How can my organisation attract volunteers?
Advertise, use social media, ask around, and be proactive. Contact high schools, universities, social clubs, and retirement communities. Advertise on VolunteerNet.org.nz. Perhaps have an annual volunteer week or day, or use public events to recruit volunteers.
Aside from the service provided to your museum or gallery, there must also be something in it for those donating their time and effort. Some people volunteer because they want to contribute and support a museum, others are hoping to gain useful experience to build up their CV.
It is important to accept that volunteers may have new ideas and want to do things a bit differently. Be open to change and you may end up with someone fantastic and highly-skilled helping you out.
For more information on attracting and working with volunteers:
Working with Volunteers - He Rauemi Resource Guide (PDF, 3.64MB)
Template - Volunteer application form (DOC, 49kB)
Template - Volunteer agreement (DOC, 41kB)
Template - Volunteer job description (DOC, 43kB)
Sample - Volunteer job description (DOC, 40kB)
Template - Volunteer performance review (DOC, 52kB)