Frequently Asked Questions

Policies and Procedures

The PDF version of our Policies and Procedures Manual has detailed answers to many volunteer questions, and can be viewed or printed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader software.

If you don't have it already, Adobe provides downloading instructions for the free Acrobat Reader for Macintosh and Windows.

Where do I park?
What if I am unable to volunteer for my assigned shift?
What if I am injured while volunteering?
If a visitor gets hurt, what should I do?
What should I do with volunteer timesheets?
What if I want to change my volunteer position?
Other Questions

Where do I park?

The Society makes every effort to provide free parking to its volunteers. Parking is available at the History Center in St. Paul along the 'ring road,' accessible from John Ireland Boulevard or in the parking lot. If you volunteer at a historic site, ask your supervisor for specific parking locations.

What if I am unable to volunteer for my assigned shift?

Some programs may require you to find a substitute. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible so that suitable arrangements can be made. If you are unable to connect with your supervisor, contact Volunteer Services during weekdays at 651-259-3188, or the Visitor’s Service staff at 651-259-3000 on weekends, or the historic site where you volunteer.

What if I am injured while volunteering?

If you become injured while volunteering, inform your supervisor or Volunteer Services staff immediately. If it is an emergency, a member of your family or your emergency contact will be informed.

Volunteer safety on the job is of great importance to the Society. If you see anything that you feel is not safe, please report this to your supervisor or a Volunteer Services staff member.

If a visitor gets hurt, what should I do?

Inform a security officer, your supervisor or a Society staff person as soon as possible. Do not leave the injured person alone.

What should I do with volunteer timesheets?

Please send your timesheets to your supervisor or the Volunteer Services office by the fifth of each month. These timesheets are used to record your hours so that you will be able to take advantage of special recognition opportunities for volunteers. The hours also are included in reports about volunteer activity and in grant proposals to fund Society programs and initiatives.

What if I want to change my volunteer position?

Sometimes change is good. A change in position will enable you to learn about another program at the Society and increase your skills. If you would like to change your volunteer position or if you see a position described that interests you, contact your supervisor or a Volunteer Services staff member at 651-259-3188.