Opportunities From: City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

The Orchard hosts weekly Work and Learn Days, from April to November, and all are welcome to join! 

The Orchard's Work & Learn Days offer a weekly opportunity for community members of all experience-levels to help us cultivate the flagship Orchard site, while developing their own hands-on orcharding skills. The first of these each month begins with an Orchard Tour. We encourage volunteers to bring their own water, hat, sunscreen, close-toed shoes and clothes fit for the season. All are welcome, and no experience is needed – we’ll show you what to do when you arrive!

These events are free, and open to the public, with no registration or experience required (though we appreciate advance notice for groups of 5+ people). We simply ask that you dress appropriately to do outdoor work, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Snacks and drinks will be provided as well as any other tools you may need to help out!

We hope you can join us to get outside and enjoy nature, make new friends, and learn some sustainable, organic orcharding practices. All are welcome.

See you in the Orchard!  

 

Schedule

April – May: Saturdays, 1-4pm

June – August: Wednesdays, 5-8pm

September – November: Saturdays, 1-4pm

Location:  2120 S. Highland Ave., Bloomington, IN 47401 (across from the YMCA)

 

Please schedule large groups in advance.

Contact: Operations@bloomingtoncommunityorchard.org

Work & Learn Day Leader

 

Are you passionate about urban agriculture and sustainable community building?  How would you like to help make a tangible impact that will be enjoyed and shared for generations to come?  The Bloomington Community Orchard (BCO) is looking for leaders to advance our mission - to dream, build and share an Orchard community, while cultivating thriving systems of growing and sharing healthful food.  We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals, who are interested in learning through hands-on education, improving local resilience, and making a sustainable difference in our local and at-large communities and food systems.

 

Why Join the Bloomington Community Orchard?

As one of the forerunners of a rapidly growing movement, the Bloomington Community Orchard is on the forefront of sustainable living and community building. Incredible volunteers have helped the BCO take root as a resource nurtured by the community, for the community. But our efforts go much farther. Each year we help educate and empower individuals and organizations around the world, looking to grow their own collaborative commons around our sustainable model.

 

What is the Work & Learn Day Leader’s Role?

As a vital member of the Operations Team, the Work & Learn Day Leader collaborates with the Operations Co-Chairs to help oversee the cultivation and maintenance of our flagship orchard site (at 2120 S. Highland Ave., 47401), while helping orchestrate the volunteer action and learning that takes place in our sustainable commons. Experience with gardening and/or orcharding is suggested, but not required, as we nurture a culture of in-action learning, and support leaders in developing their own skillsets in orcharding and perennial agriculture. The role is expected to take ~4 hours per week.

 

Desired Skills and Experience

We are looking for individuals who are confident in sharing their passion for improving the overall health of the community, by connecting people with their food systems, and empowering urban agriculture initiatives through hands-on education - to help provide healthy food for the community to share and enjoy. We nurture a culture of education and empowerment, and want people who know how to enjoy life (and work), while making a tangible difference in their community. What kind of impact are you looking to help cultivate?

Thank you for your interest in the Orchard!  There are lots of ways to connect – you can subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and even come learn some orcharding skills, while visiting the flagship site, during one of our weekly Work & Learn Days. All are welcome!

You can also get involved and learn something new by joining one of our teams!  We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our growing sustainability efforts, and you can see the specific roles we’re looking for below (generally a ~5 hour/week commitment), though all participation is welcome!  If you’d like to learn a bit more about what each of the teams do within the community, contact us. We look forward to your involvement!

Join a Team

Operations: oversees the Orchard’s flagship site, and facilitates the volunteer energy that participates at weekly Work & Learn Days. Education: provides educational programming to people of all ages through presentations, workshops, and educational tours. Jr. Stewards: leads our youth educational programming, both on-site and in local classrooms. Partner Plantings: looks at prospective planting opportunities and partnerships for the Orchard to consider, and organizes our spring and fall free fruit tree giveaways.  Volunteer: collaborate with other teams, to help cultivate and steward our incredible volunteers. Communications: maintains a digital connection with the local and at-large community via a monthly e-newsletter, social media, website, and other promotional activities.  

