Volunteering at The Morikami

The Morikami utilizes volunteers for both special events and on a regular basis.

2009 Special Events Descriptions and Applications:

The Morikami hosts many special events and festivals throughout the year. Volunteering for an event is a one day commitment. A separate application is needed for each festival or event in which you would like to volunteer.

January 11^th (Sunday): Oshogatsu, or the New Year, is Japan's most important yearly observance. Because Oshogatsu is a time of renewal, the Japanese make a special effort to clear away any obligations in order to start the New Year fresh. This season is the only extended period of time that allows the Japanese family to relax together and enjoy many family-centered activities like those at The Morikami festival.

March 21^st & 22^nd (Saturday & Sunday): The Hatsume Fair, celebrating the first bud of spring, is The Morikami's largest annual event. The festival features multiple stages with continuous entertainment including taiko drummers, a Japanese tea ceremony, flower arranging, martial arts demonstrations, bonsai demonstrations and much more. Also included are avenues of artisan booths and plant sales. Children's Activities include making a giant carp streamer; gyotaku (fish painting); Japanese toy making; hina-shikishi (doll collage); making newspaper kabuto (warriors' helmets); and origami (paper folding).

August 8^th (Saturday): Bon Festival at The Morikami is inspired by Obon, Japan's traditional three-day holiday honoring ancestors and thanking them for the quality of life enjoyed by the living. Highlights include rousing taiko drum performances, traditional Japanese folk dancing with audience participation and a street fair with games and shop stalls. The highlight of the evening begins at sunset when Morikami Pond is transformed into a tranquil sea of lighted lanterns which, in accordance with Japanese custom, guide the departure of ancestors' souls who have come for a brief visit among the living. A special fireworks display caps the enchanting evening.

Regular Positions:

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Volunteer Program enables volunteers to aide in the museum's daily operations. It allows volunteers to contribute their expertise and professional experiences to meet the diverse needs of the museum's patrons. Volunteers are welcomed in every area of the museum. Necessary skills for prospective volunteers include the ability to communicate well and interact easily with people and the desire to work in accordance with the mission statement of The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Each position has a certain amount and level of training that is dependent not only on the position, but on the individual volunteer. You are expected to complete the training for your position as well as attend a Volunteer Orientation. Currently we are interviewing for the following positions:

Bonsai: Work in our Bonsai exhibit with other volunteers. Job requires a lot of standing and is outdoors year round. Experience with Bonsai is preferred. This shift is every Friday morning from 7 AM to 11 AM.

Collections: Volunteer alongside our museum curators in the collections department. Help maintain and catalog artifacts as well as prepare for festivals. This position is extremely selective.

Docent: As the "Tour Guides" of the museum, docents escort patrons through the galleries and guide them through the gardens. They work as a team and learn through self-study and mentoring about Japanese culture and museum exhibits. Monthly meetings, standing for long periods and the ability to walk the gardens are required. This position is available Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Education/Outreach: Help with Family Fun Days on select Saturdays and accompany staff to schools and libraries. You assist with projects like origami and kamishibai (Japanese story-telling). These volunteers must have transportation and be willing to drive all over South Florida. This position is limited and extremely selective.

Garden: You will be working in the Roji-en (six historical Japanese gardens) alongside our Garden Staff. This position is extremely physical and you must be able to work outdoors. Duties include pulling weeds, raking beds and paths, and learning Japanese pruning techniques from staff. Shifts are available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM with a minimum shift of three and a half hours.

Library: Our library is "reference only" meaning materials are to be used on site, nothing may be checked out. It is also staffed entirely by volunteers. They help patrons find materials and return them to the shelves after use. They also keep the library catalog up to date. These shifts are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 1:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM.

Marketing/Surveys: You work with our Marketing Manager doing surveys of the public on a weekly basis and for select special events. You must be very self-motivated, outgoing, and willing to approach our patrons of all ages and backgrounds.

Museum Store: Volunteers assist customers in the store, rearrange and restock items, wrap and bag items for patrons. You must learn about the store merchandise. The ability to stand for long periods of time, interact with patrons, and bend and retrieve items from lower cabinets is necessary. These shifts are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 1:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM.

Office: You will be assisting staff members in the office. Volunteers help with answering the phones, filing, mailings, assembling packets and computer data entry. Basic computer skills are necessary. Shifts are available Tuesday through Friday between 10 AM and 5 PM for a minimum of three and a half hours.

To volunteer on a weekly basis an initial interview with the Volunteer Coordinator is required. Call (561) 495 - 0233 x 206 to schedule an interview.