Opportunities From: City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

We are looking for more working board members who have experience as a treasurer or secretary or have skills for either role. Skills that are helpful but not mandatory: grant writing, managing funds, taking minutes at meetings, and fundraising.

This committee is responsible for helping to promote Brown County Humane Society to the community. Members play a crucial role in getting the word out via our website, social media, print and television. We are looking to grow our reach in 2025 to extend throughout the region and beyond, and we need more members to help make this happen.

This committee meets monthly with the remainder of your commitment being completed virtually. Meeting attendance is not mandatory if you are interested in helping, simply let us know and we can see what area of the committee would be the best fit. 

If you enjoy writing, keeping up on the latest social media trends or just sharing your passion for animals with the world - this is the group for you.

-->View All Available Seats Here

The City of Bloomington’s Office of the City Clerk and the Office of the Mayor are accepting applications from community members who would like to serve on one of the City’s boards or commissions.

Below is a list of boards and commissions that have available seats as of August 12th, 2025.

Bloomington Arts Commission – Provides a means for the City of Bloomington to stimulate and promote community appreciation for and participation in the arts.

·  Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor (1), Common Council (1) 

·  Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Board of Housing Quality Appeals – Hears appeals from individuals who are the subject of, or directly impacted by, a ruling or decision of the enforcing officer or any administration official, in any matter relative to the interpretation or enforcement of any of the provisions of Title 16 of the Bloomington Municipal Code. The board is authorized to make investigations relative to the appeal and may overrule the decisions of any administrative officer, including the neighborhood development division. 

·  Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Common Council 

·  Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

CDBG Funding Citizens Advisory Committee – Reviews and recommends Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for various community development projects.

·  Seat(s) available: 6 • Appointed by: Mayor

·  Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Commission on Hispanic and Latiné Affairs – Works to identify and research the issues that impact the Hispanic and Latino populations in Bloomington, especially in the areas of health, education, public safety, and cultural competency. 

·  Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Common Council (Advisory Seat. These seats do not have voting privileges) 

·  Eligibility Requirements: Can be either a City of Bloomington or Monroe County resident

Commission on the Status of Children and Youth – Promotes connections that empower, enhance, and nurture children and youth. The Commission will access resources and information to make recommendations to people and organizations with the authority to create and support systems that encourage the healthy development of children and youth.

·  Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Common Council 

·  Eligibility Requirements: Can be either a City of Bloomington or Monroe County resident 

Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission – Advises the Bloomington City Council on community perceptions of and preferences for public safety.

·  Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Common Council

·  Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Environmental Commission – Advises the City of Bloomington on how its actions and policies may preserve and enhance the quality of Bloomington’s environment, including the life-supporting processes that natural ecological systems provide to humans and other organisms. 

·  Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor 

·  Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Fire Merit Commission – Establishes and/or administers policies based on merit for the appointment, promotion, demotion, and dismissal of members of the fire department. 

·  Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Mayor

·  Eligibility Requirements:

o  Each commissioner must have been a City of Bloomington resident for three (3) consecutive years immediately preceding their term

o  A commissioner must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age

o  A commissioner may not be an active member of a police or fire department or agency

o  No more than two (2) of the commissioners may be past members of a police or fire department or agency

o  A commissioner may not receive any remuneration as a salary from a police or fire department or agency

Historic Preservation Commission – Ensures the historic preservation of and design-conscious development in Bloomington's historic neighborhoods and buildings.

·  Seat(s) available: 3 • Appointed by: Mayor (1), Common Council (2, Advisory Seats) (The Common Council appointment seats on this commission do not have voting privileges.)

·  Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident 

Transportation Commission – The Transportation Commission is a new commission that will make recommendations on relevant transportation and parking sections of the Bloomington Municipal Code, review all transportation-related projects, and propose policies that promote safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation and parking policies and decisions.  

·  Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor (1), Common Council (1)

·  Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident 

Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA) – Works to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for BUEA Zone residents and businesses. The BUEA Zone is an area north, west, and south of Downtown whose residents and businesses are eligible for scholarships, arts and business grants, and tax incentives.

