You are currently viewing October 2023 Docent Council Meeting Highlights

October 2023 Docent Council Meeting Highlights

Docent Council held a hybrid meeting on October 3. Lori Nelson presided because Ross Wirth could not attend. Ed McDevitt took the minutes because John Schneider was also unable to attend. The complete minutes will be on The Bridge next week. This is a summary of that meeting.

Minutes of last month’s meeting had already been approved and posted on The Bridge. There wasn’t any updated treasurer’s report again this month. The new CFO is now in place and there will be an updated report next month.

TASK FORCE REPORTS

  • Improving Staff/Docent Collaboration – Catherine Thomson reported that invitations have gone out to selected staff and docents for the October 18 first social event. The task force is pleased with the response of both groups so far.
  • Defining the Docent Experience – Kathy Baker communicated that interview questions and a list of 70 docent interviewees have been finalized. Interviews will start the week of October 9 and be completed by the end of the month. The task force hopes to complete its analysis of the interviews by the end of November.
  •  Digital Growth – Kelly Manteck announced that the task force will take individual pictures of docents at All Docent Day. These photos will be added to Volunteer Matters in an effort to post photos of all docents. They also plan to meet with the Communications Committee to work on a new design for The Bridge in 2024.
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 CLASS OF 2024 UPDATE – Lisa Voigt announced that the class size will be 30. Following the four information sessions, there are 55 applications. Interviews have started, and the class will be chosen after Thanksgiving. 2 staff members will be in the class.

ELECTION – There are 8 candidates for 6 docent council representative openings and 1 person running for docent at large. Their candidate videos and bios are posted on The Bridge. Voting has started and will continue until November 11.

TOUR DIRECTORS – Mary Jane Beechen received unanimous approval as Co Director of Art Deco- The Loop.

STAFF UPDATES – A complete August Sales update will be in the complete minutes report on The Bridge. Monica Wilczak explained that CAC and Chicago’s First Lady are Currently renegotiating the TicketMaster contract. Right now, CAC will sign a shorter-term contract with TicketMaster, while at the same time looking at other options for the future. If you have specific comments or complaints from tourees about TicketMaster action (don’t just say they charge too much, CAC already know that), please contact Monica. Monica also reported that CAC has received a Covid Relief grant for $250,000 for general operating expenses.

COMMITTEE REPORTS – Links to committee reports are available on The Bridge.

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Contributed by Jill Carlson

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