Application Process

PART 1

Key Step: Criteria Confirmation

1. Check Chapter Requirements.
   Each YPO chapter has different membership criteria. The first step in the new member process ensures that you meet the requirements specific to the YPO Chicago chapter. Please note that the YPO Chicago Chapter has double the financial requirements of YPO International.  You can view the criteria listed below. Fill out the Online Membership Application and send in the other required materials, if you qualify.

PART 2

Key Step: Confirm You Meet the Membership Criteria.

1. Complete Online Membership Application.
   Now that you meet the membership criteria, the next step in the new member process is to fill out the Online Membership Application and send a copy of your organizational chart to carrie@ypochicago.org. Once the YPO/Chicago on-line application is completed and sent, the Membership Chair is automatically alerted and your application will be reviewed by the Membership Chair and the Membership Committee. This can take between 4-8 weeks and is dependent upon meeting dates of the Membership Committee. You will be notified by the Membership Chair if additional information is necessary. He will also inform you as to the status of your application.
2. Membership Chair Contacts You.
   Once you complete the application, you will be contacted by the Membership Chair or the Assistant Membership Chair of YPO/Chicago. The Membership Chair heads the Membership Committee and sits on the Officer team. His role is to oversee the chapter’s membership to help facilitate the membership process for prospective members. If you have questions about the process, please feel free to ask the Chair.
3. Introductory Meeting.
   Once the Membership Chair receives your application, an informal meeting with you and 1-2 YPO/Chicago members (typically members of the Membership Committee) will be organized. The meeting, usually held in your offices, is an ideal way for our Membership Committee and Officers to get to know prospective members and for prospective members to get a sense of the YPO/Chicago Chapter. The representative members will discuss requirements and responsibilities and are available to answer your questions.

PART 3

Key Steps:  Preliminary Approval, Sponsorship Confirmation and Event Attendance.

1. Sponsorship Confirmation.
   When your application has been pre-approved, you have successfully navigated the first phase of YPO/Chicago membership. At this stage, it is critical for you to have a sponsor – an eligible YPO member in good standing – who will help you throughout the remainder of the new member process. If you don’t have a sponsor, the Membership Chair can assign one to you. The Membership Chair will be communicating with your sponsor to discuss his or her responsibilities. Your sponsor should interact with you regularly to help streamline the process.
2. Event Attendance.
   The YPO/Chicago Chapter requires that each prospective member attend a minimum of two Chapter Educational Events. Education events (scheduled monthly September through June) are a great way to meet YPO/Chicago members and experience firsthand the Chicago Chapter’s programs. The Membership Chair will coordinate with you to determine which events are available for prospective members to attend and provide you with all the information you’ll need: date, time, dress code, etc. Events are held within the greater Chicagoland area; most are scheduled during weekday evenings from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. Spouses are encouraged to attend the events along with prospective members.

 PART 4

Key Steps:  Final Approval and Active Membership

Final Approval.

After you have attended a minimum of two Educational Events, the Membership Committee will be notified. The Committee will conduct a final assessment of your application including the accompanying paperwork you will be asked to submit. This will include:

• A photo of yourself.
• Company organizational chart.
• A short, professional and personal bio.
• Third party verification of the information you provided on your application.
• Payment of one-time International Initiation fee plus pro-rated membership dues.
• Payment of one-time Chapter Initiation fee ($7,500) plus pro-rated membership dues.

Active Membership.

Upon approval by the Membership Committee, your application will be forwarded to YPO International and your membership will be activated. Soon thereafter, you will receive an official membership notification status though the mail. Once your membership is activated, you’ll be able to attend any of the Education Events through YPO/Chicago as well as any YPO International Events.