·  Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Common Council

·  Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Zone Resident, and of a differing political party than the other appointed zone resident

After submitting an application, candidates must be appointed to the boards or commissions by either the Bloomington Common Council or Mayor Kerry Thomson. City residency is required for most, but not all, of the boards and commissions.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a meeting of their board or commission of interest before applying. 

Meeting schedules for each body can be accessed at bloomington.in.gov/public-meetings. All board and commission meetings are open to the public, allowing prospective members to gain a clear understanding of the work involved.

The City’s boards and commissions give residents the opportunity to provide input on the policies that shape their government and their city. There are currently more than 45 boards and commissions that advise the Mayor and City Council on a vast array of issues.  In addition to their advisory function, these bodies may work cooperatively with City departments to contribute to policy, approve resolutions, and fund projects, among other responsibilities.

-->View All Available Seats Here

After applying, members must be appointed to each body by the Mayor, council, or another board or commission. 
Please note: city residency is required for membership on most of the boards and commissions. 

ABLES Duties for New Volunteers

Organize and facilitate an activity

Communication

For more information or questions, contact Susan Gray at skgray@bluemarble.net

Bloomington PRIDE is seeking a Development Coordinator to serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors and lead the board’s fundraising and donor engagement strategy. This is a volunteer board position, not a staff fundraising role.

The Development Coordinator helps sustain PRIDE’s mission by supporting donor campaigns, building relationships with sponsors and funders, and identifying grant and partnership opportunities. This board member will collaborate with other board members and staff to ensure that fundraising aligns with programming needs and values.

We’re looking for someone who brings creativity, relationship-building skills, and fundraising or grant-writing experience to our work.

For more information, please contact info@bloomingtonpride.org.

Bloomington PRIDE is seeking a Programming Coordinator to serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors and support the planning and execution of community-centered events and programs. This is a volunteer board position, not a staff or event management role.

The Programming Coordinator helps ensure that PRIDE’s events — from educational workshops to social gatherings to performance spaces — are vibrant, inclusive, and aligned with our mission. This board member will collaborate with staff, volunteers, and fellow board members to brainstorm, plan, and support programming that reflects the diversity and needs of our LGBTQ+ community.

Responsibilities may include helping develop event ideas, coordinating with local partners or performers, supporting volunteer outreach, and advising on logistics or community engagement strategies.

We’re looking for someone creative, collaborative, and passionate about building joyful, affirming, and accessible spaces for LGBTQ+ people across identities and backgrounds.

For more information, please contact info@bloomingtonpride.org

Bloomington PRIDE is seeking a Marketing Coordinator to serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors and lead the board’s marketing and outreach strategy. This is a volunteer board position, not a staff communications role.

The Marketing Coordinator is responsible for shaping the public voice of PRIDE through inclusive messaging, engaging social media, and consistent branding across platforms. This board member will work closely with others to amplify community events, share resources, and ensure PRIDE’s values and programs are visible and accessible.

We’re looking for someone with experience in communications, marketing, or storytelling — especially someone who is passionate about LGBTQ+ visibility and representation.

For more information, please contact info@bloomingtonpride.org

Bloomington PRIDE is seeking a Board Treasurer to serve as a voting member and officer of the Board of Directors. This is a volunteer leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health and transparency of the organization.

The Treasurer works closely with the board and staff to maintain accurate financial records, prepare reports, review budgets, and ensure compliance with nonprofit fiscal regulations. This board member will also provide oversight on financial planning, support annual reporting, and help guide long-term financial sustainability.

We’re looking for someone with experience in nonprofit finance or accounting who values responsible stewardship and transparency.

For more information, please contact info@bloomingtonpride.org

Bloomington PRIDE is seeking a Board Secretary to serve as a voting member and officer of the Board of Directors. This is a volunteer leadership role that helps ensure strong organizational governance and internal communication.

The Secretary is responsible for documenting board meetings, managing internal records (like bylaws and policies), and maintaining board communication systems such as scheduling and agenda preparation. This role is crucial for ensuring transparency, continuity, and strong coordination across the board.

We’re looking for someone detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable with collaborative platforms and recordkeeping tools.

