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By Emily Stegman
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Yvette Wilson
Photo by Joe Putnam
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Yvette Wilson, GIA's Guest Services manager, was tasked with writing and developing GIA's Junior Gemologist Program™ and the larger volunteer program, including the materials to prepare others to guide tours of the Institute, in 2003.
It was a huge undertaking on both counts, so Wilson decided to collaborate with contacts from San Diego's Natural History Museum and the USS Midway Museum to establish a group where managers in similar positions could share experiences.
The Cultural Volunteer Manager's Council (CVMC), which now includes more than 40 members, is a forum for managers and others in charge of volunteers. Its aim is to "promote cultural volunteerism in the San Diego area as well as cultivate best practices in management of volunteer programs." Members discuss challenges and troubleshooting through what Wilson refers to as a "meeting of the minds."
"It was through this that I found out GIA is unique in that we don't have the high turnover rate of volunteers that other cultural organizations do," she says. Wilson attributes this to the enormous amount of respect the Institute shows its volunteers – from the initial screening process, to their training program and beyond. The Guest Services team works hard to ensure GIA is a good fit for the individual and vice versa.
"I believe that volunteers give of themselves for three reasons: to contribute to their communities, to feel a sense of belonging and to continue to learn and grow," Wilson says. "We offer our volunteers ongoing educational opportunities and a place to share their passion with others. We do our best to show them they are a part of our GIA family."
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