The Volunteer Council is an advisory and leadership body that supports and enhances the volunteer experience at History Colorado. The Council consists of individuals who are active volunteers, including interns. The Volunteer Council provides a voice for all volunteers of History Colorado and leadership in volunteer programming. The Council works collaboratively with the Director of Volunteer Engagement by continually reviewing the volunteer experience, listening to volunteer needs, offering enrichment opportunities, offering guidance, conducting reviews and assessments that result in recommendations for sustaining a vibrant volunteer community. The Volunteer Council meets regularly throughout the year.

The Volunteer Council, in collaboration with the Director of Volunteer Engagement, directs these specific functions and programs:

• Assisting in the maintenance and updating of the Volunteer Database.
• Developing and maintaining sections of the Volunteer Portal
• Supporting History Colorado’s Service Enterprise Initiative
• Maintaining and promoting History Colorado Volunteer Libraries
• Publishing a volunteer newsletter – The Possibles Bag
• Supporting annual and periodic Volunteer Appreciation events
• Supporting regular Volunteer Orientation programs
• Supporting Colorado Gives Day
• Producing an Annual Report to the Leadership of History Colorado
• Assigning and guiding communication Liaisons throughout History Colorado’s management structure

The Council is led by two Co-Chairs and Team Leaders in the following roles:

• Volunteer Librarian
• Newsletter Editor
• Lead Liaison
• Department Liaisons
• Appreciation Team Leader
• Service Enterprise Coordinator
• Data Manager
• Volunteer Portal Manager
• Volunteer Orientation Leader Annual Report Editor

Council Member Responsibilities:

• Attend and actively participate in the general meetings of the Volunteer Council.
• Participate in the implementation of the Council’s Annual Plan and contribute to development and conduct of special projects and activities.
• Continually seek opportunities to deepen relationships with volunteers and staff with a focus on ensuring the Council addresses diversity, equity and inclusion in all its endeavors.

For additional information about History Colorado’s Volunteer Council including meeting schedule, special projects, service on the Council contact:

Emily Dobish, Director of Volunteer Engagement
Emily.dobish@state.co.us
303-866-3961

Brief History of the Volunteer Program and Council

A group of volunteers came together in 1957 to provide service and support to the Colorado Historical Society. The “Volunteers of the State Historical Society” formed officially at a membership tea in September 1957. They organized themselves into a Volunteer Board with various committees. They conducted historic tours, established a speakers bureau, launched school programs and a volunteer newsletter, continuously published since 1958. The Governor’s Residence Guide program began in 1960 with State Historical Society volunteers and continues to this day. The volunteers were very successful in raising funds through production of the Pioneer Potluck Cookbook; two additional cookbooks followed in later years. Other fundraising ventures included receptions with special guests, flower sales, and even wine tasting. In addition, the volunteers assisted museum staff in a variety of the day-to-day work.

As the Colorado Historical Society evolved into History Colorado and moved into the new building in 2012, the Volunteer Board was redefined as a Council with an advisory and representational role. Committees became Liaisons. Fundraising was transferred to the Philanthropy Department of the museum.

The Volunteer program remains a significant part of History Colorado and over 1,000 volunteers join their colleagues at the museum in pursuit of the mission. The Volunteer Council represents those volunteers and provides support to the Director of Volunteer Engagement.

The History Colorado Mission: We are Colorado. Together, our generational work centers communities, deepens knowledge, and catalyzes the transformative power of history.