Giving back and fighting economic disparity with Kennedi Harris!

We’re excited to introduce you to Kennedi Harris, a bold, passionate, and ambitious volunteer! ! Her passion for volunteerism shines through in her work as a member of our Civic Leadership Program, and with various organizations throughout Metro Atlanta.

Read more about Kennedi in our interview below!  

Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?  

Discovery, Hands on Atlanta, Citizens of Georgia Power, Trees Atlanta, Empty Stocking Fund 

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?  

Economic Disparity is a significant issue facing Atlanta today, and it means so much to me because I feel like the negative implications trickle down into many other facets of the city. Atlanta was once a place that was key for Black liberation and success. But the threat of education & income inequality led to growing issues such as: a lack of access to affordable housing, homelessness, and food insecurity. Community engagement is key to filling in the gaps left by this issue. That's why it is so important to engage people who are dedicated to this cause and this city to combat this. 

What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?  

As an Atlanta native, I love that the organizations I volunteer with are local to the place I call home. It's special to impact the community that you reside in. Just knowing that I'm pouring back into the people and places that raised me, makes all my efforts that much more special. 

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?  

Volunteering has helped me both professionally and personally by expanding my network. In this program, I've met individuals who work at my company, that I may not have otherwise connected with. I've met people from other companies that I can call on in other industries, and most importantly I've networked with people that I can build personal relationships with, and really call them friends. 

What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?  

One of the most valuable skills I've learned is leading a volunteer project. As a volunteer in the past, I was accustomed to showing up and getting directions. Through this program, I've learned and developed the skills needed to organize and execute a successful service project. 

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?  

I want to highlight the relationships I've built in the Discovery program with the kids at Love T. Nolan. When you're showing up every other week, the kids really get to know you and the look forward to seeing you at that program. There was one kid in particular that was having an off day when he came to Discovery. He was visibly sad, and I knew that wasn't how he normally behaved. Myself and one of the volunteers who was a regular at Discovery asked him what was wrong, and he really opened to tell us that he was sad that his friend has been killed in a car accident. This was a 4th grader. Building that level of trust with the students, to where they feel like they can process their emotions, and then feel comfortable enough to share is really what showing up every day means.

Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.  

It's home for me! When I think about Atlanta, I think about running through the fountains at Centennial Park. I think about my grandmother's favorite spot to get pancakes was The Beautiful Restaurant on Cascade. I think about taking the MARTA to Screen on the Green in Piedmont Park. I think about birthday parties at Skate Towne and Dixie Land and spending every weekend at Six Flags. I think about how I grew up with Black teachers, a Black dentist & doctor. I love this city for the community it's given me, the pride it's instilled in me, and everything it made me. 

“My advice would be to join an organization or find projects that really mean something to you. There are tons of volunteer opportunities between Hands on Atlanta and other organizations. When you’re truly passionate about what you’re dedicating your time to, you can really spark your motivation to volunteer. ”

— Kennedi Harris

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved. 

The Discovery Program with Hands on Atlanta is hosting its End of Year Pop Up on Saturday, April 13th! This event will celebrate students in our program & provide students with food, ice cream, giveaways, games, a reptile petting zoo, & more. 

Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!  

I have been volunteering with Hands on Atlanta and a plethora of other organizations since I was a little girl. My mother, Daphne, made it her priority to expose me to all types of people and projects, and to ensure that I knew the importance of giving back. To this day, she is the ultimate example of humility, gratitude, and what it truly means to Do Good.