For more information, please contact info@bloomingtonpride.org

Special Olympics is constantly involved in activities such as the start of a new season, fundraising events large and small or highlighting individuals who are wonderful athletes or volunteers. A public relations coordinator would help us attract new athletes and volunteers, announce to the county about the exciting events in the future and showcase the people who participate, volunteer and manage our activities. The coordinator will need to participate in a required training that would also generate a background check initiated by our state office. We meet once a month, 3rd Thursday at 5:30pm and ask that the coordinator dedicate 3 years to the position. It is very rewarding and you may find yourself helping out at other Special Olympic opportunities. 

Give back to your community by serving as a board or committee member for PALS (People & Animal Learning Services). The board and committees consist of members that have a strong passion for helping others and animals (particularly horses). The board meets once a month for about one hour on the first Monday of the month at Switchyard Brewing Company. The committees have a similar commitment of about an hour once a month.

The committees consist of:

For more information about PALS, please visit: www.palstherapy.org

The League of Women Voters Bloomington-Monroe County is looking for a fundraising volunteer to join their fundraising committee.  The volunteer should have fundraising experience or an interest in gaining fundraising experience, be able to meet monthly, and lots of great ideas and the willingness to help execute them. 

If interested, contact Becky Hill at bh8811@gmail.com.  

Constellation Stage & Screen seeks applicants who are passionate about supporting theater in Bloomington and Southern Indiana and willing to make a commitment to advancing Constellation's mission and vision. The board is composed of people with a broad range of backgrounds and skills, and no prior experience on a theater board is necessary. Skills such as financial, legal, operations, development, HR, management, and more are required to successfully run Constellation Stage & Screen as a $2.1m operation. Additionally we are always looking for Board members who can help expand the scope of our impact to new communities.

Constellation Stage & Screen Board applicants will generally start by serving for 3-6 months on a board committee to learn about the organization and judge if serving on the board is a good fit for them. After that period, both parties will assess if membership seems like a good fit and, if so, such membership entails a three-year commitment.

The Constellation Stage & Screen Board Member agreement describes expectations for Board membership:

Constellation Stage & Screen seeks to create an inclusive, welcoming environment and encourages anyone with interest to apply.

To inquire: Complete the Board Inquiry Form and you will be contacted by a member of the Constellation Stage & Screen staff or board to discuss your interest and the right next steps for your engagement.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Constellation Stage & Screen Board co-presidents Caroline Dowd-Higgins (caroline@carolinedowdhiggins.com) and Von Welch (von@vwelch.com).

Are you looking for a unique leadership position that will be a fulfilling and inspiring experience? Are you committed to the welfare of animals? If you answered YES! to those two questions, we would love to talk to you!

The Brown County Humane Society (BCHS) in Nashville, Indiana is seeking enthusiastic and compassionate people with business, leadership, project management or animal welfare experience to join our Board of Directors. Board members are responsible for developing policies and programs to ensure the organization fully realizes its potential for good. Our board members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and are fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for BCHS to advance its mission.

If you are interested in learning more, email sawerling@gmail.com or jane@bchumane.org or complete a volunteer application indicating your interest in a board position at https://www.bchumane.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/.

BCHS is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare. We provide temporary shelter to pets in need and promote adoption into permanent, loving homes. We support and promote spaying and neutering to eliminate pet overpopulation. We advocate compassionate care and respect for animals through public education.

My Sister's Closet of Monroe County (MSC) is seeking a motivated and skilled volunteer to serve on our Board of Directors with a special focus on employment skills training for our clients. This critical role encompasses developing and overseeing employment training programs, facilitating educational talks on topics (such as professionalism and salary negotiations), and participating in board-related policy decisions.

Key Responsibilities: 

Qualifications:

Commitment:

Application Process:

Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their interest in the role and relevant experiences to Erin McAlister: Operations@SistersCloset.org.

My Sister's Closet of Monroe County is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We warmly welcome candidates from all walks of life who share our commitment to empowering women in our community.

Volunteers earn $1/hour towards store credit, as well as a 25% discount on merchandise! Hours are recorded on the Civic Champs app.  

