Introducing the 2019 Class of Civic Fellows

The Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation, recently welcomed it’s 10th class of Civic Fellows! 18 changemakers from around metro Atlanta are taking their service to the next level and will participate in the year long program featuring leadership training and mentoring. The Civic Fellows will also have the opportunity to build a year long relationship with a dedicated nonprofit partner to manage service projects, recruit volunteers, oversee service days and provide education to volunteers as to the mission of their nonprofit partner.

Listen to an interview with new Civic Fellows Ashley Adams and Bryan Robison on The Weekly High 5 podcast!

“In efforts to remain in a constant state of contribution and gratitude, I applied to be a Civic Fellow as an opportunity to give back, develop and further hone my leadership, program management, fundraising and problem-solving skills. The opportunity to be a part of the 10th CLP class is exciting, as I look forward to forging new relationships with my peers, prospective volunteers and the communities we’ll serve.”

— Ashley B. Adams

The Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellows represent the premier volunteers of our organization. These are the leaders that go above and beyond to meet the challenges facing our community. Please help us welcome the incoming class!

Meet the 2018/19 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellows:

• Ashley B. Adams, Product Management and Marketing Manager, NCR

  Nonprofit Partner: A.G. Rhodes - Cobb

• Javon Carter, Training Specialist, Anthem

  Nonprofit Partner: Breakthrough Atlanta

• Ganelle Cross, Business Design Coordinator, Mcgregor at Associates Architects

  Nonprofit Partner: A.G. Rhodes - Wesley Woods

• Caitlin Daugherty Kokenes, Communications and Engagement Manager, RedefinED Atlanta

  Nonprofit Partner: Truly Living Well

• Jessica Gibbs, Teacher, North Metro Academy of Performing Arts

  Nonprofit Partner: Breakthrough Atlanta

• Tiye Glover, Sr. Financial Analyst, Comcast

  Nonprofit Partner: Trees Atlanta

• Emealia Hollis, Creative Services Specialists, Lockton Companies

  Nonprofit Partner: Open Hand Atlanta

• Antonette Igbenoba, Data Protection Analyst/Owner, The Privacy Source

  Nonprofit Partner: Action Ministries - Women’s Community Kitchen

• Marie Jones, Teacher, The Roane School

  Nonprofit Partner: A.G. Rhodes - Atlanta

• David Lee, CSP 1/Supervisor, Support Services Group of Georgia

  Nonprofit Partner: InCommunity

• Jenna Mulvey, Administrative Coordinator, Frago, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

  Nonprofit Partner: InCommunity

• Kendra Chanel Murphy, GAP Adjuster, Safe Guard

  Nonprofit Partner: Discovery at Scott Elementary

• Andrea O’Neal, Mail Agent, Delta

  Nonprofit Partner: Discovery at Brookview Elementary

• Tayla Reid, AmeriCorps Service Leader, Clayton State University

  Nonprofit Partner: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

• Brian Robinson, Commercial Project Controller, Omnetric Group - A Siemens Company

  Nonprofit Partner: MedShare

• Victoria E. Shelton-Stroud, Owner, Shelton Power Consultants

  Nonprofit Partner: Discovery at Thomasville Heights

• Nicole Shepard, Student, Georgia State University and Visiting Researcher, Georgia Institute of Technology

  Nonprofit Partner: Discovery at Usher Collier Elementary

• Sivi Thomas, Student, Georgia State University

  Nonprofit Partner: Breakthrough Atlanta

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The Civic Leadership Program is made possible by Presenting Sponsor, Constellation.  Constellation, an Exelon company, is a leading supplier of electric, natural gas, and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States. Through their support of the Civic Leadership Program, Constellation has further demonstrated their commitment to sustainability, not just of natural resources, but of the Atlanta communities and families.

All Things Hands On Atlanta Day 2018

We're going big

Every year, on the first Saturday of October, ATLiens come together for the city's biggest, single day of service - Hands On Atlanta Day presented by Delta. On just one day, more than 2,500 volunteers will:

• Work on 50+ service projects

• Serve 10,000+ hours in the community

• Support programs that will give over 10,800 kids safe places to learn

• Plant over 100 trees

• Serve over 570 seniors and

• Provide over 15,500 pounds of food and medical supplies for those in need.

For our 29th edition of Hands On Atlanta Day, we're also introducing some new ways to get involved. Thanks to our friends at Delta Vacations, we're bringing "pop-up" projects to the Atlanta Beltline for a bench and bike build (and more). Plus, we're partnering up with 48in48.org for a "Design Day" to create an awareness campaign, and we're also offering online volunteering through CareerVillage.org! 

