ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Hello, all.  I am writing to find out how various institutions utilize
teens as volunteers, specifically teens under the age of 17.  We would
like think about starting a teen volunteer program but are a little
handcuffed by HR policy that requires all staff and volunteers to pass a
background check.  Since it's not possible to do a background check for
those under 17, we currently require that those folks be accompanied by a
parent.  Since that's an unwieldy policy to implement for even small
numbers of teens, I'd like to see what other museums have as policies for
including under-17 teens as exhibit and demo facilitators.  How do you
handle it at your place?  Are there any extra supervisory issues that
you've had to deal with?

Thanks, in advance!  Replies off-list are fine.

Michelle

p.s.  We have an open position here for Director of Education.  If you are
interested, please check our website (address is below).  M

Michelle Nichols, Master Educator for Informal Programs
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL  60605
312-322-0520 
312-322-2257 (fax)
[log in to unmask]
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org

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