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2025 Central Illinois Volunteerism Conference
"Strategic Volunteerism: Connecting Passion with Purpose"
This year’s theme celebrates the power of intentional engagement—showcasing how strategic volunteerism connects what we care about to what truly creates impact. Whether you lead a nonprofit or support one, this event is your roadmap to amplifying purpose and performance.
The Central Illinois Volunteerism Conference is designed to help you develop skills that will enhance your relationship with the volunteers at your organization.
KEYNOTE: From Volunteer to Visionary —
How Ordinary People Create Extraordinary Impact
By Steve Koch, Board President, Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County
What separates people who volunteer once from those who change lives for decades?
In this powerful and personal keynote, Steve Koch shares how a lifetime of service—from political campaigns to building homes—taught him that strategic volunteerism isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up with purpose.
You’ll walk away inspired to lead, equipped to engage others, and ready to turn passion into long-lasting, legacy-level impact.
✔ The #1 mindset shift that turns volunteers into leaders
✔ How YOU can be the spark for transformation—no matter your role
This is the session that will ignite your “why” and remind you exactly what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
About Steve Koch
Board President, Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County
Former Financial Planner • Political Strategist • Community Builder
Steve Koch brings over four decades of leadership experience in politics, finance, and volunteer service to the stage. As Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, he’s not just talking about change—he’s building it, one brick and one family at a time.
A former Certified Financial Planner who ran a successful 36-year practice, Steve’s professional career was matched by a deep commitment to public service. His early work in state government included managing two Illinois Senate campaigns, serving as legislative liaison for the Illinois Lottery, and traveling with Secretary of State Jim Edgar.
But it’s his passion for grassroots impact that defines his legacy. Steve has served on more than 10 nonprofit boards, including the University of Illinois Alumni Association and multiple youth and neighborhood organizations. His leadership has helped raise millions, mobilize thousands, and inspire everyday people to find extraordinary purpose in service.
Whether he’s wielding a hammer or a microphone, Steve is a champion for strategic volunteerism—and a living example of how vision, purpose, and persistence can ripple across entire communities.
“Great volunteers don’t wait to be asked. They build the invitation.” — Steve Koch
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THIS CONFERENCE IS OPEN TO EVERYONE, WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS FOR:
| Nonprofit directors, staff, and board members | National Service program participants |
| Business and community leaders | Students interested in nonprofit/voluntary sector |
| Lead volunteers in public, private, and nonprofit organizations | Members of service organizations |
We look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Questions? Comments? Please email: Abby Brooks at: abby.brooks@carle.com
CIVC Steering Committee Partners
Serve Illinois Commission • Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County • Carle Foundation Hospital •
Mid America Preparedness • Boost Tactical Marketing • John Wood Community College •
United Way Central Illinois • University of IL at Springfield • Macon County Conservation District
| Central Illinois Volunteerism Conference: An Illinois Volunteer Management Network event, in cooperation with the Illinois Department Of Human Services and the Serve Illinois Commission. |