Asking for your Head, Heart and Hand
s the Roycroft Campus continues to be restored, one of the keys to rebuilding and keeping the Roycroft Campus vibrant and alive is the work offered by volunteers. One of the mottos the Roycrofters believe in is the idea of "Head, Heart and Hand" – that is, creating and working using these three attributes. So this is what we come to ask: to share your talents, time and energy.
Head
This Campus was started with the progressive thinking of Elbert Hubbard and we continue to be amazed by the intelligence and insight the people of this region have carried forward. Volunteers help research photographs and artifacts from the original Campus, as well as writing their own articles for RCC's publication of "The Fra", website and blog. Teachers, both working and retired, give us insight as we expand our educational outreach program to not only K-12, but colleges, adults and special needs populations. RCC also continues to find those special people whose parents or grandparents worked on the Campus along with Hubbard. They offer special insights into what life was like back then. What stories and ideas can you bring to our table?
Heart
Perhaps your passion lies in the history of the Campus and the men and women, known as the Roycrofters, who first started this Arts and Crafts community and would like to tell the world about it. Become a Roycroft docent and guide visitors through the Campus grounds retelling the stories as you walk the footsteps of the past. Tours are offered throughout the year, but mainly from June through October. RCC offers a docent training course to give you the historical information and tools to being a successful tour guide. The gratification and appreciation of the visitors offers enriching rewards, but the value that this volunteer service brings the RCC is immeasurable. As one docent stated, "I enjoy volunteering my time because sometimes I can share with people all about the Roycroft Campus and sometimes they share with me. Telling visitors about what the Campus was like a hundred years ago is just as much fun as listening to their stories told through the generations."
Hand
Maybe your comfort level is not with leading a tour or presenting to a group, but would still like to help. Throughout the year, the RCC holds activities and events on the Campus - from classes and workshops, tours, school groups, gallery openings to large festivals. Depending on the size and scope of these functions RCC needs able bodies to help. Perhaps you can pop popcorn, or man an information or registration table, serve refreshments at an opening, or assist in an educational activity with a visiting school. Volunteer hands help the Copper Shop Gallery during the busy holiday season and maintain and groom the beautiful exterior gardens throughout the year. An extra hand always makes the work go faster and easier.
The RCC would not exist without its wonderful volunteers. We are continually grateful for the time and dedication that is given. While many believe that it is the legacy of Elbert Hubbard that makes the visitor experience a memorable one, equally important is the warm and friendly spirit of our volunteers that greet visitors.
To become a volunteer, please fill out the Volunteer form found here. Or if you would like more information please call 716-655-0261 or contact Alan Nowicki via e-mail at anowicki@roycorftcampuscorp.com. Thank you for your interest.
