Civic Engagement Opportunities
The Center for Civic Engagement maintains a list of current volunteer and service opportunities for students.
Last updated on May 12, 2022.
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Local Service Opportunities
If you decide to participate in any in-person service opportunities during this time, we ask that you remember to follow all CDC guidelines currently in place.
Service Type |
Organization |
Details |
|
In person* |
STAR Adult Literacy Program |
The STAR Adult Literacy Program is looking for tutors to help adult learners in our community who are in need of either help with English as a second language, basic literacy skills, or math. No experience is needed and training will be provided. Tutors meet with students online or at public locations for about an hour and a half per week. For more information email Andrea Canales at canalesa@roe17.org. |
|
In person* |
Mothers against Drunk Driving |
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a non-profit with the primary mission of ending all forms of impaired driving, providing prevention education for underage drinking and drug use, and supporting victims. MADD is currently recruiting volunteers for their Court Monitoring Program, grant funded by IDOT, which involves observing the adjudication process of misdemeanor DUI cases and compiling relevant data. This information can be used to evaluate how certain jurisdictions are processing and enforcing DUI laws. Volunteering for this program is a great way for students gain insight and real-world experience in the Criminal Justice System. Volunteers are needed in Peoria, McLean, Knox, Tazewell, and Champaign Counties. Remote volunteer options are also available for special projects. For more information, contact Terri Klein. |
|
In person* |
The Baby Fold |
With the help of volunteers, The Baby Fold serves over 1200 children and families annually through 12 programs across 28 counties in Central Illinois. Through Foster Care, Adoption Support, Special Education, Autism Services, and more, The Baby Fold helps create healthy happy families and breaks the cycle of abuse and neglect. Current volunteer opportunities include administrative duties such as data entry, preparing mailers, and office organization. For the safety and wellbeing of those they serve, volunteer opportunities typically do not include client interaction. Volunteer opportunities are in-person, available Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in Normal. Please click here if you are interested in volunteering at The Baby Fold. |
|
In Person |
Bloomington Cub Scout Summer Camp |
Bloomington Cub Scout Summer Camp is looking for volunteers to help with their camp the week of June 13 at Comlara Park in Hudson. The volunteers will lead crafts and STEM Stations, work in the trading post, lead a group of scouts from station to station, and much more. They welcome volunteers for a day at a time or for the whole week. All volunteers will need to have a background check performed before volunteering. For more information or to volunteer, contact Meghan Hillebrandt at Meghan.hillebrandt@gmail.com or (217) 299-0167. |
|
In Person |
Ecology Action Center |
Ecology Action Center needs volunteers to help them plant 10,000 native trees at various sites in Bloomington-Normal during April and May. They are hosting work days this weekend as well as later this month. Visit the Ecology Action Center website for more information and volunteer registration. |
| In person* | Unity Community Center | Unity Community Center is an after-school program through the U of I Extension for low-income students in the Unit 5 school district. Their students range in age from kindergarten through high school. Unity currently needs volunteers and program leaders to assist them on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, from 4:50 to 5:40 p.m. or from 5:40 to 6:20 p.m. Visit Unity's website for more information and to register for volunteer orientation. |
| In person* | Habitat for Humanity of McLean County | Habitat for Humanity of McLean County is looking for groups of 5 to 10 volunteers to help with construction of a home for a family in need. All skill levels are welcome. Most build dates are Saturdays, 8 a.m. to Noon. To reserve a group build date, contact Lindsey Jarboe at lindsey.jarboe@habitatmclean.org or (309) 827-3931. |
|
In person* |
Home Sweet Home Ministries |
Home Sweet Home Ministries (HSHM) is a non-profit Christian shelter that provides service to those experiencing homelessness in our community. HSHM has multiple opportunities for volunteers to serve year-round. Groups are encouraged to participate in HSHM's holiday meal deliveries as well as their Night In A Car experience and fundraiser. Visit their website for more information on current openings and opportunities. |
|
In person* |
Illinois Art Station |
