Every time a new form or contract is published, a dedicated committee of members is behind that form. The same is true across association initiatives and benefits; every course we create is reviewed and tested by members. Every new business perk we launch is assessed and peer-reviewed by members.
Hundreds of your fellow REALTORS® dedicate their time as volunteers, and their service ensures that the REALTOR® voice remains strong and forward-looking. This means that every member has an opportunity to make a positive impact.
Our REALTORS® create tools and policies that directly support the real estate industry and our communities through these volunteer leadership roles.
Representation at the Local, State and National Level!
Many local Chicago REALTORS® serve on task forces and advisory groups that influence professional standards, licensing and real estate legislation. This ensures that Chicago professionals have a seat at every table where key industry decisions are made.
For example:
- At the state level, several Chicago Association of REALTORS® members serve as State Legislative Contacts (SLCs). As a result of years of dedicated advocacy work and relationship building with our state legislators, each member of the Illinois Senate and Illinois House of Representatives is assigned a REALTOR® “delegate” or point of contact—the SLC. This is their go-to person to call up and get direct insight about real estate-related legislation.
- At the national level, multiple Chicago Association of REALTORS® members serve as Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs). Much like SLCs, these individuals are partnered with a member of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, all from Illinois. They develop and maintain that trusted relationship as our direct line to our legislators!
“It honestly makes you a better broker,” Matt Silver, Corcoran Urban Real Estate, shared. Silver is a Chicago REALTORS® Past President, an Illinois REALTORS® Past President, and has served on several local, state and national committees. He currently serves as the FPC to U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider as well as the SLC for two State Representatives, Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar and Bob Morgan.
“These roles give you confidence as you move through the transaction, because you know what’s going on,” Silver continued. “Everyone should be involved in advocacy at least. You don’t realize how much work we do to protect real estate and, in the end, our clients.”
Silver reflected on the decade he spent in the industry before feeling confident and established enough to run for an officer position with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. His current positions reflect many more years of active involvement that have accrued over time.
If he could give advice to someone interested in getting involved beyond the Chicago committees? “Even if you just listen in and take notes, that’s where you start,” he said. He recommends submitting an application and just getting started. You never know where your next chapter will take you.
We Need You! Your Leadership Shapes the Future
By getting involved, you not only expand your professional network and leadership skills, you also become part of a powerful movement advancing real estate for everyone. Volunteering connects you with fellow passionate, influential leaders who share your drive to elevate the profession.
Explore the Directory of 2025-2026 Volunteer Leaders!
If you’re inspired to learn more, meet the REALTORS® who are helping lead our industry at the local, state and national levels at ChicagoREALTOR.com/getinvolved.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH NAR
The National Association of REALTORS® has over 100 committees to join, and most terms are for one year. Here is the application timeline:
- Most committee applications open in early spring.
- Members can submit a committee application for up to five committees and seek up to three endorsements per application.
- Applications close on May 15th.
- Director applications open in August.
- Committee appointments are announced in mid-October.
- Committee terms begin in December.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE ILLINOIS REALTORS®
The Illinois REALTORS® has over 20 committees to join. Terms begin in November and run through October of the next year. Here is the application timeline:
- Applications open in early June.
- Applications close at the end of June.
- Committee appointments are announced in early September.
- Terms start in November.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH US — YOUR LOCAL ASSOCIATION®
Our 20+ committees cover every aspect of the real estate profession: from commercial and global business to community advocacy, sustainability, diversity, finance and professional standards.
Most terms are for one year, unless otherwise specified. Here’s a timeline for applications:
- Applications open in late winter/early spring.
- Note: the Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of
Trustees have separate applications.
- Note: the Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of
- Applications close at the end of May.
- Appointments are announced in early September.
- Terms start on October 1st.