Revised July, 2018Volunteer HandbookMount Vernon Ladies’

Table of Contents

Section 1: IntroductionIntroduction 3Historical Preface 3Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association Mission Statement

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Section 2: OrganizationMount Vernon Ladies Association 5Volunteer Management Team 5Volunteer Web Pages 5

Section 3: Volunteer ProgramHistory of the Volunteer Program 5Volunteer Mission Statement 6Volunteer Responsibilities 6Volunteer Categories 6Junior Volunteers 7Volunteer Recognition & Benefits 7Volunteer Recognition Night 8Benefits 8Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn Complex 8Discounted Admission for Family and Friends 8Tax Benefits 9

Section 4: General InformationVolunteer Center 9 Guest Relations 9Media Relations 10Parking 10Injuries 10Smoking 10Emergency Point of Contact 10

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Section 1: Introduction

IntroductionWelcome to the exciting world of volunteering at historic George Washington’s Mount Vernon! This Volunteer Handbook provides basic information about the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association; George Washington’s Mount Vernon; your role as a volunteer; and related procedures, requirements and benefits.

Mount Vernon provides a constructive and enjoyable experience to more than 1 million visitors a year. As you begin your volunteer service, it is important to remember that the quality of the visitors’ experience and the day-to-day operation of Mount Vernon will be influenced in many ways by your enthusiasm, knowledge, and efforts.

Historical PrefaceNo theme appears more frequently in the writings of George Washington than his devotion to his Mount Vernon estate. In October 1793 he wrote to his new farm manager, William Pearce, “…nothing pleases me better than to see [my farms] in good order, and everything trim, handsome, and thriving about them; nor nothing hurts me more than to find them otherwise…” Throughout his life Washington was constantly concerned with the development and refinement of his estate. Even when the demands of an emerging nation called him away from home, he continued, through frequent letters, to direct every detail of the management of the Mansion, grounds, and farms. This devotion to Mount Vernon has been Washington’s legacy to the succeeding generations who have lived and worked on the estate, carrying out his vision with a remarkable continuity. Mount Vernon remained in the care of the Washington family for three generations after the deaths of George and Martha Washington. Devoted to the memory of their illustrious predecessor, the Washington family faced increasing difficulties as the land was divided and the farms became less productive. Mount Vernon, which Washington had compared to “a well resorted tavern”, remained a Mecca for visitors who, as their numbers increased, placed an additional burden on the family. During the first half of the 19th century, John Augustine Washington, Jr., great-grandnephew of George Washington, began to seek ways to ensure the protection and preservation of Mount Vernon, which had already become a national shrine. An attempt was made to interest both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Government in acquiring and preserving the estate, but both declined.

The challenge was finally met by a remarkable woman from South Carolina, Ann Pamela Cunningham, who formed the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union in 1853. In what was the first national historic preservation movement, the Association raised $200,000 over a period of five years for the purchase of the Mansion and 200 acres, drawing support from

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citizens of all the states and territories of the country. In 1858 Miss Cunningham made the initial payment to John Augustine Washington III. From that date on, the Association took charge of Mount Vernon, beginning the work of preservation and restoration that has continued to this day. The Association is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. Under the Association’s trusteeship, Mount Vernon has been restored to its 1799 appearance in George Washington’s lifetime.

During most of the 19th-century, steamboat service from Washington, D.C. remained the only practical means of transportation for visitors to Mount Vernon, and annual visitation was less than 100,000 a year. In 1892, an electric trolley began to service Mount Vernon, and visitation rose dramatically. In 1932, the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway was opened in commemoration of the bicentennial of George Washington’s birthday. In 1992, the Association decided to take another important step toward the fulfillment of its mission by formally establishing the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association Volunteer Program. Thus, the Volunteer Program is truly an integral part of the long history of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association Mission Statement“To preserve, restore, and manage the estate of George Washington to the highest standards; and to educate visitors and people throughout the world, about the life and legacies of George Washington, so that his example of character and leadership will continue to inform and inspire future generations.”

Section 2: Organization

Mount Vernon Ladies Association

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The Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association along with approximately two dozen Vice Regents, each from a different state, act as the Chairman of the Board and the Board respectively. The president leads the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association as both the president and chief executive officer. There is a group of senior staff, including senior vice presidents, vice presidents and the chief financial officer, who support the organization’s day-to-day operations and long range planning.

