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I am a born-and-raised Montrealer entering my final year of a double major in Philosophy and Sociology, fields that have fueled my lifelong passion for volunteerism, community-building, and social connection. This summer, I had the privilege of working as a Communications and Membership Coordinator at the Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums (CFFM). This internship opportunity was only made possible through the generous donations of the Trustee of the Gary Leslie Ruby Estate, and for that I am immensely grateful.

This internship was the perfect opportunity for me to develop my professional skills and gain valuable experience in the arts and cultural heritage sector. Founded in 1977, the CFFM represents and supports volunteers in the Canadian museum community who are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage. It partners with various foundations and associations, such as the Canadian Museums Association, to educate Canadians about the importance of our heritage sites and museum institutions. The organization鈥檚 mission and guiding principles align perfectly with my passion for humanitarian work and building meaningful community ties. Located in the historic Maison Louis-Joseph Forget in downtown Montreal鈥檚 Square Mile, the CFFM office is truly a beautiful and inspirational workplace.

As Communications and Membership Coordinator, I was responsible for a variety of tasks that were both dynamic and enriching. I managed daily social media operations, including scheduling posts and creating relevant bilingual content across platforms to drive engagement. Producing our monthly digital volunteer newsletter, Volunteer Voices, required researching, translating and copyediting the articles. I also worked closely with the Editorial Committee to prepare for the publication of our public newsletter, Au Courant, which features insightful stories from our regional members. Additionally, I provided administrative support to directors of the board, liaised with volunteers, ensured smooth communication with stakeholders, and responded to membership queries in a timely and professional manner. While my role encompassed numerous administrative and communication tasks, the most rewarding part of my internship was the opportunity to be directly involved in organizing events and engaging with the museum community.

The highlights of my time with the CFFM were numerous and impactful. In conjunction with National Historic Places Day, I assisted in organizing a successful Open House Event and gave guided tours of the Maison Forget alongside my fellow AIO Intern, Marlowe Bertram. We planned a cocktail reception, launched a social media campaign and curated an archival display case for the occasion. Seeing the event come together, from the initial planning stages to showcasing the Maison Forget to the public, was particularly fulfilling. This has deepened my understanding of event coordination and reinforced my passion for cultural preservation.

Another highlight of my internship was connecting with members of the Canadian Young Friends Council (YFC), which works closely with the CFFM to encourage museum volunteerism among the 18-40 age group. I was delighted to attend one of their planned outings to Montreal鈥檚 PHI Center this summer where we enjoyed a wonderful tour of their exhibitions and participated in a workshop afterwards. It was a memorable and uplifting activity with the YFC group, who gave me a very warm welcome.

Overall, working with the CFFM family this summer has been an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. It has greatly improved my confidence and work skills in event planning and social media strategy, while deepening my appreciation for cultural heritage. I am most appreciative of the kindness and collaborative spirit of the volunteer community and extend my deep gratitude to the CFFM Board of Directors for their generosity and mentorship.

The financial support provided by the Fay Gilbert Ruby Arts Internship Award allowed me to fully focus on my professional development and make the most of this amazing opportunity, so thank you again and again!