The Illinois Art Station provides children, youth, and their families with transformative learning through hands-on experiences in the visual arts. Interested in being a part of IAS? Learn more about getting involved today. |
|
In Person |
OSF Peace Meals |
OSF Peace Meal helps seniors improve their nutrition, sustain their independence and enhance their quality of life through meals, fellowship, and a connection to community supports and services. Peace Meal provides nutritious meals five days a week for seniors age 60 and older. They need volunteers to assist with meal delivery and preparation, as well as to serve meals at various locations. Visit the OSF volunteer form to apply. |
|
In person* |
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry |
The St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Food Pantry, near Holy Trinity Church, needs strong volunteers to help unload pallets on Fridays around Noon. Visit their website to learn more and complete a SVDP Food Pantry volunteer application. |
|
In Person |
PALS Programs |
PALS Programs creates inclusive camp experiences for young people with Down syndrome and their peers. They are looking for volunteers to serve as peers for their summer program at Elmhurst College this July. For more information, visit the PALS website or watch this video. |
|
In Person |
YWCA McLean County Stepping Stones |
Stepping Stones, McLean County’s only rape crisis center, seeks volunteers to support survivors when they need it most. Each volunteer receives extensive trauma-informed training, building a foundation of support for survivors and prevention of violence in our community. Volunteers serve a critical role by participating in the 24-hour sexual assault hotline as well as providing advocacy for survivors. Please feel free to reach out with interest and/or questions to Jen Golliday at jgolliday@ywcamclean.org or 309-585-3618. |
|
In Person |
Children's Discovery Museum |
The Children’s Discovery Museum is seeking volunteers to engage in playful learning interactions with guests, help reset exhibits to keep the museum tidy, sanitize surfaces and play props, lead free programming, and assist with education classes in and out of the museum. The CDM mission is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play. Visit their website for more info and to fill out an application. Volunteer trainings are offered at the beginning of each semester and the beginning of summer break. |
| In person* | Habitat ReStore | Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore currently needs volunteers to help check in donations, assist shoppers, organize items, and more. Visit their website for more information. |
|
Virtual |
Carle BroMenn Medical Center's Card Ministry is looking for groups and individuals to create hand-made get well and seasonal (Spring, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Holiday, Winter, etc.) cards. A simple drawing and greeting on plain paper would bring joy to a patient during their hospital stay. Completed cards can either be left at the Carle BroMenn main entrance (Attention: Sue Seibring, Volunteer Manager) or mailed to the following address: The Carle BroMenn Card Ministry is also always looking for groups and individuals to create hand-made get well and seasonal (Spring, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Holiday, Winter, etc.) cards. A simple drawing and greeting on plain paper would bring joy to a patient during their hospital stay. Year-round, completed cards can either be left at the Carle BroMenn main entrance (Attention: Sue Seibring, Volunteer Manager) or mailed to the following address: Sue Seibring, Volunteer Manager |
|
|
Virtual |
PATH Hotlines |
PATH answers phones for multiple hotlines. The lines are 24-hour services, and they depend on volunteers to answer those calls. The volunteer training course touches on many topics such as communication, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, mental health, etc. Learning in-depth about these topics and having the opportunity to help others in need is an extremely rewarding experience. The next 8-week training class will begin in the fall. If interested, visit the PATH website to complete a volunteer application. Questions? Contact Eva at (309) 834-0507 or ekomar@pathcrisis.org. |
| In person* | For a Better Tomorrow | For A Better Tomorrow (FBT) serves families, especially youth, both locally and globally. They are looking for volunteers to co-lead their annual event, Kite Fest 2022, and their summer youth leadership program, YGC. They also need volunteers to lead social media and/or volunteer coordination efforts. To learn more, visit their website or email FBT. |
| In person* | Estella Gaston Foundation | The Estella Gaston Foundation serves children seeking the life-skills, guidance, and other activities available through the Foundation’s school-year program. They are currently looking for volunteers to help fundraise by serving concessions at Illinois State University basketball games, as well as interns for administrative work and marketing. Visit the Foundation’s website for more information about their mission and to contact them to volunteer. |
