The pulse of any organization can be measured by the involvement and commitment of its volunteer members.  To strengthen our professional organization and keep the Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® a dynamic force, we often rely on our members’ talents, energy, and ideas.  

Please indicate below which committee(s) you are willing to bring your talent, energy, and ideas to, should the need arise.  A brief description of each committee’s purpose is provided for your reference. Every effort will be made to assign you to your chosen committee(s).  

The Awards Committee recognizes OPAAR Members who have made extraordinary commitments to improving the quality of life in their communities through volunteer work and charitable contributions with our Walter R. James Good Neighbor Award.  The committee also reviews and evaluates nominations for the OPAAR annual REALTOR® of the Year Award.  Identifies one person each year who stands out above all others, committed to excellence, and has made significant contributions to the real estate profession.   Service on the Awards Committee is by appointment.  

This committee meets two to three times per year as needed.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee promotes and supports a diverse and welcoming community with housing choices and opportunities free from housing discrimination. Assures that policies and practices relating to housing and inclusiveness and woven into all Association activity. Assists brokerage companies to better understand sensitive topics, develop methods to confront unknown biases, and implement business practices that prioritize diversity in the workplace. In addition, OPAAR strives to ensure the DE & I Committee represents its membership.

This committee meets monthly.

The Government Affairs Committee educates and encourages Membership to be involved in the political process at the local, state, and national level.  Interacts with elected officials, lobbying for real estate issues within the communities we represent.  Advocates for public policy benefitting homeowners and REALTORS®.  Communicates the value of RPAC and coordinates the Association’s annual RPAC fundraising activities. Members meet annually with area legislators at the Capital Conference in Springfield.

This committee meets quarterly.

The Member Outreach Committee promotes the benefits of membership in OPAAR to current and prospective members.  Recruits new Affiliate Members.  Updates member benefits brochures. Increases member awareness and participation in Association activities.

This committee meets monthly.

The Professional Standards and Grievance Committee evaluates complaints received from members and/or members of the public regarding possible violations of the Code of Ethics, reviews requests for arbitration, and recommends further action by the Professional Standards Committee as appropriate for each situation.  Appointees must attend a one-day IR training seminar held annually in Oak Brook.  
Service on the Professional Standards and Grievance Committee is by appointment.

This committee meets on an “as-needed” basis.

The Public Relations/Consumer Outreach Committee develops and promotes a positive image of the REALTOR® brand and boosts the value of using an OPAAR REALTOR® member.  Encourages Member participation in activities to better the communities we represent.  Emphasizes to the public that OPAAR is a reliable source for real estate information and an advocate for homeowners.Notify the public through newspaper articles of our interactions are with local municipalities, and our “Calls to Action” initiatives.  Creates social media outreach strategies.

This committee meets quarterly to map out upcoming quarter.

The Special Events Committee plans and organizes networking events for members including Business After Hours events, Holiday Party, Installation event, Affiliate events, etc., with the goal of bringing together the membership for networking and socializing.

This committee meets monthly.                                          

The Special Programs Committee is charged with creating and curating programs and tools that will educate and enhance our members’ knowledge.  (Examples of special programs hosted: Condominium Forum w/the Village of OP, REALTOR Safety Program, the Social Media Seminar, and HUD REO workshop.)  Works with Association Staff to procure designation courses for OPAAR Members.

This committee meets monthly.