Tour Assistant Training

What do Explore Buffalo Tour Assistants do?

  • Tour Assistants are volunteers who support Explore Buffalo’s tours and docents by managing administrative tour tasks and helping to keep the tour running smoothly.
  • Tour Assistants check in guests attending tours and submit a Tour Report at the end of the tour.

Why become a Tour Assistant for Explore Buffalo?

  • Being a Tour Assistant for Explore Buffalo is FUN! What could be more thrilling than showing people from the world Buffalo’s architecture and history?
  • As a Tour Assistant, you have the opportunity to assist with many of Explore Buffalo’s wide variety of tours and learn more about Buffalo’s history and architecture while volunteering.
  • Being a Tour Assistant is a great way to meet new people within Explore Buffalo or among our many community partners. Explore Buffalo organizes regular social events for docents and volunteers.

Who can become a Tour Assistant for Explore Buffalo?

  • Anyone can become a Tour Assistant! All that is required is an interest in and passion for promoting Buffalo, and a friendly and welcoming presence for our visitors from around the world.
  • Through our Tour Assistant Training Classes, we provide in-depth training on the responsibilities of Tour Assistants.

Fall 2019 Tour Assistant Training Classes:

Annual training classes are offered for new Tour Assistants. Tour Assistant training consists of three class sessions: the first two classes are classroom sessions held at Explore Buffalo’s offices at First Presbyterian Church on Symphony Circle, and the second class is a field session held in downtown Buffalo.

The next Tour Assistant Training session dates will be:

  • Tuesday, October 22 – 6 PM – Classroom session at First Presbyterian Church, 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201
  • Tuesday, October 29 – 6 PM – Classroom session at First Presbyterian Church, 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201
  • Saturday, November 2 – 11 AM – Downtown field session at a downtown location, to be announced in class
  • Please note that new Tour Assistants are expected to attend all three of these class dates.

Tour Assistant Training Class Fee:
There is a class fee of $15 for our Tour Assistant training class. This fee covers the cost of Tour Assistant materials, including an Explore Buffalo messenger bag that all Tour Assistants receive.

Tour Assistant Training Registration:

Be sure to click "SUBMIT" at the bottom of the application. All questions are required.

Enter your full name.

Enter your mailing address, just like you would on an envelope.

Enter your cell phone number if you have one. This is used during tours. If you don't have a cell phone, write "none."

Enter your home phone number or "none."

Enter your work phone number or "none."

Enter your email address. This is important! Email is Explore Buffalo's primary communication method.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background. Keep it brief (3 sentences or so).

Why do you want to become a volunteer for Explore Buffalo?

What are some of your interests, skills, and experience that may be relevant to volunteering with Explore Buffalo? Please include any relevant volunteer experience.

Will you attend the next Tour Assistant Training classes on October 22 & 29 and November 2?
Yes, I will attendNo, please inform me when future training classes are scheduled

How did you hear about volunteering with Explore Buffalo?

Do you have any questions about volunteering with Explore Buffalo?

Please check that you understand and agree to the following:
I understand that Explore Buffalo's annual volunteer requirement to maintain status as an Active Volunteer is to volunteer at least four times per year.

I am attending the Explore Buffalo Tour Assistant Training Program in order to become a volunteer for Explore Buffalo. I understand that Explore Buffalo is a not-for-profit organization that provides training classes for volunteers in order to build a strong volunteer corps. I do not intend to take this information to other organizations or to use it for my own, for-profit, or business purposes.

I check my email at least once a week.