WVAM2026 Workshop: Shifting Volunteer Expectations

Shifting Volunteer Expectations

Small museums are not losing volunteers—they’re outgrowing outdated systems.

National data shows volunteerism is rising, yet recruitment and retention challenges persist when roles lack flexibility, accessibility, and meaning. Shifting Volunteer Expectations is a hands-on workshop created specifically for small museums and solo professionals navigating this shift.

You’ll explore:

• Why “traditional” volunteer models exclude people
• How flexibility becomes a form of accessibility
• Short-term, remote, and skills-based engagement strategies
• Practical tools like the MMRI framework and inclusive intake models

This session moves beyond theory and into 7 Day Real-World application—designed for solo practitioners, museums with limited staff, time, and resources.

Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 4:30-6:00pm (90 minutes)
Fee: $20 ($15 for conference attendees)
Format: In-person workshop in Triadelphia, WV
Facilitators: Dr. Jennifer Rogers & LaShell Martinez of Kaleidoscope Heritage Focus

**Conference attendees--register for this workshop with your conference registration to get the discounted rate**

Non-conference attendees/public are welcome to attend!