Too often, museum volunteer programs become transactional - volunteers fill shifts, complete tasks, and leave without building a deeper connection to the museum’s mission. But when museums create opportunities for connection and leadership, volunteers can become educators, advocates, and long-term partners in the visitor experience.

In this session, Kourtney Bonzo shares real examples of rethinking volunteer engagement, from creating at-home volunteer opportunities during COVID-19 to helping one-time volunteers grow into instructors, docents, and program leaders. Attendees will explore practical ways to build more meaningful volunteer experiences that strengthen museums, deepen community connections, and expand how volunteers contribute across departments.

Participants will take part in interactive discussion and leave with practical tools and ideas they can immediately apply within their own institutions.