Hello Volunteers!

Long time, no see. We miss you! It’s hard to know what to write in unprecedented times like these; a couple of updates regarding where things stand:

Currently the AGO is closed to the public (and all non-essential staff) to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, we remain closed through Sunday April 5. Full announcement and further details, here.

Most of us don’t have robust work-from-home access, so please be patient with your coordinators, or any questions/concerns you might have. I will be using the volunteer blog to keep you updated as best with anything pressing, but really, i’m just checking in to say Hello, as I think we are all starved for a little connection during these strange times.

We shared last week that the Volunteer Annual Party (April 20) and National Volunteer Week activities were postponed. At this time we can also share that we are suspending work on the Margaret Machell Study Grant, and voting on the Volunteer Endowment Trust project. We have been directed to put any decisions on hold for now, halting work on these initiatives (for now).

I miss this community, and I’m sure you do as well. Being together, united in gathering and purpose is good for us all. So let’s take all that good energy and redirect it towards following our public health protocals. Stay strong, self-isolate when you can; and use your online tools / (telephone!) /writing letters (!) to maintain connections.

On that note, several colleagues have been posting amazing online resources to view and enjoy museum collections on-line. I think we could all use a little of that, and I’ll be sharing some links over the coming days.

So from my home front to yours, take care, and talk soon.

– Holly