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Cara Collective Auxiliary Board Application

Auxiliary Board Overview

Cara Collective's Auxiliary Boards - comprised of the Executive Council and Associate Board - are networks of committed, mission-driven professionals who champion Cara’s work to build an inclusive economy. These groups serve as vital ambassadors and advocates of Cara’s mission, leveraging their influence, expertise, and networks to support strategic initiatives in awareness, fundraising, volunteer engagement, and civic partnership.

Together, members of the Executive Council and Associate Board help trailblaze Cara Collective’s mission and vision across industries and communities. Whether through seasoned leadership or emerging professional passion, Auxiliary Board members embody personal and professional stewardship, building meaningful relationships and expanding opportunities for Cara's job seekers across Chicago and beyond.

Executive Council Overview: The Executive Council is a group of business and civic leaders dedicated to advancing Cara’s mission to eradicate poverty through employment and opportunity. Through advocacy, fundraising, partnership development, and volunteer engagement, the Executive Council serves as a catalyst for growth by expanding Cara Collective’s network, advancing our mission, and cultivating meaningful, long-term civic partnerships. To learn more, click here.

Associate Board Overview: The Associate Board is a diverse group of socially conscious young professionals dedicated to supporting Cara’s mission to eradicate poverty through employment and opportunity. Along with the Board of Directors and Executive Council, the Associate Board plays a vital major role in driving awareness, fundraising, and community engagement efforts that support and strengthen Cara’s network and impact. To learn more, click here.

Which Auxiliary Board are you interested in applying for?

Executive Council Member Expectations

Executive Council members are established business professionals across industries; typically at a mid-senior level or higher, and have had exposure or connection to Cara’s mission prior to joining. By joining Cara’s Executive Council, you join a prestigious group of professionals dedicated to supporting Cara’s mission and vision through the lens of personal and professional stewardship and development.

Advocacy and Awareness:

Belief in Cara's core values of motivation, equity, community, affirmation, and intentionality.
Promote Cara’s mission through attendance at events, network activation, and community stewardship
Be an advocate for Cara Collective, both personally and professionally
Connect your network to Cara Collective

Time Commitment:

Serve a minimum of a 2-year term as a member of the Executive Council (on a calendar year schedule) and join a subgroup within the EC that aligns with your professional and philanthropic interests.
Attend quarterly in-person meetings (virtual is available when necessary)
Participate in planning and executing Cara’s annual Summer Social fundraiser
Engage with the Cara community through volunteering, networking, and mission-driven activities

Fundraising:

Each member is asked to meet a minimum $2500 annual contribution, either through personal gift(s) and support from your personal and/or professional networks. This contribution can be achieved in a variety of ways:

Personal one-time donation or monthly gift
The purchase of tickets to Cara Collective events, such as Summer Social or the Cara Gala
Corporate support or sponsorship
Peer-to-peer fundraising (e.g., Summer Social, Giving Tuesday, yearend, or spring appeal)

Applications are due Monday, November 2.

Applicants will be invited to a minimum of one 45-minute interview, with at least one current Executive Council member. Our team will let you know your status throughout the process. If you have questions, we encourage you to reach out.

Please contact Annie Drew, Senior Events and Auxiliary Board Lead at adrew@carachicago.org if you have any questions or concerns.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

Associate Board Member Expectations:

Associate Board members are a diverse group of driven young professionals and civic-minded leaders. On average, members have 2-3+ years of professional work experience (not required) and typically have had exposure or connection to Cara's mission prior to joining.

Advocacy and Awareness:

Belief in Cara's core values of motivation, equity, community, affirmation, and intentionality.
Desire to be part of an inclusive economy where job seekers have an opportunity to find meaningful employment.
Promote Cara’s mission through attendance at events, network activation, and community stewardship
Be an advocate for Cara Collective, both personally and professionally
Connect your network to Cara Collective

Time Commitment:

Attend 9 to 12 in-person meetings annually (virtual is available when necessary)
Serve on a committee lending creativity and strategy to on-going initiatives
Participate in planning and executing Cara’s annual Summer Social fundraiser
Engage with the Cara community through volunteering, networking, and mission-driven activities

Fundraising:

Each member is asked to meet a minimum $1500 annual contribution, either through personal gift(s) and/or support from your personal and/or professional networks. This contribution can be achieved in a variety of ways:

Personal one-time gift or monthly donation
The purchase of tickets to Cara Collective events, such as Summer Social or the Cara Gala
Corporate support or sponsorship
Peer-to-peer fundraising (e.g., Summer Social, Giving Tuesday, yearend, or spring appeal)

Applications are due Monday, November 2.

