Welcome Committee Volunteer — Bring Your Neighborhood to Life (Chicago Metro Area)

About the Organization: The Chamber of Connection is a national nonprofit working to restore connection and trust in America. Founded by Aaron Hurst (founder of the Taproot Foundation and grandson of the architect of the Peace Corps), we're building the infrastructure for a more connected country, one neighborhood at a time.

About the Welcome Committee: We're reviving an American tradition: ordinary people, in every neighborhood, who notice, who host, and who help neighbors meet. The Welcome Committee is a growing community of volunteers across 26 cities and 16 states — people committed to bringing their blocks back to life through consistent, simple acts of connection.

This isn't a one-time volunteer event. It's a three-month cohort commitment, with ongoing support and a national network of people doing the same work alongside you.

What You'll Do

During the cohort (May–July 2026), you'll commit to three activities:

• One monthly 1:1 conversation with a neighbor: Using our guided framework (the Six Points of Connection), you'll have a structured but natural conversation with a neighbor — someone you know casually or someone new. We give you the questions; you bring the curiosity.
• Monthly virtual check-ins with your cohort: You'll join fellow volunteers from across the country for a virtual gathering to share what's working, what's hard, and what you're learning. This is where the national community lives.
• One neighborhood gathering in July: Nothing elaborate — a coffee, a walk, a potluck, a game night. You'll host one simple gathering during the cohort that invites neighbors into connection. We help you plan it.

Total time commitment: 3–5 hours per month

You'll Be a Great Fit If You

• Genuinely enjoy connecting people and helping others feel at ease
• Care about the health and fabric of your local community
• Are warm, curious, and comfortable initiating with neighbors
• Can reliably commit 3–5 hours per month for three months
• Are 18 or older and located anywhere in the United States

No prior facilitation, hosting, or community organizing experience required. We provide onboarding, training, and ongoing support.

What You'll Gain

• Training in the Six Points of Connection framework
• A national cohort of fellow volunteers and community builders
• Meaningful local relationships
• Practical experience in community building and neighbor engagement
• The chance to help shape a growing national model

Timeline

• Apply by March 31st
• Virtual Onboarding: Week of April 27th
• Cohort Pilot: May–July 2026

Location: Anywhere in the United States Coordination and learning happen virtually; conversations and gatherings are local and in person.

Apply here: chamberofconnection.org/welcome-committee