THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
Hot Projects: Week of January 27
Check out this week’s Hot Projects that include awesome volunteer opportunities with Grant Park Conservancy, Atlanta Public Schools, Action Ministries and more!
ACTION MINISTRIES FOOD BOX BUILDING
Saturday, February 1 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (East Point)
Be a part of ending hunger for families across Georgia! Action Ministries' hunger program supplies over 40,000 food boxes to help thousands of families each year, provides 2,500 kids in Georgia with meal packs that help end hunger over the weekend, and delivers lunch and enrichment activities to over 7,000 kids during extended school breaks and summer! We invite you to join us at our next service event, where we will have fun and make a difference at the same time. Volunteers will assemble flat food boxes, fill food boxes with a pre-determined box menu following overhead instructions and more!
ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT AND REGIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR
Thursday, January 30 From 8:30 AM - 11:30 PM (SW Atlanta)
Atlanta Public Schools Office of Science is hosting its annual District and Regional Science and Engineering Fair at APS Coan Building. The purpose of this fair is to allow students in grades three through twelve an opportunity to present their original science and engineering research projects. We are requesting your support in judging student projects on January 29, 2020, and/or January 30, 2020. The science fair is a fun and engaging time for students. Students are excited to share their authentic research projects.
MORNING- PROJECT G.R.A.N.T. FEBRUARY 2020
Saturday, February 8 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (NW Atlanta)
Please join the Grant Park Conservancy in our mission to care for historic Grant Park - we depend on volunteers like you to help keep the park healthy and beautiful! Project G.R.A.N.T. (Greenspace Restoration and Neighborhood Teamwork) convenes monthly in the park for morning (9am– 12pm) and afternoon (1:30pm-4:30pm) work sessions. Both sessions will tackle labor-intensive projects throughout the park including invasive plant removal, tree canopy care, trash pick up and more.
YCFP - MOBILE FOOD PANTRY (FIRST AFRICAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LOCATION)
Friday, February 7 From 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Lithonia)
Your Community Food Pantry's (YCFP) mission is to eliminate hunger, and to improve the overall sustainability of communities. In partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, FACDC has distributed over 2,000,000lbs of food to more than 100,000 persons. Volunteer positions include: Food Pantry Table Distributor, Food Pantry Product Handler, Food Pantry Client In-Take Coordinators, Food Pantry Traffic Manager and Client Assistant.
DISCOVERY PROGRAM @ PARKLANE ELEMENTARY
Saturday, February 8 From 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM (East Point)
Parklane Elementary Discovery is a Saturday morning tutoring program that offers one-on-one and small group enrichment activities for at-risk children. Volunteers lead activities and help with reading and math skills for students in kindergarten through 5th grades. Volunteers who speak Spanish are especially needed.
MLK Day 2020 in Review
The 2020 edition of the King holiday fell on a pivotal point in our city’s history. 2020 will bring an election, the census, the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, and more events that will require us, as a community and as a nation, to unite. For us, while incredibly important, that means more than volunteering and serving others. Knowing we’ve got some of the country’s top civic engagement and social justice organizations right here in our backyard, we partnered with The King Center, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Morehouse College to deliver over 2 weeks of events and programming.
Hundreds of volunteers planted 200 trees and 5,000 daffodil bulbs. Volunteers were welcomed by Dunwoody Mayor, Lynn Deutsch.
Photo by Paul Ward Photography
The 2020 edition of the King holiday fell on a pivotal point in our city’s history. This year will bring an election, the census, the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, and more events that will require us, as a community and as a nation, to unite. For us, while incredibly important, that means more than volunteering and serving others. Knowing we’ve got some of the country’s top civic engagement and social justice organizations right here in our backyard, we partnered with The King Center, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Morehouse College to deliver over 2 weeks of events and programming.
““The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.””
For the King holiday, Atlanta, once again, rose to the occasion and set the standard for how to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King. There have been opportunities to learn, to listen, to serve, to engage, to disrupt and to do. Below are some highlights from the MLK Sunday Supper and our annual day of service. To the changemakers, the corporate community, our partners and everyone who participated in an MLK Day event or program - THANK YOU!
