DOCENT / VOLUNTEER WELCOME

Below are the SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA Docent/Volunteer Best Practices, and should assist in creating the best environment possible for all. Any questions or concerns for items not addressed in the following should be directed to the Docent/Volunteer Coordinator.

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER

Docent/Volunteers are expected sign up for available Volunteer Opportunity roles and shifts through the Bloomerang site (www.bloomerang.com). Docent/Volunteers must also download the FREE Bloomerang app on their cell phone in order to check in and out of their assigned shift(s). Bloomerang allows the Docent/Volunteer to monitor their upcoming shifts and will also send reminders for work schedules. Bloomerang enables Docent/Volunteer to “check-in” and “check-out” of assigned shifts, so time worked will be available in a report format. Docent/Volunteers may also decline shifts on Bloomerang if volunteer availability changes. Docent/Volunteers are expected to arrive early to their assigned shift in order to prepare for their work duties.

DOCENT/VOLUNTEER PARKING

Docent/Volunteer must park at the St. John’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot located at 510 E. Nueva. The Docent/Volunteer must then pick up a temporary parking pass from the SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA staff member on duty in the exhibit space immediately prior to the start of the Docent/Volunteer’s work schedule. The Docent/Volunteer must then place the pass on their car’s dashboard or rearview mirror for the duration of the shift. Once the shift is completed the Docent/Volunteer must drive to the front of the exhibit space on South Presa to return the temporary parking pass to the SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA staff member on duty.

DOCENT/VOLUNTEER ATTIRE

During exhibit space hours, Docent/Volunteers should arrive to their assigned shift in clean, business casual attire. It is recommend to wear comfortable shoes. Docent/Volunteers who commit to a consistent schedule at SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA will be given a monogrammed polo shirt that they may wear. Replacement/additional polos may be purchased through SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA. If a SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA polo is not worn, the Docent/Volunteer must wear a SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA Docent/Volunteer lanyard at all times. The SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA lanyard must be returned to the SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA staff member on duty at the end of each shift. Jeans, capris, or shorts are allowed but must be at least knee-length, clean, and without holes. During special events such as openings and cocktail receptions, cocktail attire is encouraged. African attire is also suitable. On unique occasions, Docent/Volunteers may be required to wear period attire. Period attire owned by the Docent/Volunteer must be approved and deemed appropriate in advance by the SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA staff. Docent/Volunteer hair must be clean and well kept. Piercings and tattoos should be kept to a minimum.

EXHIBIT SPACE OPENING PROCEDURES

Upon arrival, Docent/Volunteer is expected to turn on all of the exhibit space lights and all of the display case lights.

Docent/Volunteer must position all signage, upright hand sanitizers, chairs, etc. into their designated locations on the interior and on the exterior of the building.

*Note: On windy days, signage must be secured.

Docent/Volunteer is required to make sure all exhibit space equipment is turned on and functional, and ensure that equipment volume is set to where it is audibly pleasing to the exhibit space patrons. In case of equipment malfunction, Docent/Volunteer must immediately call the Volunteer Coordinator.

ETIQUETTE DURING EXHIBIT SPACE HOURS

It is important to greet our SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA guests immediately upon their arrival inside the exhibit space. Unless medically necessary, Docent/Volunteers are asked to please remain standing while guests are in the exhibit space. If multiple Docent/Volunteers are on duty, only one should be in each of the exhibit space’s three spaces at a time. Please do not congregate in one area and engage in conversation while patrons are visiting the exhibit space. They may have a questions, but are hesitant to “interrupt”. Let’s not miss out on an opportunity to "share" with our community! Pointing out an interesting element of the exhibit space is always encouraged. Offering to answer any questions the guest may have is also expected. Engage with the patrons without being intrusive. Docent/Volunteer is expected to discuss SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA Exhibit Space Protocols as it applies to all guests. *Please see “EXHIBIT SUPPORT”. 

MUSEUM STORE

The on-site Museum Store must be kept neat and orderly, and the shelving and displays must be kept free of any personal items. The museum store inventory must be replenished regularly. Docent/Volunteers must be  familiarized with the museum store inventory, as well as the items' prices. The Docent/Volunteer is not expected to process the patrons' purchase transactions, but is expected to make the on-site staff member aware that the museum shop patron is ready to make their purchase. 

PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Docent/Volunteer must not have their phone on their person while working on the museum floor. Phone usage while in the breakroom or patio while on break is allowed. Remember, the customer must never be neglected and the Docent/Volunteer should never allow a distraction to inhibit the customer experience.

LUNCH BREAKS

Docent/Volunteers working a four (4) hour shift may take one fifteen (15) minute break during exhibit space non-peak time. Docent/Volunteers working an eight (8) hour shift or more may take one thirty (30) minute break during non-peak time. Eating or drinking is not allowed in the exhibit space floor, in the timeline space, or in the museum shop by customers or by Docent/Volunteers. Docent/Volunteers may offer to discard the customer’s food or drink items in the trash can inside the SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA Docent/Volunteer break room or the trash can outside on the patio.

BATHROOM BREAKS

Docent/Volunteers may use the "Employee Only" bathrooms which are immediately adjacent to the exhibit space and are accessible by key, which is kept at the SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA cash desk. The bathrooms must be locked while in use as well as immediately upon completion of individual use as they are not accessible to the public.

EXHIBIT SPACE CLOSING PROCEDURES

At the end of the work day, the Docent/Volunteer is responsible for ensuring that all trash cans have been emptied and bags have been replaced. Trash must be placed in the appropriate receptacles in the La Villita trash containment area. Trash bag(s) must be placed into the trash compactor, and recyclables must go into the recycle receptacle. Docent/Volunteer must return all SAAACAM lanyards and parking passes.

SPECIAL EVENT PROCEDURES

Docent/Volunteer must arrive at the event venue at the predetermined time in order to prepare for their shift. Appropriate attire is required. Duties are as assigned.

GORIO BLACK HISTORY BOAT TOUR PROCEDURES

Docent/Volunteer must complete the Black History Boat Tour Training prior to signing up to conduct a boat tour. The Docent/Volunteer is required to wear appropriate attire or their SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA polo in order to conduct the boat tour. Docent/Volunteer must arrive at 218 S. Presa one hour prior to boat tour departure time in order to prepare for their shift. *Boat tour patrons are instructed to arrive 30 minutes prior to boat tour departure time. Docent/Volunteer is expected to confirm that all items included on the Boat Tour Checklist are included in the boat inventory. While on the tour, it is extremely important to interact with the passengers in a way that will advocate SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA’s mission. Ask them where they’re from during script down times. Give them a positive (family friendly) experience you may have had while visiting one of San Antonio’s local attractions.

Docent/Volunteers must always be willing to be a SAAACAM @ LA VILLITA and a San Antonio ambassador at every opportunity!