WHY IT MATTERS
The role of the educational volunteer is one that is both exciting and rewarding. Children of all ages come to Aztec Ruins National Monument to learn about ancestral Puebloan history. They are excited to be here and it is your job as a volunteer to engage them regarding history using a variety of fun activities. The children remember these moments with fondness and are often the ones who bring their children to visit the site many years later.
Aztec Ruins National Monument can only succeed with the help of dedicated volunteers like you. Previously all educational program and activity requests have been met by the Interpretive Division staff. However, the educational demands are outside of their job description. During times of budgetary constraints or low staffing, the education program and activity requests can only be met through supplemental aid such as through volunteer service. Ideally, Aztec Ruins National Monument would like to meet all of the community’s needs. Although the number of requests cannot always be met, volunteer service such as yours can help the monument sustain the education programs and activities.
Additionally, Aztec Ruins National Monument seeks to minimize the effects of poverty by providing supplemental educational programs that all members of the community may use. According to the 2014 census 29.4% of minors in San Juan County, New Mexico are living in poverty. Aztec Ruins National Monument seeks to address the needs of the impoverished youth by providing supplemental educational programming, as well as opportunities for youth to gain soft job skills and hands on learning. By volunteering at Aztec Ruins National Monument, you will help us meet the needs of the impoverished youth as well as those of our unique and diverse community.
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
FIELD TRIPS
As an education volunteer, you will be responsible for the following:
1. Committing to a 15-50 hour service contract to be completed within 60 days
2. The volunteer must provide an accurate schedule of availability. This will enable Aztec Ruins National Monument to schedule volunteer hours within a time frame that is convenient and acceptable to the volunteer.
3. Learning at least one field trip activity and providing that activity for incoming field trip visits on an as needed basis. Training will be provided for the field trip activity and the volunteer will not act on his or her own until he or she feels comfortable with the material.
4. The volunteer will be held accountable for scheduled volunteer hours during field trip visits. However, if schedule conflicts arise mid-contract please notify us immediately so that we may find alternative options for you.
5. Volunteers will be responsible for getting themselves to and from Aztec Ruins National Monument.
a. If the requested program/activity is taking place outside of the Aztec Ruins National Monument boundaries, a government vehicle will be provided for transportation.
b. However, if a government vehicle is not available, the volunteer may be requested to take their personal vehicle. In these circumstances a reimbursement rate of $0.54 per mile traveled is available for the volunteer.
i. $0.51 per mile traveled if driving a motorcycle
c. Additionally, if the volunteer would rather drive their personal vehicle to an off-site location (when a government vehicle is available), a reimbursement of $0.19 per mile traveled is available.
d. Please note that reimbursement checks may take 6 weeks or longer to be processed and delivered to the volunteer.
6. Volunteers are expected to follow current Aztec Ruins National Monument protocols during their service. Training on protocols will be provided.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Additional responsibilities that go beyond field trip duties are as follows:
1. Volunteers must submit to a background check done by Aztec Law Enforcement. This will occur free of charge.
2. Volunteers must wear the volunteer uniform during scheduled service hours. The uniform will be provided free of charge.
3. Volunteers committing to a 40+ hour service contract may be requested to do the following additional services:
a. Present/assist during classroom ranger presentations. Proper training regarding the program will be provided by Aztec Ruins National Monument.
b. Providing training support for incoming volunteers
4. Volunteers will be responsible for recording the number of field trip visitors in a group for statistical purposes.
5. Education volunteers may be asked to complete tasks for the general support of the education program. All time committed outside of the volunteer’s scheduled field trips will be recorded and count towards their 15-50 hour service commitment. Additional tasks may include but are not limited to the following:
a. Aid during events that bring in large numbers from the surrounding community
b. Put away or take out educational props
c. Use their unique skillsets to help support the educational programs and activities. (Example: someone with proficient skills in graphic design may be asked to create posters for upcoming events)
SCHEDULING ALTERNATIVES
Volunteers are responsible for completing the full hourly amount as outlined in their volunteer service contract. However, we understand that schedules and circumstances are subject to change. Please notify the Interpretive Division staff immediately if your circumstances or schedule changes so that we may provide you with appropriate alternatives. The following list includes alternative tasks that may be required if the scheduled service hours no longer fit your schedule:
1. Presenting and/or aiding during ranger presentations to classrooms
2. Writing blogs about the educational programs and activities offered by Aztec Ruins National Monument
3. Advertising the educational programs and activities offered by Aztec Ruins Nationa Monument
4. Providing general support for the educational programs
a. Caring for or modifying props as needed
b. Prop inventory and organization
5. 40+ hour service contracts: Provide training support for incoming volunteers
VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
EDUCATIONAL CREDIT
Educational credit is available for some students. Please check in with your department head and/or professor for more information.
EXPERIENCE
Volunteering at Aztec Ruins National Monument is an excellent addition to your resume. Future employers will learn that you are committed to your community and that you are able to commit yourself to a cause. Additionally, if you have ever considered a career within the National Park Service, this a great way to get your foot in the door. You will have the opportunity to learn some of the basics of the National Park Service organization as well as begin networking within the NPS community.
On a personal level, volunteering with the educational programs and field trip activities can provide you with the chance to explore education as a career. Since Aztec Ruins National Monument works with children of all ages, you will have the opportunity to gauge which age group you prefer working with. This is particularly useful to people who are considering teaching as a career, but have not yet extensively worked with children. Additionally, volunteers have the opportunity to truly engage in their community. This is the groundwork for networking which is essential to the future success of many careers.
OTHER BENEFITS
Each volunteer is highly valued and appreciated by Aztec Ruins National Monument. Not only will the volunteer uniform be provided free of charge, but Aztec Ruins National Monument has a tradition of providing certificates and other items that express our gratitude for your service.