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Current Opportunities

Make your mark. Our volunteers are the heart of Downtown Lansing. They make all of our accomplishments possible — and they have fun doing it, too.

Is a passion for community building in your DNA? Share your unique talents, skills, and knowledge by volunteering with Downtown Lansing Inc. Your contributions will help us bring vibrancy and a sense of community to our events and initiatives, infusing a sense of purpose throughout downtown. Volunteers like you are vital to make our ongoing projects and programming a reality in the Capital City.

Whether you’re getting involved through a one-time event, special project, or as part of a committee, there are many flexible options to get involved depending on the amount of time and resources you’re able to share. Embrace the opportunity to join us and make your mark on downtown’s story. Let’s make an impact together.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Recruitment Assistant/Specialist

Time Commitment: 4–8 hours/month
Committee: Business Development

Help shape the future of Downtown Lansing by connecting with potential businesses, researching opportunities, and supporting outreach that fosters a diverse, vibrant local economy.

What You’ll Do:

  • Identify and connect with prospective businesses.
  • Research industry trends and compile insights from Downtown Lansing’s Comprehensive Market Analysis.
  • Create recruitment materials and assist with outreach via calls, emails, and in-person meetings.
  • Attend networking events to promote opportunities downtown.
  • Provide support to DLI’s Community Development Director.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

  • Have a passion for economic development and community growth.
  • Enjoy networking and building relationships.
  • Communicate effectively and work well with others.
  • Bring experience in sales, marketing, business, or community engagement (a plus!).

Why It Matters:

Your work will directly contribute to business growth and the energy that makes Downtown Lansing thrive.

Apply now

Merchant Meeting Organizer

Time Commitment: 3–5 hours/month
Committee: Business Development

Help bring merchants together through engaging, well-organized monthly meetings that strengthen collaboration and keep downtown’s business community connected.

What You’ll Do:

  • Identify and connect with prospective businesses.
  • Coordinate meeting logistics — schedule, venue, setup, and sponsor.
  • Develop and share agendas in advance.
  • Reach out to encourage attendance and participation.
  • Coordinate guest speakers and special presentations.
  • Promote meetings through various channels.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

  • Have strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Enjoy connecting with small business owners and community members.
  • Have experience in event planning or community engagement (helpful, but not required).

Why It Matters:

These meetings give merchants the information and connections they need to succeed — your role ensures they’re engaging, productive, and impactful.

Apply now

Business Storyteller & Videographer

Time Commitment: 3–6 hours/month
Committee: Business Development, Organization & Promotions

Capture and share the stories that make Downtown Lansing special — spotlighting the businesses, people, and events that define our community.

What You’ll Do:

  • Film and photograph downtown businesses and events.
  • Interview owners, employees, and community members.
  • Edit and produce short, engaging videos for social media and marketing.
  • Work with DLI’s committees and Marketing & Brand Specialist to share content.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

  • Have video production or editing skills (professional or amateur).
  • Are comfortable interviewing and telling stories visually.
  • Love showcasing local businesses and community pride.

Why It Matters:

Your storytelling will inspire engagement, attract visitors, and celebrate what makes downtown unique.

Apply now

Event Planning Support

Time Commitment: 10–20 hours/event
Committee: Promotions

Bunny Hop on the Square, Frost Fest, Trick-or-Treat on the Square, Best of Lansing, BrrrCrawl, Evening of Excellence.

What You’ll Do:

  • Assist with event logistics — venue, vendors, sponsorships, business participation.
  • Promote events through social media, flyers, and partnerships.
  • Manage registration, ticket sales, check-in, and guest engagement.
  • Support volunteer coordination and day-of execution.
  • Share creative ideas for event themes and activities.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

  • Love event planning and working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Are organized, collaborative, and proactive.
  • Enjoy seeing your efforts come to life in memorable community celebrations.

Why It Matters:

Our events bring people together and showcase downtown’s energy — you’ll help make them happen.

Apply now

Graphic Designer

Time Commitment: 2–6 hours/project, up to 30 hours/year
Committee: Promotions

Use your creative skills to design engaging materials that promote events, initiatives, and the spirit of Downtown Lansing.

What You’ll Do:

  • Design flyers, social media graphics, signage, and other promotional materials.
  • Ensure designs align with DLI’s brand guidelines.
  • Collaborate with marketing and event teams to bring ideas to life.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

  • Are skilled in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools.
  • Have an eye for color, typography, and layout.
  • Can work independently while taking creative direction.

Why It Matters:

Your designs will inspire participation and help tell the story of our downtown.

Apply now

Art Activation

Time Commitment: 8–30 hours/year
Committee: Design & Public Spaces

Help transform public spaces with vibrant art — supporting local artists and making downtown more dynamic and inspiring.

What You’ll Do:

  • Assist with installation of murals, sculptures, window art, and more.
  • Coordinate with artists, property owners, and partners.
  • Support live art activations and community painting projects.
  • Help document projects through photos and videos.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

  • Have a passion for art, design, and placemaking.
  • Enjoy hands-on, creative work indoors or outdoors.
  • Like engaging with the community during projects.

Why It Matters:

Your efforts bring color, creativity, and connection to our public spaces.

Apply now

Beautification - Adopt-a-Spot/Block

Time Commitment: 2–4 hours/month (seasonal)
Committee: Design & Public Spaces

Help keep Downtown Lansing clean, green, and beautiful — creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

What You’ll Do:

  • Assist with trash pickup, plantings, and general cleanup.
  • Maintain flower beds, planters, and landscaped areas.
  • Engage with the community to inspire downtown pride.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

  • Enjoy working outdoors.
  • Don’t mind getting a little dirty for a good cause.
  • Want to see immediate, visible results from your efforts.

Why It Matters:

Every bloom, clean walkway, and cared-for green space makes downtown more inviting.

Apply now

Content Writer

Time Commitment: 2–4 hours/month
Committee: Organization

Tell the stories that showcase Downtown Lansing — highlighting the people, places, and events that make our community thrive.

What You’ll Do:

  • Write merchant spotlights, event recaps, and community stories.
  • Conduct brief interviews and research for content.
  • Create blog posts, social media updates, and newsletter features.
  • Collaborate with DLI’s marketing team to ensure consistent voice and branding.

You’re a Great Fit If You:

  • Have strong writing and storytelling skills.
  • Are passionate about local businesses and community development.
  • Can work independently and meet deadlines.

Why It Matters:

Your words will connect readers to downtown’s energy, inspiring them to visit, engage, and support.

Apply now

Double your Dollars - Purchase your Downtown Digital Dollars gift cards on Nov 30 and have your dollars doubled while funds last
Opportunities

 

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