 

Join a Committee

Governance: oversees strategic planning, leadership recruitment and cultivation, policy creation, and general organizational development.

Finance: provides fiscal oversight and budgeting prowess to the board, while ensuring the financial integrity and stability of the organization.

Development: oversees the fundraising and grant-seeking activities that fuel the orchard’s mission and impact, while stewarding the community donors who help support our cause.

 

Volunteer Board Member

Are you passionate about urban agriculture and sustainable community building? How would you like to help make a tangible impact that will be enjoyed and shared for generations to come? The Bloomington Community Orchard (BCO) is looking for leaders to advance our mission - to dream, build and share an Orchard community, while cultivating thriving systems of growing and sharing healthful food. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals, who are interested in learning through hands-on education, improving local resilience, and making a sustainable difference in our local and at-large communities and food systems.

 

Why Join the Bloomington Community Orchard?

As one of the forerunners of a rapidly growing movement, the Bloomington Community Orchard is on the forefront of sustainable living and community building. Incredible volunteers have helped the BCO take root as a resource nurtured by the community, for the community. But our efforts go much farther. Each year we help educate and empower individuals and organizations around the world, looking to grow their own collaborative commons around our sustainable model.

 

What does the Board of Directors do?

The BCO Board oversees the Orchard’s strategic plan, while helping identify opportunities to help grow our mission and vision. Each month, the Board meets to discuss progress towards our strategic plan, and develop new skills to advance our individual and collective potential. We also hold two annual Board retreats to plan for our forward-looking growth. Innovations and inspiration are always welcome!

 

What is a Board Members Role?

Board Members actively serve as community ambassadors for our growing cause. As an all-volunteer organization, we also encourage board members to serve on a team or committee, to maintain a well-grounded perspective, and help connect the high-level mission of the Orchard to our week-to-week activities. Since this is an all-volunteer position, and we know your time is valuable, we make every effort to make your involvement a meaningful one, and promise to make your experience inspirational, educational, and connecting, both to your passions and our sustainable community. The role is expected to take 5-10 hours per month. A summary of Board Member roles and responsibilities can be found below:

 

Board Member Roles & Responsibilities include the following:

Be informed about the Bloomington Community Orchard (BCO) mission, vision, values, policies, and programs and promote the BCO in the community. Plan and oversee strategic direction of the BCO and overall board governance. Attend a monthly meeting, held on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and 2 annual retreats, held in February and September, which take the place of the Board meetings those months (date and time TBD). Serve as voting member for the BCO. Support the activities of our teams and committees (i.e. Development, Finance, Governance, Operations, Education, Outreach or Communications), or special assignments, as needed. Ensure the fiscal health of the BCO through sound governance and by carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities (e.g., reviewing financial statements, as well as active fundraising) – we are not a fundraising board. Make a personal financial contribution to the organization at an appropriate level of giving. Suggest possible nominees to the Board and committees who can make significant contributions.

 

The term of office is for 2 years, beginning in January of each year. Directors are eligible for re-election by the Board for as many terms as the Board chooses to elect them, provided there is a lapse of a least 1 year after every second consecutive term.

 

Desired Skills and Experience

We are looking for individuals who are confident in sharing their passion for improving the overall health of the community, by connecting people with their food systems, and empowering urban agriculture initiatives through hands-on education - to help provide healthy food for the community to share and enjoy. We nurture a culture of education and empowerment, and want people who know how to enjoy life (and work), while making a tangible difference in their community.

 

What kind of impact are you looking to help cultivate?

What is the purpose of the Jr. Stewards Team?   

The Jr. Stewards Team helps plan and lead classes, events, and activities for young, aspiring orchardistas around the community—in local schools’ classrooms, at youth organizations, and at the flagship orchard site.

 

What are the Jr. Stewards Team’s annual commitments?

