Gillian Hewitt Smith is Notable’s Philanthropy Expert, a corporate affairs businesswoman, and avid volunteer.
I’ve always loved the last few weeks of summer. I take this quieter time to think through how I’d like to spend the remainder of the year, and the places where I’d like to give my time – my own “back to school” prep.
If you haven’t found a place where you’d like to get involved, this is an opportune time to look around. You may want to consider checking out some of the young professionals/young patrons programs that are popping up across the city (and, in fact, across the nation). These initiatives are a fun way to introduce yourself to organizations looking for great talent, and to get you involved as a patron, donor and/or volunteer.
Here are a few of the membership programs and special events you may want to consider to kick start your search, and have a great time. The links are below so that you can check out the details. There are a lots of arts and culture initiatives listed, and if you’re aware of YP programs in other sectors (healthcare, education, etc.), please share!
Bottom line: find an organization that’s meaningful to you and contact them to ask about getting involved.
Art Gallery of Ontario: AGO Next
Artbound – in support of Free The Children
Business for the Arts: artsScene (be sure to watch for artsScene’s boardLink event this fall and the Arnold party)
Canadian Art Foundation: New Contemporaries
Canadian Opera Company: Operanation
Canadian Stage Company: Visionaries
Culture Days
Factory Theatre: Young Professional Committee
Opera Atelier: Les Dauphins
Royal Ontario Museum: Young Patrons’ Circle
Toronto City Summit Alliance: Emerging Leaders Network
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: TSO Young Professionals Community
United Way of Greater Toronto: GenNext
Image courtesy Stock.Xchange.