Early in 2004, three young professionals a few years removed from college found themselves discussing the need for an increased level of community involvement from their peers. Although they acknowledged a host of excellent organizations through which young people can volunteer their time and energy, they felt compelled to develop their own strategy and service mechanisms.

They envisioned an organization developed and run by young professionals that focuses on creating community-centered activities that engage individuals from different age groups. They were confident that some of our societal shortcomings could be addressed to some degree by increasing the number and strength of relationships between community members as that would in turn strengthen the community as a whole. Although their view was a bit simplistic they were motivated and willing to turn this idea into a working plan.

What has evolved over the past two years is a tutoring organization that stresses an increase in community awareness and responsibility through a unique curriculum and volunteer activities attended by individuals from multiple age groups. Community Building Tutors, NFP was incorporated in Illinois on March 15th 2004 and received Federal income tax exemption from the IRS under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on August 21st 2006.

Between the date of incorporation and the fall of 2006 the organization has evolved and strengthened in many ways. The flagship site began in the spring of 2005 at Chase Park, a Chicago Park District, and continues today. This fall CBT will be adding sites at the ACME Arts building and the Merit School of Music. Each site implements one-on-one tutoring utilizing high-school or college students as tutors and grade-school students as young learners. All sites are proctored by young professionals and volunteer events are planned for all participants to take place at the end of the 12 week sessions.

Also, during the last year CBT has adopted by-laws, formalized its Board constituency, created the Curriculum Development Task Force, and received Federal income tax exemption from the IRS under section 501 (c)(3). The approach to the establishing the board mirrored some of the organizational goals as the board includes representatives from high school and college as well as the young professionals who run the organization. The Curriculum Development Task Force was developed to ensure that the curriculum we utilize is appropriate and effective. Although the organization is still in its infancy there is an excitement growing among the members as they recognize the potential and value of their ideas.

As CBT moves forward in the fall of 2006, they are poised to offer a stable and innovative tutoring service to community members in three distinct areas.