Hello everyone,
TS Eliot thought April to be the “cruellest month” but for docents it is a month of bounty.
First up, DAN!!!! I hope you have your fancy clothes and most courtly behavior ready to go for Thursday. Chairs Emily Clott and Jill Carlson have worked tirelessly but joyfully to bring you a memorable event. Be there or be square — as no one I have ever known has said.
Next, Docent Benefits Cards will be ready for pick up starting this Wednesday. Watch all those hard-earned service hours turn into the proverbial free lunch. See Caroline or Erin.
Third, April is National Volunteer Month. Time for us to celebrate our special role with kindred spirits from all manner of other cultural institutions across Chicago. Caroline has more info.
Fascinating factoid alert: Ever wonder what makes us and our fellow volunteers so special? Here’s an idea, courtesy of architect Doug Farr, who spoke last week. Doug is an out-of-the-box thinker who concerns himself with how buildings affect the people who live and work in therm. Part of his research was discovering what makes people anxious or fearful — so to avoid making people feel this way in his structures. What do 58% of all people fear the most? Talking to strangers. What do docents and volunteers do every day? Happily and engagingly talk to strangers. If that doesn’t make us special, what else would?
Please be sure to read the next Bridge updates for messages from Ellen Shubart about the Move Task Force. With May approaching it means July sign ups. MTF will be trying to devise a rational process for docents to sign up for July tours, while accommodating a fluid move-in date at 111 E Wacker, everyone’s need to plan ahead, new routes versus old and the general need to remain placid and cheerful to our guests throughout. Another big undertaking we will meet with good humor and professionalism.
Have a great DAN!
Constance