Opportunities From: Volunteer Connect: International African American Museum

Volunteer: One Step Forward! | Step Exhibition & Step Afrika! Community Class

Join the International African American Museum, MOJA Arts Festival, and the Charleston Gaillard Center for One Step Forward—a spirited celebration of rhythm, heritage, and community power. This lively program features a high-impact step exhibition showcasing the skill and precision of local high school students, followed by an interactive, all-ages community class led by the electrifying performers of Step Afrika!

This opportunity requires 2 people to assist with program setup and breakdown, including chairs, signage, and any water stations. Support transitions as needed during the event. Wayfinders to support IAAM staff and Visitor Services throughout the event.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Join the International African American Museum, MOJA Arts Festival, and the Charleston Gaillard Center for One Step Forward—a spirited celebration of rhythm, heritage, and community power. This lively program features a high-impact step exhibition showcasing the skill and precision of local high school students, followed by an interactive, all-ages community class led by the electrifying performers of Step Afrika!

This opportunity requires 2 people to assist with program setup and breakdown, including chairs, signage, and any water stations. Support transitions as needed during the event. Wayfinders to support IAAM staff and Visitor Services throughout the event.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 1, 2025

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: "Unspoken Documentary" Film Series

Faith Based Department will present a film debunking the myth that Christianity is a white mans religion with origins from the African Diaspora. Volunteers will be asked to greet attendees, assist with wayfinding, and assist with snacks and drinks for the guests.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Faith Based Department will present a film debunking the myth that Christianity is a white mans religion with origins from the African Diaspora. Volunteers will be asked to greet attendees, assist with wayfinding, and assist with snacks and drinks for the guests.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 9, 2025

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Education Ambassador (School Field Trips)

The 2025-2026 field trip season runs from September 9, 2025, through May 28, 2026. School groups will visit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the following times: 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:00 AM. But we will not require you to report for duty until the second week of field trips: September 16-18.

Each group's visit is a 100-minute experience, which includes:

● Onboarding (15–30 minutes): An informative session with Museum Educators to prepare the students for their visit.

● Self-Guided Tour (60 minutes): A self-guided experience through the museum's exhibits.

● Departure (10 minutes): A brief debrief and departure process.

Your Role and Schedule

We rely on you to help us make these visits run smoothly. Your principal duties will be to assist the Education Department staff with onboarding, guiding, and debriefing school groups. Your tasks may vary, but you will likely be asked to:

● Distribute handouts, lanyards, and tour supplies during onboarding.

● Help guide school groups to the starting point of their self-guided tours.

● Help groups find specific artifacts and exhibits listed on their tour guides.

● Assist with the exit process and help collect lanyards, clipboards, and other materials during the debriefs.

On your volunteer days, please plan to arrive by 9:00 AM to attend our 15-minute morning team meeting. This meeting is where you will receive your daily assignments, so your attendance is essential. Please expect to stay until 1:00 PM, when we will hold a 15-minute team debriefing from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM.

Important Guidelines

● Dress Code: Please wear comfortable shoes, as you will be on your feet for several hours.

● Professionalism: Be prepared to engage with the groups in a professional and friendly manner.

● Emergency Protocol: You are not required to assist with behavior management or medical emergencies. Should an issue arise, please notify an Education staff member immediately. Our team members are trained in these protocols and will handle the situation. Please see the Education Ambassador: Emergency and Safety Protocols document below for specific guidelines.

● Absences: If you cannot make your scheduled volunteer shift, please notify us as soon as possible, and at least 24 hours in advance if possible.

Finally, we will send out a list of all scheduled schools each Friday before the upcoming field trip week. Please note that if there are no schools scheduled on a day you typically volunteer, you are not required to come in.

Program: Educator Ambassador

The 2025-2026 field trip season runs from September 9, 2025, through May 28, 2026. School groups will visit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the following times: 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:00 AM. But we will not require you to report for duty until the second week of field trips: September 16-18.

Each group's visit is a 100-minute experience, which includes:

● Onboarding (15–30 minutes): An informative session with Museum Educators to prepare the students for their visit.

● Self-Guided Tour (60 minutes): A self-guided experience through the museum's exhibits.

● Departure (10 minutes): A brief debrief and departure process.

Your Role and Schedule

We rely on you to help us make these visits run smoothly. Your principal duties will be to assist the Education Department staff with onboarding, guiding, and debriefing school groups. Your tasks may vary, but you will likely be asked to:

● Distribute handouts, lanyards, and tour supplies during onboarding.