VISION STATEMENT

Our vision is to provide a positive, fulfilling outlet which allows children to express their creative talent. Cry of the Children Inc. will foster such an environment through the mind, body, and spirit. The programs are based on a support and enrichment model aimed at assisting the young person to overcome some of the obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals.

Looking for Board Members 18 or older with a heart to support youth, families and willing to serve the homeless.
Positive, encouraging, attitudes willing to do what is best for Cry of the Children, Inc. Members with fundraising, programing, marketing, newsletter, facebook and website skills are wonderful. But in reality having a real compassion for youth and families, and being able to support the CEO/Founder in her vision is the most valuable asset.

Please check out our Website to learn more. 

Thank you
Mrs. Boddie
cryofthechildren@gmail.com

Board Financial Officer (Treasurer)

Accountability

The board financial officer  is an appointed officer and voting member of the board of directors of Tandem Community Birth Center and Postpartum House, Inc (“Tandem”), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They are accountable to the Board for the fulfillment of the duties and responsibilities as described in Tandem’s bylaws and outlined below.

Authority

The financial officer, as other board members, has no authority to direct staff or take independent action on matters outside of the duties outlined unless given such authority by the Board.

Time Commitment

Ten hours per month (board meetings, meetings with the executive director, committee meetings).

Terms of Office

Three years with the possibility of renewal for a second term.

Roles and Responsibilities

The financial officer  will offer guidance and oversight to the executive director to ensure good fiscal planning, decision-making and oversight at a governance level. 

Their principle duties are to: 

Please contact Julie if you are interested in this opportunity at julie@tandembloomington.org.

Welcoming an accountant to guide, advise, and support the bookkeeping behind the scenes that makes the work of Amity Trio possible! May also be part of the board, or may support the work independently of board membership. 

Catholic Charities Bloomington Counseling Services:  Archdiocese of Indianapolis

POSITION: Agency Council Member

POSITION CONCEPT:
Provide consultation to the Agency Director on agency operational and policy matters.
Individuals are selected because of their standing in the community and their interest in
Catholic Charities Bloomington (CCB) and its mission.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee implementation of CCB policies and programs for the well-being of the
agency
• Provide fiscal oversight for the agency and assist in reviewing the approved budget
and financial reports
• Assist with marketing and promotion strategies for agency programs
• Assist in identification and solicitation of external funding and resources
o Host a table of 8 at the Annual Breakfast
• Assist in the identification and recruitment of new agency council members
• Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the agency in the community and assist
in maintaining the best possible relationships with community partners
• Make a substantial financial contribution to support the agency’s work
• Comply with all CCB and Archdiocesan ethics policies

Windfall Dancers Inc. is seeking those passionate about dance to join our working board and committees. Help support our organization as we create relevant and meaningful programming and educational events in the Bloomington community. 

As a nonprofit, Windfall Dancers Inc.has offered dance classes for all ages and contemporary dance performances to the Bloomington area for over 40 years. Become part of our collaborative, creative, and longstanding community.  

Please contact management@windfalldancers.org for more information.

Make a difference in our community by joining the Board of Directors!

Brand new location 648 S. Walker St!

Join Amity Trio's support team, and put your skills to work with an organization that actively works to amplify historically excluded voices! An ensemble of horn, soprano, and piano, we are looking for a CPA to share 1-5 hours/month of professional financial expertise, which will in turn support performances, recordings, community engagement, and educational activities that are based in Bloomington and reach around the globe. 

Interested in being an advocate for some of the most underrepresented and mistreated beings on the planet? Have a professional skill set that you would like to use to help make the world a more just and sustainable place?

Uplands PEAK Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Indiana's first farmed animal sanctuary, is recruiting dynamic vegan/aspiring vegan professionals to join our growing board of directors!

After moving in 2018 to our new 105+ acre property in Freedom, PEAK is currently home to cows, pigs, chickens, goats and turkeys. Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected farm animals, educate the public on the benefits of a healthy vegan lifestyle, and promote sustainability. At PEAK, we envision a compassionate and harmonious world where People, Earth, and Animals live in Kinship.

