From critical conversations to direct action, Rose Caplan uses service to engage in ATL

Rose Caplan is a regular volunteer with the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End, L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, and M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. She’s using her passion for service as a way to open the door to real connections, conversations and change.

Learn more about why Rose serves and where she’ll be volunteering next.

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

What I care most about is improving human equality in Atlanta, as our most vulnerable in Atlanta (our children and families) are affected by inequity, racism, including anti-Semitism, and discrimination - including against people with mental and physical disabilities and the LGBTQ community.

Researched and documented lower incomes and lack of proper resources for education, housing, and healthcare are results of inequity, racism and discrimination. Conversations about these matters, in my opinion, are many times too many put off or had in the most shallow fashion because they are hard and it take emotional energy that many people don't want to expend.

However, if we are to provide opportunities that empower all people to be able to choose a fulfilling life we must have frank and open discussions about racism, discrimination and inequity. There is no other way. One way to open the door is through community service where person to person connections can be made and mutual understanding can be initiated.

“I have the skills and time to help and it is satisfying at the end of the day to have done something good for the sustainability of our earth and youth.””

— Rose Caplan

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

I love working with the people who make up the AWER membership. They are servant leaders, and take seriously Rotary’s Service Above Self mantra. I love member collaboration, resources available for community service, the opportunities to serve the community, and member support to come up with the best ways to meet the needs of the community through service to seeing them through the end.

I love L.E.A.D.’s mission to empower an at-risk generation to lead and transform their city of Atlanta by using the sport of baseball to teach Black boys how to overcome three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty and racism. Moreover, I love the people that I work with to further its mission - Co-Founders CJ and Kelli Stewart, the Board and most importantly the young men that are working hard to create a life that they intend to have not one that is predetermined by society.

I love working with Lisa Colbert, STEAM instructor at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School and assisting her to fulfill her vision of "earth matters" and sustainability for the children. She has an executable plan that requires more hands than the two she has, and more time than there is in a day. I have the skills and time to help and it is satisfying at the end of the day to have done something good for the sustainability of our earth and youth. Lisa is probably the best volunteer manager I’ve worked with. She loves what she is doing and it filters down to those who spend time with her and her vision.

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

Memorable moments are made every time a young person smiles and a connection is made because of a new opportunity available to them through a volunteer effort. Additionally, every time I volunteer is an opportunity to learn something about people and the community that deepen my understanding of the need to work toward equality for everyone.

I volunteer with others to meet with high school students to discuss responses they have provided to survey questions over a specified period of time on a single topic. This is an opportunity for volunteers to go a little deeper and understand the student responses better so we can provide effective support. At each meeting, we learn a little bit more about each other, our respective families, and lives. For me, my effort is enhanced by their acceptance of someone like myself who couldn’t be more different from them in many ways. Their sincerity and genuine selves, together with their thoughtfulness, is heartwarming and enlightening. These meetings provide for impromptu yet-to-be-made memorable moments. You’ve got to put yourself in the situation, and let yourself be vulnerable.

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

L.E.A.D. Center for Youth and APIVEO are in the planning stages of the 8th Annual Safe at Home Game Program involving Atlanta’s youth and law enforcement. The program consists of a RoundTable discussion to provide an environment where youth and law enforcement can freely and candidly exchange their thoughts, beliefs and opinions regarding specific community and societal issues, and a baseball game between them where they find common ground to open lines of communication on and off the field. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact me.

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

Atlanta West End Rotary Club started a club project based on United Way Greater Atlanta 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge. Instead of taking the challenge over 21 Days we changed it to 21 Weeks. The challenge is turn-key and the material is focused on how racial inequity plagues Atlanta and the communities within. I recommend it for anyone who wants to start a conversation about racial equity in our own backyard. It will strengthen your volunteer resolve and enhance your experience for yourself and those you serve.

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Inspired by Rose’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Stacey Chavis on using her time, talent, treasure and voice to make Atlanta a better community

Stacey Chavis leads a life of service. Her passion to support the needs of women, children and families in the Atlanta community makes her a regular volunteer with organizations like the United Way of Greater Atlanta, Voices for Georgia’s Children, Georgia Forward, Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, Junior League of Atlanta, League of Women Voters, among several others.

Learn more about Stacey’s passion for service and where you can serve alongside her next.

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

I care most about the pressing needs of women, children and families in the Atlanta community. I care about the human trafficking and sexual exploitations of women and children. I care about families experiencing homelessness in our community. I care about Veterans receiving much needed services. I care about literacy and education of children and young adults.

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

I love that each organization I volunteer with truly cares about the community in which they serve. I volunteer with them to use my time, talent, treasure and voice to make Atlanta a better community for our women, children and families.

