It is National Volunteer Week 2021, and the AIBC would like to thank all of our volunteers, who are instrumental in furthering our public-interest mandate.
This is the fifth National Volunteer Week the Institute has formally recognized – it is important to note that this year, the ‘thank you’ is particularly special. 2020 was challenging for all of us, as we have collectively navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and adapted to the ‘new normal’. Whether it was conducting Oral Reviews via Zoom or engaging in committee work online, AIBC volunteers have displayed resilience and patience, while continuing to contribute their professional expertise and knowledge. As many of you know, the Institute has over 200 volunteers who generously donate their time to more than 28 AIBC boards, committees, panels, and task forces, and we thank each one of these individuals.
AIBC Volunteers & Opportunities
This year, we are delighted to have three new AIBC volunteers featured on our Volunteer Profiles webpage. You can learn more about their experiences, involvement with the Institute, and contributions to professional self-regulation, on the website. We have shared a few of their quotes below:
“Volunteering with the AIBC has allowed me to meet and learn from my colleagues, and to work together to make a positive impact on the profession.” – Ryan Dinh Intern Architect AIBC
“I’ve learned an incredible amount from hearing the perspectives of others that I wouldn’t necessarily have crossed paths with – I’ve been at the table with architects who are at various stages in their careers, from big firms or small, and others who have come to B.C. from other countries.” – Marguerite Laquinte Francis Architect AIBC
“I enjoyed the contact with my colleagues, the sense of involvement in the profession, and the feeling that I was making a contribution to architecture in the public realm.” – David Weiser Retired Architect AIBC
Our volunteers have a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, along with different reasons to volunteer. It is easy to get involved, especially now, given there are more virtual meeting options than ever. The public and profession are best served by volunteers from diverse locations and backgrounds – volunteer opportunities can be found on the website, and all qualified registrants are encouraged to apply by emailing volunteers@aibc.ca.
AIBC Recognition Ceremony & Awards
Each year, the AIBC hosts a Recognition Ceremony which recognizes individuals and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the profession, community, and Institute. Due to COVID-19, the AIBC was unable to host the in-person ceremony in 2020. Although the event will still not be taking place in 2021 given the ongoing pandemic, we hope to return to an in-person format in 2022.
Thank You
We value all of our volunteers at the AIBC. It is thanks to many dedicated individuals that the Institute can further its mandate to regulate the profession of architecture in the interest of the public. We look forward to the year ahead and having more individuals get involved with volunteerism at the AIBC – to learn more about the program and opportunities available, please visit the AIBC website or email volunteers@aibc.ca.
Sincerely,
Ian R. McDonald Architect AIBC, AAA, NWTAA, OAA
AIBC Council President
Mark Vernon CPA, CA, CPA (IL)
AIBC Chief Executive Officer