MLK SUNDAY SUPPER
Photos by Steve Swieter Photography
For the 6th year in a row, Hands On Atlanta kicked-off the MLK Day of Service with our annual MLK Sunday Supper. What’s become one of our favorite annual events, this year’s conversation centered around THE defining social justice issue of 2020: women’s rights. With the upcoming election and census, we know 2020 will be a pivotal year for everyone, but it will be specifically pivotal for women. There isn’t an issue…from affordable housing to income inequality, that doesn’t’ dis-proportionally affect women in our community.
The evening’s conversations were sparked by vignettes from Andrea Young, Executive Director of ACLU of Georgia, Cheryl Preheim, evening anchor at 11Alive, and Kwame Johnson, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. The evening’s program was designed in partnership with Civic Dinners, and facilitated by women leaders from across Atlanta.
Highlights of the evening included two incredibly moving performance from the Atlanta Music Project and a motivational challenge for change by Jill Savitt, the CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights!
Day of Service
On the coldest day of the year, tens of thousands of ATLiens turned out for city wide volunteer projects, church services, the King Center’s annual march, and other MLK Day related events and programs. We tallied over 3,000 changemakers, serving almost 10,000 hours at 20 projects hosted by our corporate, nonprofit and school partners across metro Atlanta. Here’s a snap shot of the day:
400 volunteers turned up at Truly Living Well to assist with winterization for the fruit trees, composting, cleaning a pond and re-mulching pathways. Volunteers spread 800 pounds of mulch, built 5 cold frame/mini greenhouses, installed a new garden bed and more!
Our friends at Livable Buckhead hosted about 75 volunteers from Accenture and ADP at Loridians Park, where volunteers helped create a new nature trail and a community education space.
In partnership with Trees Atlanta, 300 volunteers planted 200 trees and 5,000 daffodil bulbs at Brook Run Park! Special guests included Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch, volunteers from project sponsors Coca-Cola, Newell Brands, and The Home Depot, plus the Atlanta-Dunwoody chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
ATLiens strolling down the Beltline stopped at our “pop up” project and helped build 200 STEM kits for students in our partner Atlanta Public Schools.
Volunteers stayed warm by working hard, beautifying 5 partner schools from Atlanta, Dekalb and Fulton County School systems. Projects covered a wide range of needs and included painting, landscaping, bench and picnic table builds, outdoor classrooms, garden beds and more!
More than 200 volunteers stopped into City Hall for the City of Atlanta Day of Service making hats and scarves, no sew blankets and more for City of Atlanta Warming Centers (temporary homeless shelters open during frigid temperatures) and several partner nonprofits.
What’s next
Our official King Holiday festivities began back on January 13 and will conclude on Jan. 31. On Thursday, Jan. 23 from 5:30pm-7:30pm catch Stacey Abrams at the Morehouse College Annual MLK Lecture Series and on Friday, Jan. 31 from 8:30am - 10:00am, grab your seat for an uplifting and engaging talk from Dr. Vicki Crawford at Creative Mornings. Dr. Crawford, the director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Collection at Morehouse College and general editor of the Morehouse College King Collection Series on Civil and Human Rights.
As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The time is always right, to do what is right.” We’ve got you covered to do what is right, all year round:
Find volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule and the issues you can about most!
Explore one of our digital volunteering partners and help someone in real-time.
Host or attend a Civic Dinner.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Please join us and toss a high five to the companies paving the way for a more equitable and civically engaged Atlanta! The support from these leaders made the MLK Sunday Supper and Day of Service possible.
Hot Projects: Week of January 20
Check out this week’s Hot Projects that include awesome volunteer opportunities with Sweetwater Mission, New Life Community Ministries, Your Community Food Pantry. and more!
YCFP - MOBILE FOOD PANTRY (BIG MILLER GROVE LOCATION)
Saturday, January 25 From 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Lithonia)
Your Community Food Pantry (YCFP) is a subsidiary of FACDC. FACDC is a 501(c3) non-profit organization that brings free/low cost services to churches, schools, community organizations, and directly to the people. Our mission is to eliminate hunger, and to improve the overall sustainability of communities. For more than 20 years, FACDC has been providing services in the East Dekalb communities. In partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, FACDC has distributed over 2,000,000lbs of food to more than 100,000 persons. Volunteer positions include: Food Pantry Table Distributor, Food Pantry Product Handler, Food Pantry Client In-Take Coordinators, Food Pantry Traffic Manager and Client Assistant.
