Apply to Become a 19th Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit Leader

In preparation for our 19th Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit, we are elated to announce we’re hiring our 4th round of Summit Leaders! By expanding our leadership team, we‘ve found that inviting more people to participate in the planning process leads to a more inclusive, intentional, and unique Summit. To learn more about last year’s Summit leadership, check out this blog post. 

For this year, we will be using a similar working group structure as the previous Summit. Each Working Group will be responsible for certain aspects of the Summit, while also working collaboratively with other working groups.

Programming & Logistics will work with Flavor & Reimagination to put together the Summit schedule, Communications & Engagement will work with all groups to effectively communicate what attendees can expect from the summit, and Strategies for Accessibility will work to ensure all programming is as accessible as possible.

We are currently seeking food justice advocates who are interested in leading each working group. We will hire a total of eight leaders, two leaders for each group, who will work collaboratively with each other, other groups, CFPAC staff, and CFPAC volunteers. Each position will last from September through March and require approximately 60 hours of work over the full period. Each person will be offered a $1,500 stipend.

Applications are due by August 13th, 2023 at 5PM CST

Programming and Logistics

What types of sessions do we host? How do we structure this year’s content? 

We’re looking for two individuals to lead all programming and logistics planning. This will include everything from soliciting food justice leaders to speak at the Summit, evaluating speaker applications, finalizing the virtual and in-person Summit schedule, and developing a logistics plan for the in-person components.

Flavor and Re-Imagination

How do we integrate the arts into our hybrid summit? Music? Cooking demos? Even more?

We’re looking for two individuals to lead all artistic and dynamic components of our Summit, and take a step further to re-imagine what our Summit could offer! This will include researching artists in Chicago to invite, developing creative and engaging sessions for in-person attendees, coordinating logistics for invited artists, and developing a zine or publication to celebrate the work.

Communications and Engagement

How do we spread the word? How can we engage summit attendees after the summit?

We’re looking for two individuals to lead how the event is communicated to the public and brainstorm ways to make this Summit our most engaging and accessible yet! This will include drafting outreach materials,  brainstorming creative outreach channels to get the word out, and developing  activities to engage attendees before, during, and after the Summit.

Strategies for accessibility

How do we welcome all to the table? How can we celebrate and accommodate the diversity of attendees?

We’re looking for two individuals to work with a team of experts to increase the accessibility of both the virtual and in-person elements of the Summit. This will include everything from reviewing the Summit’s current accessibility plan, brainstorming other accommodations we could offer, and serving as the point people for accessibility needs and questions during the Summit.

We strongly encourage all who are interested to apply, regardless of whether or not you meet all of the listed qualifications!
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC candidates are less likely to apply unless they check every single box. We are committed to planning a diverse, inclusive, and unique Summit, so if you are excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t match up perfectly, apply anyway! We also encourage people to apply for multiple positions.

Additional opportunities to volunteer with the Summit will become available later in the year.