Looking Back: A Busy Year
The AGO Volunteer Executive has been in a caretaker/transition mode this past year as we awaited the arrival of our new Chief, People department (formerly Staff and Volunteer Resources). Nan Oldroyd began her tenure in September 2018, replacing Deb O’Leary, who retired in March 2018 as Director of SVR after 22 years at the AGO. Despite the changes, we stayed on top of our many tasks!
Administering funds: We continued to oversee volunteer funded recognition projects, such as the Volunteer Endowment Trust (VET) which assists the AGO through funding selected projects. In 2019 the VET will support the Brian Jungen exhibition, opening in June.
Celebrating: Along with AGO staff, we helped bring the fun at the Volunteer Annual Party in May, where we had a chance to introduce two new members of the AGO Leadership Team, Heidi Reitmaier and Nan Oldroyd. This month at the Prints & Drawings Centre, we hosted the Alumni Tea, held each spring to honour our past volunteers.
Reaching out: The VEC connected the AGO with fellow cultural organizations around the GTA through two meetings of Volunteers Connect in October and April, where participants shared volunteer best practices. We also sent a delegate to the bi-annual conference of Volunteers Committees of Art Museums (VCAM), to help keep the AGO abreast of developments at art institutions across the continent.
Staying in touch: The Volunteer Blog ensured you had current information about what is happening at the AGO as well as interesting and relevant stories about your fellow volunteers.
What’s Next for the Volunteer Executive?
The VEC has evolved since its latest structure was created in 1998. Over the summer and fall of 2018, a small cohort of VEC members explored options for adopting a more diverse, inclusive, engaging, and effective structure. We shared our findings with Nan, who is moving ahead to create a new version of the VEC.
A nominating committee of volunteers and staff is now recruiting for a new 2019-2021 VEC. The goal is to open up the membership of the Volunteer Executive to a cross section of interested volunteers who will work with People to promote the AGO’s overall goals while engaging all our volunteers. Shelagh will continue in the capacity of Past President for a year to help transition the new team; Hannah will continue as Secretary.
Please think about stepping up and giving back to your volunteer community! It’s a moderate time commitment, but also introduces you to great people and fun challenges! See Holly’s post for more details about what People is looking for and how to apply. Deadline is Friday, June 7.
Good-bye!
Michelle, Anne, and Susan will be stepping down at the end of June. We have enjoyed serving you for the past three years and wish our new members well! Enjoy your summer!
Your Volunteer Executive:
Michelle Abrams (Info Guide) – Outreach
Shelagh Barrington (Daytime Gallery Guide) – President
Anne Fleming (Daytime Gallery Guide) – Communications
Susan Morrison (Weekend Gallery Guide)
Hanna Schacter (Info Guide) – Secretary