LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Illinois Miss Amazing is an inspiring 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities across Illinois to build self-esteem. Our annual AMPLIFY event will be held on Saturday February 10, 2024 at Center Stage Theater 1665 Quincy Ave STE 131 in Naperville. For the participants, the day consists of show rehearsal, hair and makeup, a service project, crafts, interviews, photos, and the final show. In lieu of participation fees, participants bring 5 cans of food to donate to a local food pantry. State representatives will be selected from each age group for the Miss Amazing ADVOCATE program, where they will continue their advocacy plans and attend the National Miss Amazing Summit. 
 
We are looking for volunteers to serve a variety of roles. Buddies will serve as a participant's friend and advocate throughout the day. Right hand men will escort the participants on stage during the evening wear portion of the event. Helping hands fill a variety of roles such as hair and make up, photography, set up, tear down, merchandise, check in, and more. 

Volunteer applications can be found here: missamazing.org/volunteer  

Questions can be sent to volunteers.il@missamazing.org 

Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) in Skokie, Il

Ongoing Opportunity

Community Animal Rescue Effort C.A.R.E. in Skokie is seeking volunteers for our cat and dog shifts. We have a particular need for dog volunteers on weekend shifts but there are many shifts available as we have 2 shifts per day, 7 days per week.

C.A.R.E. asks for a weekly shift commitment and a 3month commitment (longer is fine). Dog shifts are typically 3 hours. 8-11 am and 6-9 pm with some slight variations.

Dog shifts are typically 3 hours. 8-11 am and 6-9 pm with some slight variations.
Cat shifts may be slightly more flexible.

https://carenorthshore.org/volunteer

Direct link to apply is: https://carenorthshore.org/volunteer

Christie Miller - christie.miller@carenorthshore.org
Volunteer and Board Member
312-405-2303

Securing Safe Food (SSF) is a national nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity among individuals with food allergies and improving access to allergen-free foods in the US food bank system.

Our 100% student-led team focuses on revolutionizing food options for under-resourced, allergen-avoidant families through partnerships, communication, research, and education. We aim to provide nutritionally balanced alternatives that empower individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy meals without compromising their health, thereby ensuring food security and inclusivity for all. We stock food pantries, including in the Greater Chicago region, with allergen-friendly food staples to accommodate diverse dietary needs on a consistent basis.

SSF operates as a fully remote team. We are seeking virtual volunteers with a passion or evolving interests in food equity and security, food justice, and specialty diets at the intersection of allergies, sustainability, and culturally responsive options. Open volunteer positions involve food pantry coordinating, community and onboarding outreach, social media-based outreach (direct messaging/emailing), accounting management, and more.

Website: www.securingsafefood.org
Learn about the importance of access to allergy-friendly products on SSF’s collaborative blog with Yobee, a microbiome-based startup founded by Dr. Ruchi Gupta from Northwestern Medicine: https://yobeecare.com/blogs/yobee-cares-blog/the-importance-of-access-to-allergy-friendly-products

Contact hello@securingsafefood.org with any questions!

Here's what three ENGin volunteers say about their experience.

"This is an amazing organization that helps students learn English just by having conversations. It is a great experience, and I look forward to talking to my buddy every week. It is a great way to learn about Ukrainian culture and see a unique perspective."

"This program has been, I think, life-changing for both of us. I really consider her more like my daughter right now. That's how close we have become!"

"I'm so glad that I got this experience and was able to make a new friend. Teaching someone English is easy for anyone to do. By putting in a small amount of time, I'm able to make a huge impact on my student."

To learn more about ENGin and become a volunteer, please visit www.enginprogram.org/volunteer or register to attend one of our weekly Zoom info sessions: https://calendly.com/volunteer-training/volunteer-info-sessions. Info sessions are an opportunity to meet one of our team members, learn more about ENGin, and ask questions.

If you have any questions before signing up, please contact our team at info@enginprogram.org.

Kids Above All's Camp Sheilah Program provides youth ages 7-17 who have lost a parent or sibling to homicide with the mental health support and resources they need to continue their healing journey and achieve their full potential. The program consists of a three-day grief camp in fall, as well as ongoing counseling and quarterly group activities.

Each year, Camp Sheliah’s success is made possible through the efforts of our hard-working and dedicated volunteers, who support and encourage our youth throughout Camp.

Volunteers will be needed at camp Friday, September 6, 2024 - Sunday, September 8, 2024. Sign up today to be a volunteer in one of the roles below and make a difference in the life of a young person impacted by homicide!

