Volunteers Are at the Heart of the Museum

May 28, 2015

By: Jessica Greenlaw

Nearly 30 years ago, DuPage Children’s Museum was founded, and run, by two extraordinary volunteers. Since that time, volunteers have stayed at the heart of the organization. Our volunteers are advocates and ambassadors in their communities. They link us to networking opportunities and partnerships, and they spread the word about our amazing programs and exhibits. We view our volunteers as partners in a life-long learning experience.

Last year, 1,083 volunteers logged a total of 27,812 hours. That’s the equivalent of 14+ full-time employees. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, DCM relies on these volunteers to be able to continue to expand exhibits, programs, and services for our visitors. Volunteers also help enable the Museum to provide free family passes and discounted field trips to families and schools that otherwise would not be able to afford to utilize DCM.

Volunteers are involved in every level of the Museum; from engaging children and families on the Museum floor, to donating their expertise on our Board of Directors. They play a vital role in contributing enthusiasm and passion for our mission to provide open-ended, hands-on experiences to stimulate curiosity, creativity, thinking and problem solving in young children. DCM volunteers have a tremendous, lasting impact on the lives of children in our community.

Volunteering at DCM is a win-win situation. As much as volunteers benefit the Museum, volunteering at the Museum comes with its own benefits as well. Volunteers can take pride in knowing they make a difference in children’s lives, have fun while supporting their community, learn or develop new skills, discover new interests, and meet a diverse range of people.

Since the temporary closure of our main location, our volunteers have stepped up once again. Since February a Mini version of DCM has opened at the Westfield Fox Valley Mall. Volunteers are there, contributing their time, energy and passion to engage the visitors and to help ease some of the concerns about our reopening.

DCM extends a very big “thank you” to all of our volunteers for all that they do.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with DCM, or to fill out a volunteer application, visit www.dupagechildrensmusuem.org. Volunteer information is found under the Support Us tab.