The Citizen Community of W-Underdogs

Some things are harder to learn than others. I literally had to get hit by a car and
subsequently lose my dog for a few days (spoiler: he came back!) to learn what it
means to be a citizen. It was a very valuable lesson paid for handsomely in actual
blood, sweat and lots and lots of tears.

We all know what that's like, right? That hopeless sinking feeling where you just know
things are not going to be ok. That's how I felt when my dog was missing. We were
underdogs and needed rescuing. Luckily, several of my neighbors banded together in the blazing summer heat to help me find my best friend, taught me that a citizen looks out for the underdogs.

Enter Grace Hamlin, resident underdog rescuer.

Hamlin, 42, grew up in an orphanage in Costa Rica and has been a friend to both
child and animal for as long as she can remember. Her and her merry band of "W-
Underdogs" led what felt like the most monumental search effort in the history of
southeast Atlanta. It was overwhelmingly awesome.

“We fight for a humane Atlanta and for safer communities for all...”

-Grace Hamlin, W-Underdogs

For those 'wondering', W-Underdogs is an innovative grassroots nonprofit that pairs
underserved and at-risk youth in the Peoplestown and South Atlanta neighborhoods with animals in need. The program empowers these children to gain leadership, life skills, responsibility and compassion as they use teamwork to learn how to train and care for animals. Through advocacy efforts and direct action, they are empowered to make positive changes at school, home, and in their communities.

Hamlin teaches kids all the necessary skills for caring for animals while also teaching the kids to how to care for and respect each other. The W-underdogs care for stray dogs and cats that have been surrendered to her or found on the streets; “they help save each other.”

The youngest and newest kids do chores like cleaning up after the dogs and walking them. As their skills improve, so do their chores. The kids are able to take their newfound skills ‘on the road’ and, under Hamlin’s supervision, secure odd jobs in the neighborhood. “No job is too big or small,” says Hamlin.

The money they earn as a W-underdog goes into a fund to help pay for animal care and supplies. The older kids are able to put their money towards an account set up by w-underdogs for their college education.

And how does one become a W-underdog? They have to want it. “These kids have to earn the privilege of joining the program,” she says. Each child must write an essay on what it means to be a ‘w-underdog.’

A group of W-Underdogs at a recent trip to the georgia aquarium

But it’s not all work and no play, at the end of the day, they’re still kids. Hamlin rewards their hard work with educational and fun field trips, last month they took a trip to the Georgia Aquarium.

Hamlin hopes that this program encourages these kids to look beyond their circumstances and explore their own interests so that they go on to college. “These kids are underdogs and they work hard to turn themselves into ‘w-underdogs,’” she says.

“We fight for a humane Atlanta and for safer communities for all,” says Hamlin.
That's Hamlin's definition of 'citizen' -- someone who works to deal a better hand to those that need it. But not all citizens have to be founders of nonprofits. Or out in the streets where everyone can see them. A lot of my neighbors became social media sleuths.

Posting and cross posting about missing dogs, making sure no lead went cold.
Whatever it means to you, be a citizen. Act. Don't hold back because one day you might
be the the underdog in need of help.

Me and my best friend, Reggie.

A High Five from Whole Foods

Whole Foods is celebrating their grand opening of their newest location (Chamblee-Brookhaven) with a Block Party in front of the store on Saturday, August 12, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The celebration will feature live music, activities for kids, and more than 20 different artisan and food vendors such as Revelator Coffee, NuGo, Doux South and Wellshire Farms. 

“We’re excited to join Chamblee-Brookhaven’s growing community with the opening of our new Whole Foods Market,” said Scott Sherman, the store’s team leader. “The new store will feature many locally sourced and seasonal products that meet our high quality standards. Whether you come for Revelator Coffee, locally grown produce or Nashville hot chicken, the store will be a new gathering place for the community.”

Tickets are $10 per person and all proceeds will be donated to Hands on Atlanta! RSVP to our Block Party and check-in on the day of the event and you will automatically be entered to win an awesome gift basket valued at $75 from the Chamblee-Brookhaven store! Official rules HERE!

For more information about the new store, check out their Instagram page @WholefoodsATL. We can't wait to see you on August 12th!

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Mark your calendars, Whole Foods Market will open its ninth Atlanta-area store in Chamblee on Friday, August 18, at 5001 Peachtree Boulevard. Opening day shoppers will be greeted with an array of product demonstrations and samples, and the first 500 customers will receive free gifts cards ranging in amounts from $5 to $50 with one $500 card.

