Volunteer with the museum
Ready to get involved?
The Chinese Canadian Museum Volunteer Program brings together curious, passionate, and community-minded individuals to explore how the museum can connect Chinese Canadian history, heritage, and contemporary experiences with everyday life.
As a space for storytelling, dialogue, and reflection, the museum invites volunteers to help bridge the past and present through meaningful engagement with visitors.
Why Volunteer
Working alongside museum staff and educators, volunteers contribute to the development and delivery of public programs, support exhibitions, and help create welcoming, inclusive experiences. Through this program, volunteers are encouraged to share perspectives, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of the diverse stories that shape Chinese Canadian identities.
At the heart of the program is a commitment to community, learning, and dialogue. The museum serves as a place to reflect on history, celebrate culture, and consider how shared stories can foster connection, understanding, and belonging.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the Chinese Canadian Museum Volunteer Program, please submit your application below. Applications are open on a rolling basis.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Successful candidates will be required to attend a mandatory training session before beginning their volunteer role. For updates on recruitment and program opportunities, follow the museum’s social media channels or check the website regularly.
Volunteer Roles
Our volunteers play an important role in connecting visitors with the stories and experiences shared at the museum. Through conversation, facilitation, and community engagement, they help bring the museum to life in meaningful and accessible ways.
Gallery Ambassadors
Gallery Ambassadors bring a deeper understanding of the exhibitions and stories on display to our visitors. They are passionate about fostering open conversations and creating space for visitors to share their own perspectives and connections.
Through engaging with visitors in the galleries, answering questions, and sharing insights into Chinatown and Chinese Canadian experiences, Gallery Ambassadors help make each visit more personal, reflective, and engaging.
Education Assistants
Education Assistants support school visits and learning programs, helping to create engaging and welcoming experiences for students and educators at the museum.
Working alongside museum staff and facilitators, volunteers assist with tours, help guide student groups through the space, and support hands-on learning activities. They play an important role in ensuring that students feel comfortable, curious, and encouraged to explore the museum’s stories.
Through these interactions, Education Assistants help connect young audiences with Chinese Canadian histories and experiences, fostering dialogue, reflection, and a sense of discovery.
Event Assistants
Events Assistants support the delivery of public and private events at the museum, helping to create welcoming and well-organised experiences for visitors.
Working alongside museum staff, volunteers assist with event setup and takedown, greet and guide guests, and help ensure events run smoothly. Through these shared moments, they contribute to an environment where visitors can connect, participate, and feel included.
Program Assistants
Programs Assistants support the museum’s public programs and activities, helping to facilitate engaging and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Volunteers may assist with workshops, hands-on activities, and program facilitation, working closely with staff to encourage participation, creativity, and dialogue. Through this role, they help bring ideas and stories to life in ways that are accessible and meaningful.
Community Outreach Assistant (Off-Site Support)
Community Outreach Assistants extend the museum beyond its walls by supporting off-site events and community initiatives.
By engaging with visitors in different settings, facilitating hands-on activities, and sharing stories in accessible ways, volunteers help connect broader audiences with Chinese Canadian histories and cultures. This role reflects the museum’s commitment to meeting communities where they are and fostering meaningful exchange beyond the gallery space.
Benefits to Volunteering
Volunteers help bridge the past and present through meaningful engagement with visitors.
You can gain hands-on experience working in a museum environment, including visitor engagement and program support.
Volunteer Perks
Volunteers will:
- Be eligible for volunteer recognition opportunities, including milestone-based perks such as complimentary admission, gift shop discounts, museum merchandise, and Tourism Passport
- Receive a reference letter upon successful completion of the program
- Enjoy a range of volunteer engagement opportunities, including social events, appreciation gatherings, and professional development activities throughout the year
- Collaborate with museum staff, educators, and fellow volunteers
- Deepen their understanding of Chinese Canadian history, heritage, and contemporary issues
- Develop skills in communication, public engagement, and cultural interpretation
- Meet individuals from diverse backgrounds and build meaningful connections
Eligibility
You do not need previous museum or cultural experience to apply. We welcome you if you are:
- Aged 16 or above
- Interested in history, culture, community engagement, or storytelling
- Friendly, responsible, and eager to learn, with an open-minded and collaborative approach
- Able to communicate in English (additional languages such as Cantonese and/or Mandarin are an asset)
- Available to attend training sessions and commit to scheduled volunteer shifts
- Able to commit to at least two shifts per month, typically 2 to 4 hours each
FAQs
No. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Training will be provided.
We encourage volunteers to commit to at least two shifts per month, depending on their availability.
Volunteers receive orientation and training covering museum practices, visitor engagement, and role-specific responsibilities.
English is required for most roles. Additional languages such as Cantonese and Mandarin are considered an asset.
Volunteers will be asked to submit their availability monthly, and schedules will be shared in advance.
If you have specific questions about the volunteer program, please email us at volunteer@chinesecanadianmuseum.ca. We’re happy to help!