The AGO played host this past November to Volunteers Connect, a semi-annual gathering of lead volunteers and staff from cultural institutions across the GTA as well as Hamilton and McMichael. Volunteers Connect is now in its fifth year. Participants meet for three hours, listen to two different presentations covering issues or programs of interest and concern, and then brainstorm. In addition, there is time for informal interaction during coffee break. Phyllis Couzin, past president of AGO volunteers currently oversees the program, and describes the latest meeting:

The November meeting had two topics chosen in consultation with various members of the group. The Challenging Volunteer was addressed by AGO staff Deb O’Leary and Holly Proctor and assisted by Debbie Kennedy, volunteer president. The presentation addressed volunteers who routinely challenge staff, resist changes to the volunteer program or present attendance problems. To encourage an open discussion, they first outlined the issues, which are common to many institutions, then solicited solutions from the audience, and finally offered AGO approaches.  As it turns out, for many organizations, rather than being punitive, the answer can often lie in checking in with and being supportive of the volunteer in question.

The second topic, The Gen X Volunteer: Recruiting, Integrating and Retaining, was presented by Justin Ingraldi and Alexis Haradyn, staff coordinators from TIFF, and Rob Haines, president of volunteers at the Gardiner Museum. These two organizations were asked to present in part because their volunteer structures and population are quite different. TIFF has been very successful integrating and retaining Gen X volunteers. Justin and Alexis emphasized that they recognize that different generations may have different but equally valid levels of commitment. TIFF has been very successful teaming older and younger volunteers with the goal of encouraging each to learn from the other, particularly, their different styles of working. Teaming has also enabled the Gen Xer to assist the older volunteer with new technology.

Volunteers Connect has grown significantly over the past five years. Eighteen different organizations attended the November meeting. Volunteer participants change as they move in and out of leadership positions in their specific organizations.  For the first time, the May meeting will be hosted outside of the AGO. TIFF has very generously offered to have the event in their premises at the Bell Lightbox on King Street West. The AGO, represented by Phyllis Couzin, will continue to oversee the program. Phyllis and Justin have already met and begun to plan for the day. Stay tuned for further developments!