Illinois Teach For America Alumni Board 20122013

About We as Teach For America corps members and alumni believe that Illinois students should understand the realities of educational inequity and feel a sense of responsibility and fire to contribute to closing the achievement gap. With a critical mass of Teach For America alumni who attended Illinois universities involved, we can achieve this vision of engaging all Illinois students in a conversation about educational inequity. Vision Corps members and alumni are a crucial part of the success of our recruitment efforts in the state of Illinois because current students are more likely to see themselves endeavoring to apply to Teach For America if they know a fellow alumnus who has charted the path. Corps members and alumni will play a critical role in building relationships with potential applicants and faculty members. We hope that there will be two byproducts from the Illinois Teach For America Alumni Board: 1. We will build a large constituency of advocates on Illinois university campuses through authentic relationship building between prospective applicants and corps and alumni. 2. This will be a meaningful professional development experience for our board members and provide them with an opportunity to further the movement for educational equity. Structure of the Board 2 Co-Chairs of the Illinois Teach For America Alumni Board o Application required Multiple Committee Chair positions for each functional area of alumni support (ex. Faculty Engagement Chair) o Application required Board Members unlimited o No application required; interest stated to serve on a subcommittee Teach For America Recruitment Staff will serve in a supervisory capacity to offer advice or help, but the board will be run independently by CMAs.

Potential Board Activities Student and faculty cultivation Alumni conference calls for prospective applicants Underclassmen involvement Host Homecoming events and other events on campuses Host an alternative spring/winter break trip Serve as mentor for an underclassman fellow We are excited to have you drive other initiatives of your own creation!

Professional Development, Leadership, and Philanthropic Experience for You 1. By committing to membership on this board, you will be gaining the opportunity to serve on a professional philanthropic board. You will have the opportunity to build the movement of education reform in Illinois while gaining membership of and leadership in a professional organization, which is a great piece to add to your resume! 2. You will be gaining opportunities to engage in professional development workshops to further your professional priorities. Workshop topics may include: a. Effective written and oral communication b. Operating and managing effectively c. Leading effective teams