A Fresh Start for Engagement
As the calendar turns to a new year, people everywhere resolve to improve themselves, give back to their communities, and embrace fresh opportunities. For heritage sites and history museums, this is the perfect moment to invite potential volunteers to make a difference. By tapping into the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, your museum can energize its volunteer program, attract new participants, and strengthen relationships with your community.
In this post, we’ll explore strategies to harness the power of New Year’s resolutions and turn them into meaningful opportunities for volunteer engagement at your site.
1. Tie Volunteering to Common Resolutions
People tend to gravitate toward similar resolutions every year—improving health, learning something new, giving back, or spending quality time with loved ones. Frame volunteering at your museum as a way to achieve these goals. Here are a few examples:
"Learn Something New!" Position your museum as the perfect place to gain new skills, whether it’s historical research, artifact cataloging, public speaking as a docent, or event coordination. Frame volunteering as a fun, educational experience for people eager to grow.
"Get Active and Out in the Community!" For those looking to “get out of the house” or lead a more active lifestyle, offer roles that involve movement—like garden work, event setup, or leading tours of heritage trails.
"Give Back and Make an Impact!" Many individuals resolve to be more charitable and involved in their communities. Highlight the impact volunteers have in preserving stories, safeguarding heritage, and inspiring future generations.
"Spend More Time with Family and Friends!" Offer opportunities for group or family volunteering, encouraging families or friends to make shared memories while helping the museum.
Sample Social Media Post: "New Year, New Purpose! 💫 Volunteering at [Your Museum Name] is a great way to learn something new, make a difference, and connect with your community. Start your year with impact—join our volunteer team today!"
2. Host a “New Year, New Volunteer” Open House
Consider kicking off the year with a volunteer recruitment event tailored to those seeking opportunities to fulfill resolutions. An open house can:
Provide a behind-the-scenes look at the museum and its volunteer roles.
Offer bite-sized tasks (like labeling artifacts or assembling mailings) so attendees can “test out” volunteering.
Allow your current volunteers to share their stories and inspire others.
Tip: Make this event easy to attend by hosting it on a weekend or during evening hours. Promote it as a low-pressure, informational opportunity to get involved.
3. Create Flexible, Low-Commitment Roles
One obstacle to volunteering—especially for those with fresh resolutions—is the fear of overcommitment. Ease concerns by offering flexible roles, short-term projects, and “volunteer taster” opportunities.
For example:
One-Day Volunteering: Help with a specific event or program.
Seasonal Volunteering: Assist with spring clean-up, summer camps, or holiday events.
“Skills-Based” Volunteering: Offer short-term opportunities for individuals with professional skills (e.g., graphic design, carpentry, marketing, or tech).
Market these opportunities as approachable and achievable ways for people to “stick to their resolution to give back.”
4. Showcase Your Volunteers’ Stories
Nothing inspires new volunteers like hearing how others have made a difference. Use your blog, social media, or email newsletter to share the personal stories of your existing volunteers. Highlight how they’ve grown, the skills they’ve learned, and the impact they’ve made.
Example Spotlight Post:"Meet Mary, one of our incredible volunteers who started with us as a New Year’s resolution to 'try something new'! In just six months, Mary has helped catalog over 500 artifacts and made lasting friendships along the way. Join Mary this year—your story starts here."
5. Provide a Sense of Achievement and Recognition
People stick to resolutions when they feel a sense of progress and accomplishment. Recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions early and often:
Thank-you notes or shoutouts: A handwritten card or public recognition makes volunteers feel valued.
“Volunteer of the Month” awards: Feature one volunteer’s achievements in January to set a positive tone for the year.
Milestone incentives: Celebrate achievements like “10 hours volunteered this month” or “5 tours led this quarter.”
6. Partner with Local Organizations for Greater Reach
Many community groups—like schools, civic organizations, or fitness clubs—encourage New Year’s resolutions among their members. Partner with these groups to promote volunteer opportunities:
Collaborate with local gyms or wellness groups to emphasize active roles, like walking tours or site maintenance.
Partner with high schools or colleges to offer student-friendly volunteer opportunities for those looking to “build their résumés” in the new year.
Reach out to local businesses that encourage employee volunteer days as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
7. Launch a “New Year Volunteer Challenge”
Create a fun and motivating challenge that encourages people to get involved. For example:
“10 Hours in January” Challenge: Challenge individuals or groups to volunteer for 10 hours over the month.
“Bring a Friend” Challenge: Incentivize current volunteers to recruit someone new for a single project.
Offer small rewards—like a free museum pass or branded merchandise—to participants who complete the challenge. Publicly celebrate their achievements to inspire others.
8. Emphasize the “Why” of Volunteering
Ultimately, people are drawn to opportunities where they feel they can make a difference. Use messaging that emphasizes the larger mission of your heritage site:
“Help preserve history for future generations.”
“Support a museum that brings stories to life.”
“Be part of something bigger—volunteer to protect our shared heritage.”
Remind prospective volunteers that their efforts contribute to meaningful work—safeguarding cultural history, supporting education, and enriching the community.
Start the Year with Purpose
The New Year is a natural time for fresh starts, and your museum can offer an engaging, fulfilling way for individuals to achieve their goals. By framing volunteering as an opportunity to learn, grow, and give back, you can attract new participants and revitalize your volunteer program.
Let’s help our communities “make history” this year—one resolution, one volunteer, and one story at a time.