Center for Civic Engagement

09/08/2026

We asked community organizations at Festival ISU how students can get involved. From volunteering and research to internships and job opportunities, discover some of the ways you can connect with our community and make a !

09/08/2026

It’s back—the Million Meal Pack is returning to CEFCU Arena on September 26 as part of September’s Good Neighbor Month!

Thousands of volunteers will come together to pack one million meals, which will be distributed in McLean County and across Illinois.

Visit the link in the post to RSVP and pick your shift/role.

Looking for a way to give back this fall?

Join fellow Redbirds and community members for the Million Meal Pack on Saturday, September 26, in CEFCU Arena. Volunteers will come together to pack meals to support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Whether you volunteer with colleagues, friends, or classmates, your time can help make a difference for those in need.

Register now ▶️ https://go.illinoisstate.edu/4gUWAuV

09/03/2026

September Service Days begin this week!

This series of planned service projects allows students to give back, connect with the Bloomington-Normal community, and become engaged community members. You can join one or multiple projects! This year, we are partnering with the following organizations to make a :

👕Cruisin’ Outta Poverty (9/4)
💉Red Cross Blood Drive (9/9)
🌐Redbirds Remember (9/12)
🏠ReStore (9/17)
🌳Fell Arboretum (9/23)
🍎Midwest Food Bank (10/16)

Pick your service project and register now via Redbird Life (link in bio)!

09/02/2026

📌 Here is your weekly Redbird Impact Roundup!
 
Check out current opportunities from the Center for Civic Engagement and partner organizations:

👕 September Service Days
ℹ️ Join us as we sort, fold, size, and organize clothing donations with Cruisin’ Outta Poverty.
🗓️ Friday, September 4, from noon to 3 p.m
📍 Meet us at the Center for Civic Engagement (College Place Uptown, Suite C) at 11:45 a.m.

✈️ Alternative Winter Break
ℹ️ Applications are open to travel to Costa Rica and serve in a rural community, building cement stoves, repairing porches, and much more!
🗓️ January 1-10, 2027🔗 ISU Alternative Breaks

🌐 Bloomington Labor Day Parade
ℹ️ The Normal Lions Club is seeking volunteers to assist with candy distribution from East Front Street to Miller Park.
🗓️ September 7
🔗 To sign up, email [email protected] by September 4

To get the full scoop on these and other volunteer and civic engagement opportunities at Illinois State, visit our website and subscribe to the volunteer newsletter!

08/31/2026

ROOM UPDATE: Hovey Hall 105 will now host this event. See you there!

What is shared governance, and how does it work?

Join “Civics IsU: Raise Your Voices Redbirds” for a panel discussion with campus leaders from the Academic Senate, the Staff Council, and the Student Government Association, that will help answer those questions!

🗓️ Wednesday, Sep. 2, from 3-4:30 p.m.
📍 Hovey Hall 105
🍪 Enjoy cookies and conversation as you learn ways you can make your

08/28/2026

What a great time we had connecting with Redbirds at Festival ISU! We look forward to supporting you in making your this Fall 💪

08/26/2026

Here is your weekly Redbird Impact Roundup!
 
Check out current opportunities from the Center for Civic Engagement and partner organizations:

🗣️ Civics IsU: Raise Your Voices Redbirdsℹ️ This panel discussion with leaders from the Academic Senate, the Staff Council, and the Student Government Association will help demystify how shared governance works.
🗓️ Wednesday, September 2, from 3-4:30 p.m
📍 Stevenson Hall 401

🗺️ Destination Uptown Scavenger Hunt
ℹ️ Discover all Uptown Normal has to offer, including great food, entertainment, community resources, and employment near campus.
🗓️ September 3, from 3-6 p.m.
📍 Start at the Normal Theater

🏠 CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
ℹ️ CASA trains and supports volunteers to advocate for children in foster care until each child finds a safe, permanent, and loving home. Volunteers must be 23 or older.
🗓️ Next volunteer training begins September 9
🔗 mcleancountyil.gov/127/Court-Appointed-Special-Advocate-Program

To get the full scoop on these and other volunteer and civic engagement opportunities at Illinois State, visit our website and subscribe to the volunteer newsletter!

08/26/2026

What is Shared Governance and how does it work?
Join us on September 2, 3-4:30 p.m. at Stevenson Hall 401 for Civics IsU: Raise Your Voices Redbirds. At this panel discussion, campus leaders will demystify how shared governance gives voice to constituents across campus and collaborates on institutional policies. RSVP:
https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/event/12585550/rsvp

08/20/2026

What is shared governance, and how does it work?

Join “Civics IsU: Raise Your Voices Redbirds” for a panel discussion with campus leaders that will help answer those questions!

🗓️ September 2, from 3-4:30 p.m.
📍 Stevenson Hall 401

Light refreshments will be available. Learn more and RSVP in the link.

What is shared governance, and how does it work? A panel discussion with campus leaders will help answer that question on September 2, from 3-4:30 p.m. in Stevenson Hall 401.

08/19/2026

Welcome to your Redbird Impact Roundup!

📌 Throughout the semester, we will bring you weekly highlights from our newsletter with opportunities from the Center for Civic Engagement, the campus, and partner community organizations. Upcoming
opportunities include:

☀️ Festival ISU
ℹ️ Join us for Civic Engagement Day at the Festival to learn about upcoming programs, pick up some swag, and connect with service opportunities from local organizations!
🗓️ Wednesday, August 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 ISU Quad

🤝 Redbirds Remember: a Saturday of Service for 9/11 Day
ℹ️ Volunteer in projects supporting hunger relief, environmental stewardship, and first responders. RSVP on Redbird Life by August 26 to guarantee a t-shirt!
🗓️ September 12, 8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 Meet at CVA 147

🌐Student Change Agent Coalitions (SCAC) leaders
ℹ️ SCAC is a student-run community of practice that connects students on shared issues and methods of change. Selected student leaders will co-lead 15-20 peer students and be paid a stipend of $1,000 per semester.
🗓️ Apply by August 28
🔗campuscompact.tfaforms.net/166

To get the full scoop on these and other volunteer and civic engagement opportunities at Illinois State, visit our website and subscribe to the volunteer newsletter!