“I want others to know that we need your service to the community no matter the size of the time you have to give. We need the volunteer that can give one hour a quarter and the volunteer that can give ten hours per week and everybody in between.””

— Stacey Chavis

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected my volunteer efforts. Direct service opportunities were postponed for safety precautions. Many of my volunteer efforts were moved online or done in a socially distant manner. I focused on mentoring college through Zoom and telephones.

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

I want to motivate others to volunteer by telling them that we need their service. We need them to volunteer in service to women, children. Families, Veterans, animals, the environment, and the other issues that are important to them. I want others to know that we need your service to the community no matter the size of the time you have to give. We need the volunteer that can give one hour a quarter and the volunteer that can give ten hours per week and everybody in between.

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

In April, the United Way of Greater Atlanta will hold the SaturDAY of Service on April 16, 2022 with many community service projects throughout Atlanta. People can visit volunteer.unitedwayatlanta.org for more details.

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

I live by the quote from the late Muhammad Ali, “Service is the rent you pay for the room here on Earth.” We need your service to our great community.

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Inspired by Stacey’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Chad Livsey is cleaning Atlanta, one neighborhood at a time

Following in his grandfather’s footsteps to take ownership of reducing blight and litter, Chad Livsey organizes street and community clean up events through the Chad Livsey Project.

Learn more about what drives Chad to serve and how you can join him at their next event.

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

I care about the conditions of undeserved communities. At the Chad Livsey Project, our target is litter and blight because it has such a negative impact on neighborhoods.

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

I love how everything started after watching my grandfather volunteer for years. He adopted roads and I have kept the tradition going.

“My mission is to fight for clean communities and I’ll do it as long as I’m here. Small efforts can change things, actions are better than words.””

— Chad Livsey

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

Covid has pushed me to make a bigger difference. Cleanups our done outside and we are safe when it comes to distancing. Over the pandemic, we helped collect over 5k bags of litter.

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

I remember a home owner saying my efforts kept her from selling her home because the area was heavily littered. She stayed and started helping change the area. As she fought back tears, I realized how important community service can be.

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

We are planning a cleanup for Earth Day on April 22nd. It'll be on Edgewood Ave. For more details go to www.chadlivseyproject.com.

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

While giving back to my hometown, I found my purpose amongst all the waste. My mission is to fight for clean communities and I'll do it as long as I'm here. Small efforts can change things, actions are better than words.

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Inspired by Chad’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like his, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Tanjanae Walker on believing in YOURSELF AND others for a better community

Georgia State University senior and Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, Tanjanae Walker, is a regular volunteer with Trees Atlanta, Books for Africa and session leader for our virtual, Disco program!

Tanjanae recently shared why they’re committed to a more equitable Atlanta and the value of everyone’s role in our community.

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

Houselessness is a huge issue in Atlanta that is close to my heart. I have overcome houselessness in my life and understand deeply the additional challenges that come with not having shelter; folks ability to work, pursue an education, or follow their dreams, is threatened by a lack of shelter.

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

I love working with the youth in DISCO in any capacity however centering their social-emotional learning makes it more fulfilling because I understand they will take what they've learned into their adulthood.

With Trees Atlanta I love that caring for the neighborhood trees has an impact on the air quality!

“ It is important to know that everyone’s role in the community is valuable. That value grows exponentially when we believe in ourselves, each other and we use our skills to support one another.””

— Tanjanae Walker

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

During the pandemic, I was still able to find ways to be impactful. I was introduced to Equitable Dinners, a virtual social justice round table, through Hands On Atlanta and that was fulfilling. I was also able to do some virtual book reading for the youth during that time. I am grateful that others were able to create ways to still do the work.

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

My students in DISCO were not happy to hear we only have 1 more session left together for the school year. I was unprepared for them to express wanting to stay longer on our days together and wanting the program to last "all year long". I was extremely grateful to my students for sharing the impact they feel from myself and the other volunteers. When you show up for others, you will always gain something in return.

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

I am grateful to be seen and I hope that my visibility as a civic leader encourages other people to get and remain involved in building up our communities. It is important to know that everyone’s role in the community is valuable. That value grows exponentially when we believe in ourselves, each other and we use our skills to support one another. I believe in community!

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Inspired by Tanjanae’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like theirs, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Building a Beloved Community with Captain Aprille Moore

With over 16 years of experience in serving communities, Captain Aprille Moore is passionate about public safety and building a beloved community. When she’s not on duty as Unit Commander for Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, she regularly volunteers with Black Girls RUN!, Jack and Jill of America, Junior League of Dekalb County, youthSpark, and most recently InCommunity - serving as a 2022 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow.

