Now Accepting Applications  

Deadline to apply is December 15th, 2022.

The Community Council helps the Museum better understand the audiences, communities, and distinct populations with whom CCM strives to partner. In return, the Museum bolsters Council members’ professional leadership skills with networking opportunities, playful learning experiences, and specialized content knowledge.  

Council Goals

  • Strengthen museum-community partnerships and co-build authentic stakeholder engagement

  • Increase the museum’s understanding of the realities of the many local communities it serves and learn how best to support our partners, children and families

  • Increase opportunities for discourse with community partners

  • Increase integration of community partners’ expertise in institutional practices

  • Help the museum enhance its visibility and reach out to a wide variety of constituencies

Ideal Candidates

  • leaders and emerging leaders from the fields of education, community building, arts and culture, or other organizations whose work aligns with the museum’s mission and vision 

  • practitioners of all kinds who work closely with children and their families  

  • experts with traditional or non-traditional experience who serve young children 

  • advocates and activists who share the museum’s philosophy  

Member Roles & Responsibilities

  • Attend each quarterly convening of the Community Council

    Wednesday, January 18th, 2023
    Wednesday, March 15th, 2023
    Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
    Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

  • Actively participate, share your experience and authentic self with the group 

  • Act as an advocate for CCM and playful learning within your sphere of influence

Member Benefits

  • Access to network of passionate professionals who serve young children and their families

  • Meaningful professional development based on the museum’s expertise 

  • Annual membership to Chicago Children’s Museum 

Member Selection

Representation in leadership matters. CCM will consider the following criteria when selecting Community Council members:

  • Geographic region (north, south, west Chicago neighborhoods, suburbs and collar counties)

  • Racial demographics (of individual members and communities served by members)

  • Individual roles within organizations (emerging leaders and practitioners)

  • Strength of relationships with Illinois’ Priority Populations

The Community Council is distinct from other CCM leadership bodies because it is comprised of emerging rather than established leaders and practitioners rather than C-suite, administrators, or policy makers. Our primary aim is to foster a culture of community engagement, promoting community and museum partnerships that enrich play, learning, design, research, creative activities, address critical societal issues, and contribute to the public good. 

If you would be a great addition to CCM’s Community Council,
please complete your application
by Thursday, December 15th. 

If you have any questions or difficulties completing the application, please email us at: communitycouncil@chicagochildrensmuseum.org