rich diverse history of the U.S. Latino experience to visitors of different age groups, backgrounds, and learning styles.
• Ability to work in teams and provide excellent customer service.
• Previous experience working with intergenerational families is recommended but not required.
• Fluency in Spanish is recommended but not required.
• Fluency in American Sign Language, helpful but not required.

National Museum of the American Latino volunteer Nadia at the Day of the Dead Celebration. Photo courtesy of Natalia Febo.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a federal background check.
• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Basic computer skills and access to a device with an Internet connection to participate in virtual trainings and enrichment opportunities.

Scheduling Requirements

• Two (3.5 hours) shifts a month
  • Applicant must commit to a minimum of one year of volunteering.
  • Volunteer shifts (Weekdays or Weekends): 10am-1:30pm or 1pm-4:30pm
    • Occasional evening shifts available throughout the year.

Training

• NMAL volunteers are trained in the content of each exhibition. In addition, volunteers are trained in facilitating tours, staffing the Active Learning Carts, and assisting the GM Learning Lounge with hands-on activities.
• Volunteers are expected to complete the required training courses both online and in-person.
• Volunteers are trained in other areas like bystander intervention, de-escalation procedures, customer service, and accessibility.

Location

The Molina Family Latino Gallery is inside the Smithsonian National Museum of American History at 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC.

The first group of National Museum of the American Latino volunteers from 2022 on the rooftop of the Capital Gallery building. Photo courtesy of Natalia Febo.

How do I apply?

The application deadline is Friday, February 16, 2024. .For the compete volunteer opportunity description and to apply, visit here.

Have questions? Please contact NMALVolunteers@si.edu

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