Who is Ben? What is a Ben’s Bell? Where are Ben’s Bells hung? How are Ben’s Bells made? What is the Be Kind mission all about?

Area residents who are interested in learning the who, what, where, how, and why of the Ben’s Bells Project have two opportunities to attend an Advanced Volunteer Orientation this month.

The Ben’s Bells Newtown studio, at 17 Church Hill Road, will offer 60-minute presentations on Tuesday, April 28. Sessions will begin at noon and 6:30 pm.

Advanced volunteers participate in specialized bell-making tasks and help get the Be Kind message out both in the studio and in the community. During the orientation, attendees will learn the history of the Ben’s Bells Project and receive an overview of the different ways to get involved. Volunteer organizers will also talk about the various roles advanced volunteers play, and show how a Ben’s Bell is made from start to finish.

Volunteers give time as they are able to and help with the tasks they are most comfortable with. Advanced volunteers are the sneaky people who hang Ben’s Bells, which are left in public locations to be found by others.

Advanced volunteer needs include slab-rolling clay centerpieces and kindness coins; glazing centerpieces; stringing Ben’s Bells; assisting during open studio sessions; assisting and facilitating group experiences; and community outreach, including representing Ben’s Bells Project at community events, festivals, and fundraisers.

Reservations are requested no later than Monday, April 27, by contacting Ben’s Bell’s Newtown at newtown@bensbells.org. Include your name and indicate which session you will be able to attend.