The
"Village Movement" started in Beacon Hill, Boston and
enrolled it's first member in February, 2002. Since then, at
least 100 Villages have opened across the country and more than 120
more are in formation. Villages are grassroots organizations
that reflect their community. Some Villages are entirely
volunteer driven, others have paid staff. All Villages
work to bring people closer together to enable them to continue
living and enjoying their homes and communities.
How much does it cost to become a member?
Skyline
Village Chicago charges $75 for an individual and $100 for a
household. Currently other villages in the Chicago area charge as
much as $540 for individuals and $680-$900 for couples and provide a
variety of services that our surveys indicate that people in Skyline
Village Chicago don't need or want from the Village at this time.
As our Village grows, the activities and services offered will change
according to what our members tell us they want and need. Our goal
is to keep our costs and therefore our dues low.
How does Skyline Village Chicago differ from other "Villages" in the Chicago area?
We
live in a vertical Village. Most of us live in high rises with
on-site building managers and doormen. Skyline Village Chicago
does not vet or recommend service providers as they do in the other
Chicago area Villages. Our members continue to tell us that the
household services they require are available from their building
staff.
We
intend to be a repository of information and a catalyst for bringing
people together. We have also developed strategic partnerships
in our neighborhood geared to benefiting our members.
What are the age guidelines?
Membership
in Skyline Village Chicago is open to adults of all ages. Most
Villages have an age restriction, but others do not, and we want to
be inclusive of all our neighbors.
Can my daughter who lives with me become a member of Skyline Village Chicago?
Of
course she can. If you join as a household, anyone who lives
with you has Village privileges.
Why should I join Skyline Village Chicago and what are the benefits I’ll receive?
There
are many reasons to join Skyline Village Chicago! Join to meet
your neighbors who have similar interests. Find or start up a
bridge game, a movie group or a theater group—whatever interests
you! Participate in Village events at no cost or at discounted
rates. Have better access to what is happening in our
community. Skyline Village Chicago is an evolving
Community of adults, interested in broadening our social, education
and service opportunities, always with the goal of neighbors helping
neighbors to continue living full and active lives in our homes.
What can I expect when I join Skyline Village Chicago?
You
will receive a Welcome Letter and a phone call from our Membership
Committee. If you choose, we will mention you in our bi-monthly
newsletter. You will have Log-in access to our Members-Only portal
to the website.
What social groups are open to Skyline Village Members?
Sticks
and strings
Book
Group
Maj
Jongg
Dining
Clubs
ROMEO
(Retired Old Men Eating Out)
Classic
Cinema
Social
groups are open to all for a trial run of two sessions. After that we
ask that people join Skyline to continue attending. That’s the
only way we will be able to keep our dues low, and our programs
viable and vibrant.
I’m interested in movies (theater, concerts, etc). How do I get a group started?
What is Skyline’s Neighbor helping Neighbor volunteer program and how can I get involved?
Skyline
members who volunteer to help other members have been vetted (we
interview and conduct criminal background checks on all applicants at
Skyline’s expense). They will go grocery shopping, pick up and
deliver prescriptions, accompany members to a medical or dental
appointment, help order library books on line and pick up at Water
Tower Place Library and deliver, provide help with basic technology
issues and just plain old fashioned visiting.
Interested in joining our dedicated
corps of volunteers? Contact us at info@skylinevillagechicago.org
and let us know the best time to reach you.
How do I get involved to help Skyline grow?
First,
become a member and participate in activities that are interesting to
you. As you become more involved, suggest a group and we’ll help
you get it started. Get involved in one of our committees – we are
always looking for new talents, skills and enthusiasm.
How do I express interest in joining a committee?