Volunteer Opportunities
at Baltimore Clayworks
Most volunteers come to us through the love of
clay, others because of the good work we do with at-risk children.
If you are new to
the Baltimore area volunteering can be a wonderful way to connect
with a new community. It is also a great way to give to a community
that needs assistance. Whatever your personal motivation for volunteering
is, we can provide a rewarding experience for you.
Why are we seeking
volunteers?
Baltimore Clayworks does not have the capability to staff the great
numbers of people that we need without the generous assistance
of the Clayworks volunteer.
Benefits of Voluntarism
- It's
a personal commitment that makes your world bigger.
- It can
have a positive impact on your community
- It helps you gain
perspective on your life and the world in which you live.
- It often helps volunteers learn new skills, which
can be applied to their personal and professional lives.
What type of volunteer are we
looking for? Characteristics that make an effective volunteer are
some of the same characteristics
that you find in most effective
workers. A positive attitude and belief in our mission are crucial. It is also
important to to be innovative, enthusiastic, reliable and confident. If you are
the type of person that is adaptable with an openness to change and have the
ability to work with minimal supervision we would love to have you as a part
of Clayworks.
In order to make the most of a volunteer experience,
it's important to think about what your expectations and limitations
are. How Much Time Are You Able
To Give?
Time is a critical issue.
Volunteering should add to your sense of value and self-worth …not create
a sense of pressure. You shouldn't make an unrealistic commitment that leaves
you feeling guilty and drained. There are volunteer opportunities ranging from
an hour a day to once a year.
Also, consider how long a commitment you are able or willing to make. Some
volunteering opportunities are one-time commitments, while others require a
defined time commitment.
Prospective volunteers need to determine which one best fits their schedule
and desire.
One-time volunteer opportunities include volunteering
for special events such ar Spice It Up!, Gala, our big Fall fundraiser,
ACC,
Artscape, etc. This is a time when our organization's resources
are stretched and the need is great.
- Some of the longer term commitments
are
Community Arts Teachers Assistant
- This requires a commitment on
your part of 10-12 weeks, 2 hour sessions, 2 times a week at
an off-site community center. We
prefer some prior experience with children although it is
not necessary
for this position as long as you have a desire to improve
children's lives. This is one area where personal transportation
is a
necessity. Many of the Community Centers are not in areas
where Light rail
transportation is readily available.
We have many opportunities
that fall into both of these categories. If you are looking for
an enriching volunteer opportunity we
would love to hear from you. Baltimore Clayworks is a great
place to
be and we would love to have you here with us.
What Skills
Do You Have To Offer?
Everyone has something to offer that is not necessarily ceramics
related - proofreading, mail preparation, organization,
cooking, grant research and many more needs we have to fill here
at
Clayworks. Start by looking at your current occupation
or your resume and see what you have to offer.
Some of our volunteer
needs require no particular skill -- you just need to be willing
to lend a hand.
Some needs that we have here at Baltimore
Clayworks include:
Gallery
sitting. This would include answering phone, greeting guests,
along with some light office work.
Newsletter and mailing preparation
General office work. This could
include anything from letter writing, research, binder organization
or data
entry.
Fundraising assistance in the Development Office.
This would include research of prospective donors, phone calls,
and
other development
tasks.
Other opportunities include studio technician assistant,
gardner, working booths at festivals, ticket taking, kitchen
help for special
events, general housekeeping, and exhibition assistant are just
a few of the areas that we have volunteer needs.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact
Baltimore Clayworks for more information
info@baltimoreclayworks.org
410-578-1919
Download Volunteer Application |