Docent application

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Thank you for your interest in the volunteer Docent program at the Nelson-Atkins. Please fill out the following application. When finished, click on the submit button below.
IMPORTANT: The Docent program has a limited number of spots available for training. Applicants to the program will be interviewed based on their responses to this form. Candidates must be 18 years or older to apply.

Date*

Name*
First Last

Preferred Pronouns (Optional)

Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Phone*

Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email

How did you find out about the Docent Program?*

References: Please list two personal references from your community involvement, work, education, or personal experience.

Reference #1: Name*
First Last

Title*

Address or Organization*

Email*

Reference #2: Name*
First Last

Title*

Address or Organization*

Email*

Training will consist of 26 sessions and last from January – December 2027. Training will take place at the museum on Tuesdays or Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., with breaks for time off, federal holidays, and religious holidays. Please indicate which day of the week you would prefer to attend by marking one of the following:*
Tuesdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
No preference (either one would work)
Other

Are there any barriers that would prohibit you from attending the above days or times? (Ex: transportation, work schedule, etc.)*
Yes
No
Sometimes

We are committed to working with accepted candidates on accommodations. To help us better understand your needs, please list any barriers you would like us to be aware of here:

Do you have the flexibility needed to schedule weekday time outside of training for observing and touring school groups, as well as devote 2-3 hours a week to completing assignments and independent study?*
Yes
No
Sometimes

Please explain*

Please indicate your availability to give tours (mark all that apply).*
Weekdays, Daytime
Weekdays, Evening
Weekends

Please respond to the following questions. Bullet points are fine.

Why are you interested in being a volunteer docent at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art?*

What audiences are you most interested in interacting with as a volunteer Docent? How could you contribute to a sense of inclusion and belonging for those audiences? (Please explain.)*

Think about a cultural experience you had that you really enjoyed (ex: museum visit, community event, festival, performance, travel, class, etc.) What made that experience a positive one for you?*

Please describe your skills, experiences, and interests that would support a positive guest experience at the museum.*

What are your expectations and goals surrounding Docent training and being a Docent?*

Response to the following demographics questions is optional and will be kept confidential:

Languages Spoken (includes ASL)

With which racial or ethnic group(s) do you identify?

Age:
18-35
36-50
50+

Mission Statement
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invites all people to explore the art in its care, and through its vast collections, the depths, and complexities of human experiences.
We strive to create a sense of belonging, where staff and volunteers can do meaningful work connecting people to art. We create an informed, invested group of staff and volunteers through shared values and open, direct, and respectful communication. We embrace IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sustainability) in every aspect of our ideals and aspirations, as we believe these values to be paramount to success.

Interview & Acceptance
Acceptance into the Docent program is contingent on a background check. There are typically more applications than spots available; a completed application does not guarantee acceptance into the Docent program. Qualified applicants will be contacted by the Manager, Volunteer Engagement for an interview with staff and Docent Advisors.

To the best of my knowledge, my answers on this application are correct and true.*
I Agree.

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Docent application

Docent Application