After School Matters

This place is a gem! It is now on my must-​do list for Chicago. All the art is made by school kids. The amazing art is amazingly affordable; I am unable to walk out empty handed. I have several swank prints that I love hanging in my house. Aside from being superb pieces, they remind me of how much I loved art making in my youth. The gallery includes knit items, paintings, prints, glass work and t-​shirts. If you love buying art, check it out.

Well-​supported urban youth development program that tends to favor selectively connected individuals for employment opportunities. In the past, I have visited, met with the former leadership (very sharp guy) and attended featured programs.
Imagine when I discovered the Human Resources interface is among the worst I’ve seen — ANYWHERE — in 20 years. After applying for a position that, in total, I saw posted for about three months, I made four attempts in six weeks to ensure my online application had been received (no confirmation email), gather status, etc of search. Each time, I was sent to the voicemail of the same woman who never returned one phone call.
Despite the fact I was well-​qualified for the position, what I apparently lacked — after speaking to numerous persons in the local non-​profit community — is the juice. I recommend the corporate public interface be evaluated to dismantle public perceptions of exclusivity for a public school youth development initiative. The assessment should also include out-​facing human resources processes.
Although the organization enjoys the quality of sustainability that other nonprofits may desire, if the kind of experience I had is the norm, look out. Folks may not always access their networks or advocates in the job quest but if ignored or offended, they will go after you like a hornet. And you just never know who knows who, especially in a city as politically rife as Chicago.