Understanding Our Docents

Venue: The Huntington, San Marino, California

Role: Evaluation Manager

Collaborator: Associate Director of Audience Engagement and Interpretation

🧠 Overview

In response to a request from the Associate Director of Audience Engagement and Interpretation, I led a formative evaluation and needs assessment focused on docent volunteers returning to in-person roles post-pandemic. The goal was to understand their motivations, challenges, and preferences in order to enhance volunteer engagement and improve training, communication, and community-building efforts.

Through a combination of survey data and thematic analysis, I collected and synthesized insights on demographics, learning preferences, comfort with digital tools, and operational feedback—ultimately identifying opportunities to better support this vital audience segment.

🔍 Key Findings

Demographics

• • Age: 48% aged 65–74; 32% aged 75–84
• • Gender: Majority female
• • Race/Ethnicity: 75% White/Caucasian; 11% Asian/Pacific Islander
• • Education: 40% Master’s, 29% Bachelor’s, 17% Doctorates

Volunteer Experience

• • Tenure: Most common tenures were 1–3 years (24%) and 11–15 years (22%)
• • Roles: Ask Me Docent (56%), School Program (49%), Special Events (32%)

Learning Preferences

• • Format: Hybrid (49%) and In-person (47%)
• • Comfort with Technology: 50% very comfortable; 30% somewhat comfortable
• • Top Interests: Guest lectures (83%), curator interaction (81%), interactive workshops (50%)

Community Building

• • 51% consider it very important; 70% expressed interest in informal gatherings
• • Preferred formats: Monthly meetings (76%), group discussions (55%)

📌 Common Themes & Challenges

• • Scheduling: Limited availability and difficulty finding suitable opportunities
• • Staffing: Inconsistent training and lack of follow-up for new volunteers
• • Health/Accessibility: Physical stamina impacted post-COVID
• • Operations: Parking issues, unpredictable closures
• • Engagement: Some docents felt underutilized in their roles

💡 Recommendations

• • Offer more hands-on, interactive training sessions
• • Improve communication channels and onboarding support
• • Ensure consistent, stable leadership for volunteers
• • Provide more practical engagement opportunities
• • Strengthen social connection through regular community-building events

✅ Outcome

This assessment delivered valuable insights into the evolving needs of The Huntington’s docent community. By centering their voices, we’ve created a clearer path toward improved engagement, retention, and satisfaction—ensuring docents feel supported, valued, and connected to the institution’s mission.