The Merit Associates are a group of young Chicago-area professionals committed to supporting Merit School of Music and its mission of providing high-quality music education to students in metropolitan Chicago. The Merit Associates strive to develop themselves as model philanthropic leaders and next-generation advocates for the musical arts. Their primary goal is to work together to develop new resources for and to increase public awareness of Merit’s music education programs and services. The Associates play an integral role in the Merit community, volunteering their time and energy in support of Merit’s mission.

The Associates also sponsor an annual fundraising event, Alegre Carnaval, a masquerade ball that helps support Merit’s music education programs and helps keep the cost of programming affordable for all Chicago families.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

The Merit Associates are comprised of three different membership levels. Each one has the following requirements:

I. Associate Board Members

• Be committed to being a philanthropic leader and ambassador for the Merit School of Music
• Develop new resources and increase public awareness of Merit’s programs and services
• Attend quarterly board meetings
• Participate on one or more board committees
• Attend the Associate Board’s annual fundraiser, Alegre Carnaval
• Attend promotional and social events organized by the Associate Board
• Help to recruit new Associates
• Volunteer at two events per fiscal year
• Fulfill $500 minimum fundraising requirement
• Pay annual dues of $50

• Be committed to being a philanthropic leader and ambassador for Merit School of Music
• Develop new resources and increase public awareness of Merit’s programs and services
• Attendance at quarterly board meetings is optional
• Participate on one or more board committees
• Attend the Associate Board’s annual fundraiser, Alegre Carnaval
• Attend promotional and social events organized by the Associate Board
• Fulfill $250 minimum fundraising requirement
• Pay annual dues of $50

• Be committed to being a philanthropic leader and ambassador for the Merit School of Music
• Donate $25 or more annually
• Attend Merit events and committee meetings as available

HOW TO JOIN THE MERIT ASSOCIATES

If you would like to join the Merit Associate, please print, complete and return a membership application form to Merit. Please fax the form to 312.267.4489, or mail to:

Veronica Jaeger, Associate Board Liaison
Merit School of Music
The Joy Faith Knapp Music Center
38 S. Peoria Street
Chicago, IL 60607

Prospective board members should be committed to Merit's mission and the board's objectives, and must have sufficient time to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT PROCESS

After Merit has received an application, all potential members must meet with a member of the Board Development & Events Committee to discuss the responsibilities of being a Merit Associate. Membership is put to a vote during the next Executive Committee Meeting or Associate Board Meeting, whichever is scheduled first. New members will be notified in writing of their acceptance to the board.