The past 18 months has been a time of transition for BAPA as we evaluate and update programs in response to neighborhood needs, add and eliminate community-building events, and prepare for a move to a new office space in November.
BAPA’s Board of Directors and staff have been working to refresh the organization’s committees. These committees help drive programs and provide essential assistance in planning and presenting events. Would you like to use your time and talent to give back to our community? BAPA is looking for people with expertise in real estate, fund raising, event planning, marking and media, historic preservation/landmarks, community safety, and more.
Since the organization was founded nearly 75 years ago, BAPA has relied on our neighbors to serve on committees, investing their time and talent to ensuring that BAPA fulfills its mission to “sustain and enhance Beverly/Morgan Park as a safe, culturally diverse Village in the City.”
BAPA’s committees will resume regular meetings beginning this fall. Below is a list of committees for which BAPA is recruiting new members.
Development Committee. Function: Creating and implementing strategies for raising funds and membership.
Housing Committee. Function: Foster the importance of the community’s unique housing stock as a community asset; promote Beverly/Morgan Park as a great place to live, work and play; work with local, city and state agencies to monitor and abate problem properties, and to protect historic and vintage properties.
Economic Development Committee. Function: Work with neighborhood organizations and the 19th Ward office to improve and enhance commercial strips and support thriving local business.
Safety Committee. Function: Work with the 22nd District Police, neighborhood organizations, residents and business owners to improve community safety through crime prevention education, effective engagement with law enforcement, and promote the importance of contacting police to report crime or suspicious activity. This committee is also looking into CERT training.
Special Event Committees: Function: Help to plan and present BAPA’s major annual events, Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour, Ridge Run & Memorial Day Parade, and Beverly/Morgan Park Garden Walk.
If you don’t have time to serve on a committee but would love to meet people or contribute to the beauty of the neighborhood, BAPA is looking for New Neighbors ambassadors to welcome new community residents, and for people to help drive beautification and environmental efforts.
BAPA is also accepting applications for two open positions on the Board of Directors; contact BAPA Board President Michele Pettiford, pettiford.michele@gmail.com for more information.
Neighbors who are interested in learning more about serving on committees or helping with BAPA programs are encouraged to contact BAPA Board President Michele Pettiford, pettiford.michele@gmail.com, or BAPA Executive Director Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@bapa.org.
