Liz Sheldon

As an Americorps VISTA for the IndyEast Promise Zone at the John Boner Neighborhood Center, I help build capacity by partnering with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. My role focuses on affordable housing options and public safety within the Near Eastside of Indianapolis.

I was elected to a three-year term on the ACLU Indiana Board of Directors. As a board member, I help set policy, oversee the executive director, and manage the organization's property. I am committed to the ACLU's mission and look forward to serving on the board.

While overseeing day-to-day operations, I oversee the training and work-performance of 15 front desk staff in the Media Services Department. Day-to-day operation include handling, processing, and shipping reserved multimedia items, including DVDs, Blu-rays, VHS, CDs, records, and archived film. In addition, I review and edit official blog post and movie reviews for the Herman B. Wells Library.

With the support and guidance of the Advocacy director, lead an outreach effort to collect responses and inform community members of the priorities of 2022 State Senate and State House election candidates to support children and families. Additionally, creatively compose action alerts, legislative updates, and civic engagement opportunities for MCCOY’s social media platforms or newsletters.

I was in charge of contacting food vendors to collect food donations and organize Dine-and-Donate events for the entire IUDM organization. I found businesses that will agree to donate a percentage of revenue within a set period of time to IUDM in exchange for the promotion of their restaurant within the organization. IUDM is the largest student-led organization on the campus of Indiana University that works to fundraise year-round for Riley Children's Foundation in Indianapolis. As an organization, we provide funding for the Wells Center for Pediatric Research as well as clinical support for Riley Hospital for Children. Since our founding in 1991, we have collectively raised over $40 million ‘For The Kids’!

I managed the behaviors and safety of large groups of dogs of different sizes. During this time, I also had the responsibility of feeding and cleaning the dogs. As someone who worked closing shifts, I was tasked with cleaning all of the boarding rooms and maintaining a sanitary environment for both workers and pets.

I was one of 25 members on the city's inaugural council that elevated youth voices on issues that impact our community, the city of Indianapolis. Through this internship, I worked alongside peers from twenty different high schools, community leaders, and Mayor Joe Hogsett. This gave me the opportunity to be better educated on the various entities that make a city function, including government, business, and the social sector. During my time on the council, I partnered with other members to focus on policies that help younger demographics facing gun violence in Indianapolis. As someone who has been directly impacted by gun violence, I was able to connect with other passionate teenagers who faced similar issues and wanted to discuss what we as youths could do about it. I continue to be connected with these members and study this issue in my courses at Indiana University.