Chicago REALTORS® Committee Application

Choose which committee(s) you are applying for. You may select multiple committees and submit just one application. Click on each committee to view a description including committee composition, term length, and qualifications.

To apply to serve on the Board of Directors, click here. (opens in new window)
To apply to serve on the Foundation Board of Trustees, click here. (opens in new window)

The purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee the integrity of C.A.R.’s financial accounting process and systems of internal control regarding finance, accounting and use of assets. The Audit Committee should take an active role in the prevention and deterrence of fraud, as well as an effective ethics and compliance program.

Committee Size: 5-9 members. At the time of appointment, no two members of the Audit Committee shall be affiliated with the same firm. This applies to members within the same firm but in different office/branch locations.
Term: Staggered, 2-year terms. Each member is eligible for one additional consecutive 2-year term (total of 4 years).
Meetings and Committments: Quarterly Meetings with 1 extra meeting in late November/early December. 60-90 minutes in length. Meetings are typically virtual.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® member in good standing; 2. members shall have no financial, direct or other relationship to C.A.R. that may interfere with the exercise of their independence from management and C.A.R.; 3. In carrying out their duties, Audit Committee members may receive, review and possess sensitive and confidential information regarding various financial aspects of C.A.R. and its’ affiliated entities. Each Audit Committee member shall have a duty not to disclose confidential information and shall memorialize these confidentiality obligations by executing a confidentiality agreement before commencing service as an Audit Committee member; and 4. Must attend a finance training session prior to beginning the term of office.

The purpose of the Casino Royale Advisory Group is the planning and organization of the annual Casino Royale black-tie fundraising event. This work group focuses on encouraging member attendance and garnering sponsorships and RPAC contributions for the event.

Committee Size: 8-12 members at-large
Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Monthly virtual meetings. Meetings are 30-45 minutes. Attendance at the event is not mandatory and at the sole discretion and payment of the volunteer.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® or Affiliate member in good standing; 2. RPAC Contributor; and 3. Preferred – fundraising experience.

The purpose of the CommercialForum Committee is to create a community of Chicagoland commercial real estate professionals to increase the likelihood of their success through education, networking, business services, advocacy programs, research and action.

Committee Size: 15 – 20 members at-large
Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Quarterly Meetings either in-person or virtual. 90 minutes in length. Committee members are expected to attend all committee meetings, 75% of CommercialForum events, and engage with one volunteer opportunity (re: Rebuild Day, Pitch-In, or Earth Day Cleanup). Additionally, members are expected to assist with brainstorming and info-sharing on topics like educational opportunities and/or new topics for RRES courses, leads for sponsorships, topics/speakers for planned events, and recommendations for new or revised Commercial forms and contracts.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR®, CommercialForum Subscriber, or Affiliate Member in good standing; 2. Experience in commercial real estate business; and 3. Preferred – Commercial certification and accreditations offered through NAR and/or its’ affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils (i.e. CCIM, SIOR, etc.).

Member Impact. Community Influence.
The Diversity Committee, affectionately known as “The D77”, is a committee comprised of diverse real estate leaders to positively impact the real estate industry and all 77 communities throughout the city of Chicago, as well as advance the value of the REALTOR®. The D77 four impact areas are: Education, Resources, Policy and Community Outreach. Each committee member will serve as a designated CAR representative in their community and will tackle topics like Fair Housing, support DEI education for the consumer and members, address economic development opportunity, as well as engage with local chambers of commerce, quasi-governmental bodies and other community leaders/stakeholders.

Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Quarterly in-person meetings. Meetings are typically 2-3 hours. There is an additional expectation to attend the Association’s diversity events, such as heritage month events, annual Chicago 360 Summit: Leading with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Fair Housing event(s), designated D77 volunteer community outreach days, etc. This is an outreach role. D77 members are expected to be the CAR voice and “boots on the ground” within their designated community, as well as actively provide insights into happenings and opportunities that would most benefit the Association, city and industry.
Qualifications: REALTOR® and Affiliate members in good standing

The purpose of the Finance Committee is to provide oversight of the financial management and reporting function of C.A.R.

Committee Size: The Secretary/Treasurer plus 12 members at-large. At the time of appointment, no two members of the Finance Committee shall be affiliated with the same firm. This applies to members within the same firm but in different office/branch locations.
Term: Staggered, 2-year terms. Each member is eligible for one additional consecutive 2 year-term (total of 4 years).
Meetings and Committments: Bi-monthly 90 minute Meetings. 1st and Last meetings of the year are in person. The rest are virtual.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® or Affiliate Member in good standing; 2. The members shall have no financial, direct or other relationship to C.A.R. that may interfere with the exercise of their independence from management and C.A.R.; 3. In carrying out their duties, Committee members may receive, review and possess sensitive and confidential information regarding various financial aspects of C.A.R. and its’ affiliated entities. Each Finance Committee member shall have a duty not to disclose confidential information and shall memorialize these confidentiality obligations by executing a confidentiality agreement before commencing service as a Finance Committee Member; and 4. Must attend a finance training session prior to beginning the term of office.

