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Chicago Jobs Council

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Chicago Jobs Council

Moves people out of poverty through employment using expertise, advocacy, and capacity-building.

Our Vision: All people, regardless of where they start or where they’ve been, can access employment as a pathway out of poverty. Founded in 1981 with 18 original members, CJC has grown to include over 100 community-based organizations, civic groups, businesses, and individuals committed to helping disadvantaged Illinoisans gain access to the education and training they need to enter the labor market, secure stable employment at a living wage, and pursue sustainable careers.

09/04/2026

A strong workforce system starts with strong workforce professionals.

See how CJC training can translate into real changes in practice.

After attending CJC's "Designing with Dignity" training, Per Scholas Systems & Data Manager Sher Afgan Tareen applied a trauma-informed lens to his work, helping his team identify systemic barriers and rethink how they engage learners.

That’s why investing in workforce professionals matters.

Want to strengthen your own practice? Explore CJC’s upcoming trainings and join us! View the CJC Training Calendar here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jcn0Z2oe1R6yfrtMM-tBvyk6WjE11PJw8MldIKpvfgY/edit?tab=t.0 =h.1a868x4pbfw9

09/03/2026

September is Workforce Development Month!

At Chicago Jobs Council, we know workforce development is about more than connecting people to jobs. It takes an entire ecosystem working together to build stronger pathways to economic opportunity.

This month, we’re highlighting the people, partnerships and ideas shaping the field — and exploring how we can reimagine workforce development for a stronger, more equitable future.

Follow along!

09/02/2026

What happens when workforce organizations don’t just connect people to jobs, but create the jobs themselves?

That’s the power of Employment Social Enterprises (ESEs). And they’re at the center of "CJC Presents: The Impact Exchange."

On October 8, we’re bringing together Chicago’s workforce community to spotlight CJC partners creating quality employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work.

Come meet the organizations doing the work, explore CJC’s Impact Marketplace, connect with others across the field, and support CJC’s continued work to advance workforce equity.

Registration is open: cjc.net/fallfriendraiser

08/28/2026

How is AI showing up in workforce development — and what does it mean for the future of our field?

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, Chicago Jobs Council is exploring what these changes mean for workforce organizations, professionals, employers, and job seekers — from potential job displacement and emerging opportunities to equity, training, and working alongside AI.

In partnership with Origami Works Foundation, we’re asking workforce development professionals and partners to share how you’re currently using AI, what you’re learning, and where you see opportunities and challenges.

Your feedback will help inform future CJC policy conversations, resources, and trainings.

Take a few minutes to share your perspective by September 18.

Take the AI Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCHGBYL

08/27/2026

Meet the facilitator!

We’re excited to welcome Wally Smith, Ed.D., Founder of LPMA Associates and Senior Learning & Development Architect at , as the facilitator for CJC’s upcoming Connect & Engage With Your Staff: Cultivating a Productive Team (Parts 1 &2) training!

With more than 25 years of experience in talent development, Wally has designed and delivered leadership development programs, developed leadership competency models, provided leadership coaching, and led strategic consulting initiatives.

Join Wally on Thursday, September 24, from 1–3 p.m. CT for an interactive virtual training focused on building and leading productive teams. Participants will explore practical strategies for leading with influence, setting expectations, coaching staff, addressing performance challenges, and connecting employees’ day-to-day work to the organization’s larger mission.

Plus, there’s an added perk for September! Register for a CJC public training in September and you’ll automatically be entered into a raffle to receive a free ticket to CJC’s October 8 Fall Friendraiser. If selected, the ticket can be used by anyone in your organization. It’s our way of thanking the workforce development community for continuing to learn and engage with CJC.

Register for Connect & Engage With Your Staff: Cultivating a Productive Team (Parts 1 &2) https://www.cjc.net/all-upcoming-trainings/connect-engage-with-you-staff-cultivating-a-productive-team

08/26/2026

Meet the facilitator!

We’re excited to welcome Latisha Brandon, MS.Ed., Founder and CEO of Manifestation Consulting, LLC, as the facilitator for CJC’s upcoming Navigating Labor Market Trends & Tools training!

