by Jill Carlson, class of 2013
A hybrid Docent Council meeting was held on November 7. Here is a summary of what was discussed. The full official minutes will be posted on The Bridge after approval by Docent Council.
There was no new Treasurer’s Report.
Task Forces
DOCENT/STAFF COLLABORATION – John Schneider reported on the first One Team event held on October 18. It was well attended by 19 volunteers and docents, 19 staff, and 4 trustees. There was a mixer designed to encourage connecting and building trust between the groups. Lots of lively conversation led to a great deal of positive feedback. Four One Team events will be held in 2024, the first one planned for February. There will be a needs assessment to determine where increased support is needed between staff, docents, and volunteers.
DOCENT EXPERIENCE – Kathy Baker reported that 60 docent interviews have been completed. A spread sheet summary of each interview is being compiled. Some consistent themes have already emerged in docent responses.
DIGITAL GROWTH – Kelly Manteck announced that the task force had met with Leslie Clark Lewis and Lisa Ciota from Communications Committee because of mutual goals. There are already 6 tips and tricks on The Bridge to make it more user friendly. Work will continue on a way to make it easier to search for files and documents.
Photos of all docents attending Docent Day will be taken and added to the directory, making it easier to put a face with a name.
OLD BUSINESS
CLASS OF 2024 – There are 90 applicants and 70 interviews completed so far. The class will be chosen in the first week of December. Class will begin on January 20, 2024.
ELECTION – VOTE! Docent Day is the deadline for voting. All election information is available on The Bridge.
NEW BUSINESS
RIVER – Following Lance Friedman’s report on the successful, record revenue season on the river, Phillip Nadasdy, Chief Administration Officer, gave an update on contract negotiations with Ticketmaster. Second round talks with CAC’s long term partner are encouraging. CAC is looking for a shorter contract length, lower fees, and more training on the Ticketmaster system.
DOCENT COUNCIL – An all day interactive strategy session, similar to 2023’s strategy session, will be held early in 2024. It will include a review of 2023 and planning for 2024.
A task force will be formed in the first quarter of 2024 to update the docent handbook. The goal will be to have all the changes made in time for the new class to receive the updated handbook by the end of training. One of the changes already approved by Docent Council is consolidation of reader and sponsor into one person, a “mentor.”
LIBRARY – Library Committee would like to state the importance of the library as “the” place to go for all docents and volunteers. Both groups should have access to the library at all times. No one should be prevented from entering the library if a meeting is being held there since it is the only place in the Center meant for docents and volunteers to store their things, eat lunch, etc. There will be further discussion.
CLASS OF 2023 – Catherine Thomson, 2023 class representative, thanked everyone for all of the time and effort spent by so many docents getting the class through training and for being so welcoming.
STAFF UPDATES – Phillip Nadasdy presented the present organization chart for CAC. There are 70 staff members. Information about specific contacts for docent questions is forthcoming.
In an effort to be more visible and connected, Caroline will be in the first floor office space from 10-12 on Wednesdays. Monica Wilczak will be on the first floor on Fridays from 10-12. This will start on December 1. Staff will also be encouraged to go on public tours to get acquainted with what they look like and what docents do.
SPACE STUDY – CAC has undertaken a space study of all CAC spaces to find out how they are being used presently and to determine if there is a more efficient way to use them. Eleanor is looking for funding to make changes possible.