Volunteer
Bennett’s Village volunteers love to talk about inclusion, play for all, or our work to build an all-abilities playspace at Pen Park. We have stories, activities, and information sessions available for school and community groups. We also are available to partner with classes in higher education on projects or lectures. Email info@bennettsvillage.org for more information and to explore our availability.
Current one-time opportunities
Join our Treehouse Tidy-Up Team! This quick and easy volunteer opportunity makes a huge impact!
Litter often blows under and around the Treehouse, so we need volunteers to help keep everything in tip-top shape.
Sign up to claim a week and pick up litter on your own schedule during that time period.
Please note: The hill around the Treehouse is steep and not accessible to everyone.
Current committee opportunities
Committees are an essential part of the Bennett’s Village organization. When you volunteer, you commit to attending meetings, timely communication with committee chairs and Executive Director, and meeting agreed upon deadlines.
Construction Oversight Committee
Oversees construction management, and monitors project progress.
Regular meeting date and time TBD
● Evaluate and recommend the appropriate level of paid project oversight, including the use of an Owner’s Representative, on-site project manager, or both
● Select and oversee construction management and project support personnel
● Develop and issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for each phase of the project
● Assist with identifying, soliciting, and securing gifts-in-kind related to construction, materials, equipment, or professional services
● Obtain and review estimates for wayfinding and naming/signage components of the project
● Develop, monitor, and recommend adjustments to the construction budget
● Monitor project progress and identify potential risks, challenges, or opportunities
● Provide regular updates and recommendations to organizational leadership and the Board
Development Committee
Develops strategy and goals that support fundraising for the playspace, reviews prospect and donor lists, develops cultivation strategies, and plans and implements campaigns.
Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at noon
● Provide oversight of and contribute strategies to the Bennett’s Village fundraising plan
● Approve and monitor fundraising plan
● Engage in fundraising training with the Board and other volunteers
● Support the development of fundraising materials and collateral documents, including the “Donate” section of the website
● Support the creation of and participate in small and mid-size events that are mission-aligned
● Engage in strategic development planning for the full project
● Act as ambassadors for Bennett’s Village through participation and engage others in the project
● Recruit additional committee members as appropriate
Finance Committee
Reviews financial statements, assists with creation of annual and grant budgets, and reviews financial policies and procedures.
Meets the 2nd Monday of the month (usually every other month) at 5:30pm
● Develop and submit the annual budget
● Monitor monthly financial statements and make recommendations as indicated
● Prepare and present accurate, timely, and meaningful financial statements to the Board
● Oversee financial reporting, including the annual IRS Form 990 and Charitable Registration and filings
● Develop internal controls and financial policies, including investment policies
● Help the Board understand the organization’s finances
● Ensure the organization has the cash reserves and investments necessary for the successful completion of the playspace
Governance Committee
Assists in policymaking, and mentors new Board members.
Meets the 2nd Friday of the month at noon
● Recommend policies and policy language governing the operation of the organization
● Recruit, vet, and nominate new Board members
● Steward Board leadership, committee membership, and succession planning
● Plan and execute an annual orientation for all new Board members
● Develop/mentor Board members, committee chairs, and officers
● Initiate and complete an annual self-review of Board performance
Grants Committee
Researches grant prospects, writes and reviews drafts, and tracks grants throughout the submission process.
Meets the 1st Monday of the month at 6pm
● Research appropriate grant opportunities
● Edit and review proposals
● Draft and submit grants
● Develop and maintain a grant spreadsheet including deadlines, reporting requirements and meeting notes
● Submit timely grant reports
Programming and Community Outreach Committee
Formerly the “Events, Education, & Outreach Committee.” Brainstorms event ideas, researches logistics, recruits volunteers, and executes and attends programming and outreach events for schools and community groups.
Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7pm
● Plan programming events at the Treehouse (except for Party in the Park)
● Plan and support Bennett’s Village participation in external community events
● Coordinate Bennett’s Village volunteers and supplies needed for events
● Help advertise volunteer needs on social media and via e-newsletter
● Communicate with Board if there are problems filling volunteer slots
Join our volunteer list
High priority needs
- We are especially looking for folks to help coordinate our volunteers or events, as well as those who are well connected in the community to help raise funds. If you or someone you know might be interested in supporting Bennett’s Village, Inc. in these areas, please let us know.
- We are looking for help with generating social media posts related to book reviews of stories of inclusive play, help creating and gathering “Why Bennett’s Village” testimonials, and representing Bennett’s Village, Inc. at events to let folks know about the project and future volunteer opportunities
[Image description: Students in the UVA Arch 6011 course discuss the final capstone projects.]
Some examples of past activities:
- Painting rocks for the rock snake (Pet Rocks)
- Designing inclusive playspaces
-
- Preschool and elementary school: Hands on craft activity
- Middle school: Immersion projects
-
- Working with UVA students to design inclusive playspaces, assess public parks for accessibility, adapt stories for different types of learners to be read in the Treehouse, identify the best materials to use for surfacing in our designs, and share the Bennett’s Village story with members of the community.
[Image description: Posters with plans for the Treehouse are shared at a community event.]
[Image description: A Bennett’s Village representative talks with a community member at Party in the Park, sharing our plans for the next phases of Bennett’s Village.]