Kaboom! Play Everywhere Challenge Comes to ATL

A couple weeks ago Kaboom! announced their Southeast Play Everywhere Challenge with a kick-off event, right here in Atlanta. They provided general info and best practices for a successful application (their giving away $720,000 in grants to nonprofits in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Miami) and our team was there to learn everything so you'll have a great shot at a successful application. Hopefully this is helpful and encourages you to apply. Good luck!

HOW IT WORKS

Kaboom! is now accepting applications for grants that integrate “play” into everyday life and unexpected PLAYces - sidewalks, vacant lots, bus stops, open streets and beyond - encouraging more families to get active and play together.

Grants will be distributed for projects ranging from $2,ooo - $30,000 - noting that the smaller grants (less than $10,000) will have a much higher chance of being accepted.

SUBMITTING A GREAT APPLICATION

You’ll want to include the following details in your application:

• Who your project will serve
• Specifics around how kids and families could play more
• Where the project would take place
• Get granular here. Not just the city/neighborhood, but the exact location and elements around the location. Nearby hubs, bus/train stops, community places, etc...
• The changes you plan to make with the project
• There needs to be a physical “thing” built or created. Programs or events will NOT be accepted.
• Pop-up play areas, painting landscapes, etc...
• Community partnerships - THIS IS IMPORTANT
• Name drop! List your notable board members, corporate partners, network of nonprofits or individual donors (and why they’re a great partner), and partners you have that can help make your project possible
• Showcase how you plan to incorporate education elements through play

The Playbook

Click here to view/download the playbook that highlight and detail the following elements that should all be included in your project. Make it:

1. Inviting
2. Wonderous
3. Challenging
4. Shared
5. Unifying
6. Convenient

Learn more at https://kaboom.org/challenge

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW HANDS ON ATLANTA

Every year thousands of creative, vibrant, and energetic volunteers give back to Atlanta through our volunteer platform. We've refreshed our brand and updated our website to better reflect the passion and needs of the local heroes who serve our city. 

In addition to our volunteers, community changing companies rally their employees to directly impact the work of over 200 local nonprofits and schools. Being a part of our movement means being a part of the 20,000+ ATLiens who serve to better our city every year. We hope you enjoy our fresh look and together, let's Do Something Good.

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THE BRAND REFRESH

So, what's new? For starters, a lot. You'll notice a new logo and our colors have changed a bit, with more energy and "pop" off the screen. We're toning down the nonprofit, insider lingo, and bringing a human voice to our messaging (because we're real people, doing real work). You'll also see photos and videos of actual volunteers doing work with nonprofits, right here in the ATL. Lastly, we're going to tell more inspiring stories and share the extraordinary work so many folks do everyday.  

High fives to our friends at BBDO for all their help with our brand refresh!

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THE NEW SITE AND PORTAL

FOR VOLUNTEERS

Explore our updated volunteer portal. It has a clean look and feel, but a familiarity that will have you volunteering in no time! In addition, you can easily sign up for opportunities based on your availability, the things you care about, or your favorite nonprofit. Managing your account is just a few clicks away. Check out this step-by-step video on how to get started.  

FOR NONPROFITS

Posting your projects and managing your volunteers has never been easier! We've streamlined our nonprofit portal so you can quickly access the tools, reports, and resources you need to get back to what really matters: your impact. Watch this tour of our nonprofit portal to get started.

FOR COMPANIES

We've made engaging your employees, serving your community, and sponsoring events easy and fun! You'll never question how you to get your company involved in volunteering and service again. Learn why other companies love working with us and discover all the possibilities.

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OUR BLOG THE CITIZEN

Did you know, we used to publish a printed magazine called The Citizen? We would feature all of the month's volunteer opportunities, highlight changemakers, the amazing work of our nonprofit partners, and recognize socially responsible companies in Atlanta.

We're resurfacing The Citizen in an all-new digital platform (hint: you're reading it now). In the coming months, you'll find think pieces, news and updates from our team, inspirational stories, and more.

Would you like to contribute a story? Shoot us an email.

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We've been leading volunteer efforts as an Atlanta institution for over 28 years, but we're just getting started. We hope you enjoy our new look and we'd love your feedback. Let us know what you think or check out our FAQs page (yup, we've got one of those now too) if you have questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Turning Good Intentions Into Action

As CEO of Hands On Atlanta, I spend my days thinking about the future of volunteering and community service. A few months ago I had chance to share some of those thoughts with a group of enthusiastic business undergrads, as part of Georgia Tech’s Impact Series.