Each year we work to:

Plan 3 annual events: MLK Day, Lotus Blossoms Bazaar, and Global Youth Service Day. Promote education on the orchard site and at local schools and organizations, through youth visits and by providing instructional programs in classrooms.

 

How can I get involved?  Is experience necessary?

There are many ways to get involved, and experience is not necessary – just open-minded enthusiasm and a desire to learn and help! If you have or are interested in building skills in any of the following areas, the BCO Jr. Stewards Team would love to have you involved!

Perennial agriculture Gardening Teaching Youth development Leadership Project management Event planning Content development

 

 

 

Are leadership opportunities available?

Yes!  Team members have the opportunity to take the lead on or spearhead initiatives throughout the year.

  

 

What is the time commitment like?

Time commitment is flexible – it’s what you make it!  Team members generally attend a monthly meeting that lasts 1-2 hours, and support our team’s initiatives as schedules allow.  We understand this is a volunteer opportunity, and want you to get as much out of your involvement as you put in – let’s make a tangible difference, together.   

What is the purpose of the Communications Team?   

The Communications Team promotes the activities of the Orchard to the broader community, through our website, educational kiosks at the flagship Orchard site, monthly newsletter, and social media.

 

What are the Communications Team’s annual commitments?

Each year we work to:

Utilize social media outlets weekly, to share information, and broaden outreach efforts. Promote BCO events and programs via partner listservs, newsletters and flyers. Develop and refresh kiosk information monthly, to share season-relevant information at the Orchard site. Distribute monthly e-newsletter, to share news, classes and involvement opportunities. Update monthly content and social media calendars to share BCO and related activities and information. Update website content regularly to share BCO activities and opportunities.

 

How can I get involved?  Is experience necessary?

There are many ways to get involved, and experience is not necessary – just open-minded enthusiasm and a desire to learn and help! If you have or are interested in building skills in any of the following areas, the BCO Communications Team would love to have you involved!

Strategic Planning Content development & management Social media Project management Media relations Promotions

 

Are leadership opportunities available?

Yes!  Team members have the opportunity to take the lead on or spearhead initiatives throughout the year.

  

What is the time commitment like?

Time commitment is flexible – it’s what you make it!  Team members generally attend a monthly meeting that lasts 1-2 hours, and support our team’s initiatives as schedules allow.  We understand this is a volunteer opportunity, and want you to get as much out of your involvement as you put in – let’s make a tangible difference, together.   

Volunteer Development Committee Member

Are you passionate about urban agriculture and sustainable community building?  How would you like to help make a tangible impact that will be enjoyed and shared for generations to come?  The Bloomington Community Orchard (BCO) is looking for leaders to advance our mission - to dream, build and share an Orchard community, while cultivating thriving systems of growing and sharing healthful food.  We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals, who are interested in learning through hands-on education, improving local resilience, and making a sustainable difference in our local and at-large communities and food systems.

 

Why Join the Bloomington Community Orchard?

As one of the forerunners of a rapidly growing movement, the Bloomington Community Orchard is on the forefront of sustainable living and community building. Incredible volunteers have helped the BCO take root as a resource nurtured by the community, for the community. But our efforts go much farther. Each year we help educate and empower individuals and organizations around the world, looking to grow their own collaborative commons around our sustainable model.

 

What does the Development Committee do?

The Development Committee raises the funds needed to support the orchard’s mission and vision.  Each year the Development Committee helps oversee our strategic development plan through grant applications, events, donor solicitations, fundraising campaigns and other development initiatives. Innovations and inspiration are always welcome!

 

What is the Development Committee Member’s Role?

As a member of the Development Committee, you would take part in creating and nourishing partnerships with local businesses and corporations, writing and sending individual donor solicitation requests, tabling events and interacting with potential donors, planning and executing 1-2 fundraising events a year, assisting the Orchard’s Grants Manager with researching and writing grants, and exploring new avenues for fundraising. If you have a particular interest in any of these areas or another piece of development, we encourage committee members to pursue those passions and take this opportunity to learn and grow these skills for a good cause. On average, this role takes about 5 to 8 hours per month including a required monthly meeting (1-2 hours), and the schedule is flexible to your ability to contribute.

