Hands on Atlanta | Do Something Good by diane mccoy

Greater Atlanta’s guide to service

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citizen online

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Hands On Heroes Year in Review: Hands On Atlanta’s 2008-09 School-Based AmeriCorps Program Raising the Bar: An Interview with the 2009 ServiceJuris Event Chairs A Volunteer’s Perspective Corporate Spotlight: Verizon Wireless

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Welcome to our new online newsletter Dear Friends and Family of HOA: This is an exciting time for Hands On Atlanta.

This country is experiencing the biggest community service and volunteerism movement in 69 years. The federal government is investing $1 billion in volunteerism in the next decade. Volunteerism is up 60% because of the economy and because of leaders emphasizing community service. And Hands On Atlanta is perfectly positioned as the “point organization” to help Atlanta play a role in this national movement. What a great time to launch our first electronic edition of the Citizen! As we go green, please enjoy the Citizen online and share it with your friends and family.

This issue is chock full of stories about the transformative work our volunteers do each day throughout our community. Also, check out the new Hands On Heroes section to learn how you can help this year’s 19th annual Hands On Atlanta Day have an enduring impact on nonprofits and schools. Each of these examples reminds me that our work is extremely critical to the well-being and sustainability of our community. It is my hope that you will maintain your commitment to civic leadership, knowing that the lives you touch and the communities you transform make an indelible impression on the fabric of humanity! Yours in service,

Gina Simpson Gina Simpson President/CEO Hands On Atlanta

Hands On Heroes

Join the team! Hands On Atlanta needs volunteer leaders and skilled volunteers to help execute our annual events and to help spread the word about the great ser vice being performed by our members. Click on the links below to learn more about the featured opportunities.

Hands On Atlanta Day Saturday, October 3, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Help make the 19th annual Hands On Atlanta Day the best yet! This year’s event will engage an estimated 10,000 volunteers to provide more than 43,000 hours and nearly $900,000 of volunteer labor to metro area nonprofits and schools. The 2009 event also marks the kickoff to Hands On Atlanta’s year-long 20th anniversary celebration. Volunteers are needed to lead and support day of event activities. There are roles for all ages and abilities. Please click to view the available roles, to let us know you’re interested, and to sign up for training: Neighborhood Managers

Hospitality Volunteers

Project Managers

Mural Artists

Project Coordinators

Green Thumbs (Gardeners & Landscapers)

Task Leaders

Warehouse Workers

For information about other volunteer opportunities available through our partner agencies visit www.handsonatlanta.org

Year in Review: Hands On Atlanta’s 2008-09 School-Based AmeriCorps Program By Walter Jackson, Director of Schools Programs

A student practices yoga during Gideons Elementary’s after school program

Since 1994, Hands On Atlanta has successfully managed one of the largest AmeriCorps programs in the Southeast. Hands On Atlanta has engaged over 1,680 AmeriCorps members in the schools program and thousands of community volunteers and parents providing over 2.1 million hours of service to over 100,000 students in the past 14 years. Our mission is to improve the quality of public education through direct citizen action in school reform. Our investment has resulted in gains in student academic performance and a significant partnership with Atlanta Public Schools (APS).

families, teachers, community partners, and volunteers, Hands On Atlanta’s Schools Program provides academic enrichment designed to tackle the barriers facing APS students.

Over the last five years, APS students have made significant improvement in their academic performance. Unfortunately, many still perform academically below Georgia and national comparisons. Social statistics along with inadequate test scores indicate that many children in APS are facing a crisis. According to the APS website, 76.14% of all APS students are eligible for free or reduced lunch—a measure of poverty that tends to correlate with low academic performance.

During our after-school programs, Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps members foster an academically rich environment. The curriculum is based on an approach model which features:

To address these needs, a community-wide effort has been necessary. APS needs volunteer support to provide critical oneon-one attention to students facing academic trouble. However, local schools lack the capacity to coordinate large-scale volunteer engagement. By effectively engaging AmeriCorps members,

In alignment with Atlanta Public Schools’ priorities, AmeriCorps members provide one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, classroom assistance and after-school enrichment as well as develop service projects to improve school facilities and beautify the academic environment. School day activities focus on reading and math tutoring for students performing below grade level.

