Join our Work + Volunteer
Want to get involved?
It takes a collaborative effort to keep a community safe and vibrant. Each year we recruit hundreds of volunteers to help with event planning, neighborhood clean-ups, family-friendly activities, neighborhood improvement projects, and more! The above-stated opportunities are just a few examples of ways you can get involved. If you have an idea for how you would like to support Eastown - Reach out!
Work with a Committee + Help Make Change!
Events.
The Events Committee members are the primary event planners on major festivals such as Bizarre Bazaar and Street Fair, now running for over 45 years. Additionally, the committee works to solidify sponsor and donor relationships and identifies opportunities for marketing ECA events and the organization as a whole.
Garden + Environment.
The Garden + Environment Committee works to create an all-inclusive and welcoming environment at the ECA community garden at 415 Ethel Street. Open garden work nights are typically the first and third Thursdays of each month during the growing season. Fresh produce is also available during the warmer months for residents in need.
Bricks + Mortar.
The Bricks and Mortar Committee tracks and reviews private development projects, assesses changes to zoning regulations, and coordinates with City departments and other agencies on mobility, infrastructure, and parks improvements related to land-use and quality-of-life.
Communications + Marketing.
The Communications Committee works to make sure that all information and resources the ECA has to share are communicated to all our neighbors. This committee helps to distribute essential information to the ECA’s Host Neighbor program, a network of actively involved residents that work to disseminate relevant information and organize on a block-by-block level.
Community Development + Fundraising.
The Community Development and Fundraising Committee is committed to fostering strong connections within our community while spearheading initiatives to support our organization's financial sustainability. As stewards of community development and fundraising efforts, the members of this committee play a vital role in strengthening relationships, raising awareness, and securing resources to further our mission and impact.
Volunteer Opportunities
Write for our Eastown Access Newsletter.
The ECA publishes a printed newsletter every other month and we are constantly looking for stories. This newsletter is sent to all Eastown neighbors (over 2,200 households) and our stories cover a variety of topics. If you have a story that you think our neighborhood should hear, make sure to connect with us!
Help During Events.
If you enjoy attending Eastown’s iconic events & want to help make them successful, consider volunteering for an event! We always have a variety of volunteer positions open - from bartending to assisting with vendors. Volunteers always receive free food and drinks during their shifts!
Be a Block Captain.
The ECA works to build neighborhood leaders through our Block Captain Program, a resident engagement and empowerment initiative that serves to disseminate information, create connections and cultivate local leaders at the block-level in Eastown. If you want to be a resource for your block, reach out to us!
Community Leadership
The ECA works to build neighborhood leaders through our Host Neighbor Program, a resident engagement and empowerment initiative that serves to disseminate information, create connections and cultivate local leaders at the block-level in Eastown. The ECA also serves as a resource for residents to learn about and get involved in important city-wide policies, programs and opportunities.
Public Safety
The ECA shares valuable resources and information with Eastown residents and works with local leaders, the City and the Grand Rapids Police Department to provide resources for public safety. From lead remediation to food distribution, to winter preparedness and road closures, the ECA works to keep Eastown residents informed to foster a safe and healthy neighborhood.
Civic Engagement
The ECA hosts a variety of public events and initiatives to engage residents in the neighborhood. Two of the most well known events are the Bizarre Bazaar and the Eastown Streetfair, now in its 47th year. These and other volunteer programming serve to engage neighbors, facilitate dialogue, build a supportive community, and encourage shared ownership of the vibrant Eastown neighborhood.