 

Desired Skills and Experience

We are looking for individuals who are confident in sharing their passion for improving the overall health of the community by connecting people with their food systems and empowering urban agriculture initiatives through hands-on education. We cultivate leaders who can be involved in various stages of fundraising. No prior experience in fundraising or development is required, just a willingness to learn and collaborate.

What is the purpose of the Partner Plantings Team?   

The Partner Plantings Team is an interface with the broader community, connecting and partnering with organizations and individuals to plant more fruit trees and other perennial edibles throughout the urban landscape.

 

What are the Partner Plantings Team’s annual commitments?

Each year we work to:

Initiate plantings of 100 new fruit trees through fall & spring tree giveaways, and by partnering with local organizations, neighborhood associations, colleges, and other individuals around the community Host 5-10 spring and fall off-site community tree planting demonstration events, developing a cadre of experienced planters for our Community Planting Team Establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations, businesses, local growers and individuals.

 

How can I get involved?  Is experience necessary?

There are many ways to get involved, and experience is not necessary – just open-minded enthusiasm and a desire to learn and help! If you have or are interested in building skills in any of the following areas, the BCO Outreach Team would love to have you involved!

Advocacy Networking Presenting Project management Event planning Partnerships

 

 

Are leadership opportunities available?

Yes!  Team members have the opportunity to take the lead on or spearhead initiatives throughout the year.

  

What is the time commitment like?

Time commitment is flexible – it’s what you make it!  Team members generally attend a monthly meeting that lasts 1-2 hours, and support our team’s initiatives as schedules allow.  We understand this is a volunteer opportunity, and want you to get as much out of your involvement as you put in – let’s make a tangible difference, together.   

What is the purpose of the Education Team?   

The Education Team coordinates our free, monthly orcharding classes for the community, and helps provide regular tips and resources for the community learn how to care for their own fruit trees and perennial edible agriculture.

 

What are the Education Team’s annual commitments?

Each year we work to:

Offer regular educational programs at the Orchard site, and out in the community, to teach orcharding skills to both youth and adult audiences. Share Orcharding Tips and Educational Resources via our website and monthly newsletter.

 

How can I get involved?  Is experience necessary?

There are many ways to get involved, and experience is not necessary – just open-minded enthusiasm and a desire to learn and help! If you have or are interested in building skills in any of the following areas, the BCO Education Team would love to have you involved!

Organic orcharding Gardening Teaching Project management Event planning Content development

 

Are leadership opportunities available?

Yes!  Team members have the opportunity to take the lead on or spearhead initiatives throughout the year.

  

What is the time commitment like?

Time commitment is flexible – it’s what you make it!  Team members generally attend a monthly meeting that lasts 1-2 hours, and support our team’s initiatives as schedules allow.  We understand this is a volunteer opportunity, and want you to get as much out of your involvement as you put in – let’s make a tangible difference, together.   

 What is the purpose of the Operations Team?   

The Operations Team cultivates our flagship orchard site (at 2120 S. Highland Ave.), and oversees the annual calendar of maintenance activities, while organizing weekly Work & Learn Days to serve as hands-on training opportunities for people to develop their orcharding skills.

 

What are the Operations Team’s annual commitments?

Each year we work to:

Refine and share an Orchard maintenance calendar with the community, keep the calendar updated in Podio and provide tips of the month for the newsletter to educate home-growers on the annual cycle of fruit tree care. Develop 10-15 orchard site leaders annually (including 6 active Work & Learn Day Leaders), to help nurture and care for the Orchard site. Includes further training of existing leaders and asking them if they want to be mentors to newbies. Actively encourage Work & Learn Day attendees to become leaders. Offer trainings twice a year. Coordinate with communications team on kiosk information content and updates. Offer at least 36 work and learn days annually that provide hands-on educational experiences. Maintain supplies for the orchard site Provide food for volunteers

 

How can I get involved?  Is experience necessary?