The position requires a minimum time commitment of 8 hours each month. 

The board of directors at PEAK serves as the management team for the sanctuary.  Our responsibilities include ensuring that adequate resources are generated, helping to build critical relationships, and shaping the organization into the future through strategic planning.  The opportunities for making an impact (and getting your hands dirty with our residents, if you like!) are endless. 

Areas of support needed are: fundraising expertise, marketing, nonprofit and/or animal rights board experience, sanctuary experience, legal expertise, grant writing experience, volunteer coordination, veterinarian or vet technician, outreach experience.  

For more information visit our website, Facebook, and Instagram.

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:

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?

Thriving Connections is an intentional way for people to build relationships across class and race lines to end poverty in their communities. The Guiding Coalition acts as an advisory board for the local initiative. It is a representative group that includes people from all ages, economic classes, faiths, political viewpoints and races who are committed to building their community and ending poverty. The Guiding Coalition member has three primary goals: Use their role within the community and relevant stakeholder groups to gain the community's support of the Thriving Connections initiative; Provide their energy and resources to contribute to the Guiding Coalition collaborating with the lead organization to implement the Thriving Connections initiative; Increase their own awareness and urgency regarding poverty by actively building relationships across race and class lines, and modeling the way.

Join an advisory group of the Guiding Coalition that focuses on a specific part of the Thriving Connections initiative and attend monthly planning meetings for that group.

Captain/Ally Advisory Group - Plans programming for the Weekly Community Meetings, Captain training, Ally training, and resource groups

Economic Stability Advisory Group - Connects Captains with employers, educational institutions, and financial institutions to increase Leader's resources and strengthen overall economic stability.

Funding, Recruitment, & Outreach Advisory Group- Works with the SCCAP Director of Communications and Development and be responsible for increasing our visibility and name recognition in the community through events, PR documents, and media outreach and will recruit Captains, Allies, Meal, and other volunteers. Leads the Thriving Connections community in identifying, discussing, and problem-solving barriers to getting out of poverty; Research and apply to grants to promote goals of the Thriving Connections Initiative; research, plan, and facilitate fundraisers for to promote goals of the Thriving Connections Initiative.

Talking about Change Advisory Group- The focus of this group will be planning programming on issues that our community feel is important and create additional hurdles in our fight against poverty. Some subjects to be addressed will be, but are not limited to, racism, the LGBTQ community, mental health, and both visible and invisible disabilities.

Tech Advisory Group - This advisory group works with all things tech to help TC stay connected and informed.  This advisory group will help TC collect and manage its data electronically as well as come up with new ways to help connect TC members to each other and to resources in the community.  Possible projects include: making sure all TC members are connected to email, providing technology (tablets) pre-loaded with links to information and TC notes/star charts, digitizing ROMA data collection and storage, and creating a way to digitally store and share ship notes and star charts.  This advisory group will also manage/oversee an electronic TC newsletter and/or website.  

Youth Advisory Group-Identifies age-appropriate activities and information to address resource areas. Recruits, trains and supports volunteers that work without youth and builds reciprocal relationships with other youth-serving agencies in the community.

Potential Commitments/Opportunities: Attend monthly Guiding Coalition meetings. At least one member of each of the six advisory groups will be present at the monthly Guiding Coalition meeting in order to report the goals and progress of that advisory group. Work in between meetings to accomplish tasks determined at monthly meetings (approximately 2-5 hours per month) Receive training in a model of understanding the environment of poverty and its challenges and strengths. Become involved in some practical manner with the implementation of the Thriving Connections initiative.  Guiding Coalition Chair or Co-Chair commitment: Create an agenda for the monthly Guiding Coalition meeting, including topics that will be discussed. E-mail this agenda to the Volunteer Coordinator, Thriving Connections Coordinator, and members of the Guiding Coalition Responsible for coordinating with staff and teams to ensure Guiding Coalition is working effectively.

Artisan Alley is searching for knowledgeable and motivated individuals to join our Board of Directors and help shape our organization members.

