Volunteer: Computer Museum
The Goodwill Computer Museum is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of vintage computing equipment and software. Through exhibit changes, community outreach and educational programs, we strive to increase awareness and to educate the community on the importance and use of computer technology.
The Goodwill Museum has an immediate need for volunteers in the following positions:
Weekend Visitor Services/Docents
Duties include greeting the public, answering questions and directing visitors to permanent and rotating displays in the museum. Visitors are invited to use interactive displays and play on the vintage gaming systems. Visitor Services Volunteers are encouraged to become a Docent once they are familiar with the museum programs and exhibits.
Docents will guide tours in the museum and recycling facilities to educate the public on computer history and the importance of electronic waste recycling in the “bigger picture” of the computer industry. Docents with extensive experience in computer use or history will have the opportunity to share their knowledge by developing presentations with the Curator, and may suggest themes for future exhibits.
Research and Cataloguing
The museum has over 500 vintage computers that need to be researched, catalogued and placed in inventory. We are acquiring vintage systems faster than we can process them! We also have a huge inventory of classic gaming consoles that also need to be investigated and organized. We are beginning a six month project to identify and catalogue all of the computers in our permanent collection, and we need volunteers to help research, label and photograph the computers, and enter the collected information into our database.
Requirements:
- Ability to work four hour shifts during days, evenings or weekends.
- No computer knowledge necessary, but those who have it will be invaluable to this process
- Volunteers with accurate typing skills and legible handwriting will be equally prized and celebrated
Events Coordinator
Do you plan school fundraisers in your sleep and think that the world is your social network? Do you have the caterers, musicians and party rental companies on your speed dial? We are looking for the ultimate Event Planner to oversee our community events and quarterly Speakers Series for the museum.
Requirements:
- Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize and follow through
- Comfortable communicating with diverse audiences, including other staff members, volunteers and the general public
- Available to organize and attend evening / weekend events
Newsletter Editor
We are looking for a creative volunteer who can take ownership of Binary, our monthly newsletter. The newsletter is published for museum members, and includes photos and articles highlighting exhibits, events and our latest acquisitions and restoration projects. Knowledge of computer history is appreciated, but not required!
Requirements:
- Ability to write short articles on events and exhibits
- Edit articles on computer history and restoration written by other volunteers and staff
- Knowledge of, or ability to learn, Microsoft Publisher (in our office or yours)
- Availability to commit to this position for six months
Programs Coordinator
The Programs Coordinator will assist the Curator in creating and implementing activities, tours and classroom programs. Educational opportunities include planned and spontaneous learning with our hands-on exhibits, guided tours with themes such as Technology, Gaming History or Electronic Waste Recycling, and classroom programs both in local schools and on site.
Requirements:
- Creativity, energy and strong organizational skills
- Ability to communicate with diverse audiences, including other staff members, volunteers and the general public
- Experience with teaching adults and/or children in an informal setting
- Comfortable working with adults and children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds
Programmers, Engineers and Enthusiasts
Our Restoration Department is always looking for knowledgeable volunteers to assist with the restoration or reconstruction of computers and gaming systems. Our goal is not only to bring old computers back to life, but to “animate the inanimate” with interactive displays and demonstrations, and we need your expertise to make them a reality.
Requirements:
- Creativity, problem-solving skills and an “anything is possible” attitude
This is a great opportunity to be part of a truly unique Austin experience and to have input on the future direction of a growing organization. Even if you don’t have the time to donate, come and check out the museum. It’s a fun place to be!
If you are interested in any of these positions please complete a volunteer application and send it to Russell Corley at russell.corley@austingoodwill.org, or call us at 512-637-7539.
PHONE: 512.637.7100 · FAX: 512.637.7400 · TOLL FREE: 877.464.4660 · RELAY TEXAS: 711 OR 800.735.2989
2012 Goodwill Industries of Central Texas. All rights Reserved.
Goodwill Industries of Central Texas is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and donations are fully deductible.