Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many interesting and rewarding volunteer opportunities available at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i. The following are brief descriptions of each volunteer area.

Archival Collections Assistants

Preserving original documents and photos is the responsibility of the archival collection assistant. These skilled volunteers carefully preserve these artifacts in our Resource Center and work with other volunteers to gather and research the materials given to the Cultural Center.

Collections Assistant

Volunteers assist the Collections Department in preserving and researching various artifacts for the Cultural Center’s Gallery. Duties include examining, evaluating, cataloging, documenting, organizing and maintenance of the artifacts.

Data Entry Assistant

Detail orientated individuals with computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel maintain and update data records for the Cultural Center main office and Resource Center to ensure accurate information. Training will be provided.

Digitizing Assistant

Digitization of old records and tapes to CD and DVD formats are the main responsibility of the digitizing assistant. They also assist with scanning original photos into the computer for easy access.

Discovery Box Assistant/Presenter

Discovery Box volunteers present interactive, hands-on lessons to a K-12 audience. Each discovery box is related to a JCCH Gallery exhibit and includes themes on festivals, food, games, immigrations/plantation life and more. Training will be provided.

Exhibit Installation

Gallery assistants give support to the Gallery Manager by assisting with set up and take down of exhibits in the Community Gallery. Duties include data entry, painting, picking up items, inventory, staffing opening receptions and general manpower.

Gallery Docent/Tour Guide

Docents/tour guides interact with the public as exhibit interpreters as they guide visitors through the Cultural Center’s permanent exhibit hall. Tours are conducted in both the English and Japanese language. Audiences include school groups, adults and special interest groups. Docents will receive training and will also shadow other docents to increase knowledge of our Historical Gallery and the Japanese culture in Hawai‘i.

Ikebana Arranger

Trained and skilled arrangers display beautiful works of art in the Cultural Center lobby area on a rotating schedule. Arrangers are also asked to assist with various events when flower arrangements or demonstrations are needed.

Membership Assistant

Membership assistants work directly with the Membership Manager on membership related duties such as mailing out renewal notices, membership cards and filing to name a few. Clerical experience preferred.

Office Assistant

Volunteers provide general and clerical support to the Cultural Center staff. Duties include data entry, filing, typing, mailing and other general clerical work.

Oral History Assistant/Transcriber

Oral history volunteers are responsible for interviewing, taping and transcribing oral histories. Volunteers should possess the skills of using recording equipment, Microsoft Word, good social skills and have the ability to carry out an interview. 

Outreach Volunteer

Outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers go out into the community to promote the Cultural Center at functions that we co-sponsor or participate in. Duties include transporting items to and from the event site, answering questions about the Cultural Center, signing up new members and assisting with make-n-take activities for children.

Publicity Crew

Outgoing and social individuals make up our publicity crew. These volunteers help distribute flyers to neighboring business and to the general community about Cultural Center’s events and programs. They also are called upon to assist with events and programs as outreach and special events volunteers.

Receptionist

Dependable and personable receptionists answer the phone and transfer calls, assist in greeting and directing office visitors and performing miscellaneous clerical duties.

Resource Center Aide

Our Resource Center volunteers perform basic library duties. Overall duties include providing reference services to the public. Volunteers in the Resource Center must be attentive to detail with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Computer skills, bilingual ability and library backgrounds are helpful.

Retail Sales/Cashier

Volunteers assist the Cultural Center Gift Shop in sales, pricing, and cashiering.  Other duties may include light dusting and inventory tracking. Great customer service is a must! 

Special Events/Projects

Events at the Cultural Center occur throughout the year. Special Events volunteers are on an on-call basis to assist with our special events, cultural projects and programs. Duties include set up and break down, staffing of information booths, assisting in areas such as food, keiki make-n-take crafts, games, traffic control, and others.