ESTABLISHING NETWORKS, INVOLVING MORE PEOPLE

The establishment of networks of both professionals and volunteers was one of the most valuable outcomes for the Friends of Arrow Rock. Because of the scope of its public programming, intern project, and new living history tours, the Friends of Arrow Rock were required to involve a large and diverse group of people in their institution. From this contact, the Friends staff were not only able to delegate tasks but were also able to establish long-lasting relationships with those involved. As Ms. Parsons reported, "one big benefit ... was coming to know people in a lot of fields. I really have come to enjoy working with them and appreciate how generous they were with their time and thoughts." As a result, the Friends of Arrow Rock has been able to sustain its enlarged volunteer core. Kathy Borgman reported: "The creation of a strong on-going volunteer program with regular meetings, social gatherings, and field trips ... give[s] us the opportunity to continue education, giving our interpreters a growing body of knowledge and allowing us all to gain confidence." This continuing involvement by volunteers increases the chances that future projects will be successful in scope and quality.