•technology •literacy •math •citizenship •character education AmeriCorps members undergo rigorous ongoing training that prepares them to effectively implement proven instructional strategies and techniques in all of their service activities. AmeriCorps members develop leadership skills by creating and implementing service projects that respond to a need in the school community. Continued on 4 |3|

Year in Review continued from page 3 This years class is filled with extraordinary talent. Their energy has been infectious as we proudly boast the highest retention rate in the history of the program (94% to date). Some of the unique activities from the talent of this year’s Corps include: Yoga for elementary school children in the After School Program at Gideons Elementary School. Sheryl Brown, the service leader facilitating the yoga program says “It is the perfect tool to combat all of the problems that young people face today. Yoga encourages them to stop and focus their minds, it get bodies moving from behind the video games and television, and it helps them to start to learn their body and understand its potential at an early age.” Another unique program coordinated in part by Team Leader Andre Williams was entitled Project PINSTRIPE. The Project connected

high school and college students with Tom James Clothiers, the largest manufacturer and retailer of custom clothing. Tom James utilized their clients to donate custom made suits to the students who completed an essay and application to participate. The participants attended two seminars highlighting business etiquette and developing a positive self image. Thirteen Master Tailors were on site to custom fit the donated suits valued at $3000-$4000 per suit for each participant. Project PINSTRIPE rewarded young men who otherwise did not have business suits. Finally, our partnership at Oglethorpe University, which was established four years ago with the arrival of visionary President Dr. Lawrence Schall, is the only one of its kind in the country. Dr. Schall strives to ensure that members of Oglethorpe University faculty, staff and students exemplify the University motto: Make a Life, Make a Living, Make a Difference. Dr. Schall Established the Center for Civic Engagement upon his arrival and has utilized an AmeriCorps member and two professional staff to facilitate its initiatives. The Staff has managed several trips to New Orleans to do service for families displaced from Hurricane Katrina.

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A little heart can go a long way. Giving our children the chance to pursue their dreams is our lifeline into the future. So every year, GE employees donate thousands of hours to volunteer projects, including service programs at over twenty elementary schools in the Atlanta Metro area. Sure, we produce many of the technologies that power the world. But none of these innovations compare to what can be achieved when we put our human energy into cultivating tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experts. ge.com

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Raising the Bar on Volunteer Leadership An Interview with Jaime Theriot and Kristin Wilhelm, ServiceJuris Steering Committee Co-Chairs By Monique Shields, Director of Community & Civic Engagement

Over the past nine years, ServiceJuris volunteers have undertaken comprehensive renovation and landscaping project, and helped revitalize at-need local schools and parks, contributing more than 19,000 service hours to our communities. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will take place at Atlanta Area School for the Deaf in Clarkston. The school, which serves deaf and hearingimpaired youth, and students with multiple disabilities from ages 3 to 21, recently renovated and expanded its facilities due to rapidly increasing enrollment.

when I joined Sutherland; and after making several suggestions for improving the events, I was asked to join the Steering Committee.

Nearly 600 volunteers will fill the drab hallways with colorful, theme murals; paint classrooms in energetic colors; restore and secure outdoor play and learning areas; and reorganize the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s library. This project will provide a welcome surprise for students and families as they return for the 2009-10 school year.

Kristin: Our primary role is to serve as the liaison between the Steering Committee members and the HOA staff. We also serve as cheerleaders and motivators to make each yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event better than the last. We also are the folks that people turn to with suggestions for improvement and serve as sounding boards for new ideas.

Monique: How long have you served with Hands On Atlanta and ServiceJuris and what prompted your involvement? Kristin: I have participated in ServiceJuris since 2001 and began serving on the Steering Committee for the 2002 event. I was born and raised in Atlanta and when I returned to Atlanta, I was interested in giving back to the community that gave me so many opportunities growing up. I began participating in HOA events

Jaime: I joined the Steering Committee in 2004. It was my first experience with Hands On Atlanta and ServiceJuris, and I have been involved ever since. This is my second year serving as co-chair for the ServiceJuris event. Monique: What are your roles as co-chairs for the event?

