Volunteer of the Month: Ceri Tully Associate RGD

The RGD thanks Ceri Tully Associate RGD this July for her contributions to the community.

How long have you been volunteering with the RGD and in what capacity?

I have been volunteering with the RGD since August 2019 as a member of the Events Committee. We meet virtually every 4-8 weeks to plan and discuss the RGD events that happen across Canada. As part of the committee, I’ve helped host a few events in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and really look forward to hosting more once we are able to. I initially joined the committee to figure out ways to bring more design-related events to the Kitchener-Waterloo area. I feel like the design community here would be interested in attending meet-ups or similar events. 

“In a world full of talkers, Ceri is a doer. She gets things done. The RGD is so thrilled to have an individual like Ceri volunteering her time to build a strong and prosperous RGD community. Ceri made an immediate impact when she joined the events committee. She was active in taking on additional responsibilities and has added a level of organization that has helped streamline our committee tasks and goals. She’s a friendly face during our meetings and has incredible work ethic when receiving tasks and challenges. We are so lucky to have her planning and collaborating with us on the future events that the RGD will be hosting across Canada.”

Greg Dubeau RGD

What have you learned about the industry since volunteering for the RGD?

Since I’ve started volunteering, I’ve learned that there is a true desire for connection and community in the industry. There are many freelancers, in-house designers and other creatives like myself that don’t come into contact with other designers on a regular basis. Many of us feel cocooned from the industry and want to connect with someone who speaks our language, especially during this time of social isolation. I am incredibly grateful to help organize and participate in the events that the RGD organizes to bring us all together.

Based on your experience volunteering with the RGD, how would you describe the role of the organization in the industry?

Based on my experience, I would describe the RGD as a sticky, strong, everlasting glue that keeps designers connected and supported. Our industry is creative at its core and creatives face many challenges with the nature of their work and their client relationships. Many people outside the industry struggle to understand the value we bring to the world. Good design is often invisible -- it’s only when something isn’t working well that we notice the design. The RGD is our backbone to support us with ethical issues, advocate best business practices and help us manoeuvre the changing tides of design. As a Member, it gives you credibility and marks you a professional. In addition, it creates a network of design professionals who learn from each other, inspire one another and grow together.

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer and why would you recommend it to other members who might be thinking of getting involved?

The best part of volunteering with the RGD is the people you meet and the relationships you build. Helping organize and plan the RGD events is rewarding, because I know how much our Members and other creatives in the industry enjoy and look forward to them. I love helping to host events, because you run into old friends and meet new ones. Your sense of community grows stronger and you create more connections. That experience is invaluable. 

Do you have thoughts on what you might like to do as a volunteer with the RGD in the future?

I’d like to host more in-person events in Kitchener-Waterloo! There is a huge community of designers in this area and we could do so much together. For now, we will have to patiently wait until we can gather together again. I would also like to help mentor students and other young designers who might be struggling with some of the same issues I had when I was a new graduate. I love sharing my experience and knowledge of the industry.