There are many ways to get involved, and experience is not necessary – just open-minded enthusiasm and a desire to learn and help! If you have or are interested in building skills in any of the following areas, the BCO Operations Team would love to have you involved!

Fruit tree planting and maintenance Herb gardening Pruning Composting Beekeeping Project management Work and learn day leading Tool and fence maintenance

 

Are leadership opportunities available?

Yes!  Team members have the opportunity to take the lead on or spearhead initiatives throughout the year.

  

What is the time commitment like?

Time commitment is flexible – it’s what you make it!  Team members generally attend a monthly meeting that lasts 1-2 hours, and support our team’s initiatives as schedules allow.  We understand this is a volunteer opportunity, and want you to get as much out of your involvement as you put in – let’s make a tangible difference, together.   

What is the purpose of the Finance Committee?   

The Finance Committee helps the board maintain the financial integrity and stability of the organization, by providing oversight of our budget, expenses, and donation-tracking processes.

 

What are the Finance Committee’s annual commitments?

Each year we work to:

File tax returns (i.e. Form 990, in April). Develop an annual budget, and track team-based progress. Track Revenue and Expenses and pay invoices and reimbursements. Share quarterly report with board and leadership. Review monthly financial statements, and reconcile accounts, to ensure accuracy and budget updates. Renew Tax-Exempt Status (i.e. Form ST105, in January). Engage the board in financial literacy activities to develop our leadership. Track donations, confidentially with Development Committee, including in-kind donations. Check BCO mailbox and P.O. Box, at least monthly.

 

How can I get involved?  Is experience necessary?

There are many ways to get involved, and experience is not necessary – just open-minded enthusiasm and a desire to learn and help! If you have or are interested in building skills in any of the following areas, the BCO Finance Committee would love to have you involved!

Strategic planning Budgeting and reporting Financial education (for adults) Expense and Donation Tracking Bank account management Policy development

 

Are leadership opportunities available?

Yes!  Team members have the opportunity to take the lead on or spearhead initiatives throughout the year.

  

What is the time commitment like?

Time commitment is flexible – it’s what you make it!  Team members generally attend a quarterly meeting that lasts 1-2 hours, and support our team’s initiatives as schedules allow.  We understand this is a volunteer opportunity, and want you to get as much out of your involvement as you put in – let’s make a tangible difference, together.   

What is the purpose of the Governance Committee?   

The Governance Committee helps guide the organization’s strategic planning and organizational development initiatives, while recruiting and developing the volunteer leaders that support our mission.

 

What are the Governance Committee’s annual commitments?

Each year we work to:

Review our organizational structure and processes, to identify organizational needs, and recruit and train new leadership, while planning for succession and fluid transitions across teams and committees. Work collaboratively with the City of Bloomington, to uphold our fundamental partnership. Facilitate BCO internship programs, including planning, recruitment, and evaluation, to facilitate active student engagement across teams, and fulfill internship criteria. Provide personal/professional development opportunities and resources to board and leaders. Invite educational speakers to BCO board and leadership meetings, to share information and provide continuing education to board and leaders. Engage the board in annual self-evaluation, to identify ways to improve. Facilitate 2 Board Retreats, to refine strategic planning and develop board and leadership skills. Develop policies to guide sustainable organizational development. Review bylaws, to ensure compliance, and identify any areas that may need updating. Publish an annual report, to share successes, financials and next steps for the BCO. Plan our Annual Meeting component of the Hibernation Celebration event.

How can I get involved?  Is experience necessary?

There are many ways to get involved, and experience is not necessary – just open-minded enthusiasm and a desire to learn and help! If you have or are interested in building skills in any of the following areas, the BCO Governance Committee would love to have you involved!

Strategic planning Recruitment Professional development Policy development Partnership management Project management Program evaluation Event planning

 

Are leadership opportunities available?