Y'all, it's going to be awesome. Learn more and sign up to be the first notified when public registration opens the week of Sept. 17!

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Tune into our latest episode of The Weekly High 5, where our Director of Development, Julianna Cagle, sits down for a fun convo to talk all things Hands On Atlanta Day, and a whole lot more!

Still not sure what it's all about?

Check out this recap of last year's Hands On Day and Kick-Off Party.

Starbucks Service Fellows Rise and Grind at Hands On Atlanta

Starbucks and Points of Light team up to pilot an innovative, employer-led nonprofit capacity-building program, providing select Starbucks retail partners (employees) the opportunity to serve with a local nonprofit in their communities

We recently added 2 new friendly faces to the office, thanks to a partnership from Points of Light and Starbucks. The Starbucks Service Fellows is an innovative, employer-led service program inspired and informed by national service. In total, 36 Starbucks retail partners (employees) in 13 cities across the United States will serve with a Points of Light affiliate, collectively providing more than 17,000 hours of community service. Hands On Atlanta was selected as one of the affiliates to help with the initial six-month pilot!

“We believe this bold program, designed in partnership with Starbucks, will redefine corporate engagement and the private sector’s ability to support civic engagement,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light.

Listen to our conversation with Maya, Julie and Elaine on this week's episode of The Weekly High 5 to learn more about this program and to catch a few coffee secrets from the baristas!

For this pilot, we're aligning with one of Starbucks’ global social impact priorities: hunger. The Starbucks Service Fellows will be working about 20 hours per week for the next six months helping build volunteer capacity at 10 food pantries as part of our partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. In addition, they'll also be helping with our Meals4Kids program.

"The Starbucks Service Fellows are not just doing direct service, but they are building something Hands On Atlanta is going to use for years to come," said Elaine Hudson, Associate Director of Nonprofit Services. 

The program is a win-win all around. Starbucks worked with Points of Light to match partner volunteers with local affiliates, giving participating organizations the talent and support they need to maximize their impact locally, while enabling partners to serve their communities and gain experience and skills in the nonprofit sector, such as project management, volunteer recruitment, community engagement and stakeholder relationship management.

“Starbucks partners have a passion for service both in and out of their stores. The Starbucks Service Fellows program powers that passion through philanthropy and partnerships to have the greatest impact” said Virginia Tenpenny, vice president of global social impact at Starbucks and executive director of The Starbucks Foundation. 

Left to right: Maya Tannenbaum, Elaine Hudson, Julie Terlemezian

Meet the Hands On Atlanta Starbucks Fellows

Maya Tannenbaum (left)

Maya is a junior at Georgia State University pursuing a degree in Social Work. Georgia has been her home for her entire life, but she hopes to eventually travel and live in another major city to help other communities in need. Maya has always had a fascination with society and its inner workings, and can't wait to experience all of the adventures the next six months will bring. She's excited to be working with such a talented team at Hands On Atlanta! 

Julie Terlemezian (right)

Julie Terlemezian has been dedicated to helping others and making the world a better place since her teens, when she spent five years in a leadership role for her youth group in Marietta, Georgia, and later in the Southeast Region. When she attended The Evergreen State University in Olympia, WA, she helped inform and educate the student population as the managing editor for the student newspaper, The Cooper Point Journal. Currently, Julie works as a Shift Supervisor for Starbucks in Sandy Springs. Julie is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the community as the Starbucks Service Fellow in the Points of Light pilot program with Hands On Atlanta. She resides in Smyrna with her beloved cat Luna.

The Weekly High 5: Getting Ready for Kick-Off

College football season isn't the only thing getting ready to kick-off.

Join the Hands On Atlanta team, corporate and nonprofit leaders, and plenty of changemakers on Wednesday, October 3 at the Monday Night Brewing Garage for a fun evening to kick-off Atlanta's largest, single day of service!

Come for the tasty brews and scenic views of the Atlanta Beltline westside trail, and stay to connect with a nonprofits to learn more about the challenges facing our community and how you can help. Plus, we'll have food and treats from a few of our partners, and unveil our volunteer t-shirt design winner!

$20 gets you in the door, 2 beer tickets and complimentary high fives!

Don't know about Hands On Atlanta Day? On Saturday, October 6, thousands of volunteers will layer fresh paint, landscape, plant gardens, read with kids, work with seniors, build meal kits, and more at 50 schools and nonprofits across metro Atlanta. It's going to be awesome!

The Weekly High 5: Americorps Gets it Done in Atlanta

The Americorps gets things done.

You probably know Hands On Atlanta as the volunteer hub of the city, right? When you want to do something good, you give us a look. But, did you know we also run one of the largest Americorps programs in the south?