Monique: Reflect on your first ServiceJuris. What was the most exciting or meaningful aspect about the event for you? Jaime: During my first experience with ServiceJuris in 2004, I was motivated by the dedication and commitment of the Steering Committee members throughout the planning process I was truly impressed with the amazing energy of the volunteers from the Continued on page 7

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Raising the Bar Continued

legal community who gathered for a day of service. That one experience prompted me to stay involved with ServiceJuris and to recruit others to get involved. Kristin: I just remember being so impressed with how many members of the legal community were working together to improve the community. Monique: What do volunteers have to look forward to with the 10th anniversary event? Jaime: The Steering Committee and staff have worked for many months to prepare for this anniversary event and to ensure that we provide a meaningful and successful volunteer experience. We hope the impact of our day of painting, organizing and landscaping at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf will benefit the school’s students and faculty for many years to come. Monique: You’re both partners in your respective law firms. How do you balance the demands of your work with your civic participation? Kristin: It isn’t always easy to balance work and other activities, but it has been my experience that you receive so much more from community involvement than the time and energy you expend. I also think working in the community makes you more appreciative of the opportunities you have been given. I also feel reinvigorated when I do something that improves my community, and that always improves my attitude about the other aspects of my life, including the long hours that work often requires. Jaime: “Balance” is certainly a challenge, but always the goal. The key is to choose a few activities or civic groups that are most meaningful to me and dedicate quality time to those instead of spreading myself too thin over too many activities and groups.

Monique: What other community activities are you involved in? Jaime: This year, I am dedicating my time to ServiceJuris and pro bono legal work. In past year, I have been involved with Inns of Court, Georgia State University College of Law alumni activities, and pro bono legal work, such as the Eviction Defense Program and the Pro Bono Wills Project, sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. Kristin: I am President of the Board of Directors of the Warren/Holyfield Boys & Girls Club and spend a lot of time doing pro bono work. Monique: In what ways would you say Hands On Atlanta has helped you and others make a difference in their communities? Kristin: Hands On Atlanta has shown me what a significant impact a small number of people can have on the community. It also has made me realize what an incredibly service minded city Atlanta is. Hands On Atlanta provides the support and structure that allows those with limited time, but unlimited vision, to positively influence their communities. Jaime: Hands On Atlanta is a recognized leader in organizing community service events and promoting volunteerism. The Hands On Atlanta ServiceJuris partnership allows members of the legal community to reach out and make a difference in our city during one meaningful day of service. Thanks to the ServiceJuris steering committee’s efforts, event registration filled up in the first week! To learn how you can use your skills to help with Hands On Atlanta’s programs and events, check out the Hands On Heroes section of The Citizen.

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A Volunteer’s Perspective… springBoard volunteers help nonprofits help us all These days we all are seeing, if not feeling personally, the pains of the economy, which makes me wonder… With so many people in need of support to make ends meet, are donations flooding in to metro area nonprofits so that they can provide those services? Not necessarily… Donations to charities are down, which is reducing nonprofits’ ability to provide services. This means their clients, all of us, are more exposed and vulnerable. During these times, have we Atlantans become more selfinterested and less caring? Nope, we’re even more empathetic because so many of us are experiencing firsthand the employment and economic crunch. Do we Atlantans have less to offer these days? Of course not, we still have our wits and hearts about us, if not our wallets. It is exactly these days that we need to offer our talents so that nonprofits can perform at their peak performance, fulfilling their mission of bettering the world. Enter springBoard…Hands On Atlanta’s newest program. Volunteers with business and technology skills assess the needs of nonprofits and assist in the development and implementation of strategies to meet those needs. In just three seasons, springBoard volunteers have successfully completed 75 projects, providing nearly 8,000 hours of free consulting work to Atlanta’s non-profit community. Many springBoard volunteers participate to network and to add project management to their resumes. Through springBoard, participants can build their portfolios and discover a variety of employment opportunities. However, the driving force behind the thousands of hours in pro-bono consulting work is good old fashioned compassion. springBoard volunteers have a passion to give something of meaning, value and virtue that will have long-lasting impact - a legacy of sorts.

By Amy Smith-Boden A prime example of how springBoard helps nonprofits help the community-at-large is Marlon Errazo and Alicia Jay Witt’s project with Open Hand. Open Hand provides nutrition education and home-delivered meals to thousands of Atlantans, helping them to manage chronic diseases and enjoy better quality of life. Open Hand began by feeding 14 people in 1988 and now provides more than 4500 meals daily (DAILY!!) with the support of over 700 volunteers each week. At the start of the project, Roz Tucker, Director of Volunteer Services, was one of only two people managing Open Hand’s massive volunteer program. “Our volunteer management structure needed some improvements,” says Roz, “Marlon, Alicia and I worked together to produce a viable strategic plan. Alicia and Marlon helped me to quantify inefficiencies in our current system and create a 3-year plan for the organization to invest additional resources, which will allow us to become even more effective at mobilizing volunteers.” Open Hand is currently implementing phase one of the plan to upgrade its volunteer management software. Roz also was able to demonstrate the need to add one and a half staff members to her team. Marlon and Alicia’s springBoard story proves that volunteers have so much to offer, especially these days. I’m also a proud springBoard volunteer and encourage you to share your hearts and wits and time to help nonprofits help all Atlantans. In addition to volunteering with springBoard (now remotely from Boston), Amy Smith-Boden volunteers with food banks and faithbased organizations. Professionally, Amy runs Good Business Works, a corporate social responsibility consulting service. Share your insights and stories at http://myvolunteerstories.blogspot.com.

