Blog

by Jill Carlson, Class of 2013

A hybrid Docent Council meeting was held on Tuesday, September 12. It was a really lively meeting, and the full minutes will be posted on The Bridge next week. This is only a summary.

The meeting was called to order by President Ross Wirth. Minutes had previously been approved and posted on The Bridge. There was no updated Treasurer’s Report this month. There will be a report in October.

Gift Announcement – Monica Wilczak, Chief Advancement Officer, announced that Cynthia Bates (2016) has generously donated $50,000 for activities that bring docents, staff, and volunteers together to socialize and collaborate. Cynthia’s donation honors her husband who is dealing with dementia, and by this action she offsets the difficulties in her family’s daily life. Cynthia believes that this donation dovetails perfectly with the work of the Docent/Staff Collaboration Task Force.

OLD BUSINESS – All three task forces are hard at work.

Improving Staff/Docent Collaboration – Co-chairs John Schneider (2017) and Catherine Thomson (2023) reported that the first of a series of social events is being planned for October 18. “Open Door” hours to visit the 13th floor are also being discussed.

Defining the Docent Experience – Co-chairs Kathy Baker (2016) and Erica Myles (2019) announced that interview questions (focusing on Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention) have been developed. Next steps are determining interviewees and conducting interviews.

Digital Growth – Co-chairs Lori Nelson (2020) and Kelly Manteck (2020) reported that a list of key takeaways from The Bridge has been compiled to help develop requirements for Docent Tools. The task force has also determined that VM does not have the ability to host a redesign of The Bridge without added expense. That will be considered in the 2024 budget.

NEW BUSINESS

Tour Directors – Jessica Williams (2017), co-chair of Tour Committee, presented three new tour directors after their unanimous approval by Tour Committee.

Jim Bartholomew – Fort Sheridan

Cindy Everett – Beverly (South): A Castle, Mansions, and More

Cynthis Karabush – Highland Park

Docent Council Election – A slate of candidates was presented to Docent Council. There are 8 candidates for DC and one candidate for Docent At Large. The slate will be announced on The Bridge after bios and videos are completed.

Marketing –  Ellen Shubart (2006) reported that the Marketing Committee and Marketing Staff recently met and are moving forward together on new initiatives. New optional feedback cards for distribution to tourees for making tour comments is one of those new ideas.

OHC App Review – Lauren Bakos, Director of Marketing, gave an enthusiastic overview of the OHC app. The site will launch on October 2. It is entirely new and offers “all the bells and whistles.”. There will be a members only Open House on Friday, October 13, at Willis Tower. Look for details in September 14 CAC Member Letter.

Class of 2023 Update – 5 of the new river cruise docents will learn walking tours in 2024. 12 of the new walking tour docents will learn the river.