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Dear docents,

I begin every accounting class I teach at Loyola University with a funny accounting cartoon.  The students, then, start class with a smile on their faces instead of blank stares. For this month’s letter, I have decided to do the same for all of you…..because today’s topic is:  CORE VALUES!

I am not going to spell out the whole list of our core values.  Those, as (I hope) you know, can be found on page three of the Docent handbook.  I would urge you to review them regularly.  Any documented violation of a core value by a docent will be taken up by standards committee (also in the handbook).  The core values are extremely important to the CAC and docents, but they are easy to overlook.  Most of us assume, “Hey, I’m a good person, I never do anything wrong or inappropriate.”  And for the most part, that is true!  But I would like to review an important part of our core values.

The core value complaints we receive often revolve around the “respect” section.  This states that we are “patient and considerate” when dealing with others and that we use “appropriate comments, language and humor” that is not offensive.  When we deal with each other (docents, volunteers, staff) we should always treat each other well.  We are all here to further the CAC’s mission.  Sure, sometimes we get frustrated.  But try to put yourself in the shoes of the others you are working with.  And be careful with language.  We are diverse folks with diverse opinions and thoughts….but we must speak in a way not to offend others.

Review the core values a few times each year (I do).  It helps you stay mindful and grounded in the beliefs of the organization we love.

One other item before today’s “class” ends.  Coming soon to the CAC and docents will be a land acknowledgement statement created by our own, Adam Rubin.  Since we discuss the broad history of Chicago, it is important that we recognize the indigenous people as well as the architectural history of our city.

I do not end my classes with a cartoon.  All my students are so happy to escape the classroom that the smiles are automatic.  Hopefully, you are still smiling!  Enjoy the early summer, and I hope to see you on the sidewalks or river soon.

Kent.