Participation Options
There are two ways to be involved with co-creating CHIditarod’s mission and it’s possible to participate in both areas simultaneously. We are actively looking for board members and Coreganizers for the 2022 event so don’t be shy.
tl;dr – Application Forms
Coreganizer
This group is responsible for the production of the annual CHIditarod Event. This group primarily meets November through March with meetings every about other Sunday (in person or virtual). Typical Sunday meetings run from 11 am to 2 pm. We do not require attendance at all meetings but being at a bulk of them is expected, plus we have snacks and sometimes soup. A Coreganizer can participate (e.g. race) in the CHIditarod event but it’s not easy — it all depends on how you want to participate as a Coreganizer.
Board Member
This is a year round position that meets virtually every month. Time commitment to the Board is based on the role/position that you take on within the Board. Being a racer in the annual event is completely allowed if you are a board member.
Click below to learn more…
Coreganizer
The CORE is the heart of the CHIditarod annual event. They put in the blood, sweat and snacks at each meeting to make sure everything is in place to bring the MAGIC that is the first weekend of March. The skills we are looking for include:
What skills are we looking for?
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- The ability to work successfully in a team environment
- Strong group facilitation skills
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from media, and the general public
- Outstanding writing skills with ability to correspond with a broad audience in newsletter, blog posts, and social media
- Ability to place orders for bulk items at best pricing
- Ability to solicit donations
- Strategic, visionary thinking
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables as CHIditarod is always evolving
- Own and execute tasks at a functional level with little supervision
- Proficiency with WordPress, and Ruby on Rails and HTML
- Event production, including securing venues, safety, and running day of events.
How to Apply
Click for the Application Form!
I have Questions!
Contact info@chiditarod.org
Board Member
About the CHIditarod Foundation
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Chicago, IL. Our work aims to provide Chicago residents with an outlet for artistic self-expression, impetus to build new social connections, and reliable channels for funneling their human, cultural, and financial resources towards the alleviation of food insecurity in our neighborhoods.
What we do
The CHIditarod Foundation operates two major programs. The first and oldest is the annual CHIditarod, a costumed shopping cart race that takes participants through the Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Ukrainian Village neighborhoods to raise food and funds against hunger in the greater Chicagoland area. This event raises thousands of pounds of food and tens of thousands of dollars annually.
Second, the CHIditarod runs an annual grant program, which provides local community organizations with the funding they need to tackle hunger and food insecurity directly. These funds are directed towards agencies who are seeding new programs, funding existing time-tested programs; developing innovative responses to hunger or food insecurity; or are working to fill the gaps in our current welfare services and social safety nets.
Board responsibilities
- To be thoughtful and responsible stewards of the financial resources trusted to us by our donors.
- To critically reflect on the impact that the CHIditarod Foundation can have, on the impact the CHIditarod Foundation has currently, and what role the organization is best suited for in the fight against food insecurity in and around Chicago.
- To make final decisions on policies related to the CHIditarod mission, programs, finances, personnel, and public relations.
- To provide leadership and expertise to the rest of the board as well as the CHIditarod core event organizers throughout the year.
- To act as an informal (and occasionally formal) ambassador and spokesperson for the organization.
- To participate in CHIditarod programming and fundraising throughout the year.
- To strive to maintain a mutually respectful and inclusive environment in all CHIditarod-related activities.
- To maintain the confidentiality of our donors, applicants, grantees, volunteers and other participants in CHIditarod programming.
What skills are we looking for?
- Fundraising
- Event planning
- Project management
- Volunteer management
- Press relations / Social Media experience
- Working with municipalities and/or elected officials
- Press relations
- Donor relations
- Non-profit work
- Social justice work
- Legal experience
- Creativity
- Dedication
- Follow-through
- A desire to learn
Time commitment
The board of the CHIditarod Foundation holds monthly meetings for which all members must be present, either in person or via telecommunication.
The workload fluctuates during the year, typically peaking in winter as we prepare for the annual CHIditarod race and in the late summer when our grant program is underway.
Different board members focus their attention of different events throughout the year, according to their interests and availability. Your mileage may vary.
Compensation
The CHIditarod Foundation offers no financial or material compensation to its board members.
Do you have Directors & Officers insurance?
Yes.
How to Apply
Click for the Application Form!
I have Questions!
Contact board@chiditarod.org