By empowering and mobilizing people at the grassroots level, HRC Chicago aims to create impactful change, providing advocacy for HRC’s mission and work on the ground. HRC Chicago is a dedicated team of volunteers who use their experience and talents to develop a more affirming, inclusive, and equitable community.

In addition to educating the public about the issues that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families, HRC Chicago works to engage LGBTQ+ people and allies in the fight for equality, raise money to fund HRC’s work, build strong relationships with local businesses and like-minded organizations, and turn out voters to elect pro-Equality candidates into office. Members of the HRC Chicago Steering Committee serve as co-chairs of different program committees and bring their skills and talents to the work. Each program focuses on different aspects of HRC’s work in the community, such as fundraising, community engagement, expanding membership, volunteer recruitment, and political action.

Through these programs, volunteers can engage and develop their skills in relationship-building, public speaking, strategic planning, volunteer management, stewarding donors, lobbying, event-planning and social media communications. We accomplish our work plans by working closely with HRC staff partners, who provide volunteers with expertise, training, and leadership development.