This week we kicked of our 2018 Americorps class, hosting 28 members for a week of learning and inspiration. These changemakers will each serve over 1700 hours inside and outside of the classroom at  5 Title 1 partner schools and 1 Centers of Hope. They'll be hands, helping over 1,000 elementary children with math, literacy and social emotional learning (SEL).

Learn more about our Americorps program and this week's Hot Projects on The Weekly High 5. 

Now Playing: The Weekly High 5 Podcast

I remember a time when the only question on anyone's mind was, "Is Adnan Sayed innocent or guilty?" In fact, I've been told this was an ice breaker for many first Bumble dates... Anyways, Sarah Koenig and Atlanta's sweetheart Mailkimp brought the world of podcasts out of the basement and into your living room, your car, your commute, and everywhere you went with "Serial." If you don't know what I'm talking about, surely you've heard someone mention "Serial" or maybe you've heard of "This American Life" or even Atlanta's own podcast empire, "How Stuff Works." Atlanta is also home base to one of my faves, Crazy Good Turns. Whatever your interests, guilty pleasures, or preferences to pass the time, chances are, there's a podcast out there waiting for you to press play.

If you're reading this, I'll assume your interests lie in doing something good, specifically here in Atlanta. Maybe you've volunteered in the past, or you're looking for the next, best service project? Whatever reason you're here, we're introducing a new way to stay engaged and to get involved. Introducing The Weekly High 5 presented by Hands On Atlanta! 

Starting today, we'll be releasing a weekly show full of Hot Projects, team news and notes, community events, interviews with Atlanta changemakers and more! I'll (Tim Adkins) be your host for each bite sized, 15-30 minute show - perfect for any commute! Click the icons/links below to subscribe to The Weekly High 5 wherever you listen.  

Apple Podcasts

Google Play

Spotify

Stitcher

Breaker Audio

Pocket Casts

Radio Republic

Overcast

In the way Netflix allows for endless streaming, podcasts do the same to attract your attention and keep it. Once you're hooked on a good podcast, it's hard to kick the habit. I know from personal experience, chasing Guy Raz around every corner of the internet. Here's a few of our staff favorites to subscribe to:

Jay Cranman, President and CEO

• Akimbo - Akimbo's a podcast about our culture and about how we can change it. About seeing what's happening and choosing to do something.The culture is real, but it can be changed. You can bend it.

• Reply All - A podcast about the internet, that is actually an unfailingly original exploration of modern life and how to survive it.

• The Moth - The Moth Podcast features re-airs of all new episodes of The Moth Radio Hour, plus additional stories from our vast archive recorded over the past two decades. Episodes are released every Tuesday.

Lara Wagner, Corporate Partnerships Manager

• Unladylike - Cultivating our best selves and dreamiest lives is un-equally accessible for women, girls and gender-nonconforming folks everywhere. But by better understanding our unique identities, diverse lived experiences and underlying injustices, we can claim our space and make more room for others as well. That's our Unladylike mission: To make inclusive, credible media that moves.

• Cocaine and Rhinestones - Cocaine & Rhinestones is a podcast about the history of country music made in the 20th century…

Candice White, Discovery Program Manager

• Skimm'd from the Couch - The gals from Skimm are talking to female entrepreneurs on a, yup, couch, to hear the real version of how they got off it. No BS, no cry. Actually, it’s fine to cry. We know some good spots for it around NYC if you’re interested.

• Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations - Awaken, discover and connect to the deeper meaning of the world around you with SuperSoul. Hear Oprah’s personal selection of her interviews with thought-leaders, best-selling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts. All designed to light you up, guide you through life’s big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self.

Sara Dowdle, Salesforce Administrator

• Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People aka Beautiful Anonymous - 1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. That’s the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard (the Chris Gethard Show, Broad City, This American Life, and one of Time Out’s “10 best comedians of 2015”). Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he can’t hang up first, no matter what.

• Dr. Gameshow - Jo Firestone and Manolo Moreno play listener-created games with their comedian friends and listener call-ins.

Tim Adkins, Director of Marketing + Communications

• How I Built This - Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.

• The GaryVee Audio Experience - On his global top 100 iTunes podcast The GaryVee Audio Experience, you’ll hear episodes of Gary Vanyerchuck's mix of highlights from the DAILYVEE documentary video series, #AskGaryVee Show episodes, keynote speeches on marketing and business, interviews, fireside chats, and any of his new and current thoughts recorded specifically for this audio experience!

Want more? Our friends at ChooseATL put out a solid list of awesome podcasts created right here in the ATL. What podcasts do you listen to? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook and be sure to subscribe to The Weekly High 5!