As Leaven seeks to grow our capacity as a different kind of community center, we need people who are willing to step forward as Stewards of this place. We need:

• building hosts, gardeners, maintenance workers, and volunteer coordinators;

• community organizers and relational leaders, deep listeners and storytellers, detail workers and systems builders;

• leaders who know how to interrupt harm, and those who know how to weave healing;

• grant writers, event planners, fundraisers, and donors.

Does this sound like you? Can you help us grow?

Leaven is not perfect, but it is vibrant and real, and it is yours to steward - should you choose to accept this invitation.

FAQ: Becoming a Leaven Steward

What is a Leaven Steward?
A Leaven Steward is someone who helps sustain the everyday work of community at the Leaven Community Center. Stewards share their time, skills, relationships, and/or financial resources to help Leaven remain rooted, welcoming, and ready to meet our neighbors’ needs with care and collective action.

Is being a Steward a volunteer role?
Being a Leaven Steward is a relational commitment to Leaven’s mission and community life. Some Stewards volunteer regularly, most give financially, others help build partnerships or host gatherings — and many contribute in multiple ways.

How much time does Stewardship require?
There is no rigid requirement. The invitation is to contribute at a sustainable rhythm that fits your life. For example, some Stewards host or serve 1x/month, support an event seasonally, serve on a community team, or volunteer at a weekly meal. Others primarily support financially.

Do Stewards have to give money?
We ask Stewards to make at least one gift per year of any amount to Leaven Community to signify their commitment. Giving is symbolic, relational, and celebratory—not transactional.

Stewards are encouraged to become monthly givers when they can. Monthly giving is a powerful way to help sustain the building and the community it holds—but it is always optional, sliding scale, and non-prescriptive.

We offer an income-based sliding scale for Leaven Stewards, but you decide what is best for you and your family.

Are Stewards part of decision-making at Leaven?
Stewards are part of Leaven’s relational ecosystem and can join collaborative teams and community-driven processes. Leaven Stewards make crucial decisions approving our community’s annual budget and strategic direction at our Annual Meeting and other all-community gatherings.

What do Stewards get in return?
Relationship, belonging in the Leaven “web,” shared purpose, community support, chances to build neighborhood resilience, and the meaningful joy of sustaining a place that sustains others.

How can I become a Leaven Steward?
The easiest place to start is to fill out the Leaven Stewardship Form. A Leaven leader will follow up with you in January 2026 with more information.