The AGO hosted the semi-annual Volunteers Connect mini-conference on April 15.  Organized by Infoguide Michelle Abrams and committee members Felicia Cohen (Evening/Weekend GG) and Judith Fox (Infoguide), the event brought together roughly 30 volunteers and volunteer coordinators from several GTA cultural institutions to share best practices and common issues.  First held in April 2012, each event brings new participants and insights;  first timers this spring included the TSO, Hot Docs Festival, and The Ex.

This session’s discussion topic was Volunteer Recognition and Retention, with presentations from Hot Docs Festival, Harbourfront and the ROM providing unique perspectives and examples of the many creative ways of rewarding volunteers.  Participants learned that some organizations reward volunteers equally, while others reward greater involvement with increasing levels of rewards.  They also discovered that not all institutions were aware of the reciprocal agreement that AGO volunteers have long enjoyed.  They learned the difference between appreciation (eg notes, photos and newsletter articles)  and recognition (eg free tickets, receptions) – and how both are important in retention.  Two-way communication is also key – for instance, keeping volunteers in the loop about volunteer activities and opportunities, while soliciting feedback from volunteers both informally and through structured surveys, such as the recent one conducted at the AGO.  Retention can also turn on how well volunteers are screened and trained so they get the right placement and support; in fact, several institutions have developed a whole life-cycle of retention.

Once the main business was over, participants continued the discussion over lunch and several stayed on the visit the Bacon/Moore exhibition.  Next up in November: creating procedures to facilitate conflict resolution.  Stay tuned for further insights!