Volunteers
Volunteer at the i.d.e.a. Museum!
Want to make a difference in the community by helping to develop and expand a child’s knowledge and appreciation of art and STEAM concepts? The i.d.e.a. Museum is looking for volunteer support for its ongoing programs and special events.
Volunteer Benefits
- A firsthand look at our exhibitions before they open
- i.d.e.a. Shop discounts
- Invitations to annual recognition events
- New friends
- Professional experience and references
Volunteer Opportunities
Gallery Attendant – Perform a variety of activities that facilitate children’s art workshops, classes, and special events. Gallery Attendants also interact with families and school groups and encourage museum visitors to explore.
Tour Guide – Lead fun and educational guided tours for school groups. In depth training of the exhibition topics and tour techniques will be provided.
Administration Volunteer – Provide clerical support to the i.d.e.a. administrative staff.
Exhibition Design Volunteer – Work in a fabrication setting with exhibition staff in the preparation and disassembling of exhibitions. Prior experience is required.
Marketing and PR Volunteer – Work with our marketing director on capturing great photography, developing print and video stories and creating social media posts.
Special Events Volunteer – Assist i.d.e.a. staff with special events throughout the year, including events at the museum and off-site outreach events.
Internship Opportunities
Internships are available to current students and recent graduates. Internship areas may include early childhood education, exhibit design, and evaluation, and marketing/PR.
To inquire about current openings, contact Lindsay Hochhalter by phone at 480.644.5564 or email at lindsay.hochhalter@mesaaz.gov.
How To Become A Volunteer
Interested in becoming a Teen Volunteer?
The i.d.e.a. Museum welcomes middle- and high-school volunteers, ages 14 – 17 years of age. Get started by signing up for a Volunteer Information & Orientation Session, where you take a tour of the exhibition galleries and learn about volunteer opportunities. You’ll also review volunteer expectations, guidelines for engaging with the public, and other helpful information. After this session, teen volunteers are ready to schedule their first volunteer shift.
Next sessions: Saturday, May 21 or June 11, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
To register, email Monica Broeckling by close of business the Wednesday prior to each session at: monica.broeckling@mesaaz.gov
i.d.e.a. Museum also welcomes adult volunteers with varied backgrounds and experience levels to get involved with educational programs as well as behind-the-scenes work with various museum departments. All volunteers 18 and older must pass a background check prior to starting.
Contact Lindsay Hochhalter to set up a brief discovery call to discuss what volunteer opportunities might be the best fit for you.
For questions regarding the Volunteer program, contact Lindsay Hochhalter at 480.644.5564 or lindsay.hochhalter@mesaaz.gov.
Record Volunteer Hours
Current Volunteer? Update your service hours here.
Teen Volunteer that has completed a Volunteer Information & Orientation session? Create a volunteer account.
Questions contact Lindsay Hochhalter at 480.644.5564 or lindsay.hochhalter@mesaaz.gov.
MEET JOE CORSARO
A retired police officer, Joe Corsaro has been volunteering here at the museum for well over five years. In addition to serving as a regular volunteer, Joe is also a current member of the museum’s daVinci Society. He says giving back to the City of Mesa is important to him.
“I chose the i.d.e.a. Museum because my wife and I used to bring our grandchildren here. It makes me feel like a child again. I enjoy seeing the children playing and interacting with their families. Time spent with your children is the best time you’ll ever spend in your whole life.”
MEET JUDY WOOD
Judy is one of the museum’s fabulous volunteers (and members). She’s provided great service in several areas of the museum – and it’s always with a smile.
As a volunteer, she’s painted murals, offered art and craft assistance at member events, taken photographs to share on social media and assisted with museum VIP tours and much more.
“The people I’ve met here treat me like family. I have a big family, but it’s kind of nice to know there are other people in the community that care about you and I really feel that here. ”
MEET DAWN GILES
Dawn is the immediate past chair and honorary board member of the i.d.e.a. Museum Foundation, as well as a museum ambassador, da Vinci Society donor, member, and volunteer. She became involved with the museum after being invited on a VIP tour and seeing an opportunity to make a difference in supporting early learning efforts to prepare children in the community for school.
“I also share, with a lot a people, a deep concern for early childhood education in our city. It’s happening every day here. That’s what it’s all about here. And so to give more opportunities to give more early childhood education experiences to happen is worth spending my time on.”
MEET FRED
Fred has been volunteering at the museum for over eight years, and as a retired engineer, he says he was looking for something fun and meaningful to do with his time.
“I love telling stories, so I mostly do the museum tours for the younger kids. I go home feeling really good because I know I did something worthwhile that influences the future of children. The museum is a terrific place to be.”
MEET NIPUNI SIYAMBALAPITIYA
Nipuni Siyambalapitiya, a product designer by profession, Nipuni is also a classically trained singer and music teacher and is especially excited about volunteering with museum educators to create new music activities.
“I enjoy volunteering here at the i.d.e.a. Museum because it has all the ingredients I like – community based support and working with children to enhance their creativity.”