Application and Guidelines

• Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 11 to 17.
• Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in a CMSD school.
• Commitment: Applicants must be willing to actively participate in the commission's activities for at least one academic year, ensuring consistent and dedicated involvement.
• Must be in good academic standing according to the standards of the applicant's school.
• Parental consent
• Recommendation letter preferred not required (i.e., coach, teacher, pastor)

• Must have at least two years of experience working at college/university
• Applicants must be willing to actively participate in the commission's activities for the term allotted (2 years), ensuring consistent and dedicated involvement

• Must be employed for at least two full years
• Must be a member of a union for at least two years
• Applicants must be willing to actively participate in the commission's activities for the term allotted (2 years), ensuring consistent and dedicated involvement

• Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college or university.
• Commitment: Applicants must be willing to actively participate in the commission's activities for at least one academic year, ensuring consistent and dedicated involvement.
• Must be in good academic standing according to the standards of the applicant's school.

Instructions for Completing the Application:

1. Access the Form
   • Click on the provided link to open the Form
2. Read Each Section Carefully
   • The form is divided into sections. Read the instructions at the beginning of each section to understand what information is required.
3. Fill in Personal Information
   • Enter your full name, email address, and contact number in the specified fields.
   • Double-check the spelling and accuracy of your details.
4. Answer All Questions
   • Respond to each question in the form. A red asterisk (*) indicated some questions that may be mandatory.
   • For multiple-choice questions, select the option that best fits your response.
   • For text-based questions, type your answers in the provided text boxes.
5. Upload Necessary Documents
   • Please upload the applicable documents (e.g., resume, letter of recommendation, certificates) using the "Add file" button.
   • Ensure your files are in the correct format (e.g., PDF, DOCX) and do not exceed the size limit.
6. Review Your Responses
   • Before submitting, review all your answers to ensure accuracy and completeness.
7. Submit the Form
   • Once you have completed all sections and reviewed your responses, click the "Submit" button at the end of the form.
8. Contact for Assistance
   • If you encounter any issues or have questions about the form, contact Chair Kathryn Hall at khall2@clevelandohio.gov or Commission Member Shameka Jones-Taylor at sjones-taylor@clevelandohio.gov.

Initial Screening:

• Responsibility: Screening Committee (2-3 Commissioners appointed by the chair)
• Action: Review each application to ensure all required fields are completed and necessary documents are attached.

First Round Evaluation:

• Responsibility: Evaluation Team (3-5 Commissioners appointed by the chair)
• Action: Assess applications based on predefined criteria, such as qualifications, experience, and commitment to advancing the Commission's mission
• Criteria: Use a scoring rubric to evaluate each application. Assign scores for each criterion (e.g., relevant experience, demonstrated commitment to Black women and girls, leadership skills).

Shortlisting Candidates:

• Responsibility: Interview Panel (3 Commissioners: a combination of Commissioners from the screening & evaluations teams appointed by the chair)
• Action: Conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates to assess their suitability for the Commission
• Action: Gather feedback from community stakeholders on the shortlisted candidates to ensure their alignment with community needs and values.
• Criteria: Prepare a set of standardized questions to evaluate candidates' understanding of issues affecting Black women and girls, their strategic vision, and their ability to collaborate effectively.

Final Evaluation:

• Responsibility: Interview Panel and Commission Leadership
• Action: Review interview feedback, community input, and scores to make a final assessment of each candidate.
• Criteria: Consider interview performance, overall fit for the Commission, and potential for impactful contributions

Selection Decision:

• Responsibility: Commission Leadership
• Action: Select the top candidate(s) based on the final evaluation and community feedback.
• Criteria: Ensure the selected candidate(s) align with the Commission's goals and values and can effectively represent the interests of Black women and girls.

Offer and Notification:

• Responsibility: Commission Administration
• Action: Extend membership offers to selected candidates and notify unsuccessful candidates of their application status.
• Criteria: Prepare offer letters and clearly communicate the next steps in the onboarding process.

Onboarding:

• Responsibility: City Administration
• Action: Begin the on-boarding process for new members, including swearing-in, orientation, training, and introduction to current Commission initiatives.
• Criteria: Ensure a smooth transition for new members into the Commission, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.