The purpose of the Forms and Contracts Committee is to review and update all approved CAR forms and contracts on a regular basis, as well as develop any forms and contracts that will enhance members’ businesses.

Committee Size: 8-12 members at-large
Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Monthly Meetings. Meetings are 2.5 hours and generally are virtual.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® or Affiliate Member in good standing; and 2. Minimum of two years as a REALTOR® or Affiliate Member.

The purpose of the Global Real Estate Council is to support C.A.R. members who do business with global markets (inbound and outbound transactions and/or consultancy) through education and networking activities, information sharing and involvement with select global real estate organizations. The forum also fosters strong relations with local organizations representing diverse ethnic and cultural communities in Chicagoland.

Committee Size: 10-28 members at-large
Term: 2 Year
Meetings and Committments: Bi-monthly meetings, with smaller work group meetings in off months. Meetings are 90 minutes and are in-person only. Each Council Member is expected to attend and promote each Global event. Each Council member is asked to join the Global Council Facebook page.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® or Affiliate Member in good standing; and 2. Experience in global real estate transactions and/or consultancy (inbound and outbound); and 3. Preferred – CIPS designation or formal affiliation with an organization such as FIABCI, NAHREP, AREAA, DREB, or other formal diverse market organization.

The purpose of the Committee is to focus primarily on the strategy and execution of generating sponsorship revenues for the event, as well as engaging members to attend. May assist staff with planning and organizing as requested.

Committee Size: 7-10 members at-large
Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Monthly virtual meetings. Meetings are 30-45 minutes. Attendance at the event is not mandatory and at the sole discretion and payment of the volunteer.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® or Affiliate member in good standing; and 2. Preferred – Golf experience and/or fundraising experience.

The purpose of the Grievance Committee is to review complaints received from the public and members to determine if the complaint has sufficient substance and merit to warrant an ethics or arbitration hearing or mediation procedures.

Committee Size: 15-20 members at-large.
Term: Staggered, 3-year terms. Each member is eligible for two additional, consecutive 3-year terms (a total of 9 years).
Meetings and Committments: Mandatory all-day professional standards training or re-training (Date TBD – Fall 2023). Regular meetings are monthly and held virtually. Monthly meetings are 2 hours in length. Attendance at Illinois REALTORS®’ annual professional standards training is encouraged but not required and at the sole expense of the member.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® Member in good standing; 2. Minimum of five years as a REALTOR®; 3. Minimum of six transactions or a minimum of $2.5 million in sales volume over the past 12 months. This sales transaction criteria is exempt for non-selling Designated REALTORS® or Sales Managers so long as the non-selling Designated REALTOR® or Sales Manager has been in a management role for more than one year; and 4. In carrying out their duties, Committee members will receive, review and possess sensitive and confidential information regarding professional standards matters brought before the C.A.R. Each Committee member shall have a duty not to disclose confidential information and shall memorialize these confidentiality obligations by executing a confidentiality agreement before commencing service as a Committee member.

The primary focus of the Inaugural Gala Advisory Group is to plan and execute table sales and generate sponsorship revenue for the event. The advisory group may also assist staff with the event planning and organization. The Inaugural Gala, an annual CAR signature event, features the installation of the association’s newly elected directors and officers, in addition to honoring the recipients of the Hall of Fame and REALTOR® of the Year awards.

Committee Size: 5-7 members at-large
Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Monthly virtual meetings. Meetings are 30-45 minutes. Attendance at the event is not mandatory and at the sole discretion and payment of the volunteer.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® or Affiliate member in good standing; and 2. Preferred – fundraising experience.

The Member Care Task Force aims to optimize the membership experience for all members. To personalize and develop relationships between the association and REALTOR® members in order to enhance member satisfaction.

Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Meetings are typically quarterly and vary between in-person and virtual. Meetings are usually 1.5 hours in length. Attendance at member outreach events is expected.
Qualifications: REALTOR® and Affiliate members in good standing

The purpose of the Professional Development Advisory Group is to identify professional development topics, classes, events and new programs which would be of value to the members of CAR and the greater Chicagoland real estate community. Further, the advisory group is to promote the offerings of REALTORS® Real Estate School and the programs of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Scholarship Fund.

Committee Size: 6-8 members at-large
Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Meetings are typically held quarterly, or as needed, and are 1-2 hours. Meetings are in-person only. Members may be asked to represent or be present at certain member outreach events.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® or Affiliate Member in good standing for a minimum of two years. The Designated REALTOR® must have at least one year of experience in managing an office; and 2. Preferred – Holds a NAR designation or certification (as well as that of the affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils).

The purpose of the Professional Standards Committee is to be responsible for enforcement of the Code of Ethics through the conduct of ethics and arbitration hearings.

