CHICAGO — The Obama Presidential Center announced this week it is seeking skilled unpaid volunteers to help support operations at the still-not-open presidential complex, even as top executives continue earning hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for what insiders describe as “extremely demanding waiting,” sources have confirmed.
Federal filings show Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett has earned roughly $740,000 per year, a salary foundation officials say reflects the immense difficulty of overseeing a building that has been “nearly finished” for several consecutive election cycles.
“This project requires vision,” one foundation spokesman said.
“You can’t just open a presidential center overnight. First you need consultants, strategic planning retreats, advisory committees, and at least three more donor galas.”
While executive compensation has climbed into the tens of millions, the foundation is now inviting ordinary Americans — many of whom will eventually help fund the project through taxes and city spending — to volunteer their time to help get the center across the finish line.
“Think of it as a community partnership,” the spokesman explained.
“Leadership provides the leadership salaries, and the public provides the labor.”
Volunteer applicants are reportedly encouraged to bring skills in carpentry, landscaping, public relations, and occasionally explaining to tourists why the building still isn’t open.
The concept has already drawn praise from progressive leaders across the country.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reportedly applauded the model, saying every major city should adopt the system where citizens volunteer their labor so government leaders can continue being paid.
“It’s a brilliant approach,” Mamdani reportedly said.
“The people do the work, the leaders keep the salaries — everyone wins.”
As of press time, the foundation was reportedly recruiting additional volunteers willing to assist with the center’s final stage of development: opening the doors sometime before the Obama Center’s 20th anniversary fundraiser.
Are they displaying his birth certificate and original Sicial Security Card???? Asking for a friend!
What idiots, Barry and Big Mike! They still getting paid by Netflix too? Along with Susan Rice?
I think the Obama and Jarrett relationship is beyond “just friends or associates.” Could be the reason the Barack-Michelle relationship has hit rough waters.
Why volunteer like an idiot when you can get paid like the executive ? No pay no talent no brain.
This is a mirror image of how Democrats operate in everything they do.
They get rich while their supporters are asked to accept less. Maybe this real world example will help people focus on the Democrat reality.
No whites need apply. Skilled volunteers for what position, bathroom attendant, shoe shiners, criminals to valet park your car,etc. I wonder if he will personally vett these so called volunteers. All I know is I live 35 miles north of Shitcago and will never ever visit that monstrosity. Hell, I never go to Shitcago for anything. I go north into Wisconsin. I’m a senior and I can’t afford to get out of Ickinois the worst state in America.
lol!
The obama center…belongs in shitcago.
It’s absolutely HIDEOUS! Chicago has so much beautiful architecture and artwork. This looks like a bad version of fascist architecture. Of course I would expect nothing less.
Why doesn’t The Obama Presidential Center want to pay their fair share?