Volunteers are the backbone of our community!
Thanks to many helping hands we are able to accomplish the important work we do here at the Avon River Heritage Museum and Avon Spirit Shipyard, preserving heritage while helping arts and culture to thrive in the Avon River area.
It's the work of many volunteers and partnerships with groups like the Full Circle Festival, Avon River Arts and the Avondale Community Club, that allows us to offer accessible programming and share exhibits showcasing the diverse history and ecology of the area.
It's the work of many volunteers and partnerships with groups like the Full Circle Festival, Avon River Arts and the Avondale Community Club, that allows us to offer accessible programming and share exhibits showcasing the diverse history and ecology of the area.
Volunteer Led Teams
Events and Programming Team
Under the direction of the Facilities Manager, this team is responsible for the planning of special events and museum programming in collaboration with community partners. These events include the Great Little Art Show, Open Studio, Sofa Sundays, the Solstice Market, the Honey Harvest Festival, Avondale Wharf Day, workshops and pop-up events. Related tasks include set-up and clean-up before and after events and programming, promotion (in print and online), recruitment of participants for events and programming, and the development of new programming and fundraising activities that benefit the community.
Collections and Exhibits Team
This team is responsible for overseeing the acquisition, care, and use of the museum’s collection and overseeing planning and creation of exhibits. In carrying out its work, the Collections Team will be guided by and will adhere to the Avon River Heritage Museum Collection Management Policy, Exhibitions Policy, and adhere to the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines (2006). The team shall develop, design, build and organize new or reworked Museum displays. Responsible for the planning and the layout of the Museum. Responsible to ensure that when designing, organizing and building displays, the visitors’ ability to correctly and easily interpret the theme and message of the display remains paramount. The team is encouraged to develop interesting permanent and temporary displays with the innovative use of materials, colour, clear signage and interpretive information and where appropriate, to incorporate the use of sound, smell and interactive devices. Visitors of all reasonable ages should be able to follow, enjoy and understand the information being presented. Safety of the visitors and displays must be built into the displays’ design and construction. This team shall provide pertinent information to assist in maintaining the ARHS website.
Facilities Maintenance Team
This committee will ensure that the physical facilities are in safe and secure working order. They will be responsible for carrying out an annual inspection of the property using the ARHS Inspection Checklist. It is responsible for inspection of all facilities and arranging for all maintenance, repair, appearance, cleanliness and preservation of the Museum complex and its grounds. Responsible for all necessary preparations for winter, for the first-aid kits, first-aid fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire marshal inspections, building and facilities’ security, wheelchair accessibility to the ground floor, landscaping, gardens and parking lots. The team shall determine where road signs are needed, have them produced, put in place and maintained. The Committee is responsible for incorporating the Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan of the Avon River Heritage Museum and making adjustments pertinent to the circumstances of the ARHS. The Committee is responsible for the training of all staff and volunteers in executing this plan. The Facilities Maintenance Team shall try to maintain a list/roster of volunteers with various maintenance skills that are willing to be called upon to assist with maintenance problems.
Finance Team
This team shall consist of the President, Treasurer, the Facilities Manager, and any other financial advisor appointed by this committee or the BOD. The principal responsibility of the Finance Team is to prepare the annual budget for the consideration of the BOD and to oversee its execution. The team shall oversee and assist the Treasurer in the execution of their duties and shall keep the BOD thoroughly informed as to the financial state of the ARHS. The Finance Team establishes and executes the procedure for issuing charitable income tax receipts in accordance with the rules of Revenue Canada.
Volunteer and Human Resources Team
This team will recruit, support, and acknowledge volunteers following the ARHS Volunteer Policy and using the volunteer application form and exit interview, where appropriate. It will also produce job descriptions, advertise positions, conduct interviews, and select those to be hired. This whole procedure is to be conducted in accordance with ARHS Human Resources policy. It must take into account any hiring restrictions required by Human Resources Development Canada or the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development. This team shall be responsible for managing a volunteer schedule and producing and keeping current the Staff Manual, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and summer student staff. This team shall prepare applications for grants of financial assistance for hiring permanent, casual, summer or other staff. The Volunteer and Human Resources Team is responsible for ensuring that staff are given proper orientation and training so they understand their duties, what is expected and required of them, and what the ARHS is trying to accomplish.
Community Museum Assistance Program (CMAP)/TRACK Team
This team will stay abreast of museum best practices, will oversee policy review and recommend changes to the BOD where needed, will maintain clear, accessible records of policies and procedure for staff and volunteers (on-line and/or print), will oversee and participate in planning for external museum reviews, and will update the museum’s Strategic Plan as needed. Will participate in regular workshops hosted by the Association of Nova Scotian Museums and the TRACK program as required to maintain our CMAP funding.
Nominating Team
This team, appointed by the BOD, is comprised of BOD members who are not standing for re-election. The team keeps a record of end of term for each member of the BOD, recruits, and recommends at least one qualified new board member for each open position. The team also takes responsibility for orienting new BOD members.
