Docent Council’s July/August meeting was held Monday, July 24, 2023. This was our first hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting, and a good number of regular attendees and guests from the Class of 2023 took advantage of the hybrid option.
Jen Messengarb, CAC’s former Director of Interpretation and current Executive Director of the American Institute of Architects was a special guest. She wanted to tell us about AIA’s People’s Choice Awards which were started last year. This is a juried competition with nine categories of projects. Jen would like to recruit docents and volunteers to participate in the first round of judging. Lexie will send out an all call to get participants. Jen also invited us to the awards ceremony on September 28 at the Harris Theatre. Tickets can be purchased after August 1 for $8.
Old Business – All three special Docent Council task forces (Digital Growth, Docent Experience, and Staff/Docent Collaboration) have met and are hard at work gathering information that will enable them to meet short and long-term goals they’ve identified.
New Business – Larry Mages was unanimously approved as Co Tour Director of Chicago’s First Skyscrapers.
There was much discussion about developing an extreme weather policy on the river after the torrential rain on July 2. Discussions with the Chicago’s First Lady Cruise Lines will continue.
The Class of 2023 (aka the Spandrels) is approaching the finish line. Only two river and two walking tour certifications remain. They will celebrate their achievements at a summer party, August 8.
Staff Update – An update of the new organization chart was presented. Under CEO Eleanor Gorski there are five officers: Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Advancement Officer, Chief Creative Strategy Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Assistant and Office Operations Manager. A more detailed description will be found on The Bridge as remaining positions are filled.
The CAC Gala, “Designing Futures”, will be held on September 14, at Willis Tower. Carol Ross Barney will be honored.
Angela Esposito, CAC Senior Director of Learning & Community Engagement Programs updated us on OHC. The dates are October 13-15, and there will be 167 sites, 20-25 neighborhoods, 5-7 sites per neighborhood, and some new plans for links to neighborhood activities are in the works. Stay tuned.
The next Docent Council meeting is scheduled for 6:00 Tuesday, September 12 at the CAC Lecture Hall or via Zoom.
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