Current Volunteer Opportunities

We wholeheartedly believe, no matter who you are or where you are in life, you  have something to give.  Here at RSVP, we can help you find a volunteer opportunity that uniquely fits your interests, skills, and abilities.  We have something for everyone.  Please note that this list changes and is limited.  There are thousands of ways to serve.  Please call our office for more information about any of the following or to learn about the many unlisted opportunities.  Thanks so much for your interest!

AMERICA READS: One out of every four 4th graders cannot read at grade level.  You can help change this statistic.  America Reads tutors are needed in Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Owen County to serve for just 1 hour each week.  Experience the magic of helping a child learn to read.  Tutors make lasting impacts…and find their lives positively changed as well.  No experience is necessary, and training is provided.  If you can read, you can tutor!

AMETHYST HOUSE: Amethyst House provides transitional housing and outpatient treatment for men and women who are in recovery from addictions.  Volunteers are needed to help with tutoring, job coaching, office assistance, and maintenance.  

AREA 10 AGENCY ON AGING:  
211 - Area 10 Agency on Aging’s 211 Information Helpline maintains and disseminates health and human service information that enables people to make informed choices and to improve their quality of life. We are looking for volunteers to help answer calls to assist people in finding resources to meet their needs.  No experience necessary.  Training provided.
Low Vision Group Leader - Lead a monthly support group for people with low vision.  Experience with adjusting to low vision or experience leading support groups would be helpful.  Meeting time can be flexible to fit with volunteer’s schedule.  
Congregate Meal Site Coordinator- Volunteers are needed at various meal sites to help get ready for, serve, and clean up lunch. Enjoy interacting with a delightful group of seniors who attend!  
Meal Delivery Driver - Help is greatly needed to deliver warm meals to homebound seniors Monday-Friday.  You will be provided with a clear route and directions and will be fully oriented to everything you need to do.  No experience needed.  You do not need to volunteer everyday…from 1-5 days each week.  
Substitute Meal Drivers - Most of our volunteers are retired and go on vacation or visit grandchildren.  This requires us to have a strong list of substitute drivers.  Can you help deliver meals to homebound seniors when this need arises?  Your route will take approx. 45-90 minutes.  Pick up time is 10:00 a.m. at various sites during weekdays.  Maps are provided.  You will never be expected to fill in when we call…only if it works in your schedule at that particular time.  
Food Pantry Delivery - Volunteers are needed in Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Owen County on the 4th Thursday of each month to deliver bags of food to local homebound elderly.  60-90 minutes, 1x/month.  
Receptionist - Greet visitors and answer the phone 1x/week for 3-4 hours.  Enjoy interacting with others and learning more about Area 10.  Exercise for free at the Endwright Center after you’re done!  
Collect Grocery Bags - Every month, volunteers deliver groceries to 150 low income homebound clients.  We are in need of paper grocery bags to fill with food.  Please turn your used grocery bags into Area 10 to support a great cause!

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS: Enjoy volunteer opportunities for individuals, couples, or groups.  Make a new friend, have fun, see a child grow and learn new skills, and make a positive difference. The process to become a Big Brother or Big Sister is easy.  There are programs to fit any interest, lifestyle, or schedule.  

BLOOMINGTON HOSPITAL: Friendly volunteers needed to greet visitors and help answer/direct their questions.

BRYAN PARK CREEK MAINTENANCE DAYS: Support Bloomington’s effort to earn the community wildlife habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation. The Bryan Park Creek naturalized area requires periodic maintenance to control invasive species and ensure native plant success.

CASA: The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Monroe and Owen Counties advocates for the best interests of children through the Juvenile Court process.  CASA volunteers deal directly with abused and neglected children by monitoring the progress of their cases and reporting to the Court what the volunteer feels is best for each child.  Volunteers must be honest, caring adults who are willing to make a 1-2 year commitment.  Extensive training and support services are provided to all volunteers.

CHIRP: CHIRP provides free lessons and loan of musical instruments to area children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to play. Volunteers are needed to help (at the church in Ellettsville where the music lessons are given) on Saturdays and Sundays for 2 hours.  Volunteers will take phone calls from parents or teachers regarding absences or delays and will monitor children in the hall.

CITIZEN ADVOCACY of SOUTH-CENTRAL INDIANA (CASCI, Inc.): CASCI, Inc. coordinates volunteer one-to-one matches between people with disabilities ("Partners") and other members of the community ("Advocates") for the purpose of friendship and advocacy.  Advocates bring Partners into the heart of their communities, making sure that the Partners' gifts are recognized and their voices heard as well as help Partners navigate the human services, healthcare and legal systems to improve their quality of life.  CASCI is seeking individuals who would like to share their time and talents while helping others have a more enriched life.

EARTH FOR HUMANITIES, INC.: Earth for Humanities, Inc. is looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers to help fulfill its mission of donating computers to low income single parents.  They need grant writers, fund raisers, Assistant Director, phone representatives, project coordinator, secretary and more.  Become part of a national organization creating positive opportunities for low income single parents - one family at a time.  