Yes!  Team members have the opportunity to take the lead on or spearhead initiatives throughout the year.

  

What is the time commitment like?

Time commitment is flexible – it’s what you make it!  Team members generally attend a monthly meeting that lasts 1-2 hours, and support our team’s initiatives as schedules allow.  We understand this is a volunteer opportunity, and want you to get as much out of your involvement as you put in – let’s make a tangible difference, together.   

 

Volunteer Communications Team Leader

Are you passionate about urban agriculture and sustainable community building?  How would you like to help make a tangible impact that will be enjoyed and shared for generations to come?  The Bloomington Community Orchard (BCO) is looking for leaders to help broadly share our mission - to dream, build and share an Orchard community, while cultivating thriving systems of growing and sharing healthful food.  We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals, who are interested in learning through hands-on education, improving local resilience, and making a sustainable difference in our local and at-large communities and food systems.

Why Join the Bloomington Community Orchard?

As one of the forerunners of a rapidly growing movement, the Bloomington Community Orchard is on the forefront of sustainable living and community building. Incredible volunteers have helped the BCO take root as a resource nurtured by the community, for the community. But our efforts go much farther. Each year we help educate and empower individuals and organizations around the world, looking to grow their own collaborative commons around our sustainable model.

What does the Communications Team do?

The Communications Team helps spread the word about the orchard’s mission, vision and community activities.  Each year the Communications Team helps oversee our strategic communications plan through website, newsletter, and social media management, as well as any creative/graphic design projects that arise. Innovations and inspiration are always welcome!

What is the Communications Leader's Role?

The Communications Leader helps oversee the strategic communications plan and organizational brand, facilitate the Communications Team members in a monthly meeting, manages various promotional projects, and identifies new opportunities to connect with the community. The role is expected to take ~5 hours per week.

Desired Skills and Experience

We are looking for individuals who are confident in sharing their passion for improving the overall health of the community, by connecting people with their food systems, and empowering urban agriculture initiatives through hands-on education - to help provide healthy food for the community to share and enjoy. We want people who can creatively share the impact of the Orchard’s mission, while connecting the Orchard to new audiences (individuals and organizations), as well as expand our reach into new social and professional networks. We nurture a culture of education and empowerment, and want people who know how to enjoy life (and work), while making a tangible difference in their community. What kind of impact are you looking to help cultivate?

What is the purpose of the Volunteer Team?   

The Volunteer Team collaborates with other BCO teams to help cultivate and steward the incredible volunteers that make our work possible.  This includes identifying and supporting the recruitment needs of each team, overseeing the volunteer tracking database, and organizing events and activities to thank volunteers for their contributions.

 

What are the Volunteer Team’s annual commitments?

Each year we work to:

Develop and implement to an annual volunteer stewardship calendar, to cultivate and recognize volunteers for their meaningful contributions. Build and manage the volunteer database, to track volunteers’ hours, activities and interests (for increased and improved engagement) and share regular reports and feedback with team leaders and the board. Identify how to streamline hours-tracking with an electronic tablet for volunteer sign-ins. Evaluate volunteers and collect feedback on improving the experience (in-person, by phone and via email). Host quarterly BCO orientation events, to encourage more community members to get involved. Host semi-annual volunteer recognition events (in summer and winter). Interface with other teams and committees, to help: Governance – recruit and cultivate volunteers into leadership positions Outreach - cultivate volunteers into trained ambassadors of the BCO, through the Speakers Bureau Operations – source volunteer groups to help cultivate the flagship Orchard site Development – cultivate volunteers into becoming financial donors

 

How can I get involved?  Is experience necessary?

There are many ways to get involved, and experience is not necessary – just open-minded enthusiasm and a desire to learn and help! If you have or are interested in building skills in any of the following areas, the BCO Outreach Team would love to have you involved!

Public speaking Advocacy Networking Presenting Project management Event planning

 

Are leadership opportunities available?

Yes!  Team members have the opportunity to take the lead on or spearhead initiatives throughout the year.

