Volunteer of the Month: Vida Jurcic RGD

What experience/memory stands out to you?

I think starting a dialogue about anything related to the design industry makes me proud, whether controversial or educational. I’ve been in the industry a long time so helping other designers, especially those starting and finding their niche, makes me proud. One experience that astonished me was when a reasonably senior and respected DesignThinkers attendee enjoyed my roundtable so much that he came to another one I facilitated the following day. It made me feel more confident, and reassured me that I was doing it right!

What is the most surprising/unexpected thing to come out of volunteering with the RGD?

Definitely the connections I've made in person and through social media with design peers all over the country makes me feel like I am part of a far-spread yet cohesive community.

“Vida has been an incredible contributor to our articles. She is always thoughtful, reliable and so ahead of time with her submissions. She’s a joy to collaborate with and is always ready to jump in, whether it’s writing an article or sharing her insights. Her consistency, openness and generous spirit make her such a valued part of our team and her enthusiasm to contribute never wavers.”

Vanshika Anand, Communications and Development Coordinator at the RGD

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

I’ve learned how diverse the design community really is, yet we all face many of the same challenges, professionally and often personally.

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

The RGD enforces a specific industry standard in the quality of work of its Members and protects us in ways that we don’t even realize. It helps us maintain professional best practices and guides us in the ways that we interact with clients. Most of all, it links our community. Like the links in a chain, something stronger and bigger is formed when the links are joined. We also have to remember that we are the RGD. It is a community. Not unlike the Borg in Star Trek, we are an influential collective.

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to other Members who might be considering getting involved?

One of the best things about involvement is that you aren’t left behind. It keeps me fresh and on top of the latest developments in the design process, technology and how design and designers can impact the future of compelling visual communications and the future in general. Volunteering is soul-satisfying and a great way to give back to a career that has been good to me over the years.

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

I would definitely want to keep contributing to the community in some way, whether by writing articles that might inspire other RGD Members or by helping guide young designers to follow their dreams by reviewing portfolios and giving them an opportunity to talk things through with someone who has been in their shoes.