Chinatown History & Art Tour Docent Program
The Chinese Culture Center (CCC) is seeking enthusiastic and community-oriented Docents to lead our Chinatown History & Art Tour (C.H.A.T) and support educational programs through the Learning Center, located in the heart of San Francisco Chinatown. The C.H.A.T program is an immersive, place-based learning opportunity that educates students and visitors on the art and history of Chinatown’s community activism and resiliency. This interactive guided tour encourages guests to explore different art activation sites in the neighborhood and deepen their understanding of Chinatown’s multifaceted social, cultural, and political evolution through storytelling.
This position is integral in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Chinatown’s history, vibrant art scene, and enduring legacy of community activism. As a CCC docent, you will play a pivotal role in enriching visitors' experiences by delivering insightful, engaging, and educational tours that challenge stereotypes and celebrate cultural resilience. All docent candidates will receive hands-on training on Chinatown history, contemporary arts, and museum education practices. Having an extensive background in the arts or history is not necessary. Apply by July 31, 2025!
Ideal Candidate
This docent opportunity is ideal for retired educators, freelancers, and college students with flexible schedules. It is also open to those with no prior experience who are eager to learn and passionate about community engagement, justice, and the arts.
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“I’ve been a docent at the CCC for 7 years. During a tour with a fifth grade class, we came across the “Asian American Community Heroes” mural, which CCC had organized together with community youth and leaders. The students listened to struggles of ancestors who paved the way toward some of the freedoms we have today.” — Eugenia, docent since 2015
We're looking for committed individuals who
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Interested in educating others about history, art, and community through inclusive and interactive ways
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Comfortable with public speaking and leading groups of up to 15 participants, including children
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Willingness to work with groups of all different learning styles/abilities
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Physical ability to lead tours lasting approximately 1.5 hours in person, outdoors on streets and alleyways (includes some hills and inclines)
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Have access to email and a computer
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Flexibility with schedule to be on-call docent, and can meet time commitment (See details of Commitment below)
Responsibilities
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Lead walking tours focused on the history, art, and activism of San Francisco Chinatown by delivering an established interpretive curriculum
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Deliver tours to a variety of audiences, including school groups, local visitors, and community organizations
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Collaborate with CCC staff to coordinate tours and enhance visitor engagement
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Support the Learning Center’s educational programs and outreach efforts.
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Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.
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Attend the Training Sessions start in Early Sepetember 2025 (Tentative Dates: September 3-10, 2025)
Perks
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$90 stipend for leading each tour
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Teaching experience for a wide array of guests (school tours to private tours)
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Improve public speaking skills and engagement techniques
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Educational enrichment opportunities to deepen understanding of San Francisco Chinatown
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Professional development
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Discounts at CCC’s Design store
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One-year Contemporaries Membership at the Supporter Level of the ROAM (North American Reciprocal Museum) to enter at free admission 200+ galleries and museums in North America
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Opportunities to attend gallery openings, shows, banquets, and fundraising galas
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Opportunities to work with the local community, artists, and engage in community arts projects
Commitment
Training Path
​Docents are required to complete a structured training program that includes:
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CCC Program Orientation
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Docent Training Sessions
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Site-specific shadowing with experienced docents
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A final evaluation to ensure readiness for independent tour guiding
Timeline
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Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
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Interview Period: Mid-August 2025
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Applicant Notified: August 26, 2025
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Training Period: Early September 2025, 4 Training Sessions
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2025-26 Tour Season begins: Mid-September 2025
​​Docents are required to have a stable working schedule for a minimum one-year commitment, with availability for at least 2 days per week. This allows docents to gain deep familiarity with the Chinese Culture Center, build connections with the community, and get fully involved in the docents' programs. Upon completion of the program, docents will commit as regular on-call paid docents for the following year.
" "Know History, Know Self" is my favorite mural to educate students on — it's named after a saying that reminds people that when we know about our histories, we are more rooted in ourselves to dismantle oppression. As an immigrant and teacher myself, I can relate to this mural. It showed me that community and arts education is important for students’ development and their sense of identity in relation to the Chinatown community." — Rong, docent 2022 cohort
"For Chinatown students, knowing the histories and stories of their own neighborhood is important because this knowledge alongside self expression can empower our students to feel a stronger sense of belonging and investment in the Chinatown community"
— Bonnie Tong, Jean Parker Elementary teacher