Winter 2019: President’s Perspective

When I first met Zeke Morris, he reminded me of the adage, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” While I heard it said before, it meant something special coming from a fellow REALTOR®, and to this day, those words come to mind frequently as I carry out my REALTOR® duties. As REALTORS®, we are serving as community and civic leaders. If thinking of yourself as a civic leader left you feeling scared or questioning what you signed up for, I’m challenging you to keep an open mind this year and take ownership of the transformative work you perform each and every day. When we show up to work, we’re helping someone else get a step closer to their dreams. The expertise we provide them throughout each step of the buying or selling process helps them accomplish a goal. Whether they’re downsizing after children have moved away, or searching for a new home after relocating for a job, our clients lean on us during the biggest transactions of their lives. While this is an amazing feat, it’s not the only way we lead. We lead by upholding the NAR Code of Ethics. Following those principles ensures we’re setting a standard in the communities we serve — creating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, transparency and good character. We lead through volunteerism. The numerous micro and macro volunteer opportunities at CAR allow us to lend our expertise in unique ways to impact all levels of our industry. We lead through our advocacy efforts. When we engage with our Government Affairs Directors and REALTORS® Political Action Committee, we’re helping to protect private property rights for decades to come. I hail from a lineage of community leaders, and one of the greatest things I learned from them is that leadership and community involvement comes in many forms. This year, I’m encouraging you to grasp hold of the leadership opportunities that are made available to you — and own them! There’s something magical that occurs when you walk proudly in who you are and what you contribute to the world. I’m so proud to be a Chicago REALTOR®, and I’m excited to enter into this new decade with you. I can’t wait to see how you lead. MAURICE HAMPTON 2020 President Chicago Association of REALTORS®

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: Watch Maurice’s installation speech from our 136th Annual Inaugural Gala on September 26, 2019.