● Help guide school groups to the starting point of their self-guided tours.

● Help groups find specific artifacts and exhibits listed on their tour guides.

● Assist with the exit process and help collect lanyards, clipboards, and other materials during the debriefs.

On your volunteer days, please plan to arrive by 9:00 AM to attend our 15-minute morning team meeting. This meeting is where you will receive your daily assignments, so your attendance is essential. Please expect to stay until 1:00 PM, when we will hold a 15-minute team debriefing from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM.

Important Guidelines

● Dress Code: Please wear comfortable shoes, as you will be on your feet for several hours.

● Professionalism: Be prepared to engage with the groups in a professional and friendly manner.

● Emergency Protocol: You are not required to assist with behavior management or medical emergencies. Should an issue arise, please notify an Education staff member immediately. Our team members are trained in these protocols and will handle the situation. Please see the Education Ambassador: Emergency and Safety Protocols document below for specific guidelines.

● Absences: If you cannot make your scheduled volunteer shift, please notify us as soon as possible, and at least 24 hours in advance if possible.

Finally, we will send out a list of all scheduled schools each Friday before the upcoming field trip week. Please note that if there are no schools scheduled on a day you typically volunteer, you are not required to come in.

Program: Educator Ambassador

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Feasting On Books with Dr. Ruha Benjamin

The International African American Museum (IAAM), in partnership with the Charleston Literary Festival, invites you to a special evening honoring Dr. Ruha Benjamin and her groundbreaking book, Imagination: A Manifesto. Together, we will explore the theme of “Imagination as Liberation,” reflecting on how bold dreaming can help dismantle limiting systems and seed a future grounded in justice and interdependence. Through dialogue and shared reflection, we will honor Dr. Benjamin’s work and consider how its ideas can be applied within our own lives, families, and communities.

This program requests:

Assistance with setup and breakdown throughout the entire MuseumSupport check-in station and guest welcome flow throughout the programAid in managing transitions as guests move between the Main Lobby, Atlantic Worlds, and SC Connections during the programThis program involves sitting, standing, moving, walking, and lifting

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

The International African American Museum (IAAM), in partnership with the Charleston Literary Festival, invites you to a special evening honoring Dr. Ruha Benjamin and her groundbreaking book, Imagination: A Manifesto. Together, we will explore the theme of “Imagination as Liberation,” reflecting on how bold dreaming can help dismantle limiting systems and seed a future grounded in justice and interdependence. Through dialogue and shared reflection, we will honor Dr. Benjamin’s work and consider how its ideas can be applied within our own lives, families, and communities.

This program requests:

Assistance with setup and breakdown throughout the entire MuseumSupport check-in station and guest welcome flow throughout the programAid in managing transitions as guests move between the Main Lobby, Atlantic Worlds, and SC Connections during the programThis program involves sitting, standing, moving, walking, and lifting

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Nov 13, 2025

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Wisdom & Wordsmiths | SLAY and This Book Might Be About Zinnia

Wisdom & Wordsmiths will feature discussions of SLAY and This Book Might Be About Zinnia to explore how culture and identity shape the lives of young people today. These books open conversations on the importance of representation, the complexities of belonging, and the power of claiming one’s voice and creativity.

Over lunch this program invites children to meet and interact with talented authors who share their compelling stories, offering a window into diverse experiences and perspectives. Through lively read-aloud sessions and insightful conversations, students will connect with authors, ask questions, and dive deeper into the themes and characters of each book. It’s a unique opportunity to explore literature that inspires, while building a love for reading and storytelling.

This program requests:

Assistance with program setup/breakdown including chairs, signage, and materials.Support transitions and guest wayfinding as needed

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Wisdom & Wordsmiths will feature discussions of SLAY and This Book Might Be About Zinnia to explore how culture and identity shape the lives of young people today. These books open conversations on the importance of representation, the complexities of belonging, and the power of claiming one’s voice and creativity.

Over lunch this program invites children to meet and interact with talented authors who share their compelling stories, offering a window into diverse experiences and perspectives. Through lively read-aloud sessions and insightful conversations, students will connect with authors, ask questions, and dive deeper into the themes and characters of each book. It’s a unique opportunity to explore literature that inspires, while building a love for reading and storytelling.

