Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago (YNPN Chicago) committees consist of a mix of Executive Board Co-Chairs, At-Large Directors, Ex-Oficio Board Members and members at-large. The committees work to fulfill the mission of the organization: YNPN Chicago strengthens the nonprofit community by providing accessible professional development, resources, and networking opportunities for young professionals involved in the Chicago-area nonprofit sector.

YNPN Chicago enhances the impact of the Chicago-area nonprofit community by:

• Attracting talented young people to the sector;
• Supporting nonprofit professionals in their work; and
• Developing current and emerging leaders in the field.

What are the qualifications of committee members?

We are looking for nonprofit professionals who possess:

• Passion for the development and potential of YNPN Chicago and the nonprofit sector
• Willingness and ability to contribute time and energy to the advancement of the organization
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well independently and on a team
• Creativity, initiative, responsibility, and organizational skills

What are the responsibilities of Executive Board directors?

Committee members commit to one year of service, unless s/he is part of a special task force. Members must attend committee meetings and participate in regular YNPN events and programs. Each committee member also works independently and collaboratively outside of scheduled meetings to complete the responsibilities of their position. Members must reapply to the committee or potentially the Executive Board at the end of each term. As a thank you to committee members, the fee to the Annual Celebration will be waived.

What are the benefits of joining a committee?

Committee participation is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in getting more involved in the Chicago nonprofit community, helping to shape a new and growing organization, and working to build a stronger sector. Committee is a chance to grow personally and professionally, to develop skills, experience, and connections that will aid in your career development, and to be part of a team of other fun, passionate, motivated young people.

Program Area & Committee Positions

Communications

• Internal Communications (3) helps with developing and writing articles for the YNPN Chicago eNewsletter; assists in web 2.0 activities; and aides in the dissemination of YNPN Chicago specific event and organizational communications.
• External Communications (2) assists in the development of marketing and promotional materials for YNPN Chicago; develops press releases and media contacts; responds to inquiries about the organization; and works on a “spread the word” campaign about YNPN Chicago to new audiences.

National YNPN Representative

• YNPN National Conference (2-3) works in conjunction with the national representatives to secure location, develop materials and solidify program for two-day conference in April 2008.

Finance

• Fundraising Committee (2) works on gift processing and policy, stewardship and acknowledgement activity as well as strategy development.
• Financial & Accounting Operations (1) works on annual filing and compliance, expense payments and ongoing maintenance.
• Organization Policy & Procedures (2) serves as a research & consulting team to any Board Chair/area that identifies the need for a policy & procedure. 

Programming

• Diversity Liaison (1) provides regular connection with YNPN Diversity Task Force; support program committee in planning and outreach to ensure YNPN programming is interesting, accessible, and affordable for diverse audiences and is line with the goals and objectives the Task Force sets out.
• Professional Development (2) works one of three programs: (1) The Young Executive Directors/Leadership project by piloting the Young ED Monthly Breakfast and additional programming; (2) The Emerging Leaders project that focus on developing skills of emerging leaders; (3) The Entering Professionals project.
• Tech/communications liaison (1) coordinates and collaborates with Technology and Communications committees.
• Social Programming (2) provides leadership in planning YNPN Chicago's signature social events - Holiday Social, Pub Crawl (Spring), Mid-Summer Social.
• Service Programming (2) plans and organizes one service event/quarter, partners with Social Chair and Programming Committee to incorporate service/donation into social events and/or other programming.
• Suburban Outreach/Programming (2) reaches out to organizations in suburban region; supports program committee in planning and outreach to YNPs living and/or working in Chicago suburbs.

Technology (3-5) supports the rest of the Board and the YNPN Chicago members in the functioning and maintenance of the website and serves as the liaison to the website provider for ynpnchicago.org. Specific responsibilities and needs include: increasing online member participation, increasing our reach for member event attendance, improving our means of soliciting feedback from members, and addressing the needs of new members in order to get them immediately involved.

For more information or to request an application contact YNPN Chicago at executive@ynpnchicago.org.

*Volunteer recruitment will begin again in December 2009.