  

What is the time commitment like?

Time commitment is flexible – it’s what you make it!  Team members generally attend a monthly meeting that lasts 1-2 hours, and support our team’s initiatives as schedules allow.  We understand this is a volunteer opportunity, and want you to get as much out of your involvement as you put in – let’s make a tangible difference, together.

Volunteer Events Manager

Are you passionate about urban agriculture and sustainable community building?  How would you like to help make a tangible impact that will be enjoyed and shared for generations to come?  The Bloomington Community Orchard (BCO) is looking for leaders to advance our mission - to dream, build and share an Orchard community, while cultivating thriving systems of growing and sharing healthful food.  We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals, who are interested in learning through hands-on education, improving local resilience, and making a sustainable difference in our local and at-large communities and food systems.

Why Join the Bloomington Community Orchard?

As one of the forerunners of a rapidly growing movement, the Bloomington Community Orchard is on the forefront of sustainable living and community building. Incredible volunteers have helped the BCO take root as a resource nurtured by the community, for the community. But our efforts go much farther. Each year we help educate and empower individuals and organizations around the world, looking to grow their own collaborative commons around our sustainable model.

What is the Event Manager’s Role?

The Events Manager serves as a member of the Development Committee, and oversees various fundraising and volunteer cultivation events throughout the year, including our annual fundraiser brunch, dine and donate events, and any other creative opportunities that arise.  The role is expected to take 5 hours per week.

Desired Skills and Experience

We are looking for individuals who are confident in sharing their passion for improving the overall health of the community, by connecting people with their food systems, and empowering urban agriculture initiatives through hands-on education - to help provide healthy food for the community to share and enjoy. We cultivate leaders who can be involved in various stages of fundraising. We nurture a culture of education and empowerment, and want people who know how to enjoy life (and work), while making a tangible difference in their community. What kind of impact are you looking to help cultivate?

The Bloomington Community Orchard’s Volunteer Coordinator is the point person for connecting interested community members with the sustainable initiatives and high-level vision of the orchard.  They actively participate on Orchard teams and committees, attend monthly meetings, and play a facilitative role in helping organize and manage community volunteers across various Orchard projects, programs, events and teams.

On-going Responsibilities:

Inform the local and at-large community about Orchard workdays, teams, and projects while answering questions and connecting volunteers to Orchard leaders. This generally takes the form of responding to the @GetInvolved and @Info emails (they both come through to the Get Involved email). This also means attending various events as the face of the orchard. Wherever you go, be sure to keep an eye out for people who would make great volunteers for the orchard or have organizations/ideas that the orchard can be involved in or support. We also promote volunteer opportunities and track engagement through the Bloomington Volunteer Network (BVN). It’s a website where we post work days and upcoming events and then those looking to do community service can find available opportunities.

 

Communicate with the Operations Team to identify large-scale Orchard site projects, and connect interested service groups to help complete those endeavors. This normally takes place via email. When requests come in, you should email @Operations with the size of the group and the day/time they want to come out. We try and get the group to come on a regular scheduled work day, but if that doesn’t work, we just need to be sure there is a leader that can be present. It is best to ask for a confirmation of how many volunteers will be present at least 2 weeks in advance of the day they are coming out.

 

Engage the Bloomington and Indiana University communities to raise awareness of the Orchard and share how individuals can get involved in our sustainable initiatives. This can take place by participating in the BCO-IU student organization, and generally being in touch with the Governance Committee Chair to help identify and recruit for priority leadership, team and committee member, and general volunteer positions.

Oversee and track volunteer engagement. We are currently rolling out a system called Little Green Light, which will track our volunteer hours and activities.  One of our Work & Learn Day Leaders will upload each workday’s sign in sheets into the system, but you will need to add other activities (e.g., class and event attendees) to the system to ensure accurate reporting.

 

Steward volunteers Volunteer stewardship is an important aspect of every community-driven non-profit.  Developing a plan for cultivating volunteers, and encouraging continued involvement will be one of the primary roles of this position.