Volunteers Sought for the Obama Presidential Center Opening in Chicago
The Obama Presidential Center is looking for unpaid volunteers, slated to open in Chicago later this year. Interestingly, it has been reported that its CEO will earn a substantial salary of $740,000.
Once the center opens in June, it will recruit 75 to 100 volunteers, referred to as “ambassadors.” Their roles will include greeting visitors and guiding them through the facility, among other responsibilities, according to various reports.
“The Obama Presidential Center is where the world meets the best of the city of Chicago, and our volunteers will help make that vision a reality every day,” stated Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation. She emphasized that volunteers embody the community’s strength and resilience, aiming to provide a welcoming experience for all visitors.
However, multiple sources have indicated that Jarrett, along with other staff members at the center, are receiving six-figure salaries to manage the 19.3-acre campus located in Jackson Park.
According to reports, Jarrett has earned $740,000 annually for the past few years, while former Obama staffers also hold lucrative positions as foundation executives. The foundation’s total salary and benefits soared from $18.5 million in 2018 to $43.7 million this year, coinciding with an increase in staff to 337 people and revenue nearing $210 million. The foundation is based in Hyde Park, Chicago and runs various leadership and community programs across the United States and internationally.
Volunteering is not uncommon in the nonprofit sector. Institutions like libraries and museums often rely on volunteer assistance for operational support. The Obama Foundation appears to view volunteering as a means to foster a spirit of service within communities. President Obama himself has urged Americans to integrate volunteerism and community service into their lives.
The foundation’s release highlighted that volunteerism has been a cornerstone of Obama’s vision for civic engagement since his days as a community organizer. His campaign mobilized millions of grassroots volunteers, and initiatives like the Edward M. Kennedy Serving America Act were launched to promote national service. The Obama Foundation’s Volunteer Program aims to continue this legacy by involving community members in the center’s daily activities.
The recruitment effort seeks volunteers who are “adaptable” and “enthusiastic,” as well as those with strong communication skills. They should also be comfortable using an online scheduling system, as noted on the application webpage.
Located on Chicago’s south side, the center is described as a multifaceted campus, serving as a museum, a community hub, and a “global center for change.” Initially estimated at $300 million, the construction budget ballooned to $850 million, with costs rising over the years.
The center is expected to open on Juneteenth, a federal holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the U.S.
