It has been a very busy few months at ARCS Foundation Oregon. We have hired a new operations manager, Sarah-Kate Nomura, who has quickly fit into our culture and has valiantly tackled a variety of complex projects. We have also hired an interim executive director, Carol Hickman, who has completed her first month of immersion and observation of our processes. Carol’s main role is to help us identify our staffing needs as related to the implementation of our strategic plan. She will focus deeply on our roles and responsibilities and how these can be better shared between staff and volunteers to smooth our processes and to honor the information we gathered in our member survey regarding the time our volunteers have to give towards our mission.
You have received emails over the past weeks related to a number of events that we hope you will consider supporting with your attendance. We had good crowds at both of our scholar picnics (one in Portland and one in Corvallis) over the last weekend in September. What a wonderful way to kick off our year! Our scholars are our reason for being and having the opportunity to get to know them and hear about their research is incredibly uplifting and affirming of our work.
We particularly want to highlight the two events we will host during the month of October:
(1) The UO Field Trip on Friday, October 11: This is a fun opportunity for you to bring your friends, family, and children and grandchildren (most of whom will be out of school that day on a statewide teacher workday) on a family-friendly trip. We will meet scholars, learn about their work, and also visit the UO Natural History Museum. Registration HERE
(2) The Annual ARCS Foundation Oregon signature fundraising event, Impact, Ignite! on Tuesday, October 29. We encourage every member to attend. Your participation in this event supports our mission and provides members and guests with a great opportunity to learn about ARCS. You will not want to miss this event!!! We hope to see you there at the Portland Art Museum! Registration HERE
We have a busy year ahead of us, and your participation in these and other events is what make ARCS Oregon such a vibrant and special organization.
With our deep appreciation for your support,
Rachel and Diana