Volunteer Management TeamThe volunteer management team is composed of a manager, volunteer administrator and volunteer driver coordinator. The volunteer administrator records and maintains all volunteer hours in, enters new volunteers into, and maintains the volunteer software database. The volunteer driver coordinator manages the transportation services provided for VIP visitors, visiting teachers, library fellows and the Regent and Vice Regents.

Volunteer Web Pages (mountvernon.org/daily-volunteer-update)The volunteer web page was introduced in 2012 and includes a compendium of subjects both needed by volunteers and of interest to them. The web page is found within the Mount Vernon website (mountvernon.org) and requires a user name and password to access the volunteer section, which are provided by the volunteer office.

Section 3: Volunteer Program

History of the Mount Vernon Volunteer ProgramIn 1992 the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association established the Mount Vernon Volunteer Program. The founder of the program was James C. Rees and the first volunteer manager was Jack Evans who continued to manage the program until 2002. With a modest beginning and the incorporation of the already existing volunteer archaeology activity, the early program numbered about 30 people. The volunteer corps today numbers more than 300 active volunteers. The volunteer program enables Mount Vernon to more effectively carry out Mount Vernon’s mission and to enhance and allow certain programs which otherwise might be impossible to achieve. The Volunteer Center was dedicated to Jack Evans and his wife, Paula, in 2012 as the John C. and Paula P. Evans Volunteer Center.

Volunteer Mission Statement

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“To provide assistance to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association in achieving their mission to preserve and protect the home and heritage of George Washington.”

Volunteer Responsibilities To be dependable and on time. When accepting an assignment, please show up on time

or notify the Volunteer Center early enough for a replacement to be found. Mount Vernon’s staff relies on you as well as your fellow volunteers.

To treat all guests with respect and courtesy. A guest may never have an opportunity to visit Mount Vernon again, and you may be the difference that makes it a memorable experience.

To answer all guest inquiries to the best of your ability or to find an answer.

To be involved in training and education opportunities which increase your knowledge of George Washington and the estate.

To obey the rules, regulations, and customs of Mount Vernon.

To act in a manner appropriate to honor the memory of George Washington.

Volunteer CategoriesThere are three categories of volunteers: Active, Inactive, and Emeritus Volunteers.

1. Active - A volunteer who has contributed volunteer hours during the past year. Active volunteers are entitled to all volunteer benefits and are on the volunteer e-mail list.

2. Inactive - A volunteer who has not contributed any hours during the past year. Inactive volunteers are not entitled to benefits.

3. Emeritus - A volunteer who has retired from volunteering and has completed over 7,500 hours of volunteer work. The Emeritus status is retained for life along with a lifetime 25% discount card for the retail shops.

Junior VolunteersThere are some limited opportunities for volunteers under the age of 16. These individuals are junior volunteers. To qualify as a junior volunteer, the young adult must be able to accomplish the assigned task and a parent or guardian must work alongside the junior volunteer at all times throughout the assignment. In addition, the department where the work originates must

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concur with a junior volunteer being assigned to that particular task. junior volunteers receive all recognition and benefits accorded a regular volunteer.

Volunteer Recognition & BenefitsThe primary means of formal recognition for volunteer service is through sustained service awards. These awards will be in a certificate format, suitable for framing, providing a permanent record of achievement that can be proudly displayed in your home or office. Volunteers earn these awards as they reach specified levels of cumulative volunteer service hours and are presented annually at the Volunteer Recognition Night. The levels for these awards are as follows:

Sustained Service Award 100 Hours

Eagle Service Award 250 Hours

Bronze Service Award 500 Hours

Silver Eagle Award 1,000 Hours

Golden Eagle Award 2,000 Hours

Platinum Eagle Award 3,500 Hours

Eagle of Excellence Award 5,000 Hours

George Washington Award 7,500 Hours

George Washington Eagle Award 10,000 Hours

American Eagle of Freedom Award 15,000 Hours

Historic Note: George Washington’s estate was probably home to dozens of eagles in the 18th century. Washington apparently supported the choice of the eagle as a national emblem in 1784, and one of Washington’s most elegant china services features an eagle with outstretched wings, the emblem of the Society of the Cincinnati.

Volunteer Recognition NightOnce a year, normally in June, the Mount Vernon Regent and staff hosts a Volunteer Recognition Night to honor the Mount Vernon volunteers. Weather permitting, the event is held in front of the Mansion, on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac. Generally, the Regent,

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along with the president and various staff personnel, attend. Invitations are sent to each active volunteer.

