Founding Welcome Committee Volunteer (Chicago Metro Area)

Join the New Welcome Committee.

Everyone is a newcomer now.

In today’s world, many people feel disconnected — whether they’ve just moved or have lived in the same place for years. Community doesn’t happen by accident anymore. It requires people willing to initiate connection, create spaces to gather, and help others feel they belong.

The Welcome Committee is a modern revival of a simple idea: ordinary people, trained and supported, helping others re-enter community — one conversation and one gathering at a time.

A Brief History (and Why It Matters Now)

In the 1950s, Welcome Committees were a quiet but powerful form of community infrastructure. Volunteers gave 10–15 hours each week to help neighbors find their place, build relationships, and feel at home.

That infrastructure has largely disappeared—and many of us are feeling the cost.

We’re reviving the Welcome Committee to rebuild the muscle of social connection and welcome people back into community. Joy, trust, resilience, and empathy are built locally. This is how we rebuild them, together.

About the Role

The U.S. Chamber of Connection is seeking Founding Welcome Committee Volunteers in the Chicago area to help shape and launch this initiative locally. This is an opportunity to be part of something early, meaningful, and deeply human.

What You’ll Do

As a Welcome Committee Volunteer, you’ll:

• Participate in one monthly 1:1, in-person conversation with a neighbor
• Join a monthly virtual cohort call for learning, reflection, and connection
• Host one simple, in-person gathering in your neighborhood
• Help create welcoming, inclusive spaces that invite people into connection

You’ll receive onboarding, training, and ongoing support — no prior facilitation or hosting experience required.

Who This Role Is For

This is open to anyone ages 18+, anywhere in the United States.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy connecting people and creating a sense of belonging
• Care about the health of your local community
• Are warm, curious, and open to meeting new people
• Can commit 3–5 hours per month

What You’ll Gain

• Meaningful relationships and deeper local connection
• Experience in community building, facilitation, and hosting
• The chance to help shape a growing national model for connection
• A supportive cohort of fellow volunteers across cities

Time & Location

• Time commitment: ~3–5 hours per month
• Location: Seattle metro area

Coordination and learning happen virtually; conversations and gatherings are local and in person.

What to Expect Next

1. Apply: Applications are open until January 30th
2. Selection: We will select 50 volunteers and notify all applicants in early February
3. Virtual Onboarding: Cohort kick off in late February with training on the Six Points of Connection and three months pilot process
4. Pilot: Participate in the first campaign (March to May) and monthly calls to learn together

About the US Chamber of Connection

We are a national nonprofit working to restore connection and trust in America. We are founded and designed by Aaron Hurst, grandson of the architect of the Peace Corps, and the founder of the Taproot Foundation.