Volunteer Title
Board Member
This is a volunteer position requiring 1-5 hours per month.
Organization
Founded in 1980, the Neighborhood Parents Network of Chicago, (NPN), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to connect a diverse community of families with the support and resources designed to solve the challenges of parenting in Chicago. NPN helps parents research schools, navigate developmental differences, and get parent-to-parent advice. Learn more at npnparents.org.
NPN is proud to be an inclusive organization and welcomes families of all cultures and backgrounds, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnic origin, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, or ability.
Board Member Purpose
Come join a supportive, hard-working team dedicated to bringing resources to parents in Chicago. Board Members guide NPN in its mission and goals by actively engaging in board meetings with the Executive Director, building relationships within the Chicago business, educational, and parent community, and participating in NPN’s events, programs, fundraisers, and membership campaigns.
Desired Qualifications
While having “desired” qualifications makes for a strong candidate, we encourage applicants with alternative experiences to apply. We always look for people who will bring something new to the table!
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Comfortable introducing themselves to business owners, non-profit professionals, school leaders, and parents in order to build relationships and request donations of time and money to support NPN’s mission
- Able and willing to help with board administrative and leadership tasks each month (1-5 hour time commitment each month)
- Familiar with and actively engaged in at least one Chicago neighborhood
- Familiar with the needs of parents of children with developmental differences
- Bilingual (Spanish/English)
- Internally motivated to build relationships with and celebrate all types of Chicago families including but not limited to families with one parent, families of children with developmental differences, new parents, experienced parents, LGBTQIA+ parents and children, and families across all income brackets, races, and religions.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Attend all board meetings and committees to which one is a member. (Current meeting schedule is a one-hour meeting once a month via Zoom.)
- Attend at least one virtual or in-person NPN event each quarter
- Actively participate in all fundraising activities (Annual Fund, Raffle Ticket Sales, Online Auction, etc.) and contribute to the annual fundraising campaign in the amount of $400 annually
- Secure a minimum of 5 auction items with a minimum value of $50 each annually
- Follow NPN on social media and share posts regularly
- Participate in NPN’s online discussion forum regularly
- Become knowledgable and conversant with the various NPN partnership opportunities, programs, services, and the benefits of membership
- Act as an ambassador in the community to recruit NPN members, sponsors, volunteers, and/or partners
- Become a paying member of NPN if you aren't already and renew membership each year of board service ($65/year)
Culture
Board member involvement is central to the survival and future of NPN. Each board member offers a unique combination of experience, skills, connections, and ideas - the cumulative effect of which helps to renew, define, and achieve the goals and ideals of the organization. We are a supportive, inclusive, professional, kind, and hard-working team. We believe in the value of NPN.
Time Commitment
1-5 hours each month
How to Apply
Email Executive Director Amy Johnson at amy@npnparents.org. Enter “Board Member Application” in the subject line.
