Board Member

A.B.L.E. – Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations is an ambitious nonprofit organization seeking committed, diverse, and experienced volunteer Board members to guide the organization and support its growth. Board members will work collaboratively to shape policies and strategy for A.B.L.E.’s future, and provide direction and counsel for A.B.L.E. leadership.

A.B.L.E. was founded on the belief that everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create. Our work centers on fostering communication, teamwork, and inclusivity, not just among our program participants, but for all who work with us. We welcome applicants from all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, ages, and disability statuses. A.B.L.E. is committed to including diverse voices and perspectives across our organization.

At this time, we are especially seeking applicants with previous nonprofit board experience, those with professional expertise in the fields of Human Resources, Finance, and/or Technology. We strongly encourage applicants with lived experience of disability, and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Board members do not need to be based in Chicago, though in-person attendance at some meetings is expected.

What does the Board of Directors do? 
A.B.L.E.’s Board are volunteers who share their expertise, influence, knowledge, and resources to secure a strong future for the organization. Board members come from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds.  The Board is responsible for managing the operational budget and setting long term priorities, as well as overseeing and advising the Executive Artistic Director, who is responsible for A.B.L.E.’s day-to-day management.

The relationship between each Board member and A.B.L.E. – Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations is of critical importance and supports the administrative, fundraising, financial, and strategic functions of the organization. Board members are stewards of A.B.L.E.’s mission, promoters of the work, and champions of the cause. Board members leverage connections and networks to bring additional resources to the organization.

What is the commitment? 

• Board members volunteer for a 2 year term, and may serve up to 3 consecutive terms.
• The full Board meets 5 times a year, and its committees meet monthly to work on various projects.
• Each Board member is required to serve on at least one committee (Governance, Finance, Development)
• Board members spend an average of 5-10 hours a month doing board work: attending regular meetings, participating in committee work, and being an ambassador for A.B.L.E. in your community
• Board members should make A.B.L.E. one of their top philanthropic priorities, with a minimum goal of giving or bringing in at least $1,500 during the year.

How do I know if I am the right fit?
We hope prospective Board Members can say “yes” to most or all of the following:

• You are passionate about the cause – you have a passion for the arts and/or disability advocacy (or, better yet, lived experience of a disability) and are excited for the opportunity to advance A.B.L.E.’s mission in the community.
• You are experienced – you have skills or lived experience that can support A.B.L.E.’s work at this moment in the organization’s growth.
• You are collaborative – you value learning and working alongside a team, empowering others to express their point of view, and fostering an environment of clear communication.
• You are reliable – you show up to meetings on time and well prepared; you follow through on commitments and are able to balance competing priorities.
• You are accountable – you demonstrate responsibility in decision-making, especially in team settings, celebrating when things have gone well, and acknowledging when they’ve gone wrong.
• You are forward-thinking –  you scan the environment to anticipate the future needs of the organization, and provide solutions to challenges.
• You are courageous – you take a well-reasoned stand on important issues when needed, and work to resolve challenges when necessary. You encourage peers to take appropriate risks and deal constructively with failures and mistakes. You value doing what is right over what is easy.
• You like making connections – You are committed to being an ambassador for A.B.L.E. in your community, and helping us meet new audiences, professional partners, participants, and supporters.
• You are curious – you listen thoughtfully, are willing to learn about A.B.L.E. and the disability community, try new things, and ask “what if”?
• You are open – you bring your authentic self to your work, and contribute to a positive, honest, and safe environment where people can connect and create.

More about A.B.L.E.
A.B.L.E. – Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations – is celebrating their 8th anniversary of creating theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. Whether in person or online, all A.B.L.E. programs strive to foster agency, and nurture lifelong skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity. A.B.L.E.’s ensembles have produced more than 30 projects for the stage and screen, ranging from original work devised by the group, to Shakespearean classics, to award-winning feature films, and innovative Zoom projects including Romeo & Juliet Remix. A.B.L.E. also shares their unique approach for creative arts programming through outreach workshops and residences with schools, community centers, and other organizations that serve people with disabilities, and also offers disability awareness and inclusion training for businesses. By placing people with disabilities in the spotlight, A.B.L.E.’s work strives to shift societal preconceptions, and build more inclusive, empathetic communities.  You can see some of our past shows, read about our rehearsal process, meet our current team, and learn more about all of our programs online at ableensemble.com