Volunteer Opportunities: Change the way you see the world and your role in it!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Museum of Tolerance. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities available and how to apply, please read the following carefully.


For more information and with questions, please contact volunteer@museumoftolerance.com.


MOT VOLUNTEERS

Apply Online

Volunteers contribute to the Museum in a variety of ways, from leading tours in the museum’s exhibition spaces to assisting with special events.

We request that Volunteers commit a minimum of one year as a volunteer and approximately 100 hours per year in their role. Volunteers must commit to completing all required training and attending required trainings as well as optional meetings to the extent possible.

An administrative fee of $45 will be requested to cover the cost of training materials. Limited scholarships are available upon request.

We are not currently accepting applications for the Volunteer position.

INTERNS OR SPECIAL MUSEUM PROJECT VOLUNTEERS

Apply Online 

Jack Voorzanger Archival Internship


The Museum of Tolerance currently hosts international interns through the Lingnan W. T. Chan Fellowship Program in partnership with the University of Southern California, as well as through the Austrian Service Abroad.

On a limited basis, the museum may also have the capacity to host currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate student interns to support the museum in a variety of capacities. These internships are offered on the basis of museum capacity and needs, as well as intern interest.

Please note that internships are unpaid and must be completed for college credit. If no credit is desired, project-based volunteer positions are also available on a limited basis. With inquiries regarding internship opportunities, please email volunteer@museumoftolerance.com.

MOTIVATING TEENS VOLUNTEERS

To apply, please complete and submit the application form: MOTivating Teens Volunteer Program Application*

*Applications for the Summer 2025 program will open in Winter 2025

This teen volunteer program is open to students currently enrolled in grades 9-12. In this program, teens will familiarize themselves with the museum’s exhibitions, mission, and collections, build professional skills, and gain experience in public speaking and educating.

The MOTivating Teens program is made up of two parts: an academic-year program consisting of learning-focused meetings held once every other month, which is open to all students and does not require an application, and an intensive summer program in which teens prepare for and ultimately lead public tours in the Museum. Applications are required for consideration to participate in the summer program, and will open in Winter 2025.

The next academic-year meeting will take place in December. Please email volunteer@museumoftolerance.com for more information.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR AND SECOND/THIRD GENERATION SPEAKERS

New speakers are welcomed on a rolling basis.

We are honored to welcome Holocaust Survivors and their descendants to share their stories of survival with a variety of audiences at the Museum through our Witness to Truth speaker series.

Those interested in becoming a speaker are welcomed to contact volunteer@museumoftolerance.com. New speakers are welcomed on a rolling basis.

Speakers in this group will also have opportunities to meet and engage with their fellow speakers via regular meetings and events.

 A successful MOT volunteer will demonstrate:

  • Dedication to the mission, goals and ideals of the MOT.
  • Respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to social justice.
  • Motivation to empower individuals to make a difference.
  • Enthusiasm for continual learning and training.
  • Reliability as a MOT volunteer.


Prior knowledge of or experience in the subject matters covered in the Museum of Tolerance is not required. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds.


Museum of Tolerance New Volunteer Class

Volunteer Applications are accepted through the form linked above. Prospective candidates must participate in a personal interview, followed by reference checks. If accepted to our Volunteer Program, prospective volunteers are invited to attend the formal MOT Volunteer Class or train independently.

The Volunteer class or independent training are designed to allow Volunteers to become comfortable with the MOT, its exhibits and the various Volunteer opportunities, and to become certified before beginning active volunteer service.

The eleven-week formal Volunteer class includes:

  • An introduction to the mission & goals of the Museum
  • Training and instruction on the content presented in the Museum
  • Training and instruction on museum education pedagogy and methodology
  • A workshop on visitor service and customer service in the Museum
  • Workshops with internal subject matter experts to familiarize with the Museum’s content and unique foci
  • Training on understanding the logistics of tours, stations, events, and other Volunteer positions


Museum of Tolerance Independent Volunteer Training

For those who cannot participate in the new volunteer class, the Museum on a limited basis will also offer opportunities for independent training. Those participating in independent training will be asked to contribute time on a schedule that works for them to familiarize themselves with the Museum’s exhibitions, content, and offerings. Those participating in independent training will work with Volunteer Department staff to determine their own course of training.

All Volunteers at the Museum are invited throughout the year to participate in opportunities for continuing education, skills training, workshops on exhibitions, and social gatherings.