The Volunteer Fair is back this spring with even more opportunities to do impactful work in Chicago. No matter what interests your or what skills you bring, there's an opportunity for everyone!

Whether you're passionate about protecting the environment, mentoring youth, or advancing social justice, there's an organization that needs you! The Volunteer Fair makes it easy for passionate people ready to get involved to connect with inspiring non-profits & community groups making our city stronger. Come to learn all the ways you can make a difference, leave feeling inspired—find your thing!

Are you passionate about building a greener, healthier community in Oak Park, River Forest, and beyond? Then we invite you to the upcoming PlanItGreen Leadership Forum on December 11th, 2025.

Through PlanItGreen, we’ve already helped reduce 35,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually, created 300+ native gardens, and launched 100+ local sustainability projects but our work is far from done.

WEJA (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance) is a group for people who live, work, volunteer, study, and worship on Chicago’s Westside (roughly Ashland to Austin) to come together over our mutual interests of improving the air, water, soil, and health of Westsiders.

WEJA is a partnership with One Earth Collective, 290 IPO, and – so far 72 other Westside activists, community-based organizations, and residents.

The Volunteer Fair is back this fall with even more opportunities to do impactful work in Chicago. No matter what interests and expertise you bring, there's an opportunity for everyone!

Whether you're passionate about protecting the environment, mentoring youth, or advancing social justice, there's a group that needs you! The Volunteer Fair brings together inspiring organizations making our city better and passionate people ready to get involved. Come to make a difference, leave feeling inspired—find your thing!

Features a screening of two short films: "Street Food: New Orleans" and "Can Food Be Political?"

All Ages!

For people who live, work, volunteer, go to school, or worship in the Austin community on the West Side of Chicago.

Wear your favorite hoodie! This will be an outdoor event, weather permitting.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner bites from three local Austin chefs, cider, s’mores, garden tours, and tabling activities by community organizations focused on health, food, culinary arts and small business resources. 

Hosted by C3: Ready to make a real impact in your neighborhood? Join the Chicago Conservation Corps’ (C3) Fall 2025 Sustainability Leadership Training — a free program that equips Chicagoans with the tools, funding, and expert support to launch local sustainability projects.

Training runs Tuesdays, 6–8 PM on Zoom, Sept. 30 – Nov. 18.

To participate, you must be 18+, attend an info session, and submit a short application.

Become a C3 Leader and gain access to project funding, one-on-one staff support, and a network of changemakers.

Learn more and apply at chicagoconservationcorps.org or email c3@naturemuseum.org.

On "Sun Day," Sunday, Sept. 21, 3-4pm, Oak Park Climate Action Network presents a free webinar all about COMMUNITY SOLAR. Learn how anyone with an electricity account can subscribe for a share in a solar "farm" and save money on their energy costs. Presenters include Grace Concialdi of Citizens Utility Board and Art Spooner, Oak Park condo owner and community solar subscriber, followed by Q&A. It's free but registration is required. A recording of the webinar will be available later at https://opcan.org. Questions to wgreenhouse@gmail.com.

Sun Day--a nationwide celebration of clean energy progress— gives each of us a chance to stand up for the solar and wind power that's making our communities healthier, quieter, and more affordable.

In Chicago, the Sun Day Solar Fest will be September 21st from Noon - 4PM at Montrose Beach (adjacent to the dog park) at 610 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL 60613 US. 

Join us at Austin Town Hall Farmers Market! Partnership for a Healthier America is hosting a community block party in partnership with Austin Town Hall Farmer's Market to launch the Good Good campaign.

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every other month. Learn more about library-led book discussions »

Hosted by Eco.Logic: Eco.Logic is excited to bring back Eco.Crew to Chicago for the 5th time. Are you passionate about the environment and eager to learn AND DO more? Join the Chicago 2025 Eco.Crew cohort.

Through this 7-week program, you will:

• Learn more about environmental topics⁠

• Build community with others through shared interests and goals

• Gain practical tips to take meaningful action

Join us for a screening of the powerful documentary A Binding Truth on Friday, September 13 at the Blackstone Library in Chicago. This event explores themes of racial justice, truth, and reconciliation and sparks meaningful community dialogue.

WEJA (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance) is a group for people who live, work, volunteer, study, and worship on Chicago’s Westside (roughly Ashland to Austin) to come together over our mutual interests of improving the air, water, soil, and health of Westsiders.

WEJA is a partnership with One Earth Collective, 290 IPO, and – so far 72 other Westside activists, community-based organizations, and residents.

Please RSVP by 5PM Thurs, Aug 14, 2025

Hello Westsiders!

WEJA (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance) is a group for people who live, work, volunteer, study, and worship on Chicago’s Westside (roughly Ashland to Austin) to come together over our mutual interests of improving the air, water, soil, and health of Westsiders.

Trash People exists to make it easier to contribute to and connect with community. We do this through our regular hyper-local clean ups, The Volunteer Fair, and our latest project, The Parlor - a resource redistribution project for people & planet.

Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Books can be any genre and reading level; nature-themed books encouraged.

Please come and learn about Briar East Woods- woods that are in danger of being destroyed. Learn what you can do to help save the woods!

Participate in the 2025 Health & Hunger Illinois Regional Summit, hosted by Illinois SNAP-Education, and explore strategies to catalyze collaboration among local, public, and regional organizations to address food insecurity and health. 

Trash People exists to make it easier to contribute to and connect with community. We do this through our regular hyper-local clean ups, The Volunteer Fair, and our latest project, The Parlor - a resource redistribution project for people & planet.

Join us for the 2025 Climate Action Hero Awards, an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals, businesses, and organizations leading the way in climate action. Hosted by the Climate Action Museum (CAM) this annual event highlights those making a tangible impact through education, advocacy, innovation, and direct action.

Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter in the Forest Preserves. Litter picks and supplies will be available to check out.

Join the American Indian Center on a hike through the woods to identify trees and plants, discuss sustainable practices, and learn how Native people view plants as relatives. Grove 13.

Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter in the Forest Preserves. Litter picks and supplies will be available to check out.

Join us for a 3.4-mile walk observing the blooming wildflowers, listening for animals and taking in the smells of spring’s arrival. Perfect for families.

Bozho and welcome to Trickster Cultural Center's Intertribal Youth Council!

We are thrilled to have you participate in creating a special space where young people from our community can come together to celebrate their culture, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful activities.

This group is open to all youth ages 10 and up who are interested in exploring and celebrating Indigenous culture. We will be learning all about advocating, developing and implementing policies and services in outreach engagements, coalitions, and government in a range of self steered youth related issues. Bring your enthusiasm, your questions, and your spirit of adventure!