EDGEWOOD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER: Would you like to support education and encourage learning?  Edgewood Primary School has a variety of volunteer opportunities available! The Family Resource Center (FRC) needs support for its Adult Education Class-- tutor adult learners, act as teacher’s aide, or provide childcare on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30pm. Also, a volunteer is needed to help organize the FRC room’s learning materials. The FRC’s Community Books Project needs volunteers to deliver donated books throughout Ellettsville.

EF FOUNDATION: EF Foundation is a nonprofit high school exchange organization that works with 30 different countries to bring students to the United States, as well as send American students abroad.  We are currently looking for help in two roles:
Host Families: Host families provide a bed to sleep in, a place at the dinner table, and a loving home. Students speak English, are fully insured, bring their own spending money, and are eager to experience life with an American family.
International Exchange Coordinators: Mentor talented young people from around the globe, find caring host families, and make a real impact in your community. Local coordinators receive travel and training benefits, as well as a lifetime of international friendships.

FRANKLIN INITIATIVE REALITY STORES: Reality Stores help students appreciate the “realities” of life and understand personal finance.  Prior to the activity, each student will decide how far they wish to pursue their educational career.  Based on the highest education level each student wishes to earn, their teachers will provide them with the average salary of a 28 year old working with that degree.  The students then have to visit various stations to determine how they can spend their salaries and make ends meet.  This opportunity will encourage students to start thinking about what career path they may want.  Each Reality Store (scheduled throughout the school year) is only a one time commitment.

INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE INITIATIVE: RSVP has partnered with Boys and Girls Club to develop ongoing service projects involving RSVP volunteers and young children.  We will serve various agencies through our intergenerational efforts.  Each service activity will be a one-time commitment and will last 1-3 hours.  Service is contagious.  Leave a legacy, and keep the trend going.

IRIS (Indiana Reading and Information Service): Make a difference right from your home!  Volunteers are needed to read the Herald Times over the phone every day.  This allows visual, physical, and print-impaired listeners to hear news and information by dialing a toll free number.  To record the Herald Times, you would simply dial the phone number before 9:00 a.m., enter your code, and read a designated section.  This only takes 10-15 minutes and makes a big difference!  You do not need to volunteer everyday.  

MEAL SHARE: Volunteers meet the 1st Wednesday of every month (4:00-5:30pm) at Hoosier Hills Food Bank to help divide and bag leftover food from local restaurants and dormitories.  Frozen food items are distributed to low income/homebound seniors.

MISSION THRIFT STORE: Owen County’s volunteer-run thrift store needs volunteers to help fold, sort, organize, and price the overwhelming number of items generously donated by the community.  A great volunteer perk is having the first pick at the affordable items!  

MONROE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Help preserve our history! The Monroe County Historical Society's Genealogy Library is in need of volunteers to help preserve the history of Monroe County. Three-hour per week shifts are available for volunteers with office-related experience, computer or typing skills, interest in helping others, communication and organization skills and willingness to get hands dirty. All training is provided. No genealogy experience necessary.

MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Assist in the Administration and VITAL Offices  »   File  »  Answer Phones  »  Data Entry  »  Assist or Tutor Adult Learners who want to learn to read  »  Assist in the Friends of the Library Bookstore  »  Sort Books/Donations  »  Dust  »  Operate Cash Register  »  Shelve in Children’s or Adult Services areas  »  Assist with Facilities projects  »  Indoor Maintenance  »  Outdoor Maintenance

NEW LEAF-NEW LIFE: Inmates at the Monroe County Jail return an average of 7 times.  Volunteer with new Leaf-New Life to change this statistic!  Help inmates prepare to successfully reenter into society after being released.  Assist with social skills, parenting tools, housing, employment, creative expression, personal empowerment, and more.  In addition to ongoing opportunities, we are also looking for musicians to share their talents with an appreciative audience and others to offer presentations on career, hobbies, travel, and more.  

OWEN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY: Walk dogs, answer phones, wash bowls, and give dogs the attention they deserve.

PARTNERS: Musicians and artists needed!  Partners offers a creative day program for seniors challenged by memory loss.  Come in for an hour or on a regular basis to inspire the clients with diverse forms of creative expression.

PAGES TO PRISONERS: The Midwest Pages to Prisoners Project provides free books to prisoners.  Volunteers read request letters sent by people currently incarcerated, locate books among the donated materials that best fit their requests, write letters back to the individuals, and package their selected books for mailing.  Books contribute to the rehabilitation process and stimulate critical thinking for those behind bars.

RBB HEALTH CARE CENTER: Volunteers are needed to host activities of your choice.  Residents love to play games, do crafts, exercise, listen to and play music, enjoy special events, garden, have fashion shows, participate in “guys only” groups, meet one-on-one, see slide shows, etc.

