Greeter and Guide

Through the NPS, Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program, visitor greeter and guides at Brown v. Board of Education serve as the first point of contact for visitors to the park. Visitor greeter and guides are stewards of the park and a source of knowledge about Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (347 U.S. 483) the 1954 landmark decision that ended legal segregation of public educational facilities in the United States.

After appropriate training, visitor greeter and guides are qualified to present a brief introduction to the park, assist with visitor needs and work on special projects as assigned by the Volunteer Program Manager.

While visitor greeter and guides can staff the park’s visitor center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday) Saturday tends to have the largest number of visitors to the park and therefore the greatest VIP need.

The park’s busiest season is April to October of each year. VIP shifts are usually 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Resource materials, training, a uniform shirt, and nametag are provided for park VIPs.

VIP Qualifications:

• Must provide a meaningful and educational exchange with visitors by assisting in their understanding of the park through its history and legacy as provided through exhibits, galleries, and historic spaces.
• Must communicate effectively with park staff and park visitors and be comfortable speaking to individuals and groups.
• Must be at least 18 years old (or have legal guardian's permission), enjoy people, and possess a desire to share knowledge and to educate others.
• Must remain courteous and calm during possibly hectic and/or emergency situations.