Name: Julienne Springer, CVA
Position: Manager, Volunteer Services
Organization: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Northwest Arkansas
MAVA member Since: 2022
Please describe your volunteer program:
My team manages the volunteers that support both the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. Volunteers impact nearly every aspect of our operations and outreach…welcoming guests, hosting tours and supporting events, festivals, lectures, films, etc. Volunteers help support our Library and assist in maintaining our 120+ acres of forest, gardens and trails. Volunteers serve in both skilled and general ways. Our volunteer program was designed very thoughtfully…with both the individual(s) and the institution in mind. Our volunteers elevate the level of experience our guests enjoy.
What is your role?
I manage three part-time coordinators and 400+ volunteers. I am also a humble member of our Anti-Racism Coalition (work that is also very close to my heart).
How did you get involved in Volunteer Management?
Before I was a paid Volunteer Manager, I managed volunteers…as a volunteer. I have always been passionate about working with others and enjoy bringing people together. My two loves collided when I joined the Crystal Bridges’ team – an opportunity to work with people and the arts. I have been with the museum since 2015. I received my CVA certification in 2020.
What does it mean to you to be a MAVA member?
I am excited to be part of MAVA. One of the benefits of the pandemic was that many things pivoted to virtual. MAVA going virtual has allowed me to connect from a geographical distance. As a member I appreciate sharing ideas with other professionals.
Can you recall a time when being a MAVA member directly impacted your work in your organization? What were the outcomes of MAVA's impact?
In addition to being a MAVA Member, I also serve on the professional development committee. I enjoy serving in this way, as it keeps me challenged with new content, methods, opportunities, etc in our field.
Do you have any advice for new MAVA members, or new leaders of volunteers?
Engage with each other in real dialog. Share successes and failures. Share resources. There are so many great people in this field who are doing amazing work. Seek your professional certification – it is so worth it and makes a difference. Let’s work together to lift this profession up – we lift each other so that we can all make a difference together.