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Corporate Spotlight Hands On Atlanta is fortunate to partner with corporations that understand the importance of volunteer service and civic engagement. One such corporation is Verizon Wireless. For more than 10 years Verizon has been a champion of domestic violence awareness and prevention. Locally Verizon continues to strengthen our communities through staff-led Hands On Atlanta volunteer projects.

we live, work and play,” says company spokesperson Caran Smith. “It’s wonderful to work for a company that truly values volunteerism and encourages employees to be involved in the local communities where they live and work.” Verizon Wireless’ primary area of focus for more than ten years is domestic violence awareness and prevention. “Domestic violence is not an easy topic to talk about—stereotypes prevail and usually, individuals affected by domestic violence work hard at keeping it a secret because of fear, shame and danger,” says Smith. “Yet, its lasting effects on the communities, workplace, families and individuals are anything but hidden.” Georgia ranks seventh in the nation in the rate of women killed by men. Domestic violence kills more women each year than car accidents, rapes and muggings combined. And domestic violence is also a corporate issue, costing businesses over $5 billion annually nationwide. Verizon’s wireless technology is a natural tool to help because communication is so critical to someone in a violent domestic situation. For some, it could be a lifeline. Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program strives to put that technology into the hands of domestic violence survivors.

Today’s corporations are measured on more than shareholder value. They are judged on the value they create in communities through the use of their resources to address important social issues. Not only is Verizon Wireless a national leader in the communication industry, but this 85,000-employee technology company is also a leader in local communities here in Atlanta – whether it’s working to end domestic violence, supporting school programs, or participating in Hands On Atlanta service events.

The centerpiece of the HopeLine program is a national phone recycling effort that puts refurbished phones, donated by Continued on page 9

Nationally, the Verizon Foundation focuses philanthropic efforts on education, literacy, safety, and health. Core initiatives include: an online education program (Thinkfinity. org), Literacy Network, Domestic Violence Prevention, and Internet safety. Locally, Verizon Wireless Georgia/ Alabama Region’s employees support all these efforts with ongoing volunteerism at the Ron Clark Academy, the Junior Achievement program “JA for a Day” in local schools, Habitat for Humanity builds, supply drives for domestic violence shelters and many other community programs. “Our employees are committed to giving their time, talents and skills and financial support to the communities where

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Corporate Spotlight continued consumers all over the country, in the hands of victims. Phone recycling also generates funds for HopeLine grants to shelters and non-profits that assist victims. The HopeLine program aligns with state and local domestic violence and awareness organizations, Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) and countless others, sports teams such as the Atlanta Falcons for phone collections, carries out underwriting educational campaigns, Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and donations to domestic violence shelters and organizations across the state of Georgia as well as an employee volunteerism component, to name a few. When it’s all said and done, Verizon Wireless understands that in order to be successful, we also must build alliances outside the board room. “When we help our community, it’s good for our customers, our employees and ultimately our company. Everyone wins.” says Smith.

Graphic design services for this issue of Citizen Online donated by Visual Solutions I am so pleased to have volunteered my professional services to Hands On Atlanta. Hands On Atlanta provides such an important service to our community and I feel it’s important that we do all we can to help support their mission. Whether you can donate services or money, I hope you’ll join me in supporting this worthy organization. Diane McCoy, Creative Director

About the Designer

Diane McCoy is a marketing professional with more than 15 years experience in the fields of marketing, advertising and public relations. For the past 10 years she has managed Visual Solutions, a graphic design company, which caters to small to medium size businesses as well as non-profit organizations. Diane is exceptionally creative and resourceful with a proven ability to develop and implement effective marketing strategies. Her skills also include, project and budget management and event planning for political, charitable and corporate fundraisers. Diane’s experience also includes working on corporate identity, publication design and collateral marketing materials.