Learn more about Aprille, her passion for serving others and how you can join her efforts in building Atlanta’s beloved community.

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

The impact area that I care about most is public safety. As a 16 year law enforcement veteran I have seen a regression in community-police relations over the 8-10 years. We have all watched the news in horror at interactions between officers and citizens and been horrified, while other incidents have drawn criticism from allies and opponents. People request officers to be dispatched because they need help—help for a wide-range of things that honestly require specific interventions from other professions.

However, officers are often ill-equipped to manage the social issues they are encountering and often resort to alternatives that fail the public muster. Those social issues can be substance abuse, mental health, social inequality, economic disparities, access to healthcare, access to education and too many more to name. Although there is a need for agencies to have more personnel deployed, that has to be balanced against the need for more training to ensure officers are better equipped to express empathy and guide citizens to resources instead of negative legal outcomes. There are also groups that believe there is no need for law enforcement, but we know that is not the answer.

“We often look for the grand moments to serve as our inspiration, but I have found that no matter how big or small the volunteer task may be the impact is still felt by the organization you are serving. This was a gentle reminder to me that showing up is still the most important task in every volunteer effort I engage in.””

— Aprille Moore

If we create genuine opportunities for law enforcement to build community alliances, in time we will see the unwavering become malleable to the concept. I am a part of this beloved community and work diligently to be a part of equipping officers to build it. I am invested in this issue because my profession has now become a passion. Women make-up less than 13% of law enforcement nationwide, yet there are several studies that women are having “a profound impact on the culture of policing” because they are less likely to use excessive force, skilled at addressing violence against women and sex crimes among more benefits. I know representation matters working in male-dominated profession and I want to inspire more young women to join the ranks of this noble profession. I am also a lifelong resident of the metropolitan Atlanta area raising two sons. The social issues that our community experiences touches my family as well. I take each day at work to make a positive impact on someone because I have personally witnessed the lasting affirmative impression.

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

What I love most about the organization that I volunteer with is the creative ways they involve the community in supporting the individuals they support. Individuals with disabilities are unique and often misunderstood. However, InCommunity creates experiences that truly makes them feel a part of the community they live in. For seven years I served as a full-time caregiver for an individual with a developmental disability. Volunteering with InCommunity is a way to honor him and continue to provide much needed support to this unique group of individuals.

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

In January for MLK Day of Service, I lead a service project with InCommunity at one of their day centers. The mission for this particular project was to re-organize the storage closet. Though we were few in number we were able to organize the closet and discard several items that were no longer usable. This was not a large event with lots of bells and whistles. However, InCommunity was extremely grateful for the assistance. We often look for the grand moments to serve as our inspiration, but I have found that no matter how big or small the volunteer task may be the impact is still felt by the organization you are serving. This was a gentle reminder to me that showing up is still the most important task in every volunteer effort I engage in.

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

InCommunity Gala Loews Atlanta Hotel 1065 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Yes, we can certainly use volunteers the day before in the morning to assist with set-up and volunteers all day on April 23rd to assist with various volunteer tasks.

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Inspired by Aprille’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Natalie Moore IS FOLLOWING HER PASSION AND PURPOSE TO FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY

Serving others is Natalie Moore’s passion and purpose. Natalie has been a dedicated volunteer with Hands On Atlanta, (a member of our 2021/22 Civic Leadership Program) the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Habitat for Humanity and hopes to make a legacy that inspires others to serve.

Learn more about why Natalie is fighting food insecurity and where she’ll be volunteering next.

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

Food Insecurity! The pandemic opened up a greater visible need for food for families including those who were employed full time. It is heartbreaking to see so many people in need of assistance in a country of riches. No one should every go to bed without food. Romans 12:13 states “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” It is my passion and purpose to serve others.

“Our community is not just where we live, work, eat, play or just visit. Our community is also filled with like minded people who want to make a change in the world.””

— Natalie Moore

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

What I love the most about the organizations that I volunteer is their impact on making life better for others in the/our community. Our community is not just where we live, work, eat, play or just visit. Our community is also filled with like minded people who want to make a change in the world.

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

A memorable moment from past volunteer opportunities was to hear the number of families that would be fed by sorting and packing non perishable items. It is so impactful when you hear that what you have done in 3 hours will impact hundreds of families (not just people). No one should ever go to bed hungry.

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

Yes, I will be volunteering with Hands On Atlanta with the Discovery program. I'm sure there will be another opportunity but I have not nailed it down yet. Absolutely, I would love for others to volunteer with me.

