Civic Engagement Opportunities
The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning maintains a list of current volunteer and service opportunities for students.
Last updated on April 1, 2020 .
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Events Sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
- Upcoming events have been cancelled or on hold. Please see the University's response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Resources on Virtual Volunteering
- How to Get Involved with Virtual Volunteering, idealist website
- 10 Ways for Students to Connect, The Paideia School
- 9 Places to Volunteer Online (And Make a Real Impact), DoSomething.org website
- Virtual Volunteer Opportunities, Points of Light website
- AllForGood, a service of Points of Light
- Additional volunteer opportunities websites
Service Opportunities
While residents in many states are being asked to shelter in place, the work of many nonprofits and social services is still in critical need. If you decide to participate in any in-person service opportunities during this time, we ask that you remember to practice social distancing and follow all CDC guidelines currently in place.
Service Type |
Organization |
Details |
|
Virtual |
Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal |
The Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal is looking for help exanding their BGCBN Virtual Club Experience on Facebook and Snapchat. They're asking individuals to create and send short instructional videos that could be shared with children. These could be how to tie a show, make a snack, do a quick craft, a DIY experiment, etc. Text your videos to Jenny Hall via (857) 318-5243 or send through Facebook Messenger. |
|
Virtual |
The Loft of Normal |
Brighten the day of a nursing home resident by sending a colored picture, card, note, or letter! No visitors are currently allowed, and they cannot hold large group activities, either. Send your artwork/letters to: The Loft of Normal |
|
Virtual |
Crisis Text Line |
The Crisis Text Line 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. |
|
Virtual |
Various, donations of medical supplies |
A variety of organizations are accepting donations of medical supplies and/or funds to purchase those supplies.
|
|
Virtual |
Various, donations of homemade masks |
A variety of organizations are accepting donations of homemade masks to assist during this time when personal protective equipment might be in low supply. In the Bloomington-Normal area, OSF Healthcare is accepting these items. See their website for full information, including specifications for mask creation and drop-off. If you are outside of Bloomington-Normal, check with local healthcare organizations or first-responders to see if they are accepting homemade masks and, if so, what requirements they have. |
|
Virtual |
Smithsonian |
Smithsonian Digital Volunteers make historical documents and biodiversity data more accessible by transcribing field notes, diaries, ledgers, and more. Since 2013, more 15,400 volunteers have transcribed over 519,600 pages. Visit their website for more information. |
|
In person,* virtual |
Feed BloNo Kids |
Feed BloNo Kids is a collaborative effort of several local businesses to provide food for local children while schools are closed. The group needs volunteers weekly to help prepare, deliver, and distribute food. They are also asking for donations to continue to offer food for free to local families. Visit their website for more information, to donate, or to sign up to volunteer. |
|
In person,* virtual |
McLean County COVID-19 Mutual Aid |
McLean County COVID-19 Mutual Aid is a group organized via Facebook. They are coordinating volunteers to run errands for individuals not able to leave home or in high risk groups. Visit their form if you are interested in organizing/dispatching volunteers, running errands for individuals, or assisting individuals with technology needs. |
|
In person,* virtual |
American Red Cross |
The American Red Cross is reporting a critical shortage of blood donations due to the COVID-19 crisis. If you are healthy and able, consider scheduling an appointment to donate blood. You can also use the Red Cross Sleeves Up campaign to pledge your support online and help them spread awareness of the shortage. |
|
In person* |
Sunnyside Community Garden and Food Forest |
The Sunnyside Community Garden and Food Forest provides fresh vegetables in the summer for community members. They're currently planting, watering, and mulching to prepare for the growing season. If you would like to volunteer while social distancing, they are working Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. For more details, contact them at sunnysidecgff@gmail.com. |
|
In person* |
Midwest Food Bank |
Midwest Food Bank in Normal is in need of volunteers to help package food for distribution. (Many of their regular volunteers are retirees and are in vulnerable health situations that keep them from helping during this time.) If you are healthy and able, they are updating their needs and shifts daily via SignUp Genius. |
|
In person* |
The Immigration Project |
Many immigrants across Illinois are living under increased fear and strain on their resources, unsure of where to turn for help. The Immigration Project is currently looking for Community Navigators to help. New Navigators will have the chance to earn a $500 stipend. The training will be via Google HangOut from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 4. If you are interesting in helping, email Rgutierrez@immigrationproject.org. |
*If you decide to participate in any in-person service opportunities during this time, we ask that you remember to practice social distancing and follow all CDC guidelines currently in place.