How do I begin?

Volunteers of all ages and ethnic backgrounds are welcome.

Consider your available schedule to work as a volunteer. Many volunteers work one day a week. To maintain status as an Active Japanese American National Museum Volunteer, a monthly commitment of a minimum of six hours is required.

Please fill out a Volunteer Application Form (PDF or Microsoft Word format). If you are a student, please fill out the Student Volunteer Application Form Microsoft Word format). You may also call, write, e-mail, or visit the Museum to receive an application form.

School, community and church groups are welcome to volunteer as a group for special events and projects. Contact the Volunteer Office for a "Group Application Form."

Enroll as a Museum member (For Membership options, please refer to the section on Membership).

Those living outside of the Southern California area may also serve as volunteers for regional events that are held nationwide.

Complete required training sessions for new volunteers:

Course 101 - Tour of Common Ground as a study of the Nine Historical Formations

A walk-through of Common Ground: Heart of Community. A snapshot of the Japanese American experience.

Course 102 - Museum and Staff Orientation

What are the National Museum’s mission and guiding principles? How do they impact me as a volunteer?

Course 103 - Basic Volunteer Orientation

An opportunity to be familiarized with the National Museum’s policies and procedures.

Course 130 - Japanese American History viewed from the themes of "Origins, Community, Inclusion/Exclusion and Civil Rights"

Course 131 - Japanese American History viewed from the themes of "Citizenship, Community, Culture, Unity/Diversity"

Course 120 - Serving Our Visitors With Style

*Required for Public Volunteers

Course 121 - It’s Not What You Say, It’s How

*Required for Public Volunteers

Your partnership in the Volunteer Program of the Japanese American National Museum can begin today with a phone call, visit or an email to the Volunteer Program office. Upon completion of the Volunteer Application Form together with your Museum member ship enrollment, additional information regarding Orientation and Training Sessions will be sent to you.

For further information, please contact the Volunteer Services Department at the Japanese American National Museum. (213) 830-5645 or send email to volunteer@janm.org.

You may also write to the Museum at the postal address:

Japanese American National Museum
(Attention: Volunteer Office)
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012