Volunteer Opportunities at Baltimore ClayworksVolunteers at Spice It Up! 2004

Most volunteers come to us through the love of clay, others because of the good work we do with at-risk children. If you are new to the Baltimore area volunteering can be a wonderful way to connect with a new community. It is also a great way to give to a community that needs assistance. Whatever your personal motivation for volunteering is, we can provide a rewarding experience for you.

Why are we seeking volunteers?
Baltimore Clayworks does not have the capability to staff the great numbers of people that we need without the generous assistance of the Clayworks volunteer.

Benefits of Voluntarism

  • It's a personal commitment that makes your world bigger.
  • It can have a positive impact on your community
  • It helps you gain perspective on your life and the world in which you live.
  • It often helps volunteers learn new skills, which can be applied to their personal and professional lives.

What type of volunteer are we looking for? Characteristics that make an effective volunteer are some of the same characteristics that you find in most effective workers. A positive attitude and belief in our mission are crucial. It is also important to to be innovative, enthusiastic, reliable and confident. If you are the type of person that is adaptable with an openness to change and have the ability to work with minimal supervision we would love to have you as a part of Clayworks.

In order to make the most of a volunteer experience, it's important to think about what your expectations and limitations are.

How Much Time Are You Able To Give?

Time is a critical issue.
Volunteering should add to your sense of value and self-worth …not create a sense of pressure. You shouldn't make an unrealistic commitment that leaves you feeling guilty and drained. There are volunteer opportunities ranging from an hour a day to once a year.
Also, consider how long a commitment you are able or willing to make. Some volunteering opportunities are one-time commitments, while others require a defined time commitment. Prospective volunteers need to determine which one best fits their schedule and desire.

One-time volunteer opportunities include volunteering for special events such ar Spice It Up!, Gala, our big Fall fundraiser, ACC, Artscape, etc. This is a time when our organization's resources are stretched and the need is great.

Some of the longer term commitments are
Community Arts Teachers Assistant
This requires a commitment on your part of 10-12 weeks, 2 hour sessions, 2 times a week at an off-site community center. We prefer some prior experience with children although it is not necessary for this position as long as you have a desire to improve children's lives. This is one area where personal transportation is a necessity. Many of the Community Centers are not in areas where Light rail transportation is readily available.

We have many opportunities that fall into both of these categories. If you are looking for an enriching volunteer opportunity we would love to hear from you. Baltimore Clayworks is a great place to be and we would love to have you here with us.

What Skills Do You Have To Offer?
Everyone has something to offer that is not necessarily ceramics related - proofreading, mail preparation, organization, cooking, grant research and many more needs we have to fill here at Clayworks. Start by looking at your current occupation or your resume and see what you have to offer.

Some of our volunteer needs require no particular skill -- you just need to be willing to lend a hand.

Some needs that we have here at Baltimore Clayworks include:

Gallery sitting. This would include answering phone, greeting guests, along with some light office work.

Newsletter and mailing preparation

General office work. This could include anything from letter writing, research, binder organization or data entry.

Fundraising assistance in the Development Office. This would include research of prospective donors, phone calls, and other development tasks.

Other opportunities include studio technician assistant, gardner, working booths at festivals, ticket taking, kitchen help for special events, general housekeeping, and exhibition assistant are just a few of the areas that we have volunteer needs.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact
Baltimore Clayworks for more information
info@baltimoreclayworks.org
410-578-1919

Download Volunteer Application