Happy National Volunteer Week!

Thank you Volunteers! 

Volunteerism is a powerful force that has the ability to transform communities, and is the backbone of most non-profit and charitable organizations.  The importance of volunteers cannot be overstated.  It is through the hard work, guidance, and support of volunteers that charities are able to achieve their goals and make lasting impacts in their communities.

I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible volunteers who contribute to the success of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust.   Our small-but-mighty organization has just one employee (that's me!) and one part-time contractor (Jackie) who supports the scholarship review process.  It is our volunteers who make it possible for the Talent Trust to thrive, grow, and stay committed to its mission to support Nova Scotia's emerging artists.

Our Board Members offer their time and expertise, and provide a sense of community within our organization.  They attend meetings, form committees for special projects, support fundraising, and provide governance and oversight of the Talent Trust's operations.  They are also an incredible think-tank and sounding board for new ideas and initiatives.  I have never had the pleasure to work with a more committed and effective Board, and I extend my most heartfelt thanks to each member, past and present, for the time and effort they have put into the Talent Trust.  It is truly incredible to have the support of such a dynamic cohort of artists and professionals.

The Scholarship Selection Committee is another crucial part of the Talent Trust.  Made up of 12 professional artists representing all disciplines, the Scholarship Selection Committee reviews the applications, attends meetings, provides feedback to each applicant, and gives recommendations on scholarship eligibility and criteria.  They ensure that each application is reviewed thoroughly and fairly, and offer their perspectives as professionals in their respective disciplines.  The collaborative discussions among the Scholarship Selection Committee members is amazing to observe during the application review meetings.  Thank you to each one of you for your commitment to the Talent Trust and emerging Nova Scotian artists.

I would also like to acknowledge our Honorary Lifetime Directors and the NSTT Foundation Board of Directors for their ongoing support and their service as ambassadors and champions for the Talent Trust. Your contributions have helped shape the Talent Trust and build its capacity to support emerging artists. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

Finally, to all our volunteers who help out with the Special Awards Ceremony, raffles, events, and the Bluenose Marathon - thank you!  Whether you are offering in-kind services to keep our expenses low or helping us to raise funds, you are putting money directly into the hands of Nova Scotia's most promising artists.  The Bluenose Marathon is May 19-21 and we would love to welcome you back to Team Talent Trust!  I am so grateful to all of you for the community love and support.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, take a moment to thank a volunteer.  I am so fortunate that the Talent Trust has so many to thank!  Our volunteers are truly the heart and soul of our organization. 

Thank you all for believing in the creativity of Nova Scotians!

With gratitude,

Andrea Urquhart
Executive Director, NSTT

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