Volunteers are only required to attend ONE of two orientation sessions.
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Saturday, July 13, 2024

Volunteer Roles:
Explorers-
Spend one-on-one time with a Jr. Explorer throughout the three-day camp, and serve as a role model and guide for them as they travel along their grief journey. Volunteer must be at least 21 years of age.

Scouts-
Work side-by-side with Explorers and Journey Leaders to ensure weekend activities run efficiently and on time and
provide additional assistance to leaders throughout the weekend.
Volunteer must be between 15-20 years of age.

Journey Helpers-
Responsibilities might include checking in campers and volunteers, setting up a craft activity, walking a Jr. Explorer
to our Camp Sheilah nurse for a visit when necessary, watching over Jr. Explorers in between activities, and more.
Volunteer must be at least 15 years of age.

Contact dstern@kidsaboveall.org with any questions.

To sign up to volunteer for Camp Sheilah, please visit:
https://kidsaboveall.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App.

Volunteers would be need for the whole weekend.
Starting Friday, September 6, 2024 around 3pm to Sunday, September 8, 2024 until around 4pm.

Every child deserves a chance to see their potential realized. By matching adult mentors, one-to-one, with children in our communities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Chicago (BBBSChi) defends that potential and changes lives. Theirs. And yours. 
 
Students and mentors meet in a group setting led by a Program Facilitator every other Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Y.O.U Center (1911 Church St, Evanston, IL). Program activities include time for relationship building, a structured activity, and more! 

Reach out to ktaylor@bbbschgo.org to get involved! 

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Fluency Tutor Program

Ongoing Opportunity

1. Everybody Reads Program: 

This District 65 program pairs volunteers with students for individual tutoring in reading. The program trains volunteers in a specific tutoring technique so that they can best partner with teachers to support students' reading abilities. Children who read fluently are better able to understand and retain the information that they read which, in turn, supports their academic achievement.

How and When Can I Help? As a trained volunteer, you support one elementary school teacher (1st- 5th grade) working with 1 or more students throughout the school year. Tutors volunteer at all 12 elementary and magnet schools, from October through May, during school hours (9am to 3:30pm).

 2. Math if FUNdamental Program: 

This District 65 math tutoring program was created to support 1st grade students who might benefit from a little extra math skills practice. By playing simple math games with the students (all materials provided), tutors will help students practice fundamental, age-appropriate math facts that will help increase students’ growth in mathematical achievement.

How and When Can I Help? As a trained volunteer, you support one teacher by meeting with 1 to 2 students to play games (materials provided) 1-2 times per week for 20-30 minutes at a time. Tutors volunteer at all 12 elementary and magnet schools, from October through May, during school hours (9am to 3:30pm).

Navigate to this website for more information https://sites.google.com/district65.net/fluencytutorprograms?pli=1  and click here to register to volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdV4x1RH-EGIEVUfYAMv-0nu5UhJj0miWhuFwuExEjo0Jf_uw/viewform?c=0&w=1 

If you have any questions, please contact Shonique Carter, Coordinator, D65 Fluency Tutor Programs, fluencytutors@district.net.

D65 Academic Skills Center Tutor(s)

Ongoing Opportunity

Positions open at most schools 3-, 4-, 5-day per week options! Some roles do not require licenses. 

Academic Skills Center Tutors help students fill in gaps and accelerate their learning so that students get the most out of school everyday. Motivation & encouragement are key!

Subjects and Grade Levels

• Grades PreK-8 (let us know what fits you best)
• Reading 
• Math
• Homework, study skills, & planning
• Bilingual Spanish & English tutors are encouraged to apply.

To learn more, contact Lee Hart - 847-859-8076 or hartl@district65.net.

Our volunteers typically commit to help out on a regular basis weekly or at least once a month, for a one- to three-hour shift. Volunteers must be able to pass a background check, provide proof of covid vaccination, and drivers must provide a driver license and proof of insurance.
Here are the volunteer positions we have available:

Delivery Drivers: Be the eyes and ears of our organization and drop off freshly-packed meals to homebound clients! Routes are staggered starting at 10:30am, with none running later than 1:30pm. Pickups take place at four different locations (1723 Simpson Street in Evanston, 999 Civic Center Drive in Niles, 1450 Park Avenue West in Highland Park, 3355 Belvidere Road in Park City, 19351 W Washington Street in Grayslake). Note: drivers must be 21 years or older. Individuals younger than 21 can ride along to help!

Van Drivers: Drive our delivery van to distribution sites to meet volunteers in Northern Cook and Lake Counties. This is a 10am-1pm commitment.

