Open Forum

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Hi, Danielle -

I'm sure that there are may ways that museums can improve in this area to build a more cohesive staff.  While there surely are some who leave (either their position or the museum field entirely) for other reasons, many are leaving because they simply cannot afford to stay.  As long as we continue to see young (and not-so-young) museum professionals whose compensation is not sufficient to meet their needs, it might not matter how engaged they feel.  If they're just not making ends meet, they'll look for other opportunities, and we will continue to see many of them heading for the private sector (even though they may find similar financial difficulties there as well).  I think that your session idea is a good one, but the elephant in the room should be part of the discussion.

      Michael

------------------------------
Michael Holland
Principal/Owner
Michael Holland Productions
Bozeman MT
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2015 12:02 PM
From: Danielle Horetsky
Subject: Possible AAM Proposal on Staff Engagement. Looking for feedback.

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Danielle,

This is a critical issue for any organization, regardless of their non-profit status. Identifying and strengthening that internal culture is paramount, as is understanding generational shifts that lie ahead. (by 2025, 75% of the US workforce will be millennials).

Having worked with many large non-profits on these issues as they relate to brand, I have found that mission in isolation is not enough. It needs to be felt and experienced across the organization, in ways that are emotionally resonate and actionable. Culture really does eat strategy for lunch.

I am also including a link to a recent article related to this topic.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/does-culture-matter-mark-minelli

Cheers,

-m

------------------------------

Mark Minelli
Minelli, Inc
Boston MA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2015 12:02 PM
From: Danielle Horetsky
Subject: Possible AAM Proposal on Staff Engagement. Looking for feedback.

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

I think this is a great topic. I agree with some earlier comments that in the end if compensation does not allow a staff member to meet their needs no level of engagement will suffice. With that said I think a session that identifies institutions that are addressing this concern would be of great value. The session would be representing model practices for other institutions to look at as they approach change and adaptation within their infrastructure. 

Mark

------------------------------
Mark Osterman
Guiding Programs Manager
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Miami FL
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2015 10:56 AM
From: Mark Minelli
Subject: Possible AAM Proposal on Staff Engagement. Looking for feedback.

Danielle,

This is a critical issue for any organization, regardless of their non-profit status. Identifying and strengthening that internal culture is paramount, as is understanding generational shifts that lie ahead. (by 2025, 75% of the US workforce will be millennials).

Having worked with many large non-profits on these issues as they relate to brand, I have found that mission in isolation is not enough. It needs to be felt and experienced across the organization, in ways that are emotionally resonate and actionable. Culture really does eat strategy for lunch.

I am also including a link to a recent article related to this topic.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/does-culture-matter-mark-minelli

Cheers,

-m

------------------------------

Mark Minelli
Minelli, Inc
Boston MA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2015 12:02 PM
From: Danielle Horetsky
Subject: Possible AAM Proposal on Staff Engagement. Looking for feedback.

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and comments! I posted this the day before I left for vacation, hoping I'd come back to one comment. I'm still in the beginning phases of change here, and as I was having trouble finding articles that seemed to speak to our type of industry, I thought I'd post since when one of us has questions there is always someone out there who has been through it or is going through it who would be happy to share. It's one of the things I love about this industry.

I have finally gotten out from under the backlog created from my break, and I'm starting to pull this into a session proposal through the AAM panel proposal site. I'm an emerging professional (only been in the field three years) and my first time doing this, so please let me know if I'm missing something. This is my first panel proposal, but I think it will be a good one.

I agree that the compensation for jobs in our field needs to be at a livable wage, and that is the main thing that needs to be addressed by an institution. I'm lucky to be at an institution that adjusted salaries right before I started based on AAM surveys and we have great benefits (through the city of baltimore), so for us that isn't as much of an issue as it might be at other institutions. I don't want to dismiss it, but I do think that we work for this industry because we aren't as monetarily driven, and that there are many benefits that we get that can't be quantified. I know this leads to debates, and I have them with coworkers and friends often. Our industry has to address this and soon. In the meantime, since I've been assigned the task of re-branding the social committee, that's what I'm going to focus on. I'd like to focus on this topic of staff engagement to create a workforce that does their best work. I don't want to conversation to be sidetracked by salaries. That could be a different proposal for another year. 

I can post the link to my session proposal once I complete it, if that would be useful. Then comments can move to that platform.

Thank you again for this discussion and for those of you who have reached out to me through email. This is going to be such a helpful thing as I try to make this transition in our institution as meaningful as it can be, and hopefully share the experience to help others.

Best,

Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2015 09:49 AM
From: Mark Osterman
Subject: Possible AAM Proposal on Staff Engagement. Looking for feedback.

I think this is a great topic. I agree with some earlier comments that in the end if compensation does not allow a staff member to meet their needs no level of engagement will suffice. With that said I think a session that identifies institutions that are addressing this concern would be of great value. The session would be representing model practices for other institutions to look at as they approach change and adaptation within their infrastructure. 

Mark

------------------------------
Mark Osterman
Guiding Programs Manager
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Miami FL
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2015 10:56 AM
From: Mark Minelli
Subject: Possible AAM Proposal on Staff Engagement. Looking for feedback.

Danielle,

This is a critical issue for any organization, regardless of their non-profit status. Identifying and strengthening that internal culture is paramount, as is understanding generational shifts that lie ahead. (by 2025, 75% of the US workforce will be millennials).

Having worked with many large non-profits on these issues as they relate to brand, I have found that mission in isolation is not enough. It needs to be felt and experienced across the organization, in ways that are emotionally resonate and actionable. Culture really does eat strategy for lunch.

I am also including a link to a recent article related to this topic.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/does-culture-matter-mark-minelli

Cheers,

-m

------------------------------

Mark Minelli
Minelli, Inc
Boston MA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2015 12:02 PM
From: Danielle Horetsky
Subject: Possible AAM Proposal on Staff Engagement. Looking for feedback.

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

I would strongly encourage you to include how to engage part-time staff as well as full-time staff. That has been a struggle at my current institution as well as at others I have been associated with. I think many institutions in our field rely heavily on part-time staff.

------------------------------
Linda Endersby
Michigan Historical Museum
Lansing MI
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2015 12:02 PM
From: Danielle Horetsky
Subject: Possible AAM Proposal on Staff Engagement. Looking for feedback.

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------

Would anyone be interested in a proposal on staff engagement and how strategies for staff retention need to change in the non-profit sector as museums enter the 21st century. It seems to me that a lot of news sources have been highlighting the engagement activities at start-ups and for-profit corporations. It makes me think that the old idea that the passion of working in a cultural setting is enough, needs to be updated. Staff members can easily refocus on a career at a culturally minded start-up, corporations that are beginning to be more socially conscientious, or for a company that now wants a broad liberal arts background in their staff. The way we think creatively is beginning to be a sought after skill. 

Would anyone be willing to tell me whether you would like a panel that focuses on these topics? Or, whether you have refashioned your 'social committee' and how/why? Would you be interested in joining me in creating a panel? 

As part of our strategic thinking process, I have been tasked with re-evaluating our social committee and how it might need an update, a mission statement, by-laws, etc. The programming hasn't really changed since the group was created (in the 80s), but the diversity of staff has. Our HR department runs a wellness program, and another part of my re-evaluation is how the two programs are connected, and how they might work together in the future. 

Thanks! 
Danielle

------------------------------
Danielle Horetsky
Curatorial Division Assistant
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore MD
------------------------------