Volunteer

Volunteers are an integral part of our team, serving as ambassadors to the community. If you are 18 or older with the desire to become more involved with the Museum, and have positive energy, flexibility, and a customer service mentality, we welcome you to join our team.

Visitor Services Volunteers

Visitor Services volunteers work in the Museum with the public.  They are passionate about our mission and want to provide each visitor with a positive, inspiring, and empowering experience. These volunteers welcome visitors and sell tickets at the Admissions Window, answer questions at the Information Desk, facilitate Virtual Reality and Holographic Theater shows, and help in the gift shop.

Admission to the Museum volunteer program is open to all those over 18 years of age who possess the qualities necessary to become an effective volunteer. All candidates must submit a volunteer application form, agree to a background check, and complete their training before their first volunteer assignment.

For more information on becoming a Visitor Services volunteer, please call or email Volunteer Manager Dan White at 847.967.4882 / vol.mgr@ilhmec.org.

Teen Volunteers

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s Teen Volunteer Program is comprised of high school juniors and seniors who are interested in making the Museum a more welcoming and accessible space. Teen Volunteers reinforce the Museum’s mission through involvement in a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Museum and have the opportunity to attend all volunteer enrichment trainings and events throughout the year.  

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants must be 16+ years old to apply, must complete an interview, and submit three references.

For more information, please contact Volunteer Manager Dan White at 847.967.4882 / vol.mgr@ilhmec.org.

Docents

Docents are volunteers who conduct tours for visitors of all ages from diverse backgrounds. Using the techniques of dialogue and inquiry, docents encourage exploration of the exhibitions of the Museum. Docents must be at least 18 years of age and have an interest in the Holocaust, genocide, human rights, and volunteerism. Applicants need to have a strong public speaking ability and be capable of standing and walking for the long periods required to host tours with enthusiasm and effectiveness.

While we collect docent applications throughout the year, we onboard docent “classes” once annually. There is a one-time tuition fee of $200 to cover the cost of training materials and meals. If you are unable to pay tuition costs in full, please contact us – we are happy to work with you. All certified docents must maintain a valid Museum membership.

Docent trainees attend a 12-day intensive training seminar where they will learn how to conduct all tours offered by the Museum for both students (8 – 18 years old) and adults. Participants in our Docent Training program are provided with an introduction to the history of the Holocaust and receive a solid framework in providing & constructing tours. Additional handouts, articles, and readings are required outside of class.

Upon completion of the course, each trainee will be assigned a docent mentor. Mentors are current docents who have volunteered to guide trainees through the learning process. Mentors will spend extra time with trainees outside of class facilitating exhibition walk-throughs and practice tours. Both mentor and Museum staff will work together to certify each trainee as a docent for the Museum.

As a certified docent, the Museum offers:

• The opportunity to learn about and investigate the history of the Holocaust, genocide, human rights issues, and character education
• The ability to gain skills in working with people of all ages and interests
• The opportunity to work with others as part of a motivated and dedicated team
• Volunteer appreciation events
• Special programs, and ongoing training
• The opportunity to meet other amazing individuals who give so much of themselves
• The chance to make a difference!

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 docent class. Please review the dates below and click the “Apply Online” button to submit an application.

IMPORTANT DATES

For more information on becoming a docent, please call or email Volunteer Manager Dan White at 847.967.4882 / vol.mgr@ilhmec.org.

CURRENT VOLUNTEERS

Current Museum volunteers can log in to Rosterfy to sign up for volunteer opportunities below.

Photo credits: Sierra Wolff