This program requests:

Assistance with program setup/breakdown including chairs, signage, and materials.Support transitions and guest wayfinding as needed

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 18, 2025

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Wisdom & Wordsmiths | How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers) "A Conversation with Dr. Clint Smith"

Wisdom & Wordsmiths will feature How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers) with author Dr. Clint Smith, inviting students to explore how history shape’s identity and community today. In conversation with Malika N. Pryor, chief learning and engagement officer at the International African American Museum, this program will encourage young readers to reflect on the legacy of slavery, the importance of memory, and the stories that shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us.

This program requests support to:

Assist with program setup and breakdown, including chairs, signage, and materialsSupport transitions and guest wayfinding as needed during the program.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Wisdom & Wordsmiths will feature How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers) with author Dr. Clint Smith, inviting students to explore how history shape’s identity and community today. In conversation with Malika N. Pryor, chief learning and engagement officer at the International African American Museum, this program will encourage young readers to reflect on the legacy of slavery, the importance of memory, and the stories that shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us.

This program requests support to:

Assist with program setup and breakdown, including chairs, signage, and materialsSupport transitions and guest wayfinding as needed during the program.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 7, 2025

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Indigo Dreaming | Wisdom & Wordsmiths Series

Step into Wisdom & Wordsmiths, a dynamic reading and learning series that connects young readers with voices from the African Diaspora. This unique program offers students the chance to meet Dinah Johnson, the author of Indigo Dreaming. This session will allow participants to express themselves through indigo while reflecting on the connections between art, culture, and community.

Duties of this program will include walking, standing, lifting, and moving. 

This need requests:

2 Volunteers assigned to assist Nina Jameson during the indigo dyeing activity.

1 Volunteer to escort guests to and from restrooms throughout the program.

1 Volunteer to assist with miscellaneous needs, including guest check-in and transitions.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Step into Wisdom & Wordsmiths, a dynamic reading and learning series that connects young readers with voices from the African Diaspora. This unique program offers students the chance to meet Dinah Johnson, the author of Indigo Dreaming. This session will allow participants to express themselves through indigo while reflecting on the connections between art, culture, and community.

Duties of this program will include walking, standing, lifting, and moving. 

This need requests:

2 Volunteers assigned to assist Nina Jameson during the indigo dyeing activity.

1 Volunteer to escort guests to and from restrooms throughout the program.

1 Volunteer to assist with miscellaneous needs, including guest check-in and transitions.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Sep 27, 2025

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Preserving Memories: North Charleston

This is a North Charleston-wide community document & photo scanning + oral history recording event. The purpose is to preserve North Charleston history and memories, which will be stored on the CFH online archive. This program requests assistance with setting up, greeting visitors, scanning documents, and break down. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

This is a North Charleston-wide community document & photo scanning + oral history recording event. The purpose is to preserve North Charleston history and memories, which will be stored on the CFH online archive. This program requests assistance with setting up, greeting visitors, scanning documents, and break down. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 11, 2025

Zip Code: 29405

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Welcome Guide (Morning)

Be the first to welcome our visitors from all over the world to the International African American Museum (IAAM). Our Welcome Guides greet our visitors on the West Yard and direct them to the East Yard for entrance into the museum, provide reminders about exploring the African Ancestorial Memorial Gardens, tickets, and answer general FAQs.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrable interpersonal skills or customer service experience – must be able to
make each visitor feel welcome and resolve problems Flexible and willing to problem solve/ adapt quickly to changing situations Reliable and willing to meet requirements and expectations set by Museum staff Interest in African American History and Culture and an eagerness to learn something new every day Ability to use QR codes to assist visitors with content on Bloomberg Connects. Enthusiasm for working with the museum’s diverse audiences Comfortable and confident speaking to diverse groups of people Foreign language or ASL skills are not required but a plus All abilities are welcome, please let us know if you need accommodations

Requirements

Background check is required Must be 18 years of age or older Completion of Volunteer Orientation

 

Program: Daily IAAM Operations

Be the first to welcome our visitors from all over the world to the International African American Museum (IAAM). Our Welcome Guides greet our visitors on the West Yard and direct them to the East Yard for entrance into the museum, provide reminders about exploring the African Ancestorial Memorial Gardens, tickets, and answer general FAQs.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrable interpersonal skills or customer service experience – must be able to
make each visitor feel welcome and resolve problems Flexible and willing to problem solve/ adapt quickly to changing situations Reliable and willing to meet requirements and expectations set by Museum staff Interest in African American History and Culture and an eagerness to learn something new every day Ability to use QR codes to assist visitors with content on Bloomberg Connects. Enthusiasm for working with the museum’s diverse audiences Comfortable and confident speaking to diverse groups of people Foreign language or ASL skills are not required but a plus All abilities are welcome, please let us know if you need accommodations

