We post a weekly resource list featuring key opportunities in Illinois. The Resource List includes workshops, cohorts, career and funding opportunities, and more.

Check out this week's resource list!

These events are presented by state, local and neighborhood organizations.

The list is also posted to West Side Forward's social media platforms.

Career Opportunities

• Illinois Legal Aid Online is hiring a Legal Content Director. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 2.

• CAIR-Chicago is seeking a Staff Attorney to join its Civil Rights Department.

• After School Matters is hiring multiple positions including an American Sign Language Instructor, Culinary Arts Instructor, and Intro to Construction Trades Instructors.

• Resilience is hiring a Case Management Specialist – Bilingual Required, Engagement Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Senior Director of Advancement among other positions.

• Kids First Chicago is looking for a Community Engagement Coordinator.

• Illinois Workers in Action is hiring a Labor & Immigration Organizer.

• Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras is seeking a Saturday Program Assistant, Sunday Program Assistant, and Steelpan Teaching Assistant.

• KLEO Community Family Life Center is hiring a Residential Monitor, Construction Craft Instructor, Shelter Support Attendant, and Case Manager.

• Illinois DCEO is hiring an Africa and Middle East Trade Specialist, International Programs Administrator, and Career Services Specialist – Upstate.

Workshops

• United We Prepare: Disaster Resilience Workshop is happening on Thursday, September 24 at 4:00PM at the Aspire Center (5500 W. Madison St.) This workshop is presented by United Way Metro Chicago, Verizon, American Red Cross, and Austin Coming Together.

Trainings

• Chicago Urban League is offering a nextDIGITAL A.I. and Tech Essentials for Entrepreneurs training starting on September 15, 2026. The nextDIGITAL A.I. & Tech Essentials for Entrepreneurs training is a10-week HYBRID business technology training designed to help entrepreneurs understand Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and other key digital marketing concepts that they can utilize to enhance their businesses. The training will run from September – November 2026 with weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM. This training is offered at no-cost.

Summits

• Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is hosting a Mental Health Summit on Tuesday, September 22 from 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM at Maywood Courthouse, Courtroom 102.

Resource Fairs

• Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) is hosting the 2026 Preparedness Fair on Tuesday, September 15 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Daley Plaza.

• Chicago Urban League is hosting a State Career Fair on Wednesday, September 16 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the Empowerment Center (8331 S Stewart Ave).

• Chicago Tool Library is hosting a Repair Fair on Saturday, September 26 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at 4015 W Carroll Ave.

• Chicago Urban League is hosting a College Fair on Saturday, October 10 from11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 4510 S Michigan Ave.

Events

• State Senator Lakesia Collins and community partners are hosting a Diaper Needs Awareness Month event on Monday, September 14 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at JLM Abundant Life (2622 W. Jackson Blvd).
  

Resource Fairs

• MWRD provides free native tree saplings through its “Restore the Canopy, Plant a Tree” program. Native trees can help reduce flooding by soaking up rainwater. Free trees are available for pick up every Wednesday from April - October from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at MWRD water reclamation plants.

• Social Change is hosting a Garden Cleanup on Saturday, September 12 and Saturday, September 26 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 6609 S. Winchester Ave., Chicago.