Are you interested in gaining valuable experience while connecting with your local community? If you are looking to make a difference in the lives of others, meet new people in your community, and learn skills that will be useful for the rest of your life, volunteering may be right for you. There are many local volunteer opportunities in Monroe County that will allow you to make a meaningful contribution to the community while advocating for programs you believe are important.
Local Volunteer Opportunities with a Focus on Supporting Children
If you are searching for a place that offers opportunities for volunteer engagement where children are the main focus, here is an invitation for you to learn more about the following Bloomington volunteer organizations.
Monroe County CASA
Monroe County CASA is a volunteer-powered program which provides representation in juvenile court for child victims of abuse and neglect.
Every year more than half a million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, nurturing homes. They are constantly being moved from one temporary home to another, meeting stranger after stranger. That is where CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) steps in. As trained advocates, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. They make sure that they don’t get lost in the legal system, collect information about their well being, and assist the court in determining an appropriate permanent plan for each child. This results in a child being placed into a safe, permanent, loving home where they can thrive.
If you are interested in standing up for abused children so they can be safe and thrive, learn more about the volunteer requirements here.
Monroe County United Ministries
Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) provides affordable childcare to working families and basic needs assistance to households in crisis. MCUM collaborates with partner agencies that help people meet other needs in their journeys through and out of poverty. They thrive on creating lasting solutions to economic, educational, and social injustice in the local community. To read more about their volunteer opportunities, click here.
Girls, Inc. of Monroe County
Girls Incorporated is a national youth organization dedicated to helping girls become strong, smart, and bold. Girls, Inc of Monroe County is a local organization located in Bloomington, Indiana, that focuses on delivering life-changing programs and experiences that equip girls to overcome serious barriers in the current world. The Girls Inc. experience has a combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, research-based programming, and pro-girl environment. Discover how to make a difference in a girl’s life here.
Other Opportunities to Get Involved in the Monroe County Community
One of the best ways to connect with people around you and be part of something bigger than yourself is through volunteering. So choose something you are passionate about, work for an organization you believe in, and connect with your community while engaging with diverse individuals. You can find several organizations that fit your interests.
A few examples that support the Bloomington community and creates a more diverse positive impact are:
BTCC (Building A Thriving Compassionate Community)
BTCC is a network of organizations and diverse individuals that collaborate together to provide training, build relationships, and promote actionable change to address the root causes of social problems in Monroe County.
Monroe County Branch NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
The mission of NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights for every person. The association looks to improve, protect and change the local community for the better, hoping to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
Bloomington Pride
Bloomington Pride aims to serve the LGBTQ+ communities in Bloomington and South Central Indiana through advocacy, outreach, educational workshops, safe-space programs, and arts and culture events.
Still unsure about which option is right for you? Take the time to learn more about the different organizations and the local volunteer opportunities in Monroe County. The Bloomington Volunteer Network is a great resource for finding local opportunities. This is your opportunity to advocate for your passions and connect with your community.
Interested in subscribing to Monroe County CASA? Keep yourself updated here.
Written by: Angela Lee