Applicants will be invited to a minimum of one introductory chat with an Associate Board member, and one 45-minute interview with up to two Associate Board members. Our team will let you know your status throughout the process. If you have questions, we encourage you to reach out.

Please contact Annie Drew, Senior Events and Auxiliary Board Lead at adrew@carachicago.org if you have any questions or concerns.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

General Information

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Name:

Preferred Pronouns

Address

City, State, Zip

Preferred Phone

Preferred Email Address

Employer Name

Job Title

Website or LinkedIn Profile

Resume

Did someone refer you to apply?

Who were you referred by?

Please identify your racial, ethnic, and/or cultural background

Prefer to self describe:

General Information

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Name:

Preferred Pronouns

Address

City, State, Zip

Preferred Phone

Preferred Email Address

Employer Name

Job Title

Website or LinkedIn Profile

Resume

Did someone refer you to apply?

Who were you referred by?

Please identify your racial, ethnic, and/or cultural background

Prefer to self describe:

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Auxiliary Board Application

Section 1: Tell Us About You

1. What has been your involvement with Cara to date? Please provide as much detail as possible. This can include: Motivations, events (like Summer Social), donations, volunteering, company affiliation, etc.

2. What about your experience with Cara has had an impact on you?

3. What interests, excites, or motivates you about joining Cara's Auxiliary Boards?

4. At Cara Collective, we often reflect on the contributions of Time, Treasure, and Talent. In detail, how might you contribute to Cara in these ways? Note: We know not everyone can commit in all three areas. We encourage you to be self-reflective in your response.

5. At Cara Collective, we start our days with Motivations. Please answer the following Motivations question: Who or what gives you great joy and why?

6. Please list 3 personal values that tell a story about who you are, and explain why.

Section 2: Associate Board Activities & Stewardship

1. Our Associate Board typically meets the first Tuesday of every month, with some additional as-needed meetings, a half-day retreat in February, and our annual Summer Social in late Summer. Are you able to commit to these?

YesNoNot sureOther

Please explain why.

2. Do you currently commit time to other organizations, committees, volunteer, and/or extra-curricular activities? Please list them, including roles, responsibilities, and time commitments.

3. Given your professional career and the year ahead, do you foresee any periods of time that may be busier for you that may interfere with the Associate Board? Note: Tax season for CPA’s, conferences for work, planned vacations/holidays, etc.

4. In joining the Associate Board, we ask that each member meet a minimum $1,500 financial contribution, either through personal gift(s) and/or support from your personal and/or professional network(s) (sponsorships, event tickets, etc). With consideration for your lifestyle, career, and future, how would you meet this expectation? Note: This could also be a lump sum, monthly gift, or donation through your employer. There is no wrong answer.

5. How do you plan to engage your network (personal or professional) for donations, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, or other Cara engagements? Do you have an idea of what might be of interest to them?

6. Do you have any questions around the overall engagement with the Cara Associate Board? We will address these during your interview process.

Section 2: Executive Council Activities & Stewardship

1. The Executive Council quarterly meets the quarterly on Tuesday evenings with quarterly committee meetings as necessary, a half-day retreat in February, and our annual Summer Social in late Summer. Are you able to commit to these?

YesNoNot sureOther

Please explain why.

2. Do you currently commit time to other organizations, committees, volunteer, and/or extra-curricular activities? Please list them, including roles, responsibilities, and time commitments.

3. Given your professional career and the year ahead, do you foresee any periods of time that may be busier for you that may interfere with the Executive Council? Note: Tax season for CPA’s, conferences for work, planned vacations/holidays, etc.

4. In joining the Executive Council, we ask that each member meet a minimum $2,500 financial contribution, either through personal gift(s) and/or support from your personal and/or professional network(s) (sponsorships, event tickets, etc). With consideration for your lifestyle, career, and future, how would you meet this expectation? Note: This could also be a lump sum, monthly gift, or donation through your employer. There is no wrong answer.

5. How do you plan to engage your network (personal or professional) for donations, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, or other Cara engagements? Do you have an idea of what might be of interest to them?

6. Do you have any questions around the overall engagement with the Cara Executive Council? We will follow up to address these via email or in a meeting.

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Auxiliary Board Application

Application Agreement

I certify that the statements made in this application are true to the best of my knowledge, and have been given voluntarily.

If the information provided in this document is found to be untruthful, I understand that I may be released from the Auxiliary Boards.

I understand that if I am accepted, I am expected to fulfill my commitment to the group and organization.

If accepted, I agree to abide by the policies of Cara Collective, including treatment of others and respect for Cara Collective staff and job seekers.

I understand that completion of this application does not guarantee acceptance to one of the Auxiliary Boards.

I Agree