Volunteer Program Overview

What is an Archives? An archives is a place where people can go to gather firsthand: – facts – Data – Evidence

What is the National Archives? The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. 1%-3% of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government are kept forever. Those valuable records are preserved and are available to the public.

What is a Record? Records are materials made or received by an agency of the United States Government under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business. Records are preserved or appropriate for preservation as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the Government or because of the informational value of the data.

How are Records Preserved? NARA is the Government agency that preserves documents and materials related to the United States and makes sure people can access the information. NARA has facilities all over the country, including Presidential libraries and materials projects that maintain records and artifacts from Presidential administrations.

Presidential Libraries Presidential libraries are archives and museums. Presidential libraries and museums belong to the American people.

Office of Presidential Libraries The Office of Presidential Libraries administers a nationwide network of Presidential libraries beginning with the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover. Currently, this includes: – 13 Presidential Libraries – Presidential Materials Staff – Central Office Staff

History of Presidential Libraries The Presidential library system formally began in 1939, when President Franklin Roosevelt donated his personal and Presidential papers to the Federal Government. In 1950, Harry S. Truman decided that he, too, would build a library to house his Presidential papers and helped to galvanize congressional action.

History of Presidential Libraries In 1955, Congress passed the Presidential Libraries Act, establishing a system of privately erected and federally maintained libraries.Presidential Libraries Act The Presidential Records Act of 1978 established that the Presidential records are the property of the United States Government.Presidential Records Act of 1978

Bush Presidential Center The George W. Bush Presidential Center includes the: – George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum – George W. Bush Institute Work at the Bush Center is based on the principles: – Freedom is universal – Each human life is precious – To whom much is given, much is required – The marketplace is the best way to allocate resources

The Bush Institute The George W. Bush Institute is an action-oriented organization, focused on results-based solutions for improving the human condition through: – Education Reform – Human Freedom – Global Health – Economic Growth Across all areas of engagement, the Bush Institute works to empower women through its Women’s Initiative and military support organizations through the Military Service Initiative.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum serves as a resource for the study of the life and career of George W. Bush, while also promoting a better understanding of the Presidency, American history, and important issues of public policy.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum The Library and Museum accomplishes its mission by preserving and providing access to Presidential records and other donated collections, hosting public programs, creating educational initiatives, preserving artifacts, and producing innovative museum exhibits.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a non-partisan entity without preference for political party. It is the duty of the federal government to provide information to the public without regard for political affiliation. As a part of the National Archives and Records Administration are duty is to support the current administration and the directive for open and clear government.

Volunteer Mission The mission of the volunteer is threefold: – To assist the staff in meeting its obligation to preserve and protect the records – To support initiatives to provide greater access to the records – To provide programs and services that inform the public and customers about the holdings and reference procedures at agency facilities throughout the nation

Volunteer Rights Volunteers have the right to: – Be assigned a job that is worthwhile with the freedom to use existing skills or develop new ones – Receive comprehensive orientation and training – Be appreciated and receive recognition for services

Internships Unpaid internships enable students to gain first hand experience in career fields of interest to them and provide them with practical work experience which can enhance their ability to obtain paying jobs in the future.

Interns Interns are not compensated. No formal personnel appointment is required. Requires a written agreement between NARA, the school, and the student. There is no provision for placing interns in permanent positions without competition upon completion of their academic requirements. Internships are used to address short term project needs. Work should be substantive and should complement the student’s educational program and career goals.

2013 Internship Cycle Spring 2013 Internships January 21 – April 26, 2013 Deadline to Apply: December 21, 2012 Summer 2013 Internships June 3 – August 2, 2013 Deadline to Apply: May 10, 2013 Fall 2013 Internships September 3 – December 6, 2013 Deadline to Apply: August 2, 2013

Training Requirements New Volunteer Orientation Customer Service Training Docent Instruction Program

Time Commitment Interns must be able to commit one semester of their time to service at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Questions

Thank You!

Contact Us Carina B. Morgan Volunteer Program Coordinator