Current Board Vacancies: Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity, Family Policy Council, Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship, Human Rights Commission, Council on Aging

The City of Cambridge encourages and promotes involvement by residents in the decision-making process through participation on a variety of boards and commissions, as well as temporary advisory committees and task forces. Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to the quality of life of the community in which you live or work. We rely greatly on the interest and involvement of those volunteers who seek a more active role in the functioning of their local government. Additionally, it is a City of Cambridge goal to expand and deepen community engagement with a focus on strengthening the diversity and inclusion of its various boards and commissions, and to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Selection for appointment to one of our boards and commissions is generally based on the following characteristics:

• A broad perspective and concern for the welfare and progress of the City
• A familiarity with the City’s history, issues, and goals
• City residency, in most cases
• A willingness to devote time and effort to the work of said board or commission
• Awareness of and understanding of the City’s ordinances and policies
• Balanced and diverse representation on boards and commissions as feasible

Vacancies being advertised at this time:

Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity (Application Deadline Extended) 
The mission of the City of Cambridge Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity is to foster fairness, equity, unity, appreciation, and mutual understanding across all people and entities in Cambridge. The Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity works to provide opportunities for constructive discussions and community events regarding race, class, religion, gender, abilities, and sexual orientation, through recognizing and raising awareness of historic, existing, and potential civic issues; providing opportunities for honest dialogue and engagement; and by building bridges across communities to better understand and connect with one another.

Family Policy Council (Application Deadline Extended to 10-27-21)
Officially known as the Coordinating Council for Children, Youth and Families, the Family Policy Council is dedicated to developing policy and program recommendations aimed at ensuring all children, youth, and their families have access to what they need to be successful, engaged residents who are prepared for life in our community and in the world.

Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (Application Deadline 10-15-21)
The Commission acts as a centralizing organization in Cambridge, to address immigrant rights and citizenship issues through providing information, referral, guidance, coordination and technical assistance to other public agencies and private persons, organizations and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to support immigrant rights and citizenship.

Cambridge Human Rights Commission (Application Deadline 10-15-21)
The Human Rights Commission protects the civil rights of residents and visitors to Cambridge and works with Commission staff on the investigation, mediation, and resolution of complaints of discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment, or education based upon race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status, military status, or source of income.  

Council on Aging (Application Deadline 10-1-21)
This board promotes and encourages existing and new services and activities intended to enhance and improve the quality of life of older persons in the city; advises the City Manager on all matters pertaining to the welfare of elderly Cambridge residents; and advocates for Cambridge elderly residents. Board members also support Council on Aging and Cambridge Senior Center staff with community outreach about services, benefits, activities, and programs available to seniors. Applicants must be age 60 or older and a Cambridge resident.

Application Process

Applications to serve on any of these committees can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting the respective committee(s) of interest.  A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.  Please note the application deadlines for the respective committees listed above.