Allensworth State Historic Park
Docent Program

Introduction

What is a Docent?

Docents are highly trained volunteers who interpret the cultural, natural and recreational resources of California’s State Parks. One of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a docent is the opportunity for ongoing education. As a docent in training, you embark upon a rigorous course of study that begins with establishing a strong foundation of expertise for interpretation.

Docents and park staff are the people with whom visitors are most likely to have contact. Docents, therefore, play a dual role of being educators as well as public relation ambassadors. Docents work year round in our State Parks in a wide variety of capacities. Whether working at sales counters, leading tours, demonstrating living history, or helping with special events, California State Park docents are special, dynamic people whose assistance is invaluable! California State Parks greatly appreciates the generous donation of your time and talent.

Your Docent Program

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was established in 1976 to recognize the contributions made by African American pioneers. Originally the town of Allensworth was founded on August 3, 1908 by Colonel All allensworth. The operations and interpretative programs at Allensworth SHP are focused on preserving, protecting, and interpreting the history and achievements of African Americans Allensworth.

Colonel Allensworth’s influence was most strongly felt between the years of 1908 and 1918. Therefore, this is the period of time preservation, reconstruction, restoration and interpretation efforts are focused.

Why Become a Docent?

The reasons people volunteer vary from person to person, but here are a few you might share:

· To help visitors appreciate the uniqueness of Allensworth State Historic Park.

· To learn something new.

· To share the positive contribution African Americans made towards the development of California and the United States.

· To indulge in a creative form of physical and mental exercise not found in a gym or health club.

· To learn how to conduct research about specific subject areas.

· To find new insights, relationships, and relevancies.

· To receive a benefit money can’t buy…a sense of well being from contributing to your community.

· To have an aesthetically pleasing experience.

· To be touched, moved and inspired.

· To experience provocation as well as instruction.

· To share a fun time with family and friends.

Organization

California State Parks

The docent program at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is the responsibility of California State Park system and is managed by the Department. The docent program at Allensworth is supervised by the State Park Ranger I, based on guidelines establighed in the Volunteer in Parks Program Manual.

Docents are volunteers and as such are entitled to Worker’s Compensation Benefits when properly registered with a Volunteer Service Agreement. As a state park volunteer, docents are under the direction and supervision of the designated park staff. Together, docents, park staff and the Friends of Allensworth Interpretive Association work to ensure a high quality interpretive program at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

Friends of Allensworth Cooperating Association

The Friends of Allensworth Cooperating Association is a nonprofit association working with California State Parks to promote the educational and interpretive programs in Allensworth State Park. To accomplish this goal, the Friends work through a vast network of volunteers from all over California. There are chapter affiliates in approximately 17 cities in California and various other cities throughout the United States. The Parent Chapter is located in Allensworth, California.

California State Parks with the support of the Friends of Allensworth sponsor five special events annually in the park to keep the Colonel’s vision alive. The exact dates for the five events vary from year to year but they are generally scheduled in the following months.

Docent Policies and Procedures

In order to remain active in the Volunteers In Parks program, docents are required to fulfill these commitments:

• Attend the training classes and demonstrations of the interpretive house museum tours. If a docent misses more than two sessions he/she will be asked to repeat the training course unless special arrangements have been approved by park staff.
• Read the required material
• Meet state requirements as per the Volunteer Service Agreement.
• Participate as a docent in the field for one full year after training.
• Volunteer at two big events a year.
• Volunteer a minimum of 50 hours a year.

Responsibilities

All docents are expected to:

Find a substitute if you are unable to work a day for which you have been scheduled. Inform the ranger that a substitute will be taking your place.

Wear you name tag when leading your tour.

Complete your tour on time or within the time that has been allotted. School groups often need to be back to their schools at a specific time.

Authority
As a docent you do not have peace officer authority, but you should be familiar with park’s rules and regulations so you can report any violations so you can report any violations to the ranger. Docents, of course are expected to comply with all park rules and regulations.

State Property
State vehicles and equipment are for official use only. After training, you may be permitted to operate certain vehicles and equipment. You are not to operate a vehicle or piece of equipment without specific authorization to do so.

Privileges
Docents should not expect special privileges or favors regarding park use or use of facilities. The use of State Park property or equipment for your personal benefit or the acceptance of any gratuities resulting from your participation in the docent program is not permitted.

Benefits

All active docents are entitled to the following benefits:

· A district volunteer ID card which provides free day use entrance to all Park units within the San Joaquin District, including Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, Tule Elk State Reserve, and Fort Tejon State Historic Park.

• Periodic enrichment programs
• New skills, knowledge and personal enrichment.
• Tax deductions for transportation and other volunteer related expenses and donations.
• Coverage by Worker's Compensation Insurance in the event of injury while working in the park.
• Lots of fun!
• After 200 hours of volunteer work in a calendar year you are entitled to a Statewide Annual Day Use Pass. This pass will admit you to any State Park where day use parking fees are collected.