With more than 18 years of workforce development experience, Latisha brings expertise in curriculum and instructional design, experiential learning, project management, retention strategies, and leadership development.

Join Latisha on Tuesday, September 15, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. CT for an interactive virtual training designed to help workforce professionals use labor market information and online tools to identify career opportunities, understand industry trends, and better support job seekers in making informed career decisions.

Plus, there’s an added perk for September! Register for a CJC public training in September and you’ll automatically be entered into a raffle to receive a free ticket to CJC’s October 8 Fall Friendraiser. If selected, the ticket can be used by anyone in your organization. It’s our way of thanking the workforce development community for continuing to learn and engage with CJC.

Register for Navigating Labor Market Trends & Tools https://www.cjc.net/all-upcoming-trainings/navigating-labor-market-trends-tools

08/25/2026

Registration TODAY for the Chicago Jobs Council Fall Friendraiser!

CJC Presents: The Impact Exchange.

Join us on the rooftop at MidwestCoastBrewing on October 8 from 5:00-8:30 pm, for an evening of connection, community, and impact as CJC shines a spotlight on Employment Social Enterprises (ESEs) – mission-driven organizations creating quality jobs and pathways for people facing barriers to employment.

This year’s event follows the passage of new legislation recently signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker that formally recognizes ESEs into state law. The new law allows ESEs greater access to funding and programming opportunities.

Meet the organizations already putting this powerful workforce model into action – as we enjoy an evening of networking, appetizers, local craft beer, and opportunities to give back through raffles and the CJC Impact Marketplace, featuring products and services for purchase from some of Illinois’ ESE providers.

Register today! cjc.net/fallfriendraiser

08/23/2026

Build your skills this September with CJC!

Chicago Jobs Council has two upcoming virtual trainings designed to give workforce professionals practical tools they can put to work with job seekers and their teams.

Navigating Labor Market Trends & Tools
Tuesday, September 15 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. CT
Learn how to find and use labor market information to identify growing industries, explore career pathways and help job seekers make informed decisions about their next steps.
Register: https://cjc.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F55295

Connect & Engage With Your Staff: Cultivating a Productive Team
Part 1: Thursday, September 24 | 1–3 p.m. CT
Part 2: Thursday, October 1 | 1–3 p.m. CT
Strengthen your approach to team leadership with strategies for coaching, setting expectations, managing performance and helping staff connect their day-to-day work to your organization’s larger mission. Register for either session or bundle both parts.
Register: https://cjc.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F55292

Both trainings are virtual and open to the public. Reserve your spot today!

08/20/2026

Join us! There are still seats available.

Advocacy doesn't just happen in Springfield and Washington, DC. It starts with understanding how to turn your expertise into action.

Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to strengthen your skills, Advocacy 101 will introduce you to the fundamentals of effective advocacy and help you build confidence in advancing policies that create more equitable workforce systems.

Join us to learn practical strategies you can use to elevate your voice, influence decision-makers, and drive meaningful change.

Register today: https://www.cjc.net/all-upcoming-trainings/advocacy-101

08/19/2026

Registration is OPEN for the Jobs Council Fall Friendraiser!

CJC Presents: The Impact Exchange.

Join us on the rooftop at on October 8 from 5:00-8:30 pm, for an evening of connection, community, and impact as CJC shines a spotlight on Employment Social Enterprises (ESEs) – mission-driven organizations creating quality jobs and pathways for people facing barriers to employment.

This year’s event follows the passage of new legislation recently signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker that formally recognizes ESEs into state law. The new law allows ESEs greater access to funding and programming opportunities.

Meet the organizations already putting this powerful workforce model into action – as we enjoy an evening of networking, appetizers, local craft beer, and opportunities to give back through raffles and the CJC Impact Marketplace, featuring products and services for purchase from some of Illinois’ ESE providers.

Register today! cjc.net/fallfriendraiser

Address

29 E Madison Street, Ste 1700-C
Chicago, IL
60602

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13122520460

Website

http://www.cjc.net/, https://bio.site/ChiJobsCouncil

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