Overview

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The Gray Matter Experience Associate Board is a collection of diverse young professionals who serve as ambassadors of Gray Matter and help raise funds, awareness for our mission, and elevate the overall profile of the organization. Associate Board members promote the organization through their social and professional networks, support the organization's fundraising goals by securing donations and financial support; and publicize our mission by planning and attending events. AB members commit to at least 2 years of service.

 

The Gray Matter Experience Associate Board is a great opportunity for people who want to: 

 

• Meet new people who share similar passions for economic empowerment for Black & Brown communities 

 

• Utilize their professional skills and take on leadership roles that support our mission

 

• Learn more about the functions of nonprofits and fundraising/development

 

• Shape the lives of the next generation of diverse young leaders in Chicago

 

Annual Requirements 

 

• The Associate Board meets Quarterly. Members must attend at least 6 meetings over the course of their term (or attend 75% of meetings). Overall time commitment is estimated to be 5 to 10 hours per month.

 

• Give/Get at least $500 to The Gray Matter Experience through a combination of personal or solicited monetary donations; event ticket purchases; in-kind donations of food, drink, materials; and/or sponsorships. (At least $250 must be a direct give)

 

• Serve on a committee. (We have Development, Events & Outreach, Engagement and Communications Committees.) Committees should meet in person or virtually at least bi-monthly.

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Our Mission

 

Our mission is to use your unique position as emerging leaders to enhance organizational capacity, raise funds and awareness of Gray Matter Experience across the country - leading to the development of vibrant neighborhoods led by diverse leaders committed to making impact.

 

Committees

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• Development Committee: The objectives of the Development Committee are to secure financial and in-kind resources, raise awareness for TGME by planning and executing our annual fundraising events and lead sponsorship outreach.

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• Events & Outreach Committee: The objectives of the Events & Outreach Committee are to support the Gray Matter staff in planning TGME events and workshops, and organizing other events throughout the year that amplify the organization’s mission. The committee is also responsible for planning networking events to develop and retain TGME volunteers and mentors, identifying target mentor groups, and working with the other Committees to develop strong relationships with these groups. The Events Committee also supports the Development Committee in outreach and execution of fundraising initiatives.

 

• Engagement Committee: The objective of the Engagement Committee is to manage the Associate Board recruitment process, handle the onboarding of new members, and ensure members are up to speed and integrated into the board, as well as monitoring the give/get goals. They help obtain volunteers
for Associate Board and organizational events, helping to create more brand ambassadors for TGME. Furthermore, this committee is responsible for Associate Board strategic planning, goals, impact measurement/evaluation, and retreats.

 

• Communications Committee: The objective of the Engagement Committee is to manage the Associate Board recruitment process, handle the onboarding of new members, and ensure members are up to speed and integrated into the board, as well as monitoring the give/get goals. They help obtain volunteers for Associate Board and organizational events, helping to create more brand ambassadors for TGME. Furthermore, this committee is responsible for Associate Board strategic planning, goals, impact measurement/evaluation, and retreats.

 

Benefits

 

TGME Events: The Associate Board is invited to attend TGME special events and fundraisers, as well as plan/execute inaugural fundraising events from the Associate Board.

 

Personal/Professional Development: The Associate Board will be given access to board member training and development, including an Annual Board Retreat, and mentorship with civic and entrepreneurial leaders across the Chicagoland area. Additionally, networking among peers on the Associate Board and impacting the lives of the diverse young leaders through programming events are key benefits to board engagement.

 

Network for Success: In addition to invitations to TGME special events, the Associate Board will be invited to an exclusive evening reception with the TGME Board of Directors, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and Chicago changemakers.