How Can I Get Involved?

Volunteers are the life blood of dynamic cities. One thing that helps make Geneva a strong and vibrant city is its volunteers. Geneva offers many opportunities for residents and interested businesses to get involved. Volunteers find the experience is enriching and personally rewarding even though this means giving up some of their valuable time to help with community projects. The connections and relationships made in the community are truly rewarding. Please consider getting involved.

 

Geneva Beautification Committee

Entirely a volunteer effort, the Geneva Beautification Committee consists of organizations, businesses, families and individuals that plant and maintain over 50 gardens in Geneva’s downtown business district. Volunteers are needed on the committee to plan and organize the plantings and fundraising efforts, as well as gardeners to tend the gardens. All experience levels are welcome…from the novice gardener to experienced "green thumbs". The amount of time commitment is entirely up to your choice – any help you can give is appreciated. For more information about volunteering contact Dorothy Flanagan at aldflanagan@geneva.il.us or Sherri Weitl at 630-232-7494, sweitl@geneva.il.us.

 

Downtown Business Improvement and Retention Committee (BIR) 

The Business Improvement and Retention (BIR) Committee was formed to address concerns identified by the Downtown Merchants. The BIR’s first commitment is to establish a Business Communication Program among all Merchants. The Business Communication Program has supervisory and personal contact positions available. This program will address communication by using 4 methods: mail, e-mail, phone tree, and personal contact. Because contacting over 200 merchants is time consuming, we are counting on many volunteers to give a little time, breaking the job into smaller pieces. It’s a fun job. If you love to talk and spread the good word, join us. At present we are also addressing a number of other business concerns. If you are interested in helping in any way contact us. A little time spent each month will help Downtown grow. Contact Larry Kaspar, Town & Country Gardens, cell 630.338.3871, or larryktcg@yahoo.com.

 

Geneva Chamber of Commerce 

The Chamber of Commerce depends on the services of hundreds of volunteers for the four festivals that are offered each year. Opportunities cover a wide range of activities such as selling tickets, giving information and greeting, serving as a host or hostess, or working with children’s activities. Volunteers come together to meet neighbors and give back to their community and newcomers come to meet the old settlers and learn more about their new community. For more information contact Ellen Townsley at volunteergeneva@aol.com or call the Chamber office at 630-232-6060.

The Chamber of Commerce also has committee opportunities serving two purposes: 1) to create and manage events that assist the business community; 2) to offer networking and cross promotions among members. People like to do business with the people they know. Committees include the Membership Committee, the Ambassadors Club, the Golf Committee, the Annual Dinner, Business Issues, and Leads groups. For more information call the Chamber office at 630-232-6060, or visit our web site- www.genevachamber.com

 

Geneva Cultural Arts Commission  

The Cultural Arts Commission is dedicated to providing diverse art programs in Geneva. Volunteering for the arts commission allows you to help make a difference in your community. As a volunteer you can work on a variety of programs with results that will bring joy to the city and its citizens. The Commission is dedicated to educating the public about art. One area of focus is to educate the public about the variety and diversity of art and artists. If you have an interest in any area of art, volunteering for the Arts commission allows you to expand those interests. If you have a passion for the arts you can make a difference and pass your passion on to future generations. Keeping the arts alive in our society is important; we hope that you choose to become involved. Commission activities are listed at www.genevarts.org. To contact the Cultural Arts Commission, please call Tim Vetang, 630-232-4051 or email them at culturalarts@geneva.il.us.

 

Geneva Park District 

The Geneva Park District counts on many volunteers to help programs and events succeed throughout the year. There are many different areas you can volunteer. The amount of hours/days you volunteer depends on your schedule. For more information about volunteering, please contact Sheavoun Lambillotte, Superintendent of Recreation at 630-262-2211.

For more information about volunteering at Peck Farm Park contact Becky Lambert at 630-262-8244. Forms are available at the Park District main office in the Geneva Community Center, 710 Western Avenue, 60134.

 

Geneva History Center 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Geneva History Center. They provide support for a wide variety of museum programs and activities. History Center volunteers help with educational programs, research, special events, fundraisers, sales in the museum store, mailings, presentations and more. If you would like to get involved in efforts to preserve the past for a better understanding of the present and an improved future, contact Dave Oberg at 630-232-4951 or via e-mail at Exec_Dir@genevahistorycenter.org.

 

Geneva Strategic Plan Advisory Committee (SPAC)

The Strategic Plan Advisory Committee was originally formed to help keep the City’s 2010 plan a living document. The plan was updated recently to refocus it and extend it’s life. The committee is charged with soliciting citizen feedback and organizing volunteer efforts through sub-committee’s that advance the plans goals. The committee itself meets monthly, usually the third Wednesday of the month at City Hall. Several sub-committees are active, including the Natural Resources Committee, the Bike-Ped committee, and the International Cultural Exchange Committee. For further info, please see our website at www.genevaspac.org.

 

Geneva Bride / Geneva Wedding Walk

Geneva is home to one of the premier wedding shows in the Chicago area. The Geneva Wedding Walk features information on Downtown Geneva bridal boutiques, receptions, photographers, florists, honeymoon venues, invitations and much more. There are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to get involved and its fun. The committee itself meets monthly, usually the third Wednesday of the month at City Hall. For further information, please call Elizabeth Wray, 630-232-1975 or Anton Englemann, 630-232-6685, or visit www.genevabride.com.

 

Juliets Weekend

The Juliets Weekend is the perfect retreat for women of all ages – friends, mothers, daughters, sisters and grandmothers. The weekend includes live entertainment, socializing, dining, a fashion show, and of course shopping. The committee is always looking for volunteers to call on merchants or provide staffing for the event. The committee itself meets monthly, usually the third Tuesday of the month at City Hall. For further info please see our website www.genevadowntown.org/juliets.html or call 630-232-4417.

 

Geneva By Design

Collaborating to make Geneva a one stop source for exterior and interior design solutions, Geneva by Design is an advertising consortium comprised of businesses who can help property owners personalize, decorate, and fully enjoy their living spaces.  More information is found at www.genevabydesign.com.