“Generosity is the bread and butter of feeling connected in our lives—to ourselves, to others, and to life itself.”
– Sharon Salzberg
Today, we are celebrating the spirit of generosity with #GivingTuesday, a global grassroots movement across 70 countries and 30,000 non-profits. Here at the Rubin, we’re grateful for those who generously donate their time to the Museum community.
The Rubin’s volunteer docents give their time to make art come alive for visitors and community members. They are story-tellers, translators, teachers, and matchmakers, connecting individuals with the meaning of the art. They have their own reasons for volunteering, and yet, each finds that generosity and gratitude go hand-in-hand.
Read on to learn what inspires them, in their own words:
Lara Netting, volunteer docent since 2015
“I chose to be a docent at the Rubin because of the Museum’s strong commitment to education: for students, the public, and its docents. Students often ask so many questions that I can’t answer them all! Many of them are surprised by how interesting a Museum can be.”
Edwin Hankin, volunteer docent since 2004
“I started at the very beginning of the Rubin’s history! I’ve traveled extensively in the Himalayan region of the world and have come to love its art and culture, which the Rubin so beautifully represents. Receiving a simple ‘thank you’ at the end of a tour makes it all worthwhile.”
Mingyang Sun, volunteer docent since 2015
“I was drawn to the Rubin due to my interests in museum education and Buddhist studies. I’ve given bilingual tours in English and Chinese and have noticed that those lovely kids learn something new about not only our collections but also their English.”
The Rubin and our volunteer docents foster a richer understanding of our shared human experience. The experiences found at the Rubin transport us to faraway places, expanding our sense of self in the process.
If you believe that art and culture play an essential role in making life inspiring, interesting, and meaningful, please consider supporting the Rubin Museum this #GivingTuesday. You will be making our exhibitions and programs accessible for all. All of this is possible because of people like you! Give back today.
If you have any questions about #GivingTuesday, or if you would like to make a gift, please contact the membership team by email or phone (212.620.5000 x313).
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