REDBUD HILLS:  
Celebration Volunteers - Do you like to have fun?  Help 1x per month at their birthday/welcome celebration.
Help with copying - Volunteers are needed 1x per week.  
Fold food bags for homebound seniors - Redbud Hills has partnered with Area 10 Agency on Aging to fold food bags for the purposes of delivering food to homebound seniors.  1x per month, a group meets to fold the bags as a group.  They’d love your help!  Small commitment (just 1 hour per month).  
Craft Teacher - Teach crafts 1x per week or 1x per month.  Supplies are provided.  Creativity welcome!  
Singers, Musicians, Entertainers - Share your gifts with a welcoming, grateful audience!

ROAD TO RECOVERY DRIVERS: Volunteers are needed at the American Cancer Society to provide transportation for cancer patients to and from treatment. Training is provided, but volunteers must provide their own vehicles.  Drivers in Monroe and Owen counties are needed.  Getting to treatments can save lives!

RSVP JOB LINKS - ACHIEVING SUCCESS WITH A FRIEND’S HELP: In today’s economy, a job is critical to maintaining independence, supporting one’s self/family, and providing for one’s future.  Volunteer job coaches and mentors work with clients of varying ages to evaluate job needs, prepare resumes, and link with potential employers.  Clients find empowerment through the support and friendship of the volunteer.  Opportunities vary from 1X per week to 1X per month.  Training and support is provided.

SCORE 527: The mission of SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) is to help small businesses succeed.  They offer FREE counseling to both small business owners and people wanting to start a small business. They are looking for retired business people who have expertise in business, want to help small businesses, and have the opportunity to keep their business skills and interests current.  Volunteers are expected to counsel two half days per month, to attend monthly meetings, and to participate in the administrative work of the chapter.

SHALOM COMMUNITY CENTER: Shalom Community Center is dedicated to relieving the plight of those experiencing homelessness and poverty in South Central Indiana.   Specific areas of need include financial bookkeeping, helping create and distribute publications and promotional materials (including the Safety Net newspaper), event planning, and grant writing.  

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: The St. Vincent de Paul Society stores and distributes furniture and appliances to low income people and provides financial assistance for those in need.  Accompany society members to visit individuals in the Bloomington area to asses their needs and provide an empathetic and compassionate ear.  Each visit lasts about 1 hour and is scheduled at your convenience.  

STEPPING STONES: Stepping Stones, Inc. is an independent non-profit that provides transitional housing and supportive services to youth aged 16-20 who are experiencing homelessness.  
Administrative Support - Organize board materials, type, file, etc.  
Technical Support - Help with computers, electronic equipment, and website.  
Community Outreach - Help with PR materials such as newspaper articles; build relationships with local corporations/businesses to support and enhance Stepping Stones projects.
Marketing Committee - Help plan and coordinate special events and fundraisers.

TRIAD: Are you interested in crime prevention for seniors?  TRIAD is always looking for new members to join our monthly meetings and participate in educational and community events.  TRIAD is a partnership of local law enforcement, seniors, and the community.  We work together to prevent crimes, educate and empower the public, and improve the health of our community.  No experience or prior knowledge is necessary.

VETS: Are you a veteran?  Do you have stories to share?  VETS (Voicing Experience Through Service) is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is housed at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at IU, Bloomington.  VETS supports youth (ages 14-21) as they build relationships with veterans and collaboratively record oral histories.  These histories are submitted to the National Veteran’s History Project at the Library of Congress.  The VETS project is partnering with schools in our local community, and Veterans are sought to make it a success!  Veterans will connect with and mentor young people with disabilities and will contribute valuable life histories to local, state, and national audiences.  If you are a veteran and would like to share your stories with young people and make a lasting difference in their lives, please contact RSVP!  The only experience necessary is your experience

VISTA CARE HOSPICE: A terminally ill patient's life is short.  They may need someone to reflect with them on the times when their life was full and productive; a friend who is willing to laugh over life's follies; a friend who is willing to risk crying over lost dreams.  Maybe it is just a friend who will care enough to sit quietly with them. The journey of dying is hard enough. For many, that journey is more difficult if they are alone.  Come be someone’s last best friend!

VITA: VITA gives low to moderate income residents an opportunity to receive free tax information and assistance in electronic filing of their federal and Indiana tax returns.  VITA also assists eligible residents with tax refunds from the EITC.  Free training and the opportunity to learn about tax preparation provided.  

WONDERLAB MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, HEALTH, AND TECHNOLOGY: WonderLab provides opportunities for people of all ages, especially children, to experience the wonder and excitement of science through hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster lifelong learning.  Volunteers are needed in a fun variety of areas.  

WILDCARE: If you love working with animals, consider becoming a Wildlife Volunteer for WildCare Inc. They have an American crow who will say "hello" if you meet with his approval, fawns who are bottle feeding, raccoon, opossum, striped skunk orphans and a room full of songbirds all who need help. All training is conducted onsite; the $20.00 training fee includes a manual and WildCare t-shirt.