Kevin Blum is Co-Director of Public Education and Visitor Services at

The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. Part of his responsibility is to oversee volunteers at the cathedral, it's visitor center, gift shop and out in the community it serves.

Says Kevin, "I began my work with volunteers, and my journey into full-time employment,

as an AmeriCorps member in Boston.  The intergenerational reading program paired retired community members with students, so my role was to serve the volunteers.  In different organizations over the last few years I have seen how long-term volunteers are essential in providing institutional memory and stability during continuous staff turn-over.  I often remind myself that though I may not be working at the Cathedral fifteen years from now, many of the volunteers I serve will be there in fifty years.  This thought inspires me to try to achieve a volunteer program that I would be proud to serve throughout my lifetime.  My closest friends and colleagues have developed out of volunteer administration because its tribulations and triumphs provide a great bonding experience for anyone involved in this type of work.  If my job was an ice-cream sundae, volunteer administration would definitely be the cherry on top!" 

In the spirit of giving back, Kevin adds, "My department is initiating a newsletter for the benefit of staff and volunteers at the Cathedral Church of Saint John. This is a new venture and I'd appreciate input from other volunteer administrators. I would especially like to see how others' newsletters look.  If you are able to share a past newsletter, please email it to kblum@stjohndivine.org at your convenience.  I will be compiling a list of content and formats and would be happy to share my findings with any interested members."