Seeking Mission-Driven Board Members for Chicago Debates

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Chicago Debates seeks mission driven, engaging, and service-oriented candidates with a demonstrated passion for philanthropy to join our Governing Board or Associate Board. Are you interested in helping to bridge the educational opportunity gap for Chicago Public School students by providing them with an after-school program that supports their academic, career, and leadership success? If so, consider joining one of our boards.

Vision & Mission

We envision a world in which Chicago youth are empowered to build their voice, succeed in college and career, and become leaders in their community. Our mission is to bring our vision to life by advancing the educational achievement, community contributions, and life success of Chicago’s youth through the transformative power of academic debate.

Overview

Members of Chicago Debates Governing Board or Associate Board are committed to the mission of the organization, are actively involved in shared board responsibilities and assume individual duties and obligations. In all actions, decisions and activities, members of either board support the mission of Chicago Debates and work for its growth and success.

> Responsibilities:

• Determine and articulate the organization’s vision and mission.
• Attend and contribute to four hybrid Board meetings a year.
• Select, support, and evaluate the Board Chair and/or Executive Director ensuring that s/he has the assistance needed to further the goals of the organization.
• Actively serve on at least one committee.
• Actively support the fundraising activities of the organization, specifically with a personal donation included as a part of a Give or Get of $10,000.
• Ensure effective organizational planning through monitoring and strengthening the organization’s programs and services.
• Ensure adequate financial resources through fund development activities.
• Protect assets and provide financial oversight.
• Recruit prospective Board members to build a competent and diverse board.
• Ensure the Board of Directors has the necessary skills, competencies and connections to ensure the organization’s success and sustainability.
• Attend at least two Chicago Debates events each year (other than Board and committee meetings), including the annual fundraising event.
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity.

>Expectations:

• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of serving on the Board.
• Familiarize self with programs and services in order to articulate them to the community.
• Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve Chicago Debates’ mission.
• Prepare for, attend and actively participate in all quarterly board meetings and applicable committee meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters related to the Chicago Debates.
• Be accessible, in person, by phone or by email, to the Board, its Chair, committee members and the Executive Director.
• Sign a conflict of interest statement annually to avoid all conflicts and the appearance of conflicts.
• Fulfill commitments within agreed-upon deadlines.

> Responsibilities:

• Determine and articulate the organization’s vision and mission.
• Attend and contribute to four hybrid meetings a year.
• Volunteer at no less than two (2) CD sponsored debate tournaments, fundraisers or events.
• Participate on one standing committee of the Board and serve on ad-hoc committees as necessary.
• Attend and invite guests to Associate Board hosted fundraising events.
• Help research, communicate, and advance new avenues to promote Chicago Debates’ mission, vision, and programs to the community.
• Become familiar with Chicago Debates’ overall resource needs and provide recommendations and/or assistance where applicable.
• Establish relationships with other young professional boards.
• Financially support Chicago Debates by donating $500 a year, and raising an additional $500 from your network.

>Expectations:

• Commitment to the Chicago Debates mission and vision.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of serving on the Board.
• Familiarize self with programs and services in order to articulate them to the community.
• Willingness to leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve Chicago Debates’ mission.
• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters related to the Chicago Debates.
• Be accessible, in person, by phone or by email, to the Board, its Chair, committee members and the Director of External Affairs.

More Information

Governing Board Opportunity Packet: tinyurl.com/CDGovBoard

Associate Board Opportunity Packet: tinyurl.com/CDABBoard

To Apply

To apply visit tinyurl.com/ChicagoDebatesBoard and complete the application. You will be contacted by a member of the Chicago Debates staff and board. Additional questions can be directed to Lauren Hince, Director of External Affairs, by emailing lhince@chicagodebates.org.