VolunteerUC Evanston2023-12-01T22:00:46+00:00
Volunteer
There are many ways to serve in our community along with UCE members and friends.
Here is a list of some of the current volunteer opportunities with contact information or links to sign-up sheets:
Volunteer to Care for Our UCE Community
Much of the caring within UCE takes place through an informal network of helping one another. The Congregational Care and Support Teams (CCST) offers a more formal network of volunteers to meet the needs of fellow members and friends. Volunteers on the Caring Team provide meals and rides to worship services and medical appointments. Our Pastoral Care Team works closely with the Senior Minister to provide ongoing support for members and friends. Click the Offer Care button to become a volunteer with these teams. Learn more here.
Questions? Contact Rev. Eileen Wiviott, our Senior Minister, at ewiviott@ucevanston.org.
Co-Creating Worship
We value our culture of shared ministry and invite you to join us in the creation of our sacred space on Sunday mornings. These teams all collaborate to set the tone of worship and welcome everyone who walks through our doors:
Share Your Talents with the UCE Community
Did you know you can add your special skills and interests to your Realm profile. This can help connect you to volunteer and leadership opportunities within our congregation. Maybe you love planning events or baking goods for others? Let your community know, so you can be paired up to future programs and events. Watch this tutorial video on how to update your profile and share your gifts with our community.
If you have trouble logging into Realm, email the Adam Gough, our Facilities and Technology Coordinator, at agough@ucevanston.org.
The REAL Team
The Racial Equity Action and Leadership Team (REAL) annually participates in the YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Stand Against Racism in April and Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate in June. To participate in one or both events, contact Cheryl Mounts, Martha Holman, or Becky Crawford through REALM or at admin@ucevanston.org.
UCE’s Volunteer Partnership with Connections for the Homeless
We have new opportunities for volunteers who want to make a difference in our community in very concrete ways. Connections for the Homeless is a well-established, non-profit organization in Evanston, providing a wide range of services to homeless people. To address the complexities of services during the Covid19 pandemic, they have been creative and flexible and have increased their efforts to meet greater needs. They provide temporary housing, lunches, clothing and access to other essential services, including a path to permanent housing.
These are tasks that can be done in small groups or individually. The lunches can be made at home or in the UCE kitchen. Please use the link below to sign up for a date to help with bag lunches. This is a great way to invest in our community in a practical, meaningful way.
Questions? Contact Rev. Susan Frances, our Assistant Minister for Congregational Life, at sfrances@ucevanston.org.
RefugeeOne Seeking Volunteers
The Immigration Solidarity Team has been working with RefugeeOne, a non-profit organization that takes on responsibility for settling and integrating refugees in the Chicago area.
If you would like to assist with UCE’s annual School Supply Drive or Winter Clothing Drive to support RefugeeOne’s clients, please contact Michelle Novak through Realm or at admin@ucevanston.org.
You may also volunteer directly with RefugeeOne. Click the button below.
Consider Donating Blood
For those who are eligible, donating blood is one of the fastest and most effective ways to give back to your community and transform the lives of those in need. We are collaborating with the Evanston Running Club and Vitalant to offer a Blood Drive on January 13, 2024, from 10 am – 4 pm.
Volunteer with the UCE Food and Shelter Team
Giving House = Donate any of these items at any time during the year:
The Giving House is the little red house located in the lobby.
Soup Kitchen = Three times a year, we host the Beth Emet soup kitchen. Watch the newsletter for details.
Mitten Tree = Budget to buy gifts for those in need during our November and December Mitten Tree program. Information will be provided in the newsletter in early November each year.
Interfaith Action Needs Your Help!
UCE has had a long collaborative relationship with Interfaith Action of Evanston, an organization that brings people together to serve hungry and homeless people, pursue interfaith dialogue, and engage in advocacy that promotes social justice for those we serve. Currently, Rev. Eileen Wiviott, our Senior Minister, serves on their Board.
Volunteer for one of two year-round programs:
What to get more involved with Interfaith Action of Evanston? Please call Sue Murphy with Interfaith Action of Evanston at 847-869-0370.