Committee Size: 50-75 members at-large.
Term: Staggered, 3-year terms. Each member is eligible for two additional, consecutive 3-year terms (a total of 9 years).
Meetings and Committments: Mandatory all-day professional standards training or re-training (Date TBD – Fall 2023). The committee does not hold standing meetings, rather, you will be asked to participate on hearing panels as they are scheduled. When you are available, we ask that you sign-up for a hearing. Attendance at Illinois REALTORS®’ annual professional standards training is encouraged but not required and at the sole expense of the member.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® Member in good standing; 2. Minimum of five years as a REALTOR®; 3. Minimum of six transactions or a minimum of $2.5 million in sales volume over the past 12 months. This sales transaction criteria is exempt for non-selling Designated REALTORS® or Sales Managers so long as the non-selling Designated REALTOR® or Sales Manager has been in a management role for more than one year; and 4. In carrying out their duties, Committee members will receive, review and possess sensitive and confidential information regarding professional standards matters brought before the C.A.R. Each Committee member shall have a duty not to disclose confidential information and shall memorialize these confidentiality obligations by executing a confidentiality agreement before commencing service as a Committee member.

The purpose of the Property Management Forum is to provide an open setting for speakers, member involvement and information sharing related to property management and leasing matters.

Meetings and Committments: Meetings are in a hybrid format and held every other month for 1 hour. Members are strongly encouraged to offer their perspective on proposed legislation that affects property managers and to consider authoring articles about property management to help others understand the business.
Qualifications: REALTOR®, CommercialForum Subscriber, or Affiliate Member in good standing. Any level of understanding of propery management is welcomed.
Term: Open Term

The purpose of the RPAC Work Group is to solicit RPAC investments annually. A key focus of the committee is securing Major Investors, as well as broad-based, lower-level investments from CAR members.

Committee Size: 10-15 members at-large
Term: 1 Year, running consistent with the calendar year.
Meetings and Committments: Meetings are often monthly for the first half of the year, then as-needed for the second half. The first meeting is in-person, the rest are virtual unless there is a need to meet in-person. Members are expected to attend several events as volunteers to run a booth, do short presentations at events and meeting (virtual and in-person), make phone calls and send emails to promote our fundraising initiatives. Members are encouraged to attend Coffee With Your GADs the first Tuesday of every month, Cap Con, and Midyear Legislative meetings if they can. Members are expected to volunteer to speak virtually and in-person at multiple events and meetings throughout the year. The Chair and Vice Chair are required to serve on the Casino Royale Committee, and attend the event as Major Investors.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® Member in good standing; 2. Must be an RPAC investor with a minimum of $100 (preferred – major investor); and 3. Preferred – some fundraising experience.

The primary focus of the Sales Awards Advisory Group is to encourage member attendance and generate sponsorship revenue through strategic planning and execution for the Sales Awards, an annual CAR signature event.

Committee Size: 7-10 members at-large
Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Monthly virtual meetings. Meetings are 30-45 minutes. Attendance at the event is not mandatory and at the sole discretion and payment of the volunteer.
Qualifications: 1. REALTOR® or Affiliate member in good standing; and 2. Preferred – fundraising experience.

The Sustainability Work Group provides industry-leading education, networking and resources on sustainability and “green” real estate practices. We seek to establish Chicago REALTORS® as a ‘go-to’ resource for the Chicagoland community and elected officials looking for best-practices on sustainable building upgrades, sustainability topics and trends, marketing materials, how-to guides and real property-focused policies and advocacy.

Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Meetings are held bi-monthly for 1 hour. Meeting format may be a blend of some in-person, some virtual. Members are expected to attend all committee meetings, at least half of the optional meetups during months when there is no official meeting, 75% of sustainability events, and engage with one volunteer opportunity (ex: Rebuild Day, Pitch-In for the Parks, Earth Day Cleanup). Additionally, brainstorming and info-sharing on topics like new education courses, leads for event sponsorship, topics/speakers for planned events, and willingness to serve as a “Program Champion”, someone who helps to lead a sub-committee, are expected.
Qualifications: REALTOR® and Affiliate members in good standing

The CAR Young Professionals Network Advisory Group (YPN Advisory Group) is a growing group of career-minded real estate professionals who want to stay abreast of the latest tools, resources and networking opportunities available to them as REALTORS®. The YPN strives to help real estate professionals excel in their careers by giving them the tools and encouragement to become involved in REALTOR® Associations (all levels), take an active role in policy discussions and advocacy issues, create a cooperative community to share ideas with their peers and give back to the community through outreach initiatives.

Committee Size: 10-15 members at-large
Term: 1 Year
Meetings and Committments: Meetings are held monthly for 2 hours. Meetings are in-person, and while in-person attendance is encouraged, hybrid participation is available. Additional committments outside of meetings might include attending YPN-hosted events, representing YPN at other association events, and sponsorship outreach. The average time commitment, in total, considering both meetings and events, is 3-5 hours/month.
Qualifications: REALTOR® or Affiliate member in good standing.

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® is committed to diversity and inclusion with its volunteer leadership, ensuring equitable representation of our membership in our committees, work groups, and task forces.

Applicants are NOT required to fill out this section in order to apply for a volunteer role; however, providing this information will assist us as we work to better understand and meet the needs of our members. This information is being collected by Chicago Association of REALTORS® to help us promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our association. Staff and officers will use this information to better understand if and how the characteristics of our member volunteers reflect the wide range of backgrounds of our REALTOR® community. We also want to make sure that we are accessible and accommodating to any member who would like to serve. Any information you provide below will be kept confidential and will only be used in the aggregate.