BenefitsIn addition to the above-mentioned certificates, active volunteers who reach a certain level of sustained hours receive the following benefits. A discount card for use at the Mount Vernon retail shops is issued to each volunteer when they reach the following levels:

250 hours 10% Discount

500 hours 20% Discount

1,000 hours 25% Discount

7,500 hours a lifetime 25% Discount

Discount cards for volunteers that have reached 250 to 7,499 sustained hours of service are good for one year and automatically renewed if the volunteer remains active.

Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn ComplexVolunteers receive a discount on the cost of their food purchases at either the Food Court or their noon meal at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant on the day of volunteer service, by presenting their temporary volunteer badge, or if attired in period clothing. The gratuity at the Mount Vernon Inn should be based on the full price of the meal, not the discounted price.

When an active volunteer has earned a discount card of any value they are entitled to a discount at the Inn for evening meals. The discount applies only to the volunteer. Alcoholic beverages are not discounted. You should tip at the full price equivalent of the meals and beverages. Only active unexpired discount cards are honored.

Discounted Admission for Family and FriendsActive volunteers with at least 25 hours of service may request up to six discounted admissions for family, guests or friends whom they accompany during their visits to the estate. All requests for discounts must be communicated to the Volunteer Office in advance.

Tax BenefitsThe Internal Revenue Service may allow volunteers to deduct non-reimbursable expenditures incurred in conjunction with rendering services to a qualified organization. The Mount Vernon

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Ladies’ Association qualifies as an IRS 501c (3) organization. Please check with your personal tax advisor to verify the appropriateness of your volunteer deductions.

Section 4: General Information

Volunteer CenterThe John C. and Paula P. Evans Volunteer Center is located in the Conservation Complex and Volunteer Center (CCVC) Building. The Volunteer Center consists of office space, an activity room for mailings and other activity, a wardrobe for storage of period clothing, and changing rooms. The Volunteer Center is generally manned Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to estate closing time. The phone numbers are 703.799.8687, 703.799.6898. This phone is monitored during non-working hours by voice mail.

Guest RelationsAt all times, regardless of your assignment, you are a representative of Mount Vernon. You will be asked many questions and often asked to have your photo taken with guests when in period attire. Please accommodate such requests with courtesy and enthusiasm. When asked a question for which you don’t know the answer, please inform the guest that you don’t know but will attempt to find the answer. Locate an interpreter or staff member to ask the question or guide the guest to one of these individuals. A guest may have never been to Mount Vernon; therefore, what is obvious to us may confuse them. No request should be treated with condescension or impatience. Guests ask questions because they are interested and want to learn. Welcome every question with a spirit of appreciation for the interest. Never argue with a guest. Find a staff member or interpreter to assist you in resolving a situation that has the potential for getting out of hand. Always remember that guests are not cold statistics but people just like you with emotions and feelings. Help make their visit to Mount Vernon enjoyable and memorable.

Media RelationsAs a volunteer, you may at some time be asked by a member of the media to have your picture taken or to be interviewed. All media representatives on assignment are required to be escorted by a staff member. Sometimes, however, they arrive unannounced or are here for

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familiarization visits. The following guidance was prepared by the Mount Vernon Media Department so you will know what is and is not appropriate when dealing with the media.

While volunteering on the estate, whether in colonial attire or not, you are a representative of Mount Vernon. While in this position, it is requested you not render personal, particularly political, comments to media representatives. Politely, yet firmly, decline to be on public record when a reporter is not escorted by a member of the staff. If possible, please contact the supervising volunteer who will get in touch with an appropriate staff member who is trained to handle the media. When a media representative is accompanied by a staff member, then by all means respond to their questions. The staff member will interrupt if the questioning is out of line.

ParkingVolunteers should park at the Volunteer Center (CCVC Lot) unless specifically told otherwise.

InjuriesIf a volunteer is injured while performing a volunteer task, assistance should immediately be requested from staff personnel. These individuals have radios or access to them and can obtain first responder assistance immediately. Following attention to the injury, the volunteer should report the details to the Manager of Volunteer Services as soon as possible. SmokingMount Vernon is a smoke-free estate. Volunteers may not smoke on the estate at any time when volunteering in any place whatsoever.

Emergency Point of ContactIn the unlikely event of an emergency occurring to a volunteer while on assignment, the person designated as the Emergency Point of Contact on the Volunteer Application Form will be notified. Volunteers are asked to keep this information current.

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