February 15, 2017 Appointed as CEO of Hands On Atlanta in the summer of 2016, Cranman was selected because of his background with other large nonprofit corporations, including serving as Vice President of Venture Development of Points of Light Foundation, and his continued dedication to civil entrepreneurship.

My talk was centered around a core belief -- that the most overlooked and underutilized resource in the world today, is that of people's good intentions. I see several trends which have the potential to completely disrupt the volunteering landscape, and in doing so, turn those good intentions into meaningful action: 

1. Nonprofits no longer hold a monopoly on doing good: Over the next 5-10 years, there will continue to be a convergence of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. It is already difficult to tell them apart, and this trend will continue as legal structure loses its status as a competitive differentiator.  Nonprofits are going to find themselves competing directly with for-profit organizations for the social license to "do good". Image the good that will be unlocked when companies start using their billion-dollar marketing budgets to directly engage people in their sustainability or corporate social responsibility efforts. 

2. Volunteering goes virtual: When you imagine someone volunteering…do you picture them in front of a laptop or doing it on their mobile phone while in line at Starbucks? There are currently an endless number of ways to give money today using a tweet or SMS. And there are an infinite number of ways for someone to do good if they are willing to invest a few hours or a few days. But in the middle, there is a huge, green space…a blue ocean for innovators and entrepreneurs to dive into. I believe innovations in this space will be made possible by technology. Much like Amazon is disrupting big-box retailers, online volunteer platforms will disrupt big-box nonprofits. Over the next 10 years, I predict that the number of hours volunteered online will surpass traditional volunteering. This will further reduce the friction associated with volunteering today, and allow it to become more integrated into our daily lives.  
3. Investing is the new philanthropy: People are revisiting the relationship they want their capital to have with the world. They are seeking a role for capital to play beyond just maximizing profits, and thinking about the social and environmental issues that can be addressed through investment. And it isn’t just wealthy individuals. It is also ordinary citizens who are asking their 401K and pension fund managers to respond to local and global issues. There is roughly $375 Billion donated to charity in the US every year. But we are dealing with Trillion-dollar problems. Basic math shows us that we must find a way to unlock new sources of capital if we are truly going to move the needle on poverty, homelessness and hunger. The World Economic Forum has predicted that the impact investing market will grow to $500 Billion over the next 5 years. As new models emerge, we are going to see a tremendous increase in the amount of money that is being invested in "doing good".
4. What it means to "volunteer" is evolving: Volunteering itself is evolving to keep pace with changing business models. New engagement models will come from collaborative consumption, the sharing economy, crowdfunding, virtual reality and other innovations. And in doing so, we will need to change our language and the definition of volunteering to keep pace. The word “volunteer” will either need to evolve, or it will be supplanted by terms like “activist” and “change maker”.

I believe we will see these trends show up in our daily lives more and more and I hope that by highlighting them, you will be able to recognize and leverage them when they do.

What trends do you see and how might they change how people currently give back to their community?

Keeping Their Hands On Atlanta, Meet Cindy and Kevin Abel

Cindy and Kevin both started their careers at Anderson Consulting before founding their own technology consulting company, Abel Solutions Inc. Cindy and Kevin Abel, long time Atlanta residents, have supported Hands On Atlanta since its founding days. In fact they attended the second volunteer orientation of the organization at the Days Inn on Buford Highway, a standing room only, packed affair that put Hands On Atlanta on the map. 

Cindy and Kevin’s company, Abel Solutions, was a generous supporter from the beginning, sponsoring Hands On Atlanta Day year after year, bringing their employees, spouses and children to painting and planting projects perennially. Cindy served on the Board of Hands On Atlanta for 6 1/2 years and was Vice Chair during the latter 2 years of her term. Cindy continued as member of the Advisory Board.

Last year (2015-2016) Cindy agreed to serve as interim CEO of Hands On Atlanta while a search for a new CEO took place.  Soon after Cindy’s tenure began, the Development Director moved to a new organization, leaving Cindy with not only her chief executive role, but also that of fundraiser in chief.

In 2011, Cindy and another partner co-founded Liv2bgirl, a positive place online where all girls feel comfortable being themselves, where they can connect with other girls that have common interests, goals, and concerns, and where they can safely share the ideas, thoughts, and images that define them.
 
Cindy and Kevin have three young adult children.  Cindy has served as president of the high school PTO for the last three years, and is the past board chairperson of the Vibe Performance Company where one of her daughters danced throughout middle and high school.  Kevin is vice chair of the board of New American Pathways, a refugee resettlement agency that helps refugees in Georgia thrive.