Requirements

Background check is required Must be 18 years of age or older Completion of Volunteer Orientation

 

Program: Daily IAAM Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Monthly Membership Calling Party

Join the membership and marketing teams to call and engage with charter members and those whose membership has expired, to continue their support for the IAAM. 

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Join the membership and marketing teams to call and engage with charter members and those whose membership has expired, to continue their support for the IAAM. 

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Center for Family History Volunteer

You must attend Center for Family History Training to sign up.  

Center for Family History (CFH) volunteers will work with our research assistants to greet guests, address inquiries or concerns about how to start research, and provide general assistance.

Program: Daily IAAM Operations

You must attend Center for Family History Training to sign up.  

Center for Family History (CFH) volunteers will work with our research assistants to greet guests, address inquiries or concerns about how to start research, and provide general assistance.

Program: Daily IAAM Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: USCT Genealogy Project

Volunteers to work in the CFH Office downloading USCT Pension Application files from the NARA website: https://catalog.archives.gov/search-within/300020?page=7&q=U.S. Colored Troops

Days & Hours: Mon – Fri; 10am – 4 pm (I don’t expect them to work the full 6 hours. This is just the available timeframe)

Max number of volunteers per day: 4

This will on-going until the files are all downloaded   Each volunteer will be provided with a laptop. They will sit inside the CFH Office. A short overview & training session will be given.   This is open to all volunteers (not just CFH volunteers).

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Volunteers to work in the CFH Office downloading USCT Pension Application files from the NARA website: https://catalog.archives.gov/search-within/300020?page=7&q=U.S. Colored Troops

Days & Hours: Mon – Fri; 10am – 4 pm (I don’t expect them to work the full 6 hours. This is just the available timeframe)

Max number of volunteers per day: 4

This will on-going until the files are all downloaded   Each volunteer will be provided with a laptop. They will sit inside the CFH Office. A short overview & training session will be given.   This is open to all volunteers (not just CFH volunteers).

Program: Events/Programs Volunteer

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Welcome Guide (Afternoon)

Be the first to welcome our visitors from all over the world to the International African American Museum (IAAM). Our Welcome Guides greet our visitors on the West Yard and direct them to the East Yard for entrance into the museum, provide reminders about exploring the African Ancestorial Memorial Gardens, tickets, and answer general FAQs.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrable interpersonal skills or customer service experience – must be able to
make each visitor feel welcome and resolve problems Flexible and willing to problem solve/ adapt quickly to changing situations Reliable and willing to meet requirements and expectations set by Museum staff Interest in African American History and Culture and an eagerness to learn something new every day Ability to use QR codes to assist visitors with content on Bloomberg Connects. Enthusiasm for working with the museum’s diverse audiences Comfortable and confident speaking to diverse groups of people Foreign language or ASL skills are not required but a plus All abilities are welcome, please let us know if you need accommodations

Requirements

Background check is required Must be 18 years of age or older Completion of Volunteer Orientation

Program: Daily IAAM Operations

Be the first to welcome our visitors from all over the world to the International African American Museum (IAAM). Our Welcome Guides greet our visitors on the West Yard and direct them to the East Yard for entrance into the museum, provide reminders about exploring the African Ancestorial Memorial Gardens, tickets, and answer general FAQs.

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrable interpersonal skills or customer service experience – must be able to
make each visitor feel welcome and resolve problems Flexible and willing to problem solve/ adapt quickly to changing situations Reliable and willing to meet requirements and expectations set by Museum staff Interest in African American History and Culture and an eagerness to learn something new every day Ability to use QR codes to assist visitors with content on Bloomberg Connects. Enthusiasm for working with the museum’s diverse audiences Comfortable and confident speaking to diverse groups of people Foreign language or ASL skills are not required but a plus All abilities are welcome, please let us know if you need accommodations

Requirements

Background check is required Must be 18 years of age or older Completion of Volunteer Orientation

Program: Daily IAAM Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 29401

Allow Groups: No