Chinese Canadian Museum (Chinese Canadian Museum Guide/Docent)

• Background/police check requiredAppropriate for youth (i.e., less than 18)Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and overTraining or orientation required

Description 

The Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia was founded in March 2020 as an independent, non-profit society to establish and operate a public museum in British Columbia honouring Chinese Canadian history, contributions, and living heritage. The Chinese Canadian Museum will be a testament to Chinese Canadian experiences, foster respect, inclusion, and collaboration among all communities and across generations. Telling stories through the diverse voices of Chinese Canadians is central to the development of CCM.

In August 2020, CCM opened its first location-the first Chinese Canadian museum in Canada- at the historic Hon Hsing Building located in the heart of Vancouver Chinatown with A Seat at the Table-Chinese Immigration in British Columbia, a collaborative exhibition with the Museum of Vancouver and researchers from the UBC Initiative for Student Teaching and Research on Chinese Canadian Studies. This temporary collaborative exhibition, has been joined by various other showcases, including partnerships with Dragon Boat BC, The Royal BC Museum, and more. Currently we are also displaying Seeds to Success: The Story of the HY Louie Family and the Royal BC Museum Traveling Exhibition, A Tale of Two Families until December 2022.

We are currently seeking museum guides to provide interpretation for our exhibitions. As museum guides, you will help to enhance the visitor experience by leading guided tours of the exhibitions on view, offering support to engage with visitors at the various interactive stations, answering questions, and sharing about Chinatown and Chinese Canadian experiences.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about Chinese Canadian history and experiences, and wants to develop and fine-tune valuable career skills in public speaking, presentation, and group facilitation. It is also valuable for those pursuing a career in the field of education, communications, history, tourism, and other related fields.

To apply, please submit a completed application form via email to volunteer@chinesecanadianmuseum.ca

Responsibilities

Lead guided tours of the exhibitions on view
Provide support in navigating and detail interpretation of the interactive virtual reality station
Share information and answer visitor questions about the Chinese Canadian Museum, Chinatown, and Chinese Canadian history/experiences
Provide a welcoming environment that encourages visitors to learn, reflect and contribute their stories and ideas
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors of all backgrounds

Time Commitment

Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of one 2-3 hour shift per week.

Qualifications

Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
Experience in public speaking and presentation an asset
Interest in learning about and sharing of Chinese Canadian history and culture
Self-starter with a positive “can-do” attitude
Enthusiastic and reliable
Fluent in English, additional fluency in Cantonese and/or Mandarin highly valued

Training
All prospective museum guides will attend mandatory training sessions led by the Visitor Services and Engagement Coordinator, which includes shadowing and learning from experienced museum guides.
We look forward to sharing this journey with you!