Artisan Alley brings together area artists and the local community to foster art education, art collaboration, and cooperation in support of the arts.
Our nonprofit is run by a number of volunteers, contributors, members and artists. Share your time and skills, meet new friends, and become part of a unique experience at Artisan Alley.

 If interested, fill out this Google form and we will be in contact.

Board Interest Form

 Learn more about Artisan Alley at www.ArtisanAlley.com.

Use your expertise to benefit Pets Alive Nonprofit Spay/Neuter Clinic by serving as a board member!

The Pets Alive Board includes dedicated and passionate animal lovers from across the community. Board members meet 10x/year for 1 hour. Finance committee members meet on the 3rd Tuesday evening of each month; other committee schedules vary. For the time being, meetings are held virtually.

Committee service is a requirement to serve on the board. Current opportunities include:

Interested in learning more and applying? Contact Executive Director Allison Hess:  allison@petsaliveindiana.org

The ILS board is made up of carvers and other folks interested in preserving the carving tradition.  We are looking for people who would be interested in serving on the board.

One need, in particular, is for a treasurer. 

The Indiana Limestone Symposium (ILS) is a non-profit organization.  Its mission is to teach and share the art and tradition of limestone carving.  Its flagship event is held every June at the Bybee Stone Company where carvers from around the country come to work on individual projects and teach adult and youth carving. [This year it will be in July because of Covid.]  The ILS has partnered with Monroe County Parks and Recreation at a new site at Karst Farm Park to hold events throughout the year for more opportunities to share the art of limestone carving.

For more information about the organization please check out their website at limestonesymposium.org.

My Sister's Closet of Monroe County (MSC)  is seeking a community member with experience with donation management.  This position also serves as a member of the Fundraising Committee. 

The Development Chair assists the Executive Director and other Board Members with the cultivation and stewardship of new and existing donors for the organization through various methods, events, drives, auctions, etc. This person should have a passion for people and commitment to work with other Chair-people and committees to put together strong collaborative, successful initiatives. 

In addition, this person will be a full member of the Board of Directors and, as such, will:

My Sister's Closet of Monroe County (MSC) is seeking a volunteer Building Facilities Manager who will be responsible for:

Hours are flexible. 5-10 hours/month as needed. Volunteers earn $1/hour towards store credit, as well as a 25% discount on merchandise! Hours are recorded via Civic Champs app. 

To apply, visit https://sisterscloset.org/getinvolved 

My Sister's Closet of Monroe County (MSC) is seeking an HR Manager to fill a crucial seat on the Board of Directors. This person should be someone with a degree in Human Resources Management or Business Administration and who works in HR.  

This person will:

Prefer someone who can volunteer at least 15-20 hours/month. Ideal for someone with previous community service and/or management experience. Volunteers earn $1/hour towards store credit, as well as a 25% discount on merchandise! Hours are recorded on the Civic Champs app.  

To apply, visit https://sisterscloset.org/getinvolved 

My Sister's Closet of Monroe County (MSC) is seeking at least 4 people to participate in our Event Planning Committee. These community service-minded individuals will plan, coordinate and carry out in-store, after-hours events on behalf of MSC. The committee, under direction of the Event Planning Chair will:

Committee Members serve one-year terms, can be renewed. Previous Customer Service is very important, as is prior experience in event planning and coordination. 

Apply online at https://sisterscloset.org/getinvolved on the Leadership Team application

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:

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!

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.   

​Reimagining Opera for Kids (ROK) is a non-profit community arts and education organization based in Bloomington, IN.  It has twin goals: to introduce children to opera through engaging first experiences, and to give developing professional musicians the opportunity to hone their performance skills.  Led by Jacobs School of Music faculty coach Kimberly Carballo, ROK is a community partner in service learning for Indiana University students.  The artists donate their preparation and performance time, and ROK provides free performances and curriculum guides to K-12 students.  

ROK has been enthusiastically received in many of the area elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as public libraries, home-school groups, hospitals, and community centers.  As cuts to education and the arts have increased, schools in particular are eager to take advantage of this opportunity for their students, which comes at no cost to the school system.

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:

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!

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.

Amethyst House is currently seeking to add new members to our Board of Directors.