Under the direction of the Facilities Manager, this team is responsible for the planning of special events and museum programming in collaboration with community partners. These events include the Great Little Art Show, Open Studio, Sofa Sundays, the Solstice Market, the Honey Harvest Festival, Avondale Wharf Day, workshops and pop-up events. Related tasks include set-up and clean-up before and after events and programming, promotion (in print and online), recruitment of participants for events and programming, and the development of new programming and fundraising activities that benefit the community.
Collections and Exhibits Team
This team is responsible for overseeing the acquisition, care, and use of the museum’s collection and overseeing planning and creation of exhibits. In carrying out its work, the Collections Team will be guided by and will adhere to the Avon River Heritage Museum Collection Management Policy, Exhibitions Policy, and adhere to the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines (2006). The team shall develop, design, build and organize new or reworked Museum displays. Responsible for the planning and the layout of the Museum. Responsible to ensure that when designing, organizing and building displays, the visitors’ ability to correctly and easily interpret the theme and message of the display remains paramount. The team is encouraged to develop interesting permanent and temporary displays with the innovative use of materials, colour, clear signage and interpretive information and where appropriate, to incorporate the use of sound, smell and interactive devices. Visitors of all reasonable ages should be able to follow, enjoy and understand the information being presented. Safety of the visitors and displays must be built into the displays’ design and construction. This team shall provide pertinent information to assist in maintaining the ARHS website.
Facilities Maintenance Team
This committee will ensure that the physical facilities are in safe and secure working order. They will be responsible for carrying out an annual inspection of the property using the ARHS Inspection Checklist. It is responsible for inspection of all facilities and arranging for all maintenance, repair, appearance, cleanliness and preservation of the Museum complex and its grounds. Responsible for all necessary preparations for winter, for the first-aid kits, first-aid fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire marshal inspections, building and facilities’ security, wheelchair accessibility to the ground floor, landscaping, gardens and parking lots. The team shall determine where road signs are needed, have them produced, put in place and maintained. The Committee is responsible for incorporating the Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan of the Avon River Heritage Museum and making adjustments pertinent to the circumstances of the ARHS. The Committee is responsible for the training of all staff and volunteers in executing this plan. The Facilities Maintenance Team shall try to maintain a list/roster of volunteers with various maintenance skills that are willing to be called upon to assist with maintenance problems.
Finance Team
This team shall consist of the President, Treasurer, the Facilities Manager, and any other financial advisor appointed by this committee or the BOD. The principal responsibility of the Finance Team is to prepare the annual budget for the consideration of the BOD and to oversee its execution. The team shall oversee and assist the Treasurer in the execution of their duties and shall keep the BOD thoroughly informed as to the financial state of the ARHS. The Finance Team establishes and executes the procedure for issuing charitable income tax receipts in accordance with the rules of Revenue Canada.
Volunteer and Human Resources Team
This team will recruit, support, and acknowledge volunteers following the ARHS Volunteer Policy and using the volunteer application form and exit interview, where appropriate. It will also produce job descriptions, advertise positions, conduct interviews, and select those to be hired. This whole procedure is to be conducted in accordance with ARHS Human Resources policy. It must take into account any hiring restrictions required by Human Resources Development Canada or the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development. This team shall be responsible for managing a volunteer schedule and producing and keeping current the Staff Manual, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and summer student staff. This team shall prepare applications for grants of financial assistance for hiring permanent, casual, summer or other staff. The Volunteer and Human Resources Team is responsible for ensuring that staff are given proper orientation and training so they understand their duties, what is expected and required of them, and what the ARHS is trying to accomplish.
Community Museum Assistance Program (CMAP)/TRACK Team
This team will stay abreast of museum best practices, will oversee policy review and recommend changes to the BOD where needed, will maintain clear, accessible records of policies and procedure for staff and volunteers (on-line and/or print), will oversee and participate in planning for external museum reviews, and will update the museum’s Strategic Plan as needed. Will participate in regular workshops hosted by the Association of Nova Scotian Museums and the TRACK program as required to maintain our CMAP funding.
Nominating Team
This team, appointed by the BOD, is comprised of BOD members who are not standing for re-election. The team keeps a record of end of term for each member of the BOD, recruits, and recommends at least one qualified new board member for each open position. The team also takes responsibility for orienting new BOD members.
Responsibilities of Team Members
Each team will be guided by and will adhere to the Avon River Heritage Museum’s Mission Statement and Strategic Plan. Each team has a chair and as many members as required. The chair is a member of the Board of Directors (BOD). The team reports to and is responsible to the BOD. Each team adheres to museum policy including the Canadian Museums Association’s Ethics Guidelines (2006). When needed, the teams will make recommendations to BOD policy and museum operating practices as they affect their team's Terms of Reference and duties. Term of office for team members will be one year, with the opportunity to renew at each Annual General Meeting. All volunteers working with youth require a criminal records check, first aid is also an asset.
