Written by Judi Hussain –
OAKHURST – Have you lived here for years, or are you new to Madera County? Are you looking to get acquainted or want to learn more about the area? Do you have a passion for Yosemite National Park that you’d like to share with the world?
Visit Yosemite | Madera County may have a place for you. We’re looking for a select few recruits to beef up our volunteer staff during the busy season.
If you’re interested, plan to join us on Thursday, Mar. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Visit Yosemite | Madera County office, 40343 Highway 41 in Oakhurst, for a volunteer recruitment meeting. We’ll tell you who we are, what we do and what you would be doing if you join us.
As part of the package, we offer the opportunity to meet visitors from the world over as well as like-minded locals who want to give back to their community.
The meeting will feature light refreshments, as well as the chance to fill out an application for volunteer positions to open up in early spring. This is a great time to learn the ropes since visitation is slower right now.
Volunteer requirements include committing to a minimum of 4 hours per month; however we prefer that you opt to work a 4- to 4.5-hour shift per week, and several shifts will be available. In the process you’ll become an expert on Madera County and Yosemite National Park.
You’ll learn to provide excellent service to our guests. The main skill required is a willingness to learn about the area, or the ability to share what you already know. Language skills, especially in Spanish, French, German, Dutch or Italian are highly prized.
In return for their service, VYMC volunteers participate in luncheons throughout the year as our way of saying thanks, plus FAM(iliarization) tours, and special events to acquaint them with area places and events.
“I love the diversity of the people we assist, and volunteering helps our community,” said volunteer Beverly Spears, who also enjoys the great people she works with, the FAM trips, visiting local businesses and learning more about the community.
If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to judi@yosemitethisyear.com or call (559) 683-4636 and ask for Judi. Reservations are essential.
(Judi Hussain is the Visitors Center Coordinator at Visit Yosemite | Madera County)