Visual Solutions

404.752-5595 - dtmccoy@mindspring.com www.visualsolutionsdesign.com | 10 |

Hands On Atlanta, along with 20 other local nonprofits, was recently awarded a challenge/matching grant from Grants to Green to reduce the environmental footprint of its 40,000+ square-foot headquarters. The implementation grant will be used to renovate bathrooms with environmentally-friendly fixtures, such as low-flow sinks; revamp its HVAC system to minimize energy usage; and automate its electrical system to take advantage of natural daylight and to shut off when not in use. Prior to receiving the Grants to Green funding, Hands On Atlanta had already implemented a number of low-cost green practices, including an internal recycling program, partnering with green vendors, and purchasing/ requesting donations for green products for community projects.

Do Something Good... Make An Investment in Hands On Atlanta Today! Each year, Hands On Atlanta develops volunteer programs for hundreds of schools and nonprofits, providing support to help meet the critical needs of Atlanta. Nonprofits are facing the burden of decreasing budgets and an increasing demand for services. As a leader in the development and implementation of volunteer activities, Hands On Atlanta coordinates thousands of hours of manpower to collectively reach and serve hundreds of metro Atlanta communities by improving schools, supporting nonprofits and revitalizing communities. Today, Hands On Atlanta and you, our volunteers, are needed more than ever before. Your financial gift to Hands On Atlanta will ensure that our programs continue to grow in response to the needs in every community across greater Atlanta. Join our many friends and partners by Doing Something Good Today! Give today at www.handsonatlanta.org or print, complete and mail this pledge form to Hands On Atlanta, 600 Means Street, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30318.

Pledge Form _______________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name _______________________________________________________________________ Street Address _______________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code _______________________________________________________________________ Employer _______________________________________________________________________ Work Phone Home Phone _______________________________________________________________________ E-mail Address Fax Number I pledge a gift of Payment Bill

One

$35

$60

$100

$500

$1000

Other______

Enclosed Monthly

Quarterly

time payment in (indicate month) _____

Please select a method of payment: Check Enclosed Visa

MasterCard

AMEX

Discover

___________________________________________________________________________________ Card # Expiration Date CVV Code _________________________________________________________________________________ Name as it appears on card Signature We also welcome gifts of stock and employee matching programs. For further information, please contact: Micol Johnson, Individual Gifts Manager - 404-979-2824 - MJohnson@HandsOnAtlanta.org Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of Hands On Atlanta. Your gift is sincerely appreciated.

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thanks to our FINANCIAL & In-kind sponsors $100,000 and up

Official Tool Sponsor:

$50,000 to $99,999

$25,000 to $49,999 Bank of America

Empire Distributors

IBM

Safeco Insurance

Cbeyond

Fulton County Dept. of Human Services

Orange Business Services

Target

Priority Press

UPS

ChoicePoint, Inc.

$10,000 to $24,999 Corporate Community Outsourcing Cox Communications Coca-Cola Enterprises Focus Brands Hands On Georgia The Imlay Foundation, Inc.

Novare Group Pathbuilders Publix Supermarket Charities RBC Centura The Rich Foundation SAP

K & G Fashion Superstore A Legendary Event Macy’s Fund of the Federated Department Stores Foundation Metlife Foundation Newell Rubbermaid

Sartain Lanier Foundation State Farm Foundation State Street Global Advisers W Hotel - Downtown Atlanta

$1,000 to $9,999 AAA Parking

DLA Piper

McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP

Tony Brewer & Company

A A LaRocco Companies, Inc.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

MOD Security Services, Inc.

Trial Graphix

Abel Solutions

Fiji

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

Troutman Sanders

Alston & Bird LLP

Georgia Natural Gas

Opportunity Knocks

TSYS

American Tower

Georgia Power

Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Anonymous

Gifford, Hillegass, & Ingwersen, LLP

Porsche Cars of North America

Washington Mutual

Arnall Golden Gregory LLP

Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover, P.C.

RBS Lynk

Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC

aQuantive

Holland & Knight LLP

Recall

Wal-Mart

B2B Workforce, Inc.

HSBC-North America

Radiant Systems

Westin Buckhead Atlanta

Boyken International

IKON Office Solutions

Rogers & Hardin, LLP

Zaban Foundation

Clean Energy Strategies

Kutak Rock LLP

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

Computer Associates

Lanier Parking

Creative Loafing

Lawyers Foundation of Georgia

Stites & Harbison Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP

Daily Report

Majestic Realty Foundation

Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP

please

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