Responsibilities of Team Chair
The team chair is accountable to the Board of Directors. They are chosen based on qualifications (interest in topic) and experience. The term of the position will be reviewed annually. Chair responsibilities and basic tasks include:
- schedule dates, times and location for meetings
- ensure meeting are held in accordance with the ARHS by-laws
- establish and confirm an agenda for each meeting
- officiate and conduct meetings
- ensure committee complies with its responsibilities
- ensure that discussion on agenda items is on topic and productive
- ensure minutes are accurate, retained, and reviewed at the next meeting
Join our Board of Directors
Position:
Board Member/Director (Volunteer). This job description applies to officers of the Society (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) as well as individual members. See below for additional specific responsibilities for officers.
Time commitment:
Five to ten hours per month (meetings, preparation, events)
Term:
Three years, appointed or elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (Term may be renewed)
Accountability:
The Board of Directors is collectively accountable to museum members, the community, funders and other stakeholders. They are accountable for the Society’s performance in realizing its mission and achieving its goals, and for the effective stewardship of financial and human resources and for the overall quality of support to clients.
Authority:
Individual board members have no authority to direct or make requests of the executive director or staff, or to speak on behalf of the Society unless given such authority by the board.
Responsibility:
Board members are responsible for acting in the best long-term interests of the organization and the community and will bring to their deliberations a broad knowledge, a long-range view and openness to learning.
Principal Duties:
Every member of the Board of Directors, including the Board’s officers, is expected to do the following
•Prepare for and participate in board meetings
•Listen to others’ views, advocate their own, identify common interests and alternatives, and be open to compromise
•Support governance decisions once made
•Participate in the development of a strategic plan to help guide future decisions
•Abide by the by-laws, code of conduct and other policies that apply to the board
•Participate in the approval the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the Society in relation to it
•Help establish, review and monitor operational policies.
•Participate in the hiring of, and if required, the releasing of, the executive director
•Participate in the evaluation of the executive director
•Identify prospective board members and possibly help recruit and mentor them
•Participate in the evaluation of the board itself (annual board self-evaluation)
•Contribute to the work of board as a member of a board committee
•Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
•Be an ambassador for the Society in the wider community
•Keep informed about community issues relevant to the work of the Society
Qualifications:
The following are considered key job qualifications:
•Knowledge of the community and the field in which the Society operates
•Commitment to organization’s mission and strategic directions
•Availability of sufficient time to devote to board duties
•Openness to learning
Evaluation:
The performance of individual directors is evaluated annually in the context of the evaluation of the whole board and is based on the carrying out of duties and responsibilities as outlined above.
Removal of a Board Member:
A director may be removed from the board, by majority vote, for not performing his/her duties. Being absent from three consecutive board meetings without reasonable cause will result in the removal from the board unless otherwise determined by a decision of the board.
Board Member/Director (Volunteer). This job description applies to officers of the Society (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) as well as individual members. See below for additional specific responsibilities for officers.
Time commitment:
Five to ten hours per month (meetings, preparation, events)
Term:
Three years, appointed or elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (Term may be renewed)
Accountability:
The Board of Directors is collectively accountable to museum members, the community, funders and other stakeholders. They are accountable for the Society’s performance in realizing its mission and achieving its goals, and for the effective stewardship of financial and human resources and for the overall quality of support to clients.
Authority:
Individual board members have no authority to direct or make requests of the executive director or staff, or to speak on behalf of the Society unless given such authority by the board.
Responsibility:
Board members are responsible for acting in the best long-term interests of the organization and the community and will bring to their deliberations a broad knowledge, a long-range view and openness to learning.
Principal Duties:
Every member of the Board of Directors, including the Board’s officers, is expected to do the following
•Prepare for and participate in board meetings
•Listen to others’ views, advocate their own, identify common interests and alternatives, and be open to compromise
•Support governance decisions once made
•Participate in the development of a strategic plan to help guide future decisions
•Abide by the by-laws, code of conduct and other policies that apply to the board
•Participate in the approval the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the Society in relation to it
•Help establish, review and monitor operational policies.
•Participate in the hiring of, and if required, the releasing of, the executive director
•Participate in the evaluation of the executive director
•Identify prospective board members and possibly help recruit and mentor them
•Participate in the evaluation of the board itself (annual board self-evaluation)
•Contribute to the work of board as a member of a board committee
•Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
•Be an ambassador for the Society in the wider community
•Keep informed about community issues relevant to the work of the Society
Qualifications:
The following are considered key job qualifications:
•Knowledge of the community and the field in which the Society operates
•Commitment to organization’s mission and strategic directions
•Availability of sufficient time to devote to board duties
•Openness to learning
Evaluation:
The performance of individual directors is evaluated annually in the context of the evaluation of the whole board and is based on the carrying out of duties and responsibilities as outlined above.
Removal of a Board Member:
A director may be removed from the board, by majority vote, for not performing his/her duties. Being absent from three consecutive board meetings without reasonable cause will result in the removal from the board unless otherwise determined by a decision of the board.
Travailler avec nous!
L’Avon River Heritage Society est toujours à la recherche de bénévoles pour aider avec les divers aspects du Musée.
Chaque été, nous embauchons deux étudiants pour aider avec les opérations quotidiennes de l’installation.
L’Avon River Heritage Society est toujours à la recherche de bénévoles pour aider avec les divers aspects du Musée.
Chaque été, nous embauchons deux étudiants pour aider avec les opérations quotidiennes de l’installation.