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

I hope and pray that my commitment to serving others will inpsire others to do the same - be of service. It is very fulfilling when you know that the time you spent volunteering is helping someone else, changing someone’s life, while making an impact in the world. I often wonder what will others say about my acts of service when I am no longer alive. Will they say - she truly had a heart to serve others and inspired others to do the same while working hard to make a change in the community? At least that's my hope.

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Inspired by Natalie’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Shannon Smith seizes the moment to do something good

Shannon Smith took on the Covid pandemic as an opportunity to discover new, more impactful ways she could give back to underserved youth. As a lawyer, her ability to think quick on her feet and execute has shined from the court room to the virtual classroom as a Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow and volunteer leader with the the Hands On Atlanta Disco (virtual Discovery) program.

Shannon recently shared her motivation to give back and what you can do to make a difference.

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

Youth education, especially in underserved communities. The children are our future. As a first-generation college graduate I understand the struggles that kids can go through and the importance of mentors. I say that knowing that I was still privileged, and imagine the need for those less privileged is even greater. I’ve been fortunate In having some great mentors and people who took a chance with me; it’s time for me to pay it forward.

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

I love the enthusiasm and energy of the K-2 students despite our program being on Saturday mornings. So many of these kids are bright and I want to do my part to make sure they see it in themselves and stay on a good path. I can’t imagine being a kid these days. I remember calling friends on rotary phones; these days it’s snap chats and tweets and so easy to bully others when you can hide behind a screen.

“I’ve been fortunate In having some great mentors and people who took a chance with me; it’s time for me to pay it forward.”

— Shannon Smith

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

I don’t think I have one particular moment. Rather it’s just knowing every time you made a difference, even if it’s small. For kids to not want to leave after an hour of “Saturday school” is very rewarding.

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

Hands on Atlanta always has volunteer opportunities, and they fit a wide variety of interests. Before DISCO I volunteered for some urban farm projects and Books for Africa, which provides books for students in Africa. Hands on Atlanta makes it so easy - just go to their website, pick a cause, sign up, and show up.

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

It’s so easy to say “I’m going to do X” and then get caught up in life - work, family, friends - that years go by and you just keep talking. Despite the challenges with Covid, I look at it as a blessing in disguise. It really prompted me to reevaluate and reprioritize things - it was the push I needed to stop talking about making changes and actually do it. Anyone can do it, but it takes time and sometimes a life changing event. Tomorrow may not come, so if there’s something good you’ve been wanting to do, just do it (to quote Nike).

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Inspired by Shannon’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Alice Audu on being grateful for the opportunity to do something good

With some extra time on her hands, Alice Audu has taken the opportunity to support students and fight food insecurity. She’s a Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, serving with our Discovery (the virtual DISCO edition) program and regularly volunteers with Give Girls a Chance.

We caught up with Alice to learn more about her purpose and where she’ll be volunteering next.

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

Education is near and dear to my heart, hence why I became an educator. I believe better and more equitable education as well as more access to educational resources are a pressing need for Atlanta. I also care a lot about food insecurity, so a lot of my volunteer experience has been to help in solving this issue.

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

I volunteer with Hands on Atlanta (outside of being a Civic Fellow) because they are one of many organizations that are truly in Atlanta to make a difference through partnerships and providing avenues for others to get involved. I volunteer with Give Girls A Chance because they too are making a difference by providing access to educational and mentoring resources to girls from low income areas of northern Nigeria that would otherwise not be able to.

“The more I volunteered, the more fulfilled I got. It was almost like a light went off in my head where I was thinking of more ways I could help. I also started thinking of what I could do to not just help those in need in Atlanta, but also in my home country of Nigeria.”

— Alice Audu

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

Covid-19 actually kickstarted my volunteer efforts...at least on a more regular basis. I felt like I needed to be serving others and not just sitting at home with all the extra free time I seemed to have from working from home. I signed up for one volunteer opportunity and didn't stop.

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

I went to one volunteer opportunity where we packed lunches for homeless people who were residing in a revamped old hotel downtown during the height of the pandemic and I had to hold my tears back. I got so emotional when I was finished and it just made me become so grateful for everything I am fortunate to have. Not that I didn't know I was fortunate before, but I think just being there at that moment made me even more grateful and also grateful to have signed up and made it out to help.

The more I volunteered, the more fulfilled I got. It was almost like a light went off in my head where I was thinking of more ways I could help. I also started thinking of what I could do to not just help those in need in Atlanta, but also in my home country of Nigeria.

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

Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Nicholas House with the Georgia State University Alumni Association. For all GSU alumni, registration is open until April 1.

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

One of my favorite quotes is "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" by Mahatma Gandhi. I can honestly say that each and every time that I volunteer and I am serving others, I am reassured of my purpose; to serve and to make a difference (even if a small one) for the good of others.

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Inspired by Alice’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.