Volunteer Opportunities

 

Law schools, medical schools, and many health professions programs prefer applicants with a commitment to service and a record of volunteering that reflects an active engagement with the world around them.  For an undergraduate student with little work experience, volunteering can be one of the most effective ways to develop a variety of professional skills that will be valued by professional schools and prospective employers.

One of the best local resources for finding volunteer opportunities in the Bloomington area is the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network Website, updated weekly.

Another excellent general resource is the IRIS Guide, which includes agencies in our community that often need volunteers.

The IUB Community Connection page also lists many volunteer opportunities.

In addition, the IU Office of Overseas Studies maintains a list of overseas volunteer opportunities, which students sometimes undertake during the summer months.

Below you'll find some individual agencies that provide very good volunteer opportunities for students. As always, we encourage you to discuss your professional development with your academic advisor.

 

Advocacy-Oriented Volunteer Opportunities

NOTE: While the following community service opportunities might be especially pertinent as part of a prelaw student's professional development regimen (though not necessary to it), they are also appropriate for many other students. Discuss with your HPPLC advisor.

Legal Services Organization of Indiana: Always looking for volunteers. Call Merta Hudson at [812] 339-7668. Many of our students have found this a unique and valuable experience.

Middle Way House Domestic Violence Volunteer: Programs including legal, childcare, crisis line; many other opportunities. This is a great organization. For more information: Call 333-7404.

Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Assistance Volunteers: Help crime victims ease their trauma by explaining how the criminal justice system works and what to expect to happen with their case. Knowledge of the system is preferred but not required. Call Theresa Deckard or Sarah Begle at 349-2670.

Victim-Offender Reconciliation: This program offers mediation for crime victims and offenders. Volunteers facilitate meetings between victims and offenders and maintain contact during the restitution process. Training and on-going support provided. Call (812) 336-8677.

Community and Family Resources Department: Volunteers are needed for the following projects: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Commission of the Status of Women, and Council for Community Accessibility. Call Craig at 349-3430.

 

Other Local Service Organizations

The agencies listed below frequently need volunteers.

Bloomington Hospital

Options for Better Living

Stone Belt

Volunteers in Medicine