Reflecting on GivingTuesday and the Importance of Nonprofits
December 4, 2021
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By: Kaysey A. Richardson
Last Tuesday, I did a social media takeover for GivingTuesday. GivingTuesday is a movement meant to unleash the power of generosity around the world. The day follows Thanksgiving and Black Friday and is designed to create a community built on humanity and generosity. A large part of GivingTuesday centers around donating to local nonprofits, such as cultural and educational institutions. As part of GivingTuesday, I asked the Museum staff why they loved working in a museum, and what the importance of museums is to local communities. I feel very fortunate to be working with such creative and passionate people, while contributing to the community of Wichita. With GivingTuesday behind us, I still want to share what our Museum Staff does everyday and how this community’s support helps us achieve our mission to educate, entertain, and inspire lifelong learning:
“There is nothing quite like working in a place where you are literally surrounded by history. In my job as an educator, I get to handle artifacts that are thousands of years old, and share this passion with students. Seeing their faces light with excitement and inspiration never gets old.” –Brad Nuest, Education Manager
“One of my favorite things is seeing children gain that spark of fascination that only seeing history in front of them can bring. Giving to nonprofits, such as museums, is incredibly important in making sure they stay up to-date. Donations not only help us maintain our building and exhibits, but it helps us to improve them as well.” –Allie Little, Museum Store Assistant Manager
“When I was young my Nana would take my siblings, my cousins, and I to museums in the surrounding area. Not only did I share experiences with my family that I will never forget, but I learned at a very young age about history and culture. I want that for my future kids and that is why it is important to donate to nonprofits…so that we can continue to share these experiences and educate our youth.” –Kaysey Richardson, Marketing and Events Specialist
For many of us, we grew up going to museums with our families. My earliest memories include going to museums about history and art with my Nana and being completely blown away. At the Museum of World Treasures, one of our main goals is to provide education to our community. Through our exhibits, kid’s camps, and programs such as Coffee With the Curator and Senior Wednesday, we hope to provide an outlet for those of all ages to come to our Museum and learn about history and other cultures.
“Museums are where history can be preserved, shared, and continuously explored. It is one thing to read about it in a book, it is quite another to be able to stand in front of an artifact from a time, place, or creatures long since passed…few places offer these opportunities outside of museums.” –Jordan Adams, Collections Manager.
“I value the cultural immersion provided by museums. I enjoy experiencing it at other museums and I enjoy creating that feeling for others here at our Museum. Museums provide such a great and unique form of education and I believe in our mission to provide that.” –Kristin Martin, Programs Director
“I love working at a museum, especially the Museum of World Treasures, because I get to meet and interact with people from all over the world and from all walks of life. Doing so helps me appreciate diversity even more!” –Alan Nguyen, Visitor Services Representative
Where else in Wichita, Kansas can you see a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a mummy, learn about war history, and religions from around the world—all in one building? It is our goal to allow for our guests to experience history throughout the centuries right here in the state of Kansas. With the support of our community—whether it’s through donations, memberships, or simply spending your Saturday walking through our Museum—we are able to provide a culturally diverse experience in return to our visitors.
“I enjoy seeing people learn and find new cultures to be passionate about. I’m thankful for the opportunity to see history in a physical form with thoughtful and well-researched documentation explaining what it could have been all those years ago. Donating to a nonprofit is important to keeping a healthy and family friendly community.” –Deckard Moore, Visitor Services Representative
“The biggest misconception is that arts is a luxury, but it’s not. The arts is a necessity. There is a nationwide crisis with art not being supported, and art funding has dramatically gone down. The only way for it to survive is to pass that passion down to my kids to support these places—to show the value of these places now so that the generation continues to preserve them.” –Danielle Wetzel, Development and Visitor Services Director
It is up to us to keep the arts and past alive, continue to tell untold stories, and pass this passion down to the next generation. With the help of our community, we are able to fulfill this mission and provide this to the city of Wichita and those who visit. Although GivingTuesday has past, there are still ways that you are able to contribute. Click here for more information and ways to donate and stay tuned for future blogs about ways to contribute that you might not know about!
