The mission of the Pro-Bono Planning Service Program is to provide
planning services on a pro-bono basis by the Illinois Chapter of the
American Planning Association (APA-IL) membership, to assist
eligible non - profit organizations, community groups, service agencies
and governmental units in the initiation, organizing and fine tuning of
early stage planning projects. The program is not intended to compete with
private sector planning services which may be needed to perform and
complete any of a full range of planning activities.
The APA-IL’s Pro Bono Program was established
to benefit both the communities/organizations we serve and to
provide an outlet for creative community service activities of our
membership. The program is the only one of its kind among APA
Chapters and Sections in the country. It has been recognized as
highly successful by the national organization, and in 2003 the APA-IL was recognized nationally with the AICP President’s Award in
recognition of their work in the communities and in the area of
professional development.
Also in 2003, the APA-IL was provided a grant from
National APA organization to prepare a video about the program which
is now used to train other chapters on how to conduct similar
activities:
The Pro Bono Program, originated in 1998, is an outreach service
offering initial planning services to:
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organizations
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community groups
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service agencies
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government entities
Pro Bono Committee’s involvement begins with organizing a planning
session in conjunction with a local group or
municipality. From that foundation we tap into the
resources of APA-IL membership
for talent, conduct the planning session on location,
and work out an action agenda with the local entity.
The local entity sponsoring the meeting is required
to include a local, representative base of residents,
merchants, political interests and other players that
have a vested interest in the success of the
project. The sessions have typically lasted half
a day.
The APA-IL team usually consists of 5 to 15 planning
professionals with expertise in the general area being
explored. Typically the teams have been mixed groups
ranging in experience from recent grads to veteran
planners. To date all projects proved to be win - win
in situations for both APA-IL and the sponsoring
community.
Regardless of how many years of experience you have or your
current job's focus your help is needed. If you do volunteer, you
will need to fill out a form identifying yourself and your
professional talents. Once you have filled out the
form, e-mail the form to .
Your information will be placed in a "talent bank". Your information will
remain private, for use by the pro-bono committee. When the pro-bono
committee is going to organize a planning session with a group they
will search through the talent bank for the professionals with
talent most relevant to the project.
Do join us in a rewarding experience. Your input and talent will
be appreciated and you'll have the opportunity to network with your
peers and grow in a professionally.
