CHCI Docents

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What is a Docent?

Docents are volunteers who support the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute (CHCI) by conducting Chimposium workshops for K-12 students, CWU classes, and the general public on weekends and weekdays. Docents are trained ambassadors for Washoe and her family who, during Chimposiums, present information to workshop participants relating to this family of chimpanzees, the plight of captive chimpanzees, and the dangers facing free-living chimpanzees.

What is a Chimposium?

Chimposium is a play on words, combining chimp and symposium. CHCI believes that education is one of the most effective ways to help chimpanzees, and therefore offers one-hour educational workshops (Chimposiums) to the public on weekends, as well as Group Chimposiums on weekdays. The Chimposium experience is not a “show” and the Institute is not a zoo. CHCI is a sanctuary for four adult chimpanzees that communicate with humans and each other by using the signs of American Sign Language (ASL), as well as through natural chimpanzee vocalizations and gestures. The mission of CHCI is to protect and care for these chimpanzees, educate the public on the endangered status of free-living chimpanzees, help improve the lives of all captive chimpanzees through ongoing research, and serve as a humane research facility for students. CHCI is a home for Washoe and her family and is never opened for entertainment purposes.

Why would I want to be a Docent?

Docents directly contribute to the well-being of this family of chimpanzees. With a commitment of time and talent, docents are the backbone of the Chimposium program. Chimposiums and other outreach programs account for approximately 75% of the Institute’s operating budget. CHCI is a primarily self-supporting division of Central Washington University, and without the revenue from our outreach programs, the well-being and safety of these chimpanzees would be in great jeopardy.

What does a Docent do?

Docents work with a Liaison to facilitate the Chimposium program. Docents work as greeters, gift shop attendants, presenters and/or observer guides during the program. Docent shifts usually last about 3 ½ to 4 hours on weekends and about 1 to 2 hours during the week.

How much time is required?

The time commitment of a Docent is four Chimposiums per month. One weekend Chimposium shift (approximately 3 – 4 hours) includes two Chimposiums, and weekday shifts typically include one Chimposium (1 – 2 hours). Docents are also expected to attend mandatory monthly meetings, which take place on the first Wednesday of each month and last approximately one hour. Training sessions are scheduled throughout the year on weekends. Chimposiums are held regularly from March through November, on Saturday mornings at 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., and Sunday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Weekday Chimposiums are held throughout the year at arranged times for organized groups, CWU classes, and K-12 students.

What are some of the responsibilities of a Docent?

Docents are expected to be professional, well prepared, responsible, and follow the rules and protocols of the Institute. Docents are expected to work without direct supervision.

Is training required?

Our goal at CHCI is to educate the public about the chimpanzees living at this Institute, the plight of captive chimpanzees, and the dangers to free-living chimpanzees. A docent is expected to complete a training program that includes CHCI general knowledge, chimpanzee identification, chimpanzee taxonomy, chimpanzee sign identification, and other supplemental information. Docents are also required to give a mock presentation and mock observer guide session before becoming a presenter/observer guide. Training is an ongoing learning process and therefore all docent meetings are mandatory and training sessions are offered to all docents.

How do I become a Docent?

Contact Jason Wallin, 509-963-2244 and he will provide you with an application. Attend a scheduled orientation/training workshop, and sign a docent letter of agreement. Join your fellow Docents in volunteering at Chimposiums and be an active voice for all chimpanzees.