| In person* | Salvation Army, Safe Harbor | The Salvation Army, Safe Harbor in Bloomington is looking for volunteers to answer phone calls and direct traffic during their daytime hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ideally, volunteers would work a few hours at a time. This volunteer position allows for case management staff to meet with clients to assist them in facilitating their goals and moving toward self-sufficiency. For more information, visit their website. |
| In person* | LIFE Center for Independent Living | LIFE Center for Independent Living is looking for a volunteer receptionist for their Bloomington office. The volunteer will provide receptionist, switchboard, clerical, and other support for the office. For more information and to apply, visit their website. |
| In person* | Humane Society of Central Illinois | The Humane Society of Central Illinois is looking for volunteers for a variety of important tasks at the shelter. Visit their website for more information and to sign up for their next volunteer training class. |
| In person* | CREO DuPage | CREO DuPage is a nonprofit pre-college program focused on helping motivated Hispanic/Latino/Latinx students attain the future they yearn for. The organization is looking for academic coaches to provide support to students in grades 9-12 for one hour a week via Zoom on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., starting immediately. All work is virtual. Training will be provided and no experience is necessary. Visit their website for more info and to fill out an application. |
|
In person* |
School Street Food Pantry |
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 in order to sign up for specific volunteer positions. |
|
In person* |
Heartland Head Start |
Heartland Head Start is currently looking for Spanish interpreters/translators to help prospective families with paperwork and questions about services. Volunteers will serve on an as-needed basis, typically during normal office hours Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Chasmine Thornton, Volunteer Specialist. |
|
In person* |
INtegRIty Counseling, Inc. |
INtegRIty Counseling is in need of volunteers for front desk, counseling, and interpreting positions. Front desk volunteers greet clients, answer phones, handle client contributions, schedule appointments, etc. Counselors require credentials to volunteer. For more information, contact Sophia at sophiam@integrityhelps.org or call (309) 827-9100. For additional information about INtegRIty, visit their website. |
|
In person* |
Midwest Food Bank |
Midwest Food Bank is a local non-profit with national and international reach. They are looking for a variety of volunteers.
For more information on these opportunities, contact Donna Haas, Volunteer Coordinator. |
|
In person* |
McLean County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) |
McLean County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children residing in foster care. McLean County research indicates that children who have a CASA volunteer achieve a safe and permanent home sooner than those who do not. CASA training takes place in spring, summer, and fall. Visit the CASA website for more information and the volunteer application. |
|
Virtual, In person* |
Western Avenue Community Center |
Western Avenue Community Center is located in Bloomington and offers many programs to support members of the community. They are currently looking for volunteers to help with their Hispanic Outreach Program (Interpretation & Translation Services), Senior Programs, and Food Program. Visit their website to learn more. If you'd like to help, email their staff. |
|
Virtual |
Crisis Text Line |
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. |
|
In person* |
Faith in Action |
Faith in Action provides transportation to medical appointments for seniors. They are looking to fill a variety of volunteer roles, including medical transportation, 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. |
|
In person* |
Red Cross of Central Illinois |
The Red Cross of Central Illinois is also looking for Blood Drivers, individuals interested in transporting blood and blood product throughout our region. You’ll be able to make your own hours, have the use of a Red Cross vehicle, and all training needed for this position is provided. They are also recruiting for volunteer Donor Ambassadors. As a Donor Ambassador, you help to provide excellent customer service at local blood drives to enhance the donor experience. To find out more about either opportunity please contact Sasha Welch-Moore at (309)322-0566 or Sasha.Welch-Moore@redcross.org. |
*If you decide to participate in any in-person service opportunities during this time, we ask that you remember to follow all CDC guidelines currently in place.