Get Involved

Your time, talents, and generosity make this work possible.

Volunteer

Volunteer with Chicago Lights and join a community that is helping build brighter futures.

Our typical volunteer opportunities are below. For more information, contact us at chicagolights@fourthchurch.org.

Urban Farm
Get your hands dirty at our Urban Farm! Work side-by-side with our Urban Farm team to help cultivate over 6,000 pounds of produce each season while supporting job opportunities and urban agriculture.

Typical volunteer tasks may include weeding, shoveling compost or woodchips, seeding/planting, painting, organizing, and general site beautification.

Volunteering for the 2024 season is now open. Please sign up below.

What to Know before Volunteering at the Farm

  • Please dress in clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes. Bring your own sunscreen if needed.
  • Drinking water will be provided, and we strongly encourage that you bring a reusable water bottle.
  • For facilities, there is a porta potty and hand-washing station only.
  • Plenty of picnic tables in the shade to take a break.
  • Please bring your own gardening gloves.
  • Please leave any unnecessary valuables at home for the day – we do not have a secure space to hold valuable items.
Individual Volunteering

Orientation/Tour

New volunteers must attend an orientation.
Limited spots are available on certain Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.

SIGN UP

Volunteering: Community Farm Days

Spots are available on Saturdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Please sign up only if you can stay the entire time as spots are limited.

SIGN UP

 

Group Volunteering

Bring friends, your workplace, or church group to our Urban Farm!
To schedule your group (5–15 people), contact Interim Director Deja Stout at dstout@chicagolights.org.

All volunteering is on site at the Urban Farm, 444 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago (intersection of Chicago and Hudson Ave.).

Questions? Contact Deja Stout at dstout@chicagolights.org.