Grissom Air Museum Volunteers needed

[mustangdriver]

The Grissom Air Museum, just north of Indianapolis, is looking for volunteers in the worst way. The museum needs help if it is going to continue. Right now there are two of us, and 25 planes ranging from a Piper Cub to an EC-135. Our other volunteers that have been there for years are just to a point where they can't physically be out there any more. We really need help with cleaning, painting, and corrosion control. If you want to help out, please let me know. Thanks.

[6trn4brn]

Dang Chris...only two volunteers left??? I think we both know who ran most of the people off

Quite often when I went to Grissom, there were inmates from various surrounding area jails who would be there to do community service. I don't think any of the guests at the prison would be allowed to come and do work. There were men and women who had gotten in trouble for minor offenses that would come and work all day. The Tomcat display is a prime example...myself and a fella who had a DUI did a bunch of work over a couple of weekends.

Just a thought...

[mustangdriver]

Yeah it's tough when you show up with 15 volunteers and he chases off 12 of them for touching "his" planes.

[Trey Carroll]

Bahahahhaha

[mustangdriver]

HAHA Trey I know you are all busted up about that.

[YAF340]

Our Restoration group from Yankee flew to Grissom on our C47 the 6th of this Month. Great planes that just need some TLC. If your in the area quit typing and get involved! JOE Yankee Air Museum, Restoration Department

[Clifford Bossie]

The Grissom Museum is a great place. I really enjoyed my visit. Unfortunately I know the scarcity of volunteers, it seems many museums suffer from the same issue. Grissom is too far away for me to help out and my plate is pretty full at the moment too!

[mustangdriver]

Thanks for that! I fear that if we don't see some volunteers soon that some aircraft may leave our collection. Years and years of one guy chasing volunteers away is starting to really catch up

[Cindy]

First....best of luck recruiting new volunteers. It's always a challenge recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Second....a word of advice. I don't know, nor do I really care, who you are referring to that is causing the negative commentary. However, I strongly recommend that if you want to recruit new volunteers, you put a positive light on the experience. Tell us why, if we were local, that we would WANT to come volunteer for your great museum! If people only hear negative, you won't get anyone coming in. Make it sound exciting, fun and the worthy experience it can and will be under the current management.

Again, best of luck!

Cindy Novak-DeLaurell
Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
Planes of Fame Air Museum

[mustangdriver]

Cindy, thank you. Those that have volunteered out there know who I mean and please know he is not an issue any longer. There is alot to offer. Getting hands on with the aircraft and day to day interaction with veterans is by far the two most rewarding things. I am sure it is no different than any other museum. Where we are different is that we are small so if you voice an opinion, such as a paint scheme or idea, and are willing to take the lead on it, it will happen. Right now the main focus is

KC-135/EC-135
B-25
B-17G If we can get a gang together
KC-97
F-105
F-101

However if you decide there is something you really want to work on, just name it.

[Cindy]

Now that sounds far more enticing! I have not had the opportunity to visit your museum, but if I'm ever in the region, I would love to come by.
If you have questions about managing volunteer programs, I'm happy to chat with you about what we've done over the years. Some has worked well, other things, not so well. But, we learn from it all. It certainly is different when you're managing a small group versus a large group. I've been at both. I was a volunteer at Quonset Air Museum in RI as well. That was VERY different than Planes of Fame, but I learned just as much!
For those reading this, I would strongly encourage you, if you're in the area and want to help out, please visit Grissom and let them know you want to volunteer!!!!
Cindy

[Mark Allen M]

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Last edited by Mark Allen M on Mon Sep 10, 2012 3:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[JOMiller]

As a guy who has considerable experience in establishing.
organizing, and recruiting volunteer programs I must weigh
in. Far too many museums have staffers who are afflicted
with both "rice bowl syndrome" and "not invented here syn-
drome". IF they can't control it and claim credit for it, they
will make every effort to drive volunteers away. Believe
me, I KNOW. I have witnessed carefully crafted and nurtured
volunteer programs blown apart by possessive and controlling
staffers desperate to re-exert control. Get off Chris' back.
He knows of which he speaks. Help these guys or stand
down.

Regards,
Owen Miller