TEAMWORKS! KICKOFF
Saturday, January 25 From 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM (NW Atlanta)
Hands On Atlanta TeamWorks! is a program that betters metro-Atlanta through meaningful service projects. It’s a program that affords you the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others and our communities, and to develop friendships with your fellow volunteers along the way. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself and get involved! Kick-off is the first meeting of every round. It is an orientation - a chance for volunteers to meet, form teams, and learn about the projects planned for that round. We are switching up this round and adding a mini-service project that will benefit one of ournonprofit partners.
FOOD PANTRY ASSISTANT
Saturday, January 25 From 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM (Austell)
Sweetwater Mission is the largest food pantry in the state of Georgia, according to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. We are open to serve the community Monday - Saturday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Our food pantry is a client choice and mimics a small grocery store completely with shopping carts. With this type of service we need plenty of volunteers to make it happen - that's where you come in! While serving in our Food Pantry you will be assisting the clients as they go through the food pantry, this opportunity is standing on our cement floors - reaching and lifting food items. You will have the chance to meet our clients face to face as well share the love we all have for serving with a smile and kind heart.
HIS LOVE EXTENDED - PRAISE BEAUTY SALON VOLUNTEER
Saturday, January 25 From 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM (Decatur)
We encourage and uplift our clients by providing hair services to women, men, and children. The Praise Salon seeks to remove outward physical barriers that limit personal/professional growth and success in employment, continuing education, and securing permanent housing by providing beauty and confidence-building tips to those experiencing financial hardships. Those with skills to serve as stylists, braiders/loc specialists, and shampooers. We also need child care teachers/helpers – and people who can assist with administrative tasks. Orientation is provided, and shampoo and stylist training sessions are offered.
FOREST RESTORATION IN MORNINGSIDE NATURE PRESERVE MORNINGSIDE/LENOX PARK
Saturday, January 25 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (North Atlanta)
Trees Atlanta is a nationally recognized non-profit citizens’ group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. The vast majority of the work we do is accomplished with the help of volunteers including all the trees we plant and much of our invasive plant removal! Help care for our urban forest by removing invasive plants in Morningside Nature Preserve, a beautiful greenspace along Peachtree Creek. Our focus is to promote a healthy, sustainable plant community. Activities include pulling and cutting invasive plants such as Chinese privet and English ivy and replanting native plants.
Hot Projects: Week of January 13
Check out this week’s Hot Projects that include awesome volunteer opportunities with Open Hand, Piedmont Park, The Pantry at Hamilton Mill U.M.C. and more!
MORNING MEAL PACKING
Wednesday, January 22 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (NW Atlanta)
At Open Hand, people from all walks of life come together to touch the lives of thousands of others who are not as fortunate. The Morning Meal Packing event involves portioning food into individual containers and snack bags on the packing assembly line. With over 5,000 meals to package every day, your help is essential. This is a great project for individuals and families, and a great team-building exercise for school, business, and church groups!
FOOD PANTRY DISTRIBUTION PREP
Friday, January 17 From 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Dacula)
The Pantry @ HMUMC exists to connect community members in times of need with families seeking to serve by distributing food without judgment or expectation. Join us as we improve our greater community by physically and spiritually feeding patrons and volunteers, fostering friendships and setting an example of love and service for future generations. Volunteers will unload food deliveries, assist with weighing, sorting and putting away food to prevent spoilage, organize freezers and refrigerators, prepare and organize food for Saturday distribution.
MULCH PARTY AT PIEDMONT PARK
Wednesday, January 22 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (NW Atlanta)
With over 200 acres, there is always somewhere that needs a fresh layer of mulch in Piedmont Park. Mulch helps conserve moisture and reduce weed infestations. So take advantage of this mild January weather and help us spread mulch in Piedmont Park. We provide the tools and work gloves. Bring your friends and help us get the Park ready for Spring. Skip the gym for a day and get a workout that will benefit both you and Piedmont Park.
ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ HELEN RUFFIN READING BOWL
Saturday, January 25 From 7:30 AM - 12:30 AM (NW Atlanta)
The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl is a state-wide reading initiative which began in 2003. It is a reading competition open to students in grades 4-12 across the state. Students in elementary and middle school are quizzed on the Georgia Book Award Nominees while high school participants are quizzed on the 20 Georgia Peach Teen Book Award Nominees. The APS competition, sponsored by our Media Services Department, and will take place at D.M. Therrell High School on Saturday, January 25, 2020 beginning at 7:30am. We are seeking volunteers to support this district-wide event. Volunteers will work as a score-keeper, timer, moderator, or judge.
Discovery Program @ BELMONT HILLS ELEMENTARY
Saturday, January 18 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Smyrna)
The Hands On Atlanta Discovery program is a volunteer-led Saturday tutoring and enrichment program. The two-hour session occurs twice a month from 10am to 12pm. The program reinforces weekday learning through academic assistance, educational games, service-learning projects, and other enrichment activities. Volunteers who speak Spanish are especially needed. Students are engaged in a variety of subjects depending on the needs of their particular schools. Our goal is to have a one-on-one volunteer to student ratio, allowing for individualized attention and the building of relationships between students and volunteers.
Hot Projects: Week of November 25
Check out this week’s Hot Projects that include awesome volunteer opportunities with Atlanta Beltline, The Wylde Center, Partners In Action For Healthy Living and more!
ATLANTA BELTLINE EASTSIDE 10K 2019
Saturday, December 7 From 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM (NW Atlanta)
The Atlanta BeltLine is sparking a fun culture of health, activity, and community in Atlanta. By providing parks, trails, transit and affordable in-town living – and by partnering with like-minded organizations – the Atlanta BeltLine is creating unique opportunities for healthier, more sustainable living in Atlanta. Now in its 9th year, the 2019 Atlanta BeltLine Run.Walk.Go! Race Series is the perfect chance to explore various trail segments and stay active. The heart and soul of the BeltLine project is community. Come volunteer and join the community. Volunteers will assist with Setup and cleanup, handing out water, shirts, helping with check-in and various other race day needs.
SANTA AT RHODES HALL
Saturday, December 1 From 8:30 AM - 5:30 AM (NW Atlanta)
Santa is heading to Rhodes Hall and we are looking for volunteers to become part of the holiday magic December 1-15, 2019 (see available times and dates below). Santa at Rhodes Hall is one of the most beloved traditions of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. This is a family event held in the Victorian surroundings of Rhodes Hall, a historic "castle" on Peachtree Street built in 1904. Santa at Rhodes Hall features holiday entertainment, music, refreshments, arts and crafts and best of all, private appointments with Santa. We are looking for volunteers to become Santa's helpers and assist with making the day special for our guests. Volunteer jobs include assisting with arts and crafts, food set-up, registration and greeters. Lunch will be provided.
PAHL COMMUNITY PEACE GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, December 7 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Decatur)
Partners in Action for Healthy Living's mission is to empower South DeKalb residents to make healthy choices that support their best quality of life. We do this by empowering and educating individuals through gardening and urban agriculture, connecting people to the land, to their food and most importantly, to each other. Clean-up of the Community Garden ensures a safe and clean environment for the South Dekalb community to maintain a healthy lifestyle of living. Volunteers will clean-up the garden, build picnic tables, build garden beds, clear invasive plants, etc.
MULBERRY FIELDS BED REPLACEMENT AND FALL CLEANUP
Saturday, December 7 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM (NW Atlanta)
Wylde Center's mission is to educate, cultivate greenspaces and build community in the areas we serve. Wylde Center accomplishes this through educational programs, events and greenspaces that actively engage youth, families and individuals in their environment, health and community, and that develop skills in environmental science, sustainable urban living, organic gardening, health, and nutrition. Mulberry Fields is home some of the Wylde Center’s most committed group of gardeners and serves venue for many of our fundraising events; this event will make sure that we are ready to hit the ground running in the Spring. Volunteer tasks include: Mulching walkways throughout our garden, Raking leaves for goat and chicken pens, Rebuilding community plots, Rebuilding compost bins and Sifting compost.
