Welcome to Hoosier Stewards: Indiana’s Community Conservation Movement

Something new is taking root in Indiana — and it starts right in your neighborhood.

We’re thrilled to introduce Hoosier Stewards, Indiana Conservation Voters’ revitalized community program built around one simple belief: that meaningful environmental action starts locally, and that everyone has a role to play — no expertise required.

From Indy Climate Club to Hoosier Stewards

Hoosier Stewards grew out of something we started back in 2024, when ICV launched the Indy Climate Club (ICC) — a space for Indianapolis residents who cared about the climate crisis and wanted to connect with others who felt the same way. It brought people together, sparked conversations, and built a small but genuine community.

Last year, we started to ask a bigger question: What if this model could reach all of Indiana?

So we went back to the community. We listened. We reimagined. And what emerged is Hoosier Stewards — a statewide vision for regional volunteer chapters grounded in local action, connection and learning.

Our Vision and Mission

Vision: We aim to build a community where people come together to learn, connect, share knowledge and empower one another. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation about our shared environment: no expertise required. We believe in creating space where all Indiana residents can take meaningful steps — big or small — toward a healthier and more just future.

Goal: Bring people together to learn, question and act regardless of where they’re starting from. We focus on sharing knowledge about the environment in ways that are relatable and useful.

In short: Hoosier Stewards is for anyone who cares about Indiana’s land, air, water and communities whether you’re a lifelong environmentalist or someone who just wants to understand what’s happening in their own backyard.

What Can You Expect from Hoosier Stewards?

Hoosier Stewards chapters are designed to be welcoming, community-driven and — yes — fun. Programming varies by chapter and what members want, but here’s a taste of the kinds of activities you might find:

• 🌿 Hands-on workshops — like composting demos, recycling prep, and sustainability skills you can use at home
• 🎲 Climate & environmental board game nights — a low-key way to learn while having a great time
• 🌳 Outdoor outings — birding walks and park clean-ups and “hidden gems” tours
• 🚲 Active groups — biking tours, running clubs and other ways to enjoy Indiana’s outdoors
• 🎙️ Educational speakers — local experts and advocates sharing knowledge on topics that matter to your community
• 💻 Virtual meetings — for planning, discussion, or simply connecting when in-person isn’t possible

No two chapters will look exactly the same, and that’s the point. Hoosier Stewards is shaped by you.

Recent Event Spotlight: Hands-On Composting Demo

Hoosier Stewards recently partnered with the Indiana Composting Council and the Soul Food Project for a hands-on composting demonstration at the Soul Food Project farm in Indianapolis.

Attendees got to see composting in action, bring their kitchen scraps, ask follow-up questions from a previous session and pick up the practical knowledge to start composting at home. Events like this are exactly what Hoosier Stewards is all about: learning something useful, meeting your neighbors, and connecting environmental action to everyday life.

How to Get Involved

Whether you want to join an existing chapter or help start one in your community, we want to hear from you.

To join: Reach out to ICV and let us know you’re interested. We’ll connect you with your nearest Hoosier Stewards chapter or add you to our list as we continue to grow.

To start a chapter: Got energy and a desire to bring your community together around local environmental issues? We’re actively looking for volunteer leaders to help launch regional chapters across Indiana. ICV will provide support, resources and programming ideas. You bring the community.

📬 Contact us by email or fill out this form to learn more and sign up. You can also join the conversation on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Why It Matters

Indiana’s environment is our environment. The health of our rivers, the air in our neighborhoods, the green spaces our families play in — these aren’t abstract policy issues. They’re the places we live. 

Hoosier Stewards exists because local action, community knowledge and neighbor-to-neighbor connection are some of the most powerful tools we have.

We’re just getting started. Come grow with us.