Since 2008, Bring It Back to Normal (BIBTN) has provided opportunities for students to give back to the community that is home to Illinois State University. The event takes place in April each year.
Click here to RSVP for Friday, April 4: Various sites community projects (Anderson Park, ReStore, Cruisin' Outta Povety, etc.…)
Check-in at 11:45 AM – Prairie Room, Bone Student Center. Transportation & carpooling options available.
Click here to RSVP for Saturday, April 5: Help remove litter contaminating the ISU Farm
Check-in at 9:45 AM – Office of Sustainability (305 N. School St.). Bus transportation & lunch provided.
Spots fill fast—RSVP on Redbird Life & complete the waiver!
We will volunteer with the following community partners in groups:
Merwin Nature Preserve ParkLands Foundation (Task: help remove invasive plants on the preserve. Location: Lexington) – FULL.
Project Linus (Task: blanket making for children in local hospital. Location: Bone Student Center, Prairie Room). **Priority for those who cannot attend other sites at all due to accessibility, accommodation, or schedule limitations – 10 volunteers needed. 1 Group Leader needed.
Cruisin Outta Poverty (Task: various tasks as needed in store. Location: Bloomington) – 15 volunteers needed. 2 Group Leaders needed.
Town of Normal Parks and Rec. (Task: outdoor cleaning at Anderson Park. Location: Normal) – 15 volunteers needed. 2 Group Leaders needed.
Ecology Action Center (Task: trash pick-up along Division Str. Creek. Location: Bloomington) – 30 volunteers needed. 3 Group Leaders needed.
ReStore Habitat for Humanity (Task: donations processing and organization. Bloomington) - 10 volunteers needed. 2 Group Leaders needed.
School Street Food Pantry (Task: donations processing and organization tasks. Normal) - 10 volunteers needed. 1 Group Leader needed.
Fell Arboretum (Task: assist in labeling, data entry, graphic design, etc. for Fell Arboretum’s database). An interest in botany and or communications/graphic design preferred to participate in this. **Only for volunteers who cannot attend other sites due to an accommodation. 2-5 volunteers needed.
Office of Sustainability (Task: sewing related. MUST HAVE BASIC SEWING SKILLS. Location: Office of Sustainability). **Priority for those who cannot attend other sites at all due to accessibility, accommodation, or schedule limitations - up to 3 volunteers ONLY. 1 Group Leader needed (basic sewing skills needed).
Office of Sustainability (Project – help remove litter contaminating the ISU Farm on Saturday, April 5 from 10am-3pm with lunch offered – 50+ volunteers needed). 6 Group Leaders needed.
RSVP today for a spot to volunteer in Redbird Life, sign the waiver of liability, and report to the Prairie Room in the Bone on April 4 for check-in starting at 11:45 AM. For Saturday, report to the office of sustainability at 305 N. School St. at 9:45 AM. We will do a pre-reflection activity about service before we head out to our volunteer sites in groups. Your service site will be assigned to you. Please let us know if you need any accommodations. Transportation will be provided for off-campus locations.
Click here to apply to be a Group Leader for one of the sites!
If you need an accommodation to fully participate in this program/event, please contact the Center for Civic Engagement at 309-438-1100 or civicengagement@ilstu.edu. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.