Discovery Program @ BELMONT HILLS ELEMENTARY
Saturday, December 14 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Smyrna)
The Hands On Atlanta Discovery program is a volunteer-led Saturday tutoring and enrichment program. The two-hour session occurs twice a month from 10am to 12pm. The program reinforces weekday learning through academic assistance, educational games, service-learning projects, and other enrichment activities. Volunteers who speak Spanish are especially needed. Students are engaged in a variety of subjects depending on the needs of their particular schools. Our goal is to have a one-on-one volunteer to student ratio, allowing for individualized attention and the building of relationships between students and volunteers.
Hot Projects: Week of November 18
Check out this week’s Hot Projects that include awesome volunteer opportunities with Piedmont Park Conservancy, Atlanta Beltline, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia and more!
GREEN MARKET - CONNECTING COMMUNITIES & SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS!
Saturday, November 23 From 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM (NW Atlanta)
Have fun volunteering while enjoying the fresh air, learning about locally grown produce and listening to live music! Green Market volunteers play an important role in supporting healthy lifestyles and encouraging sustainable communities. Our Green Market encourages sustainable communities in the most basic way – by providing shoppers with direct access to local farmers and merchants. Volunteers will primarily assist vendors with unloading their vehicles, general clean-up; market set-up and market break down. Volunteers may also lend a hand at the Green Market Information booth and our Education Garden.
ATLANTA BELTLINE EASTSIDE 10K 2019
Saturday, December 7 From 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM (NW Atlanta)
The Atlanta BeltLine is sparking a fun culture of health, activity, and community in Atlanta. By providing parks, trails, transit and affordable in-town living – and by partnering with like-minded organizations – the Atlanta BeltLine is creating unique opportunities for healthier, more sustainable living in Atlanta. Now in its 9th year, the 2019 Atlanta BeltLine Run.Walk.Go! Race Series is the perfect chance to explore various trail segments and stay active. The heart and soul of the BeltLine project is community. Come volunteer and join the community. Volunteers will assist with Setup and cleanup, handing out water, shirts, helping with check-in and various other race day needs.
CLARK HOWARD'S CHRISTMAS KIDS: WALMART VOLUNTEER (MCDONOUGH)
Saturday, December 7 From 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM (McDonough)
For 26 years, Clark Howard has been providing Christmas gifts to foster children in the state of Georgia. St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, along with WSB TV/Talk Radio, the Georgia Department of Human Services, and Walmart, work with Clark to insure that every child has gifts to open on Christmas morning. Volunteer tasks include: Helping shoppers choose a child to shop for, receiving gifts from Walmart shoppers, label gift bags and verifying receipts.
SATURDAY WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE (FOR GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS)
Saturday, December 7 From 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Newnan)
Bridging the Gap, a 501c3 non-profit, exists to feed, serve, and restore those who are hurting and in need in our community. The Warehouse Associate will be responsible for unloading and/or loading donations from the public as well as our daily food deliveries. y will also assist with weighing, sorting, and putting away of food to prevent spoilage. This person will work with the warehouse manager or warehouse team leader to methodically prepare food boxes for clients. Additionally, the warehouse associate will help distribute the boxes of food to our clients by serving in a variety of distribution roles: Box loader, bread loader, bag loader, line director, or conveyor loader.
Discovery Program @ Parklane ElementarY
Saturday, December 7 From 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM (East Point)
Parklane Elementary Discovery is a Saturday morning tutoring program that offers one-on-one and small group enrichment activities for at-risk children. Volunteers lead activities and help with reading and math skills for students in kindergarten through 5th grades. Volunteers who speak Spanish are especially needed.
Hot Projects: Week of November 11
Check out this week’s Hot Projects that include awesome volunteer opportunities with Fernbank Museum, Trees Atlanta, Southwest Ecumenical Emergency Assistance Center and more!
School Science fair - east atlanta village
Saturday, November 19 From 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (East Atlanta)
BPA strives to be “The neighborhood school of choice and a compelling traditional public school option for the child of any family living in East Atlanta Village and Reynoldstown.” At Burgess-Peterson Academy, they believe each child should be given every opportunity to achieve academically at high levels, become a responsible citizen, and find success both at school and in the community, this volunteer opportunity allows our students so see firsthand what it means to me a responsible citizen in the community while achieving at a high level. Volunteers will review project boards, interview students about their projects, and debrief about the projects.
