Army of Normal Folks

Do what you can

Our country's problems won't be solved by fancy people in nice suits, but by An Army of Normal Folks simply doing what we can. We're a podcast and network of local service clubs that's reducing the barriers to service and building a movement that can change America.

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Army of Normal Folks — community service event

Army of Normal Folks — graduation celebration with families

Army of Normal Folks — podcast guests in studio

Army of Normal Folks — Friends of Firefighters group photo

Army of Normal Folks — podcast conversation

Army of Normal Folks — neighborhood lemonade stand

Army of Normal Folks — volunteers on the ground

Serve

Three ways in

Explore

Explore Service Models

Pick the one that fits where you are

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Kids running a neighborhood lemonade stand

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Join a Local Service Club

Or start one in your community

Find a Club

Volunteers serving at a community tent event

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Take Our 10 Level Challenge

Start your personal service journey

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Our Story

Closing the Contribution Gap

Only 1 in 3 Americans feels they're contributing to their community in the way they want to. That means too many people feel disconnected, local problems continue to grow, and communities miss out on the time, talent, and energy people are ready to give.

Army of Normal Folks is a podcast and growing network of local service clubs focused on making service easier, more accessible, and more human. Our mission is simple: reduce the barriers that keep people from getting involved so more of us can step up, contribute locally, and solve problems together.

Our Podcast

Proof that ordinary people change things

Each week, we sit down with people you've probably never heard of—neighbors, builders, mentors who are quietly changing lives. No hype. No headlines. Just real stories of people doing what they can. And you'll probably walk away thinking: I could do something too.

Newest Episode

The Plane Was in the Bay. Then He Said Something Remarkable.

Find a Service Club Near You or Start One

Real voices

Stories from people like you

“I wondered what I love to do that could help someone else. I realized I’m a really good grandma — so I reached out to my local school to start volunteering.”

Anonymous Listener

Grandmother navigating personal loss

“My church hadn’t hosted a blood drive in 25 years. After reading your article, I made a few calls and set one up.”

Joel Fehd

Community Member & Blood Donor (25 gallons donated)

“Since hearing the podcast, I’ve volunteered, donated, and connected with seven different groups — even sparking a partnership between two nonprofits.”

Michael Lignos

Community Member & Volunteer

“I use the podcast in my social work classes. Over 400 students have now engaged with these ideas and reflected on how they can serve.”

Dr. Rhonda Breeland Smith

Professor, University of Southern Mississippi

“I’ve felt for years that we can do better for our neighbors. Feeling doesn’t help. I need to do something. I’m hoping this helps me get started.”

Mary Parkhouse

80-year-old community member

“This is a reminder that we can do meaningful work without suits, cocktail parties, or all the surface-level stuff.”

Keith Williams

Former Teacher & Policy Professional

“Just want to say thanks for the hope.”

Listener

Reached out after episode with Officer Tommy Norman

“Other organizations focus on donations. This feels different. It’s about solutions and actually doing something.”

John Stec

Former CFO (Ticketmaster, GoDaddy)

“After hearing your message, I told my coworkers: let’s make this a place we want to work instead of waiting for someone else to fix it.”

Dave Stephens

High School Teacher, Kansas

“Your passion reignited my soul. I thought I was one of the last people who cared this much about others.”

Melody Bynum

Listener

Merch Store

You don't need a cape. A good hat or tee will do.

Just good gear for normal folks, out there doing what they can. Everything is sold at cost and made to order. Think of it less as merch and more as a uniform for people who pitch in.

Merch Store

Questions

Find answers about joining and building with us

Contact

What is ANF exactly?

Army of Normal Folks started as a podcast celebrating ordinary people doing real work in their communities. We've grown into a national movement building service clubs where regular folks gather to make tangible impact. It's about showing up for your neighbors and discovering what becomes possible when people decide to serve together.

What does service look like?

Service is whatever you can do (and your community needs). It might be coaching, mentoring, giving blood, building beds for kids without them, or starting a nonprofit. We share replicable models and real stories so that you can explore ones that fit your unique passions & abilities.

How is this different?

We're not about grand gestures or complicated bureaucracy. This is regular people showing up consistently for each other. We tell stories that make you believe you can do this. We build community where you belong.

How do I join?

Start by listening to our podcast or reading stories that resonate with you. Find a local service club near you or reach out about starting one. There's no application or barrier—just show up when you're ready. We make it easy to take that first step.

Can I start a service club?

Hopefully, yes. We provide playbooks and support to help you build in your area. You don't need experience or credentials. If you believe in bringing normal folks together to serve, we'll help you make it happen.