Comments on: Monterey Aquarium – Unpaid Staff (Part 1)

By: MBA Volunteer

MBA Volunteer — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:28:16 +0000

Hi Bobby (just following the previous posters, hope you don’t mind!),
I’m a volunteer at the Monterey Aquarium, and you’re absolutely right about the perks they give volunteers. The gala parties are incredible (can you imagine having a candle-lit dinner right in front of the tuna tank exhibit? Amazing!). And like you said, it’s a fun place to be in, plus, as a volunteer you get free tickets for your family.
The aquarium is also really good at given us “pep talk” and awarding volunteers for hours of service.
But besides all that, I really enjoy learning about all the animals and the ocean and conservation and so on. Before every shift, volunteers are given about 40 minutes of “enrichment” which can range from an update on the animals of the aquarium (new ones, dead ones) to the latest conservation programs, or even about newly discovered species.
I second your thoughts on the difference between volunteering in the aquarium and volunteering at church. The aquarium doesn’t only make you “feel good”, but you actually get something out of it.
Glad you enjoyed the aquarium!

By: bobby

bobby — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:37:41 +0000

Chris – Will do.
Linda – wow…very good thoughts. Too bad you had to go and ruin it with those rude glofing comments!

By: Aunt Linda

Aunt Linda — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:28:06 +0000

I remember a gentlemen who volunteered at one (ok, there’s only one) of the museums here. When were talking one day, he said he had quit, and I asked why. He said they were not appreciated, and the were only given the very menial tasks. It’s kind of funny to me, it’s like advice….if you get it free it doesn’t mean a thing, but if you pay for it the person giving it suddenly turns into a genius! Just because you work for free doesn’t mean you’re not smart. You should challenge your volunteers, not bore them.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:29:57 +0000

Hey Bobby – can you do a post or send me an email on how you did your volunteer appreciation event?
We run one here that seems pretty similar to what you’re talking about but we’re always looking to improve!

By: Billy Chia

Billy Chia — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:47:38 +0000

“Yes, people should serve for the sake of serving Jesus. But they should also know they are valued and appreciated.”
Bobby,
This is so true and you have some great ideas. I like the concept of “Delegate authority, not simply responsibility”
When you empower you volunteer it shows that you appreciate them. In the same way uping your game and making sure what your are doing is quality is a way to appreciate the people who help make it happen.