Meal Packers: Prepare meals for daily delivery in the assembly line that keeps our mission rolling. These morning shifts (8am to 11am) take place at our main office at 1723 Simpson Street in Evanston.

Food Prep: Chop, slice, and bake in vital behind-the-scenes work with our kitchen staff. Morning (8-11am) and afternoon (1-4pm) shifts available at our Simpson Kitchen in Evanston, Monday through Friday. Note: individuals must be 17 years or older.

Office Assistance: Support the day-to-day logistics of a nonprofit with our staff. Shifts for front desk and data entry are available Monday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm and 1pm to 4pm.

Other: Onsite bread packing, bag cleaning, and offsite bread pickup volunteers are also needed.
Please note: We do not allow court-mandated volunteering. We require all of our volunteers to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination.

For more information, please contact:

volunteercoordinator@mealsonwheelsnei.org

North Shore Exchange is a nonprofit organization with luxury consignment stores in Glencoe, Wilmette and Chicago and a popular website. We support Chicagoland charities serving children and families living in poverty through a unique combination of luxury consignment, designer shopping, and volunteerism. Our grants, made annually to worthy charities in the Chicagoland region, address the critical needs of abuse, hunger, homelessness, mental health, and more. 

Volunteer positions include retail sales assistants in our stores, merchandise photography and many others. Go to our website at northshoreexchange.org and click on “Volunteer”  to get information on all our volunteer opportunities and complete an application. Late afternoon and weekend shifts are always in highest demand.  

Make connections, have fun and give back to the community. Please join us! Reach out to loriew@northshoreexchange.org with any questions.

Our Senior Connections Program is a no-cost program that matches trained volunteers with older adults to create mutually beneficial friendships that reduce loneliness and isolation.

Why Senior Connections?

Research has shown that lack of social connection is of greater detriment to our health than smoking up to fifteen (15) cigarettes per day, obesity, physical inactivity, or air pollution. Older adults, in particular, are among the most at-risk groups for loneliness and social isolation.

Through our Senior Connections program, we are working to combat loneliness and isolation in our neighborhoods. By providing opportunities for social interaction and emphasizing the benefits of intergenerational friendships, we seek to strengthen our communities and support networks for older adults.

About the Program

Senior Connections was established in Evanston in 1991, and for over thirty years, the program has remained vital to the Chicagoland community by reducing loneliness and social isolation. Senior Connections matches trained volunteers with older adults in the community, providing a mutually beneficial intergenerational friendships.


Where We Serve

The program has always and will continue to serve the northern suburbs of Chicago. Soon, we will be expanding the program to Chicago’s northside neighborhoods and eventually, the western suburbs.

Qualifications of a Volunteer

Volunteers must:

Be 18 years of age or older
Commit to a weekly visit/call for a minimum of one year
Be able to travel, if visiting in person
Desire friendship with an older adult


Volunteers must complete:

Background check
Orientation
Onboarding and ongoing trainings
Periodic self-surveys
Brief visit reports

Why Volunteer?

Establish meaningful relationships with elders
Learn new skills from older adult participants
Share a talent with others
Meet neighbors in the community
Desire to give the gift of time and a listening ear
Improve physical and mental health through volunteering

Budding Branches is a college volunteer service organization currently looking for new volunteers! 
 
If you are a community-minded (but busy!) college student looking for flexible ways to help high schoolers in need, this is the organization for you! 
 
Introduction: 
We (https://www.buddingbranches.org/) are a NY-state certified nonprofit run by college students dedicated to helping underprivileged high schoolers learn more about their colleges of interest and find their right fit. Many high school students do not have adequate resources or support networks available to them during the college application process. Budding Branches helps these students by connecting them with volunteers at different colleges and universities nationwide. 
 
Services: 
Our main services for students of our partner organizations are 1-on-1 calls and college panels. During these informal, 30 minute calls, volunteers answer any questions about their colleges’ extracurriculars, academics, social life, and more. We also host/help run college panels for our partners, which include prominent organizations and nonprofits such as the New York Public Library, Project Rousseau, and Association to Benefit Children. 
 
We focus on sharing “what college is like” instead of “how to get into college.” Budding Branches is not a college counseling service, but rather it is an organization filling a much needed gap for underprivileged students navigating the process of applying to post-secondary institutions. 
 
Details of Volunteering: 
Volunteers are assigned around two calls per 3 weeks (1hrs/3 weeks). The timings of the calls are very flexible. All the students that our volunteers speak with are high school students from our partner organizations. 
 
There will be multiple college panels throughout the year, and they are completely optional. 
 
