by Kiren Marshall, Guest Blogger
With the Smithsonian largely closed to the public, some SI volunteers have opted to give their time and computer skills to Smithsonian Associates, in the form of becoming a remote volunteer for the live streamed programs on Zoom. Jan Mutka, once such volunteer, has helped with 35 lecture sessions and 32 studio arts sessions since last September.
Read on about her favorite part of volunteering these days, what she is most looking forward to this year, and some tips Jan has for other remote volunteers.
How long have you been volunteering with the Smithsonian Associates and what is your primary role?
I have been volunteering since August of 2020. I am a remote volunteer providing Zoom team support. I recently moved into the role of screen sharing. This means I share PowerPoint slides at the beginning and end of programs. In addition, I also assist with the chat and Q&A for programs and help with Studio Arts classes.
Why did you decide to volunteer in this way?
I volunteered at the Smithsonian Castle visitor desk until COVID-19 stopped in-person volunteering. To keep in touch with volunteers, the Castle team emails a newsletter. One newsletter contained an article about the Smithsonian Associates remote volunteer opportunities, so I applied.
What brought you to the DC area and the Associates?
My partner and I are originally from Michigan. He is a scientist and took a job at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria. So, I retired and we moved to the DC area.
Where else do you volunteer at SI? Other places?
I volunteer at the information desk in the Smithsonian Castle. In addition, I help with the information desk at the Library of Congress in the Jefferson Building. Finally, I write descriptions of objects for the National Gallery of Art for the sight impaired. I hope to get back to the Castle and Library of Congress this year!
What is your favorite type of SA program and why?
My heart has always been in art and art history. So, I tend to prefer those type of programs. I like music, travel and culture programs as well. However, I am having fun helping with Studio Arts. I enjoy meeting wonderful artists, assisting them with the students and learning about their craft.
What has surprised you about helping with our live streamed programs?
I am amazed at the skill of Smithsonian Associates staff while putting on great programs. Moderators and technical staff help with speakers’ problems and quirks using patience and grace. In one example, a speaker sent a random set of slides to Smithsonian Associates staff the day of the program. The tech host and moderator calmly worked with speaker to order the slides in the 45 minutes prior to the show. The program started on time and was great.
What tips or advice do you have for other remote volunteers?
Practice, practice, practice! You can host your own Zoom meetings, practice posting to the chat and practice copying to the Q&A document. For slide sharing, it is especially important to practice with zoom and PowerPoint ahead of time.
Make sure you look at all the documents prior to the program and understand what you are supposed to do. For slide sharing, open PowerPoint and practice presenting the slides. Arrive early to your volunteer gigs so you can test all your equipment before the audience arrives.
Use your browser’s bookmarks to save the webpage and One Drive folder for each program.
You can create folders in your browser to organize these webpages. I like Firefox but most other browsers can create folders too. In addition, I typically look up the speaker and put their page in the folder.
Create local folders on your computer for each of a program’s documents so you do not need to rely on your browser if you need to reference documents. You will need to use the browser for the Q&A document since this document is shared. Make sure you to keep this folder up to date if you have a multiple session program.
What do you like best about volunteering with the Smithsonian Associates?
The best part of helping as a remote volunteer is working with the wonderful Smithsonian Associates staff. Also, I learn so much from the interesting and knowledgeable speakers.
What do you look forward to in 2021?
I’m looking forward to seeing my children who live in Chicago. Also, I am excited to eat out at a restaurant. Finally, I want to travel. I miss seeing new places, museums, and historic sites.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I like to try out new recipes and cook. I was a sourdough baker before the pandemic. Lastly, I have an Instagram account for my dog, @Shadowtheblackpuppy. I enjoy walking around the Washington DC area and creating posts for Shadow.
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