Fernbank volunteer orientation
Saturday, November 16 From 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM (Druid Hills)
Fernbank is currently recruiting new volunteers to join them in a variety of roles within the museum as part of our Adult Volunteer group. Volunteering with them is a great way to meet new people while giving valuable time to an important cultural institution in Atlanta. There is a position for every personality and age, with opportunities such as Greeter, Film Attendant, forest restoration volunteer, exhibit facilitator, Animal Care volunteer, and more. Attending the initial training will count towards your volunteer hours, allow you to meet Membership and Volunteer Department staff members, and sign up for your first official shift here at Fernbank.
Vegan Thanksgiving Meal For Individual In need
Saturday, November 23 From 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Decatur)
Join SWEEAC (Southwest Ecumenical Emergency Assistance Center) & PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to help set up for a vegan Thanksgiving Dinner for individuals in need. This event helps SWEEAC work toward introducing and providing healthy eating habits for families living and working in the communities we serve. We are excited that these families are able to experience food options that are available to them. Volunteer tasks include: Helping to set up/break down the event room, assisting with check-in, serving pre-prepared food and more!
Tree planting in chosewood park
Saturday, November 16 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (NW Atlanta)
Trees Atlanta is a nationally recognized non-profit citizens’ group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. The vast majority of the work they do is accomplished with the help of volunteers, including all the trees they plant and much of their invasive plant removal! Trees Atlanta has been working in Chosewood Park for several years to promote a healthy plant community. Your work at this project will help them meet their goal of sustainable forest in Chosewood Park. Volunteers will be planting 3 gal and 15 gal native trees.
Discovery Program @ Clay ElementarY
Saturday, November 16 From 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Mableton)
The Hands On Atlanta Discovery program is a volunteer-led Saturday tutoring and enrichment program. The two-hour session occurs twice a month from 10am to 12pm. The program reinforces weekday learning through academic assistance, educational games, field trips, service-learning projects, and other enrichment activities. Students are engaged in a variety of subjects depending on the needs of their particular schools.
Our goal is to have a one-on-one volunteer to student ratio, allowing for individualized attention and the building of relationships between students and volunteers.
Instagram Reboot: 3 Simple Ways to Grow Your Following
This post was created in partnership with Splendid Consulting, previewing our upcoming Instagram 2.0 Essentials for Nonprofits workshop. Learn more and register here.
If you’re struggling with low engagement or gaining new followers on your nonprofit’s Instagram account, then keep reading! Today, we’re tackling one of the most overlooked spots to increase engagement: your Instagram profile.
An organization’s bio is the foundation to creating a successful marketing strategy.
I recommend checking in with your bio more often than you might think. As your goals, fundraising, or events change, your bio should too. If you’re launching a new campaign, your bio should give your community the scoop — and most importantly, make it easy for someone to donate, purchase, or get connected with you.
Here are 3 simple steps to crafting the perfect bio:
Your Mission: Is your mission easy to understand? Does it succinctly explain who you serve and your location? Keep it simple to ensure a new follower can clearly grasp all of these elements.
Contact info: Is your website link up to date? You’ll want to change it to reflect your current call-to-action. You may want it to link to your nonprofit’s website or to your Giving Tuesday page or tickets to purchase for a fundraiser. Consider a free service like Linktree if you need multiple URLs.
Branded Hashtag: Adding a branded hashtag is an easy way to increase engagement and show your community how to connect and share content with you. Make sure your hashtag is unique to you, and generic like: “#nonprofit” or “#atlantanonprofits.”
Don’t be afraid to be fun, witty, or creative — just stay within your own brand standards. You can use emojis to help break up the text visually and avoid long paragraphs. Once your bio is sparkling, start mixing in creative calls-to-action into your regular content. Let’s do this!
Christina Edwards, Founder
About Splendid Consulting
Our mission is to amplify the impact of nonprofit and cause organizations. At the intersection of strategy and solution, Splendid Consulting takes nonprofits to the next level. Splendid works with organizations to create the roadmap, tools, and mindset to thrive.