Civic Engagement Opportunities

Organization: Normal Parks & Recreation

Details:
Normal Parks & Recreation is looking for volunteers for both the Not-So-Scary Trail (Oct. 19-21) and Scary Haunted Trails (Oct. 27-28)! Volunteers can pick their preferred day/time in the sign-up form. A variety of costumed (provided) and non-costumed positions are available. More information can be found on the volunteer information sheet.

Organization: Walk to End Alzheimer's

Details:
The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. The local edition of the event will be held on Saturday, October 7 at Heartland Community College. Volunteers help make the walk a safe, meaningful community event. Find more information and register at the walk’s volunteer webpage.

Organization: September Service Days

Details:
This series of service projects provides students the opportunity to give back, connect with the Bloomington-Normal area, and become engaged community members. This year we are partnering with Horticulture Center (9/9), Midwest Food Bank (9/22, 9/23), Ecology Action Center (9/23), and Sunnyside Gardens (10/6, 10/7). You can learn more and register on Redbird Life.

Organization: Normal Public Library

Details:
The Normal Public Library is looking for college student volunteers for the Partners in Reading program, where they are matched with an elementary school student and meet weekly with them throughout the semester to enjoy reading together. Times are flexible and the first session starts on the week of September 11. Volunteers can get letters of recommendation or get volunteer hours signed off.  Interested students can email lcarney@normalpl.org or register for the program at the Registration Page . 

Organization: Health 360

Details:
This nonprofit organization is seeking AmeriCorps members to serve at PATH Crisis Inc, as crisis call counselor. Members will serve in person at PATH Crisis, answering their crisis calls/texts/and chats. This AmeriCorps service term is an amazing opportunity for students who are interested in the mental health field, about to graduate, and may be looking for a gap year before jumping right into employment. Contact Jackie Nickolas at nickolas@health360.org for more information.

Organization: Immigration Project

Details:
With events on the horizon this Fall, the Development Office of the Immigration Project, located in Normal, IL, is urgently searching for an administrative volunteer to assist the office about 6-8 hours per week from now through October. The tasks will involve computer entry and tracking and assorted administrative functions. The main part of the position will be assisting with the organization of a lot of pieces of action as the Bloomington Fall Luncheon approaches. Contact development@immigrationproject.org for more information.

Organization: YWCA McLean County

Details:

Become a volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual assault. You can be there for someone in crisis, either directly or indirectly, by being a trained volunteer support person at YWCA Stepping Stones. A free virtual training is required of all volunteers. Learn more or submit an application using the link https://www.ywcamclean.org/ssvolunteer/

The YWCA also needs volunteers for painting, cleaning and organizing projects. Individuals and groups are welcome. Contact Melissa Breeden at mbreeden@ywcamclean.org.

Organization: PATH/United Way

Details:
Become a PATH/United Way 2-1-1- Hotline volunteer. PATH answers phones for multiple 24-hour hotlines and depends on volunteers to answer those calls. The volunteer training course includes communication, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, mental health, etc. A volunteer application is available online at www.pathcrisis.org . For questions contact Eva or Candyce at (309) 834-0507 or ekomar@pathcrisis.org/cjarmon@pathcrisis.org .

Organization: CASA

Details:
You can help change a child’s story by becoming a CASA volunteer. McLean County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains and supports volunteers to advocate for children in foster care. Research indicates that children who have a CASA volunteer achieve a safe and permanent home sooner than those who do not. Contact David Trenor at (309) 888-5855 or David.Trenor@mcleancountyil.gov for more information. Apply on the website.

Organization: Unity Community Center

Details:
Unity Community Center is a K-12 after-school program close to campus. They need student groups to facilitate youth programs. Topics include art, STEM, gardening, dance, world languages, and more. You can teach a one-time program or a recurring program over several weeks or months. Each only needs to be 50-60 minutes. Contact jkpegram@illinois.edu.

Organization: The Children's Discovery Museum

Details:
The Children’s Discovery Museum (CDM) needs volunteers for Playla, a special event on September 9, 2023. Volunteers will will be trained prior to the event and will help lead hands-on experiences/experiements throughout the museum, reset activities, keep score on a leaderboard etc. Volunteer shifts are available between 5-10 p.m. More information and sign up can be found in the SignUpGenius.

CDM will also transform Uptown Normal into a giant playground on September 23 for Day of Play, during which over 5,000 attendees are expected for activities, stage performances, a bike rodeo, and more. Over 100 volunteers help make this event. You can sign up and find more information in the online form.

Volunteers are also needed to help with exhibits, special events and education, including day camps, home school workshops, preschool classes, afterschool programming and education outreach. Volunteers are required to attend a 90-minute orientation and complete a background check. Apply online. Contact Shelly Hanover at (309) 433-3453 or shanover@normal.org.

Organization: Mid Central Community Action (MCCA)

Details:
MCCA provides proactive support, advocacy, and education for individuals and families in McLean and Livingston Counties. This non-profit organization serves to eliminate domestic violence, combat homelessness, and create a community hub for financial stability. They are currently looking for volunteers to do data entry, basic cleaning duties and light maintenance duties. You can apply using the signup form or find more information on their website.

Organization: Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal

Details:
Make a one-time commitment with our "Done in a Day" option or become a mentor as a support volunteer. Group and individual experiences available. For more information, contact Leslie Adams, Family & Volunteer coordinator, at (309) 829-3034, ext. 112, or ladams@bgcbn.or or visit the website.

Organization: Family House

Details:
Are you, your RSO, or club interested in providing a meal for families, conducting a "Fill the Pantry" drive, doing a fundraising event, organizing a group volunteer day, or doing work study hours? Contact Family House at (309) 685-5300 or email Melissa Young.

Organization: West Bloomington Revitalization Project

Book Bike
The Book Bike will be at the Downtown Farmer's Market from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, unless it’s raining. Staffing the Book Bike is fun and easy, and allows us to share more information about WBRP programs and services. Volunteers can staff the bike (and not worry about riding it), ride it to and from the market, or do both. This can be occasional or on a regular schedule. Sign up here.

Bike Co-op
Do you have some skills and experience in bicycle maintenance? We're in need of mechanics anytime between 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. This would involve assisting patrons with simple bike repairs that can be completed in under 30 minutes, as well as fitting them with the right bicycle if they’re purchasing.

Tool Library
The Tool Library can always use a “tool expert” during our open hours to help with questions about tools and projects. We also have tools and equipment needing repairs/cleaning/maintenance. Having someone with carpentry and small engine experience would be especially helpful. Volunteer here.

Front desk volunteer
This isn't a "one and done" volunteer role; it requires a serious commitment. The ideal candidate is detail oriented and a team player, has basic computer skills, retail experience, and some knowledge of tools and bicycles. Responsibilities include welcoming patrons and volunteers, checking tools in and out, managing Tool Library accounts, making sales transactions, monitoring the front entrance, answering phone calls, light cleaning and organizing, and opening and closing the building. With this position, we are hoping to be able to open our doors an additional day during the week, as well as have a backup in case our front desk person is ill or has an emergency.

Organization: Fostering Dignity

Details:
Is your organization, service group, fraternity, or sorority seeking to organize a fundraiser? We would be excited to work with your group toward a fundraiser to purchase backpacks for children entering foster care. The backpacks eliminate the use of a trash bag for the child's belongings. Creative ideas are welcome. Find us on our website and Facebook.

Please Email or Valerie Beguin for more information at (309) 735-5897.

Organization: Habitat for Humanity of McLean County

Details:

Build Sites:
There are several volunteer opportunities available. Come work alongside a family to help build their home by signing up for a shift from 8 a.m. to noon on a Saturday. If you have questions about construction and office volunteering, contact Lindsey Jarboe or (309) 827-3931.

ReStore:
Our store at 1402 W. Washington in Bloomington gets donations daily and it takes many hands to sort, clean, and price items. There are volunteer opportunities for all ability levels, flexible scheduling, and areas of interest. See the online orientation. If you have questions, contact ReStore email or call (309) 454-6047.

Organization: Red Cross of Central Illinois

Details:
Blood Donor Ambassadors are needed to help at local blood drives. There is also an urgent need for Disaster Action Team members who are trained to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Recruitment Team members are also needed. To find out more, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer or contact Sasha Welch-Moore at (309) 322-0566 or email Sasha.WelchMoore@redcross.org.

Blood drivers also needed. Help transport blood and blood products in a Red Cross vehicle. Training is provided; multiple shifts available.

Organization: Carle Hospice

Details:

Hospice Volunteer
Carle Hospice is seeking to expand its corps of trained volunteers. Hospice volunteers commit their time once a week for 1–2 hours at a time in tasks of their choice. Some examples of ways you can help include: Providing companionship to a patient, sewing memory pillows, helping with office tasks, and the ability to comfort and support patients and families. Extensive training and professional backup is provided. Those interested can contact Miranda Hamilton, Carle Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 309-268-2034 or Miranda.Hamilton@carle.com. 

Organization: Integrity Counseling

Details:

Volunteer Counselors
If you have a master’s degree in counseling or social work and can offer just one hour a week, we would love to have you. We rely on volunteer counselors so the uninsured and underinsured have access to mental health care. Appointments can be done in person or via telehealth. We also provide clinical supervision for those working toward clinical licensure, and our volunteers are covered by our group liability insurance. For more information, email integ502@outlook.com.

Front Desk Volunteers
We are also in need of volunteers to help greet clients, coordinate scheduling, and answer phones. Regular and substitute volunteers needed. Ability to speak Spanish is a plus. For more information, email Kathleen at kathleenc@integrityhelps.org.

Organization: The Baby Fold

Details:
The Baby Fold serves over 1,200 children and families annually across Central Illinois. Volunteer opportunities include administrative duties and do not typically include client interaction. Volunteers are needed between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday in Normal. Please click here if you are interested.

Organization: Home Sweet Home Ministries

Details:
Home Sweet Home Ministries is a nonprofit Christian shelter that provides service to those experiencing homelessness. We have multiple opportunities for volunteers. Visit the website for more information.

Organization: OSF Peace Meals

Details:
OSF Peace Meals provides nutritious meals five days a week for seniors 60 and older. Volunteers are needed to assist with meal delivery and preparation, as well as to serve at various locations. Visit the OSF volunteer form to apply.

Organization: St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

Details:
The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, near Holy Trinity Church in Bloomington, needs strong volunteers to help unload pallets on Fridays around noon. Visit the website to learn more.

Organization: Salvation Army, Safe Harbor

Details:
The Salvation Army, Safe Harbor in Bloomington is looking for volunteers to answer phone calls between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ideally, volunteers would work a few hours at a time.This allows case management staff more time to meet with clients. For more information, visit their website.

Organization: LIFE Center for Independent Living

Details:
LIFE Center for Independent Living is looking for a volunteer receptionist for the Bloomington office. The volunteer will provide receptionist, switchboard, clerical, and other support. For more information and to apply, visit their website.

Organization: Humane Society of Central Illinois

Details:
The Humane Society of Central Illinois is looking for volunteers for a variety of tasks at the shelter. Visit their website for more information and to sign up for the next volunteer training class.

Organization: School Street Food Pantry

Details:
The School Street Food Pantry is located on the edge of campus, serves local college students, and has a variety of volunteer needs. Complete their volunteer form to sign up.

Organization: Traditions Health

Details:
Traditions Health is committed to quality and compassionate care in the final season of life. Volunteers are need in Bloomington for the following:

• Office Assistance: paperwork and filing.
• Bereavement Program: mailing cards or making phone calls.
• Patient Companionship: sitting and visiting with patient, spending time with patient while caregiver is away, cooking dinner, building a wheelchair ramp, yard work, and many other opportunities.

For more information on these oppotunities, contact Megan Fonner, volunteer coordinator, via phone or email.

Organization: Midwest Food Bank

Details:
Midwest Food Bank is a local non-profit with national and international reach. They are looking for a variety of volunteers.

• Distribution volunteers: lift and load boxes of food for various agencies. Register online.
• Loyal Loaders: commit to volunteering once a month to assist with food distribution. Register online.
• Service project volunteers: complete a variety of projects such as repackaging food or assembling boxes/bags of food. Register online.
• Photographer: take photos of volunteers; must have their own equipment
• Writer for nutritional newsletter: must have strong writing skills and nutrition proficiency to help create content for monthly nutrition newsletter
• Front desk volunteers: answer phone calls, direct walk-ins, answer volunteer questions, and assist with volunteer check-in; must commit to a regular weekly time slot

For more information on these opportunities, contact Donna Haas, volunteer coordinator.

Organization: Western Avenue Community Center

Details:
Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington offers many programs to support the community. They are looking for volunteers to help with their Hispanic Outreach Program (Interpretation & Translation Services), Senior Programs, and Food Program. Visit their website to learn more or email their staff.

Organization: Crisis Text Line

Details:
The Crisis Text Line is looking for volunteers to serve as crisis counselors and respond virtually to needs across the United States. They require a minimum of four hours of volunteer time per week, and their peak hours are overnight. Visit their website for more information.

Organization: Faith in Action

Details:

Volunteers
Faith in Action provides transportation to medical appointments for seniors. They need volunteers for driving, grocery shopping, friendly visits/phone calls, maintenance, and more. For more information, contact Stacey Bill, volunteer coordinator, at stacey@bnfia.org, or visit their website.

Simulation Volunteers
Faith in Action is hosting a Poverty Simulation for its volunteers and staff at ARC through the University of Illinois Extension on October 25. This program is licensed through the Missouri Community Action Network (MCAN) and addresses the challenges of living with limited resources and an abundance of stress. Volunteers are beieng seeked to role-play a community entity and be present from 8:30 a.m. - noon. No previous experience is necessary. Sign up using the registration form.