get involved

get involved

Whether it be a donation of any amount, volunteer time, or helping us spread the word, we see all modes of involvement as equal in value.

become a member

540 is a membership-based organization, which means we rely on your support to keep creating and educating. By becoming a yearly sustaining member, you make our non-profit work sustainable and flexible to meet the needs of the community. As a member you receive access to a curated archive of on-demand content that includes, self-guided classes, essays, podcasts, videos, and more.

job openings

We are not accepting intern positions at this time.

become a friend of 540

event planning
helping to plan events and fundraisers
fundraising
raise funds to sustain our antiracism initiatives & programs

who are the friends of 540

The best way to volunteer with 540 is by joining our Friends of 540 volunteer fundraising committee. This group helps us carry out our mission by curating social fundraising events throughout the calendar year. 

Our Friends of 540 team is led by Sarah Yannello and Sydney Bell.

We are looking for people who love event planning, working collaborative, and who are able to help plan fundraising events and volunteer during the event itself. 

If you are interested in joining the Friends of 540, please click the button below to signup.

Our Friends of 540 team is led by Sarah Yannello and Sydney Bell.

about Sydney

Sydney Bell (she/her) is the Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at ESL Federal Credit Union where she oversees DEI programs, supports strategy and leads education efforts. She also serves as an adjunct professor of DEI at Nazareth College. In addition to participating as a member of the Friends of 540, Sydney volunteers as a mentor for the YWCA Equity in Development Program and as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley. She holds a Masters degree in Human Resource Development from Nazareth College, is a certified antiracism facilitator through 540WMain, and is a SafeZone certified trainer through the SafeZone Initiative.

about Sarah

Sarah Yannello (she/her) is a Special Education teacher at Eastridge High School in the East Irondequoit Central School District where she actively participates in the community DEI meetings, advises the Literary Magazine, volunteers as a costume designer for the theatre performances and supports students in an educational and social emotional capacity. In addition to participating as a member of the Friends of 540, Sarah serves as a member of the Irondequoit Public Library Board of Trustees and is chair of the Community Engagement committee. She holds a Masters degree in Inclusive Secondary Education from St. John FIsher University, is a Reiki practitioner and is certified to teach yoga and mindfulness to all ages.