Volunteers will also have the opportunity to work on very short optional projects during the year where they will be placed in teams with a few other volunteers from different schools. Through these projects, volunteers can both meet new people and produce work that will help the students we help support (an example is our financial aid resource database project). 
 
If interested, please fill out this short interview sign-up form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNsUaiPo1Yv0zufL37Go4_H5zG5eSMsooWwTkAv_JOmKf7Qg/viewform?usp=sf_link) or reach out to buddingbranchesofficial@gmail.com for a 15-minute interview! A board member will reach out after to schedule an exact time. 

Reach out to hannahoh2023@u.northwestern.edu for more information! 

Located in the West Ridge Chicago Neighborhood, FORA is a tutoring center for refugee children from Burma, Afghanistan, and Syria. Using a methodology called High Impact Tutoring, tutors will work with students, whom have had limited or interrupted formal education, on foundational English literacy and numeracy to decrease learning gaps. FORA currently serves over 80 students (k-12) and are looking for volunteers interested in tutoring this school year.

In-person tutors must commit to four hours during the week. Tutoring sessions run from Monday through Friday from 4:30pm-6:30pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm.

Online tutors must commit to tutoring at least five hours a week, one hour each weekday. Online tutoring times are 4:30pm-5:30pm, 5:30pm-6:30pm, 7:00pm-8:00pm, or 8:00pm-9:00pm CT. More information on tutoring is available at https://www.refugeefora.org/volunteertutorapplication.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Chief Outreach Coordinator, Giulianna Larson at giuliannal@refugeefora.org.

Open Communities

Ongoing Opportunity

Open Communities is seeking people to assist in the investigation of housing discrimination complaints. “Testers” pose as home seekers in a variety of housing rental and sales situations. Testers will be part-time as needed employees. In addition to the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping prevent and uncover housing discrimination, you receive $50 per completed phone test, $100 per completed in-person test, and $100 for completing training and practice test. In all cases, you receive reimbursement for travel and related out-of-pocket expenses. Hours vary and are flexible. Attention to detail is a must. Anyone 18 years or older can apply!

If you would like more information on becoming a tester, please email Open Communities’ Fair Housing Associate Dominic Voz: dominic@open-communities.org

Evanston Animal Shelter

Ongoing Opportunity 

CovEducation

Ongoing Opportunity 

"We are currently seeking undergraduate/postgraduate/grad students to volunteer virtually as mentors for K-12 students, particularly those with limited access to educational resources. If you’d like to connect with a student, please consider signing up to be a mentor at bit.ly/coved-mentor-signup! Spanish-speaking students are highly encouraged to sign up! Mentors serve not only as a source of academic support, but as role models for the student they work with. This will provide an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to students who have trouble accessing learning materials and mentorship. If you'd like to be more involved, please consider looking at bit.ly/covedrecruitment! Students will directly contact mentees to schedule mentoring sessions based on both sides' availabilities. If you have any questions, please directly contact yeji@coved.org."

Erie Neighborhood House 

Ongoing Opportunity (2 hours per week)

Black Voters Matter Fund 

Ongoing Opportunities

1. Student Volunteers - We need volunteers, especially youth volunteers to help us increase our outreach and our grassroot partners’ outreach. See volunteer flyer.

1. Internships for students – We are currently seeking interns for our volunteer program. See the position description here.
2. Campus activism – Any student groups that are interested in receiving guidance on organizing their fellow students around racism, voter suppression, and other justice issues can participate in our Take the Field Campaign. The following link will provide more information about the program and how to apply: https://blackvotersmatterfund.org/take-the-field/.

If you are interested in any of the above opportunities or want to volunteer in
other ways (such as through postcard writing, social media mobilization, warrant clinics, fundraising, text campaigns, phone banking, etc.), reach out to Matilde Davis, Partnership & Volunteer Manager:
matilde@blackvotersmatterfund.org

MetroSquash

Ongoing Opportunity

Heartland Alliance After School Program

Ongoing Opportunity

"Resettled youth face many challenges – trauma, poverty, interrupted education, language barriers, and navigating a new culture. As part of the After School Program, volunteers help to create a safe space where youth can excel, have fun, and learn new skills. Volunteers will regularly meet with participants aged between the ages of six and thirteen in a group setting led by Heartland’s K through 12 team. Volunteers will assist students with homework as well as help facilitate activities designed to help students develop the social, emotional, and communication skills they need to succeed. Cohort meetings are currently taking place in-person (pending CDC guidance) on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00pm."

