Opportunities From: HandsOn Twin Cities

Supporting the 2026 Izaak Walton League of America National Conference in Bloomington, Minnesota

About the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA)
The Izaak Walton League of America is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. For more than a century, the League’s 40,000 members have worked to conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our nation’s natural resources.

About the 2026 IWLA National Conference
In July 2026, the Minnesota Division of the IWLA will proudly host the National Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota. More than 300 representatives from across the country will gather to celebrate conservation achievements, exchange ideas, and shape the future of environmental stewardship in America. Proceeds from conference fundraising activities directly support conservation education, youth leadership, and chapter-based projects nationwide.

About the Host Committee
The Minnesota Division’s Host Committee leads the planning and coordination of this national event, supported by volunteer teams focused on fundraising, logistics, marketing, hospitality, sustainability, and youth engagement. Each volunteer role contributes to both the success of the event and the long-term impact of the League’s mission.

Your Role: Silent Auction Coordinator
As the Silent Auction Coordinator, you’ll help plan and manage one of the conference’s key fundraising activities. Working with the Host Committee and Sponsorship-related volunteers, you’ll coordinate donated items, organize auction logistics, and help create an engaging experience that supports the League’s conservation mission. This role blends organization, relationship-building, and event execution.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinating the collection and tracking of donated auction items.

Organizing item descriptions, values, and display information.

Assisting with setup and layout of the silent auction area.

Supporting bidding processes during the conference.

Helping with item close-out, payment coordination, and donor recognition.

Time Commitment:

Low, flexible involvement through 2025, averaging 2–4 hours per month, primarily remote.

Increased engagement in spring and early summer 2026 as items are finalized.

Onsite participation required during the third week of July 2026 in Bloomington, Minnesota, for auction setup, monitoring, and close-out.

Ideal for:
Volunteers who enjoy organizing details, working with people, and supporting mission-driven fundraising. Experience with auctions, events, or nonprofit fundraising is helpful but not required. A commitment to conservation and community impact is essential.

Impact:
Your work will help generate critical resources that support youth leadership, conservation projects, and chapter-based efforts across the country—making a lasting contribution to the Izaak Walton League’s mission well beyond the conference itself.

Supporting the 2026 Izaak Walton League of America National Conference in Bloomington, Minnesota

About the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA)
The Izaak Walton League of America is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. For more than a century, the League’s 40,000 members have worked to conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our nation’s natural resources.

About the 2026 IWLA National Conference
In July 2026, the Minnesota Division of the IWLA will proudly host the National Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota. More than 300 representatives from across the country will gather to celebrate conservation achievements, exchange ideas, and shape the future of environmental stewardship in America.

About the Host Committee
The Minnesota Division’s Host Committee leads the planning and coordination for this national event, supported by volunteer teams dedicated to sponsorship, logistics, marketing, hospitality, sustainability, and youth engagement. Each volunteer plays a meaningful role in ensuring that the 2026 conference is impactful, inclusive, and well-organized.

Your Role: Sponsor Liaison
As a Sponsor Liaison, you will help build and maintain relationships with businesses, organizations, and individuals who sponsor the 2026 IWLA National Conference. Working closely with the Sponsorship Team, you’ll serve as a primary point of contact for sponsors—ensuring they feel valued, informed, and connected to the League’s conservation mission.

Responsibilities include:

Communicating with confirmed sponsors to coordinate recognition and deliverables.

Tracking sponsor commitments and ensuring benefits (e.g., logos, signage, mentions) are fulfilled.

Providing personalized follow-up before, during, and after the conference.

Supporting the Sponsorship Coordinator in identifying new sponsorship opportunities.

Helping document sponsor engagement for post-event reporting and recognition.

Time Commitment:

Low engagement through 2025, typically 3–5 hours per month, completed remotely.

Increased activity from February to July 2026 as sponsor coordination intensifies.

Onsite participation encouraged during the third week of July 2026 in Bloomington, Minnesota, to assist with sponsor hospitality and recognition.

Ideal for:
Volunteers who are personable, professional, and detail-oriented—comfortable communicating with community and corporate partners. A strong commitment to conservation and community building is essential; prior experience in outreach or relationship management is helpful but not required.

Impact:
Your work will help sustain and expand the partnerships that make this national conservation gathering possible. Through your efforts, sponsors will feel connected not just to an event, but to the Izaak Walton League’s enduring mission to protect and enjoy the natural world.

Supporting the 2026 Izaak Walton League of America National Conference in Bloomington, Minnesota

About the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA)
The Izaak Walton League of America is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. For more than a century, the League’s 40,000 members have worked to conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our nation’s natural resources.

About the 2026 IWLA National Conference
In July 2026, the Minnesota Division of the IWLA will proudly host the National Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota. More than 300 representatives from across the country will gather to celebrate conservation achievements, exchange ideas, and shape the future of environmental stewardship in America.

About the Host Committee
The Minnesota Division’s Host Committee leads the planning and coordination for this national event, supported by dedicated volunteer teams focusing on sponsorship, marketing, logistics, hospitality, sustainability, and youth engagement. Each volunteer plays a vital role in delivering a welcoming and professional experience for attendees and partners alike.

Your Role: Sponsor Activation Specialist
As a Sponsor Activation Specialist, you will help bring sponsor partnerships to life during the 2026 IWLA National Conference. Working closely with the Sponsorship Team, you’ll ensure sponsor recognition is visible, accurate, and impactful—through signage, digital promotion, event materials, and onsite visibility. Your efforts will help sponsors feel appreciated and connected to the League’s mission of conservation and community engagement.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinating placement of sponsor logos and recognition materials at event venues.

Supporting the design and setup of sponsor displays, banners, and digital features.

Ensuring all sponsor commitments and benefits are fulfilled.

Assisting with sponsor hospitality during the conference.

Collaborating with the Marketing & Outreach Team to feature sponsors in communications and social media.

Time Commitment:

Low engagement through 2025, averaging 2–4 hours per month, primarily remote.

Increased involvement from April to July 2026, as event preparation accelerates.

Onsite participation strongly encouraged during the third week of July 2026 in Bloomington, Minnesota, for sponsor setup and event support.

Ideal for:
Volunteers who are detail-oriented, reliable, and enjoy hands-on event work. A background in marketing, communications, or event planning is helpful but not required. A shared commitment to conservation and community values is essential.

Impact:
Your work will ensure that sponsor partnerships are celebrated and well-executed—strengthening the League’s relationships with conservation-minded businesses and organizations that make the 2026 National Conference possible.