ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

REALTORS® Renewing America Campaign

In commemoration of the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama, the Illinois Association of REALTORS® has launched the “REALTORS® Renewing America” campaign.  Through the campaign, the IAR is calling on its members to renew and redouble their volunteer efforts in service to America, especially as they relate to helping their fellow Americans achieve and maintain the dream of home ownership, and to ensure that all Americans have access to safe and decent housing.  The REALTOR® organization has a rich history of public service, and this program is a great opportunity to highlight that spirit of service that meshes with the President’s call to action, as well as forging a renewed commitment to our volunteer service efforts.      

REALTORS® Renewing America is being launched in conjunction with President Obama’s “Renewing America Together” campaign urging all Americans to engage in public service activities.  The program will be promoted throughout the 2009 calendar year.  The program was announced by IAR President Pat Callan on January 20, 2009, at the kickoff of the IAR’s January Public Policy Meetings in Bloomington, Illinois, which was also Inauguration Day for President Obama.  The initiative grew out of a desire by IAR leadership to recognize the Inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States, especially since the new President is from Illinois, has a history of working with the REALTOR® organization, and has always had a special interest in housing issues.

Through the REALTORS® Renewing America campaign, Illinois REALTORS® will be encouraged to participate in the public service activity of their choosing, but will be given opportunities throughout the year to participate in housing-related public service opportunities sponsored and promoted by the Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) and the Partnership for Homeownership (PFHO). 

REALTORS® Renewing America
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There are two primary facets to the REALTORS® Renewing America program:

1. The program will serve as a clearinghouse to highlight the housing-related volunteer activities that members already are or will be doing on their own, and to showcase the volunteer opportunities provided under this program.  This will provide examples and ideas for other members to follow, and motivate members to get involved. 

1. The program will provide specific opportunities for interested members to engage in housing-related public service.  For Example:

1. The Partnership for HomeOwnership, a HUD-certified counseling agency, plans to extend its network of housing trainers, instructors, and counselors in 2009 and will be recruiting REALTORS® to assist in that effort.  REALTORS® Renewing America is an excellent way to highlight and help the PFHO’s mission, and the PFHO provides REALTORS® with an excellent service opportunity.  Opportunities to participate in PFHO programs and training will be posted on the REALTORS® Renewing America webpage.

1. The Association will continue and expand REALTOR® volunteer opportunities for Habitat for Humanity and similar independent projects to provide housing construction and rehabilitation and other related services in disaster-torn communities and other areas in need.

  
What members can do now is to go to the IAR website, www.illinoisrealtor.org/renew, where there is a special webpage for the REALTORS® Renewing America program.  Once they are logged in, members will have the opportunity to fill out an on-line form sharing the service activities that they are or will be doing in 2009, and will also be able to sign up to be notified of upcoming service opportunities.  REALTOR® volunteer activities will be showcased on the website and through other REALTOR® publications and events throughout the year.

The IAR is producing a limited number of a framed commemorative photo of President Obama from when he announced his historic bid for the presidency at the Old State Capitol in Springfield in February, 2007.  While the criteria are still in the works, the intent is to award the commemorative gift to recognize extraordinary volunteer efforts of REALTORS® participating in the program. Further information on the photos will be posted on the REALTORS® Renewing America webpage.

For further information, please visit the REALTORS® Renewing America website at  www.illinoisrealtor.org/renew, or contact the IAR Governmental Affairs staff.

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