Program requirements:
• Attend to weekly Wednesday meetings.
• Complete an FBI background check.
• Be screened through the National Sex Offenders Public Website and the Illinois Child Abuse & Neglect Tracking System.
• Become a mandated reporter through the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
• Attend a virtual Heartland new volunteer orientation on Zoom.
• Provide proof of vaccination.

Time Commitment: 

Wednesdays from 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Contact fzator@heartlandalliance.org for more information and learn more here: https://www.heartlandalliance.org/get-involved/get-involved-with-heartland-alliance/

Metro Achievement Center for girls/Midtown Center for boys

Ongoing Opportunity

You can find more exact times for volunteer commitment on our website here: https://www.midtown-metro.org/volunteer

*For additional questions, please reach out to asnow@midtown-metro.org.

Senior Connections, Chicago Methodist Senior Services

Ongoing Opportunity

*For additional questions, please reach out to lroeschley@cmsschicago.org

Conversations to Remember

Ongoing Opportunity

Conversations to Remember, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated towards combating loneliness and isolation felt by senior citizens, including those living with dementia. We are reaching out to share our volunteering opportunity. Our virtual visit program matches 2-3 college students with older adults for virtual video visits. Many of these older adults have been suffering from isolation, and your members could really brighten their days just by speaking with them. 

We provide mandatory training to the students in our program about the best ways to interact with the older adults on our video calls, as well as additional regular support throughout their service. Since the visits are virtual, your members can do it without any travel. This is both convenient, and a better use of their time, rather than commuting to their volunteering location. This program is free for seniors and students across the country.

Students on our virtual visits initially volunteer one hour per week. Calls last up to one hour, based on the senior's attention span and mood on each day. We expect students to volunteer for at least 16 weeks, so that they can develop a friendship with the senior. Students are matched with older adults for calls based on the times when they're available, and have a regular, weekly appointments for their visit.

Students wishing for opportunities that allow them to volunteer more hours can be accommodated with other volunteering options, such as assisting us with our social media, call support, outreach, or more. Current volunteering roles are listed on our website here. 

We provide our program year-round, and start new students every week. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you have about the program, or to look through our website, at https://conversationstoremember.org. Students can register to volunteer by filling out a volunteer interest form on our website.

Centro Romero

Ongoing Opportunity

Centro Romero is a non-profit organization located in the Edgewater/Rogers Park area that works primarily with an immigrant population. We are looking for volunteer tutors that can work 1-on-1 with ESL (English as a second language) adult students. Tutors do not need to speak the language of the ESL student. Additionally, volunteers do not need previous experience with tutoring as we have all volunteers undergo a 12-hour online training that is completely free. Due to limited space at our site, tutoring usually occurs at an outside agreed-upon location such as the public library where tutors can reserve study rooms. Please reach out to aevolunteer@centroromero.org to learn more and get started with the onboarding process.

Volunteer schedules vary as it is completely dependent on the schedules of the volunteer and the adult student. We generally prefer that volunteers tutor at least one hour per week. 

Please reach out to aevolunteer@centroromero.org to learn more and get started with the onboarding process.

Youth and Opportunity United (Y.O.U.)

Ongoing Opportunity

Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U) is excited to announce an urgent call for volunteers to join our Out-of-School Time Program. This is a unique opportunity for community members to contribute directly to the development and success of local youth by providing crucial support during after-school hours.

At Y.O.U., we believe that every child has the potential to achieve greatness with the right support and guidance. By becoming a volunteer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of youth in your community. “As a volunteer, your help and dedicated support provide important resources to help the youth we serve to succeed” elaborated Y.O.U. CEO, Craig Lynch.

Volunteers will assist with the delivery of daily lessons, provide homework support, and participate in enrichment groups. You will have the chance to build positive relationships with youth, supporting their success and well-being. Additionally, you will supervise youth during program hours and help them develop healthy, positive relationships with each other, with adults, and with their families. Volunteers also play a key role in supporting Y.O.U. staff during the program.

To qualify as a volunteer, you must be 18 years or older and able to commit to volunteering 1.5 hours twice a week for one academic semester. A background check is required, along with in-person volunteer training, which lasts 1.5 hours. Volunteers must complete Mandated Reporter and Sexual Harassment training, have a passion for Y.O.U.’s mission, and possess an open, nonjudgmental attitude. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all volunteer positions for the academic semester have been filled. This is a chance to make a tangible impact on the lives of young people and support their journey toward a successful future. To apply, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit our website at www.youthopportunity.org/volunteer. For more information, please contact Rachel Stern at rstern@youthopportunity.org.

For more information, please contact Rachel Stern at rstern@youthopportunity.org.