Get Involved: Volunteer Programs
SAMA is always looking for energetic and enthusiastic individuals to volunteer in all departments & for a variety of programs. The museum would not be what it is today without the dedicated volunteers that serve, educate and welcome SAMA’s visitors.
Volunteer Orientations are for prospective Event Volunteers, Docents and Interns. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 210.978.8138 for more information
Volunteer Orientations
For All Volunteer Positions:
All volunteer positions are unpaid. An interview is required.
We reserve the right to order background checks on potential volunteers.
Docents
New Docent Interviews begin Thursday, July 31st.
08-09 New Docent Orientation Week held August 25th -29th.
08-09 New Docent Training starts Monday, September 8th.
Docents lead tours and workshops for children, adults, and teachers. Becoming a docent is a 2-year commitment: 1 year of training and a minimum of 1 year leading tours. Availability during the weekday hours is essential. Docents are expected to become a museum member at whatever level is comfortable for them.
New docent training begins each fall with a 5 day orientation. Training continues throughout the school year, usually on Mondays from 10am-3pm. Training focuses on our collection, age-appropriate tour techniques, inquiry methods, and gallery activities. Once training is completed, docents are expected to commit to giving tours one 1/2 day per week during the school year and occasionally throughout the summer for a minimum of 1 year.
We need enthusiastic people who enjoy public speaking, and working with people of various ages including school-age children. Docents must have a sincere interest in art and history, though no formal background is needed in either area. While docents may have favorite areas in the museum, all docents must be willing to learn and tour the entire museum.
To apply for a position as a Docent: Submit Volunteer Application (click link at bottom) and a Letter of Interest
Department Aides/Interns
Department Aides/Interns assist staff members in various departments with computer tasks, filing, research, and special projects. The time commitment as a Department Aide/Intern varies with each project and the needs of the staff. This position is recommended for college students who need to fulfill an Internship requirement—students are responsible to make special arrangements through their university to earn college credits. Department Aides/Interns are encouraged, but not required to become a museum member at whatever level is comfortable for them.
To apply for a position as a Department Aide/Intern: Submit Volunteer Application (click link at bottom), Resumé and Letter of Interest
Event Volunteers
Event Volunteers are needed to assist staff of various departments during night, weekend and day-time events and programs. The need for Event Volunteers varies and they are contacted as required throughout the year. The flexibility of this volunteer position works well with individuals who work or attend school full time. Event Volunteers are encouraged, but not required to become a museum member at whatever level is comfortable for them.To apply for a position as an Event Volunteer: Submit Volunteer Application (click link at bottom)