Learn more about OUR OPEN positions:

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Consulting Opportunities

Program Strategic Planning Consultant

The Garfield Park Community Council is seeking a consultant to assist in the creation of strategic priorities that will guide the organization’s next years of service to Chicago’s West Side. The consultant will work with staff, board and community members, to identify the most pressing needs within the community and how they align with the organization’s current program structure.

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About the Garfield Park Community Council

The Garfield Park Community Council (GPCC) is a 12-year-old community-based organization dedicated to the revitalization of the Garfield Park neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. The GPCC is led by a seven person staff and a nine-person board of directors comprised of community residents and civic leaders with a variety of expertise. GPCC’s programming currently encompasses three primary areas: business development (revitalization of the community’s retail corridors); wellness (management of the Garfield Park Garden Network and signature Neighborhood Market); and housing (housing stabilization and outreach to tenants, landlords, and homeowners). GPCC also owns a 40-unit senior housing building in West Garfield Park. A strong resident organizing and advocacy initiative is integrated into all of its program areas. The organization has an annual operating budget of approximately $1 million.

Project Description

The Consultant will help GPCC’s board and staff create a programmatic strategic plan for its work during the next 5-7 years, identifying the needs that are a priority within the community and determining if the GPCC’s current programs are meeting those needs. These newly-defined or refined focus areas will also help inform the organization’s fundraising work.

Deliverables will include a set of timed priorities, as well as recommendations for implementation over the next year. To produce these deliverables, it is anticipated the consultant will conduct interviews with the following stakeholders:

• Board members
• Staff
• Organizational partners in all current GPCC program areas
• Representative funders
• Community members

GPCC staff will assist with identifying interviewees. The consultant will also study existing needs assessment data and community plans for Garfield Park to inform the priorities and recommendations.

This work is anticipated to take approximately four months with final deliverables expected by early to mid-summer 2024. The estimated total budget is $8,000-$10,000. To respond to this RFP, please provide a resume, cover letter detailing experience with similar projects, three references, and an estimate of cost by February 29, 2024. Information can be forwarded to Mike Tomas, Executive Director, Garfield Park Community Council, mike@gpcommunitycouncil.org. No phone calls please.

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Internship Opportunities

2024 Summer Garden and Market Associates

_{The Garfield Park Community Council (GPCC) is currently seeking Summer Garden and Market Associates for the 2024 Season.}

_{GPCC is a community-building organization made up of dedicated residents and allies working together to develop leaders and create opportunities and programs to contribute to a vital Garfield Park community. The Wellness Initiative aims to increase the health and wellness of Garfield Park residents, through the core offerings of the Garfield Park Garden Network and the Garfield Park Neighborhood Market, as well as the Youth Garden Corps.}

_{An ideal candidate for this position is someone who is a swift learner capable of multitasking. This person needs to be able to work well with others, as well as a diverse group of people including Garfield Park residents and organization staff. Experience with urban agriculture, social entrepreneurship, youth programming, or community development is preferred but not required. Garfield Park is a primarily and historically African American community, and GPCC seeks candidates who display a commitment to racial equity and inclusion.}

_{Member Duties}

_{Member Duties include working with gardeners, food businesses, and GPCC staff to grow and sell hyperlocal produce in the Garfield Park community. Associates will support the work of the Garfield Park Garden Network and Garfield Park Neighborhood Market to improve garden spaces, harvest, and sell produce, working alongside staff members, Youth Corps members, and volunteers.}

_{Associates will work in the market, pop-up events, and staff the mobile produce cart. Members will work alongside local teen interns through the Youth Garden Corps and serve as role models for the program.}

_Requirements

_{- Must be 18 years of age or older, college students preferred}

_{- Ability to commit to working throughout the season, up to 30 hours per week}

_{Duties and Expectations}

_{- Support the Garfield Park Garden Network to maintain gardens, including harvest and processing of produce for the Neighborhood Market}

_{- Support record-keeping and provide some administrative support, contribute to marketing and outreach materials}

_{- Help lead the Youth Garden Corps - up to ten local teens, who work in the Garfield Park gardens, to gain horticulture, job readiness, and customer service skills}

_{- Staff the Garfield Park Neighborhood Market (2 Saturdays a month), as well as pop-up events}

_{Physical Demands}

_{- Must be able to lift 50 pounds}

_{- Must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, rain, wind, etc.}

_{- The ability to use tools and equipment - training will be provided}

_{- The physical ability to squat, kneel, crouch, and stand for extended periods of time}

_{This is currently a seasonal, 30-hour-per-week contract temporary position, with pay of $20.00 per hour. The terms of employment are project-based and the position is expected to conclude by August 2024}

_{To Apply}

_{Send resume and cover letter to admin@gpcommunitycouncil.org. Related references will be required. No phone calls, please.}

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AmeriCorps Opportunities

Development and Strategic Planning Associate, AmeriCorps VISTA

_{This full-year position will assist the organization in its capacity to develop the resources that the organization needs to meet its programmatic strategic goals, through an AmeriCorps VISTA program managed by Housing Action Illinois. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to mike@gpcommunitycouncil.org. Learn more about AmeriCorps and the job description on the AmeriCorps portal:}

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Volunteer

Volunteer with the Garfield Park Community Council

_{Now more than ever, we need community-led programs that support emergency responses and build long-term resilience. Your contribution as a volunteer will help us make our work possible. After you fill out this form, we will be in contact with you about relevant volunteer opportunities and next steps!}

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