The CU Jewish community will have a Hanukah float and walking group in the CU Parade of Lights! The parade starts at 5pm and is great for kids of all ages to share Jewish joy on our Hanukah float.
Volunteer with the
Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Click the button below to rsvp for a specific volunteer slot.
New Volunteer Orientation
The Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation holds a training for all of their volunteers, including those in the CHAI Seniors, Holocaust Education Center, PJ Library, Human Services, Campaign, Events, and other committees, as well as those who help out at one off events like Pridefest, Parade of lights, ect.
If you have not volunteered with CUJF or one of its committees before, please email [email protected] for new volunteer orientation information.
CUJF Volunteer FAQ
Q: Who is this training for?
This training is for anyone that is interested in volunteering in any capacity with the C-U Jewish Federation. This includes serving on established volunteer committees, helping out at a CUJF event, or working with us on a new initiative!
If you have not volunteered yet with the C-U Jewish Federation, never fear! This is the perfect place to jump in and learn about all our different opportunities in the community and beyond.
Q: Is this volunteer training mandatory?
This volunteer training is REQUIRED for anyone interested in serving as a volunteer during the 2025-2026 fiscal year and beyond. We will review organization policies and procedures, and all volunteers will be asked to sign a volunteer code of conduct once the training is complete.
Q: What is involved in this training?
You will hear an introduction to the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation (CUJF) and its organizational structure, including its relation to the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). You will also hear about our policies and procedures, including:
- code of conduct
- confidentiality agreement
- our bylaws
- reimbursement and expense policy
- whistleblower policy
- harassment and discrimination policy
- conflict of interest
There will also be an overview of each of the committees operating within CUJF, not including the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Endowment Foundation (CUJEF).
At the end of the training, you will have a better understanding what CUJF is all about and will be prepared to get involved in any of our upcoming volunteer opportunities!
Q: Why is it important for me to attend volunteer training?
The Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation does a lot of work in Central Illinois and beyond, and we want to make sure that our volunteers are aware of all that goes on behind the scenes! With only 3 staff members, our organization depends on volunteers to deliver our community programming and services.
We also want our volunteers to understand our limits as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, including our tax exempt status, our restrictions on political activity, and our fundraising policies.
Q: What are different ways I can volunteer with CUJF?
There are many ways you can volunteer with the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation! CUJF has several permanent volunteer committees, including:
- CHAI Seniors
- Holocaust Education Center
- PJ Library
- Jewish Family Services
- Chevra Kedisha (Jewish Burial Society)
- Committee Against Antisemitism
- Campaign
- Events
If you do not have the time to serve on a committee, each committee has many volunteer opportunities with varying levels of commitments. These include
- serving as a volunteer docent at a traveling holocaust exhibit
- judging entries in the Through Their Eyes: Holocaust Art and Writing Contest
- helping out at a PJ Library or CHAI Seniors event
- calling community members to invite them to upcoming events
- HEC library & website maintenance
We are always open to new projects and opportunities! If you have a new initiative you would like to bring to our Jewish community, please reach out to Azer at [email protected] or Ma'ayan at [email protected]
Q: How long are volunteering opportunities?
Volunteer opportunities range in time and commitment level, from a 2 hour shift at a one time event to a months long project committee.
Do you want to be more involved? Joining a regular or event committee may be for you!
Don't have the time available to commit far in advance? Never fear! You can be added to our volunteer email list and/or WhatsApp group and receive a notification when there is a new volunteer opportunity.
Q: I have a question that is not listed here!
Email [email protected] or call the CUJF offices at 217-367-9872 with any questions or concerns and someone will be happy to speak with you :)
