Universal Design for Volunteer Programs
This session will introduce attendees to the core principles of Universal Design and demonstrate how they can be applied to create more inclusive and accessible volunteer programs. Participants will explore key concepts such as equitable use, flexible design, and accessibility in volunteer recruitment, training, communication, and appreciation.
The session will also provide a chance for networking, allowing participants to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and collaborate on designing volunteer programs that meet the needs of a diverse range of volunteers, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Presenter Bio:
Kat Bourek (she/her) is an enthusiastic professional in volunteer and intern management, museum interpretation, and arts education. She currently serves as the Volunteer and Intern Services Manager at the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) where she oversees the volunteer and intern programs with the goal of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all. Additionally, Kat founded and facilitates MHS’s Neurodivergent Employee Resource Group. Outside of work, you can find her sketching in museums and cafes or petting cats.
Complimentary lunch will be provided to those attending. To ensure we have enough food and beverage, please register for this meeting by Monday, May 19.
Additional Details:
The meeting will take place in the AT&T Multi-Purpose Room on the lower level of the museum. The doors to the space are located directly across from the elevators.
Parking Please park in the museum lots and enter through the North or South entrance. Parking is also available in the Twin Lots across from the Forest Park Visitor Center, along Grand Dr., and on Lindell Blvd.
Public Transit: The Missouri History Museum is a roughly five-minute walk south from the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station. The #90 Hampton MetroBus goes through Forest Park, and there is a bus stop at the South entrance of the Missouri History Museum. You can use Metro’s Trip Planner to plan your transit in advance.
Empower, Engage, Expand: Volunteer Leadership at Saint Louis Zoo
Imagine being asked to take on another project or recruit volunteers for another event. Your team simply doesn’t have the capacity...or do you? Perhaps elevating your super-star volunteers into leadership roles could help!
Through an interactive presentation and discussion, the Saint Louis Zoo Volunteer Services team and participants will explore volunteer leadership as a means to both engage volunteers and meet challenges facing our organizations and departments.
By viewing the Zoo’s event volunteer program as a case study, participants will identify their own program needs, what volunteer leadership roles could look like in their organization, and the costs and benefits of devoting time to creating a practical, people-oriented leadership plan.
The session is a time for participants to reflect on their own volunteer programs and develop a plan of action that cultivates strong volunteer leaders and elevates them into roles that better serve the organization and community.
Presenter bios:
Katie Emerick is Director of Volunteer Services at Saint Louis Zoo. She has worked at the Zoo for the past ten years and couldn’t choose a better place to be. She appreciates Zoo volunteers’ enthusiasm, ideas and the strong community they have created together.
Rachel Drochter is Manager of Volunteer Services at Saint Louis Zoo and has worked at the Zoo for the past seven years. She is inspired by Zoo volunteers' love of the zoo, their knowledge and enthusiasm for making the guest experience their number one priority.
As a team, Katie and Rachel engage year-round adult volunteers, event volunteers, teen volunteers, interns and corporate groups.
Complimentary breakfast will be provided to those attending. To ensure we have enough food and beverage, please register for this meeting by Thursday, July 10.
Parking & Entrance:
