Bring it Back to Normal
Since 2008, Bring It Back to Normal (BIBTN) has provided opportunities for large groups of students to give back to the community that is home to Illinois State University. The event takes place in late April each year.
Throughout its history, Bring It Back to Normal has placed nearly 1,500 volunteers, who have completed over 4,000 hours of service. As volunteers, students have the opportunity to work with local residents and non-profit agencies to help meet the needs of the community. Even though it is a one-day event, Bring It Back to Normal is a great way to get involved and makes a huge difference to the people of Normal (and Bloomington).
Due to concerns with COVID-19, Bring it Back to Normal has been cancelled for 2020.
Students
BIBTN gives you an opportunity to say thanks to the community! Common tasks during BIBTN include raking leaves, planting, cleaning windows, or moving boxes. All participants must be available during the entire event; early departure is not permitted.
We encourage groups to sign up together to make the event more fun! Each site requires 3 to 4 participants on average. If you want to be in a group with people from a specific organization and/or specific individuals, you can indicate that when you register. We make every effort to accommodate group requests. Each individual student must complete the registration form even if they are participating as a group
Community Partners
Through BIBTN, community partners provide service opportunities for our students. Community partners agree to:
- Provide a service location that you have authority for.
- Provide enough service/duties for either 2 or 4 hours of service for the number of volunteers requested by your agency.
- Provide all supplies and materials needed to complete the service.
- Have a minimum of one representative on-site for the duration of the entire project that can hold a brief orientation with volunteers at the beginning of the project to denote the needs of the site.
Community partners are arranged and selected by our event partner, Off-Campus Services. Registration will take place in the spring.
Faculty/Staff
Faculty and staff volunteers are encouraged to participate in the day of service. You can volunteer and serve alongside the student participants, or you can help with logistics on the day of the event. This includes participant check-in, driving University vans to sites, and more.
If you are interested in volunteering as a faculty/staff member, please contact the Center for Civic Engagement at CommunityEngagement@IllinoisState.edu.