Volunteers Sought to Serve on the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship

What is the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship?

The Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship (CIRC) works to welcome, inform, connect, and support Cambridge’s immigrant community. CIRC staff provides information, referrals, and guidance to residents seeking assistance. The Commission collaborates with other city departments, community partners, and individuals that support immigrant rights and citizenship.

Commissioners will work with CIRC staff and newly established Language Justice Division, to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.123).

Preferred applicants are Cambridge residents who:

• Are knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship, or,
• Have lived experience as an immigrant to the United States.

What skills and abilities are needed to serve on CIRC?

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion and is seeking Cambridge residents who represent the diversity of Cambridge.

Commissioners should have the ability to:

• Participate in a collaborative process;
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives; 
• Interact and work effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Women, persons of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What is the role of CIRC?

• CIRC informs the City Manager and the City Council on issues affecting the equal status of immigrants in education, employment, healthcare, housing, political, social and legal spheres;
• Designs and implements programs that promote the equality of all immigrants in the City;
• Designs and implements programs to encourage and maintain the cultural diversity immigrants bring to the City;
• Develops recommendations and recommends policy to the City Manager and the City Council to promote and ensure immigrant rights and citizenship;
• Coordinates activities and education within the City on issues affecting immigrants;
• Monitors the enactment of city, state and federal legislation which promotes immigrant rights and citizenship and makes recommendations to the City Manager and the City Council regarding the implementation and enforcement of any such legislation if enacted;
• Monitors enactment of state and federal legislation which would restrict immigrant rights and citizenship and advise on same to the City Manager and the City Council and recommend appropriate courses of action.

When does the Commission meet and what is the term of appointment?

The Commission consists of 11 members appointed to three-year terms.

Meetings are typically held virtually on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m., though the meeting schedule may be reassessed to accommodate Commissioners’ needs. Meetings are currently being held through a hybrid in-person (51 Inman Street) and Zoom format.

What is the time commitment for Commissioners?

Commissioners are expected to:

• Attend monthly meetings;
• Participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events;
• Promote the principals of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Work with CIRC staff.

Do Commissioners get compensated for their time?

Board and Commission members in Cambridge do not generally receive compensation for their time. However, the City has explored the possibility of offering a stipend for high time commitment boards. Serving on CIRC does not require a high time commitment and therefore is not under consideration for a potential stipend at this time.

What is the application deadline? How do I apply?

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, March 10, 2025. Applications can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications can also be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

For more information, contact Carolina Almonte at 617-349-4396 or calmonte@cambridgema.gov.