WFHB

Steve Volan knows firsthand how complicated government can be. Volan spent decades serving on the Bloomington City Council trying to figure out how things work – and how they can work better. He’s still asking those questions as host and producer of The 812, a podcast about local government. Steve calls it “explainer journalism,” and his ultimate goal is a more informed and engaged public. He wants you to be a true citizen of Bloomington.

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

Art Remains is Bloomington’s new “creative reuse center” – a nonprofit salvage shop for art supplies and materials. It’s kind of like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore concept, but for artists. Founder Sue McCracken started Art Remains when she retired as a way to make art projects more affordable and keep usable supplies out of the landfill.

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

When a child is removed from a home due to abuse or neglect, grown-ups decide what happens next – usually judges, lawyers and caseworkers. But who speaks for the child? A local non-profit called Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) uses volunteers to help kids who are going through the justice system. Shanker Krishnan is a CASA and he says it can be tough but also quite rewarding making sure a child’s best interests are looked after.

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

Courtney Payne-Taylor got her start at the Boys & Girls Club teaching kids how to skateboard. Today Courtney helps club members learn just about anything, and along the way they develop life skills and build confidence.

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

This episode of Activate! was produced by Brandon Lee

CanopyBloomington hosts volunteer-led tree planting events that help expand our urban forest. Executive Director Ava Hartman loves going to those events and seeing neighbors building community as they plant and care for the donated trees. She’s hoping you might want to volunteer to green up YOUR neighborhood!

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

This episode of Activate! was produced by Morgan Reynolds

The Bloomington Environmental Commission is a group of local citizens advising city officials on eco-friendly public policy. Commission projects might focus on safeguarding water quality or reducing light pollution. The commission also does public engagement campaigns. For example the Bloomington Habitat Connectivity Map allows private landowners to pledge their help in producing greenspace corridors between Griffy Lake, Clear Creek, and Jackson Creek. Commission members Carrie Albright and Matt Caldie are asking you to help protect our most precious resources.

Local animal shelters are overwhelmed. Animal Club is trying to help. This Indiana University student group can dispatch an army of volunteers to get several weeks’ worth of work done in just a few hours. This can make a huge impact at an understaffed shelter, especially more rural ones like Our Lil’ Bit of Heaven in Poland, Indiana. Caroline Ringquist is the group leader and chief puppy lover.

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

This episode of Activate! was produced by Sam Heuser

There’s a new show on WFHB called “Autism Rocks and Rolls” – a podcast started by Sam Mitchell when he was 16 to talk about his experiences living with autism. The show airs weekly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm – that’s right after the Tuesday edition of the WFHB Local News. Autism Rocks and Rolls is now more than just a podcast – it’s grown into a nonprofit organization managed by Sam’s mom, Gina Mitchell. Together Sam and Gina are on a mission to break down misconceptions and stereotypes about people on the spectrum, and she’s here to tell you their story.

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

This episode of Activate! was produced by Lukas Jackson

Developing friendships at any age can be challenging, and few groups of people understand this more than those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Autism, Down syndrome, and accessibility issues can all be barriers to making friends in a college town. Cecilia Meneghini is the Indiana University chapter president of Best Buddies, an organization on a mission to end the social and physical isolation that those with disabilities face. Through monthly group social events and one-on-one companion pairings, Cecilia hopes IU Best Buddies can help Bloomington be a more inclusive community.

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

Cecilia Meneghini and her buddy Gina

This episode of Activate! was produced by Thomas Crow

Having a computer is essential to success in the digital age…but obtaining one can be a challenge for people with limited resources. BinaryHeart Indiana is looking to change that. This local non-profit repairs old or broken computers and donates them to students, schools, and organizations in need throughout the Bloomington area. Jack Wilber is the president of BinaryHeart and he founded the Indiana University chapter. Jack is looking to expand his operation with outreach from volunteers.

Activate! is a partnership between WFHB and the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, working together to build a strong, healthy and engaged community. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the WFHB listening area at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

This episode of Activate! was produced by Quincy Bell