Meet Asim Gazi: PhD Candidate and STEM Enthusiast

Asim Gazi, a PhD Candidate at Georgia Tech set to graduate this summer, is not your typical student. With a passion for volunteering and a love for Atlanta's food scene, Asim is making a difference in the community while pursuing his academic dreams. In this volunteer spotlight, Asim shares his thoughts on volunteering, educational inequality, and his favorite moments from his experiences.

When asked about the impact areas he cares about the most, Asim's face lights up. "Educational inequality is an issue that I care deeply about," he says. "As Malcolm X once said, 'Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.' Many community members don't have equal access to this passport, and it results in lifelong hardships. I believe I have the skill set to help address this issue."

Asim's enthusiasm for volunteering is evident when he talks about the organizations he volunteers with, including Hands On Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Science ATL. "The people that make up an organization are what I love the most! Knowing that a cohesive team will be working together to make an impact plays an important role when I choose organizations to volunteer with. On my own, I can only do so much, but through collaboration, we accomplish so much more."

Volunteering has had a significant impact on Asim's personal and professional life. "Over the past few years, I have volunteered with some amazing people who have become friends," he shares. "Having had a baby two months ago, it meant a lot when my volunteer friends checked on me and shared how much the Discovery students have been missing me. Those relationships with students and fellow volunteers bring me quite a bit of joy."

“My experience as a volunteer has certainly honed my creativity in coming up with solutions, explanations, etc. on the fly...””

— Asim Gazi

Asim has also honed his creativity and adaptability through his volunteer experiences. "The ability to improvise and adapt to unforeseen challenges is especially needed when working with young students. My experience as a volunteer has certainly honed my creativity in coming up with solutions, explanations, etc. on the fly," he says with a smile.

When asked about a memorable highlight or moment that might motivate others to volunteer, Asim shares a heartwarming story. "During the final few weeks of my wife's pregnancy, I had to skip volunteering with Discovery. It turns out that the Brookview students missed me enough to draw funny-looking depictions of me, and seeing pictures of those drawings absolutely made my day. Not to mention, I also have a picture saved of one of their testimonials: 'DISCOVERY IS LIT!!!'"

Asim's love for Atlanta is evident as he talks about the city's food scene and top-notch universities. "My wife and I are big foodies, so Atlanta's food scene has treated us very well. The universities in town are also top notch. My wife graduated last year from Mercer University with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I will be defending my PhD in electrical engineering this year at Georgia Tech," he proudly shares.

“Find what you’re passionate about and look for opportunities that maximize your impact for the time you have available.””

— Asim Gazi

When asked for advice on getting involved with volunteering, Asim suggests checking out Hands On Atlanta's website. "It's a great place to get started if you're interested in getting involved! Find what you're passionate about and look for opportunities that maximize your impact for the time you have available," he advises.

Asim's upcoming volunteer event is Discovery's end-of-year celebration on April 15th, and he's excited to reunite with the students and his fellow volunteers. "I'm looking forward to celebrating another successful year with them soon," he says with anticipation.

Those interested in joining Asim can sign up here.

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Feeling inspired by Asim’s s amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like his continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

Stewarding Neighborhood Greenspaces with the Wylde Center

We caught up with our friends at the Wylde Center – one of Hands On Atlanta’s long-standing nonprofit partners doing incredible work in the environmental space for nearly 25 years. We got the inside scoop from Matty Garrett, Wylde Center Greenspace Director, who fills us in on what it takes to operate five greenspaces in four different local neighborhoods, and to keep them open year-round for the community’s benefit. These natural spaces are crucial to the Atlanta landscape, offering a safe haven for natural species and a place for families to convene and to learn… and they rely on Hands On Atlanta volunteers daily.

Sign up here to volunteer + support the nearest greenspace or nature center to you.

Claire, Hands On Atlanta: What’s the story on the Wylde Center? When did you all become established, and why? What was the first greenspace, and how did you get to five?

Matty, Wylde Center: Back in the late 90’s, some Oakhurst residents had a veggie garden that was often trampled unintentionally by the neighborhood kids playing. So, they decided to teach the kids about gardening – and how not to trample plants, as well – and the idea just grew and grew. Today, it is a full blown nursery. Next, the Edgewood Community Learning Garden was established with the support of some local pediatricians. Hawk Hollow was the third addition, a greenspace that preserves native plants along the streambed, and the Sugar Creek greenspace followed. Lastly, Mulberry Fields was created – which is another greenspace embedded in a residential neighborhood between homes, with chickens, goats and garden beds. Now we also partner with Atlanta Public Schools’ rotator building for schools under repairs, next door to the Edgewood greenspace – there’s a teaching garden there, where classrooms of students learn. All spaces arose very naturally, based on interest and need.

Claire: Greenspaces like this, take hundreds of people – volunteers, mostly, right? – to maintain, on a regular basis. So, what do the volunteers actually do to support the greenspaces? Does it shift throughout the year?

Matty: Yes. We tend to see an uptick in needs and volunteerism in spring and fall, for our plant sales. And the summer is always busy too, but with kids being out of school, we usually have some extra help. Younger kids need a chaperone to serve, but teenagers can serve on their own. We love it, we want them to learn about plants and growing food and preserving natural spaces – that’s how the next generation gets to enjoy our natural environment. It’s fun work, and you learn while you’re there. Kids may not love pulling weeds, but it’s worth it when they later get to feed the chickens, so there’s a balance.

“You can’t put a price on volunteer service... Well, you can, but you don’t have the budget for it.”

— Matty Garrett, Wylde Center

Claire: What’s the impact of having so many volunteers? What happens if you don’t have enough? What kind of differences do volunteers make in the greenspaces?

Wylde Center: You can’t put a price on volunteer service… Well, you can, but you don’t have the budget for it. Especially when you’re committed to using sustainable agricultural methods to work with nature, which are way better for the environment but are far more labor intensive. Maintaining the greenspaces, and having them serve as place for families and kids to learn, takes a lot of energy. Trying to keep up with the weeding and mulching in the summer is a lot. We need your help! We’re not after your wallet, but your hands, your back and your knees.

Claire: Many of the Wylde Center greenspaces produce food and plants that community members can buy and then grow for themselves, right?

Matty: Yes! In Mid-April, we have our plant sale and fesitval! We’ll have summer veggies and fruit trees for sale. And we always need volunteers to support regular plant sales and work in the nursery – right now, we’ve got spring veggies and perennials and herbs, and volunteers are the ones who help us get them out to community members. The plant sales are year-round at Oakhurst, there’s always plants or seeds available. We start all of our seeds, they’re uppotted three times before being sold and we’re constantly stocked. It’s a lot to keep up with. Many of our spaces also support their local communities by sharing the harvest with neighbors in need.

Claire: And outside of working in the nursery and supporting the plant sales, how can volunteers help out in the 5 greenspaces?

Matty: Mulberry Fields uses regular volunteers – this is a fun space, with the goats and the chickens. Volunteers are also needed regularly at the Oakhurst Community Garden, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and Hawk Hollow Garden.

LP Garcia on Using Passion and Skills to Do Something Good

"Volunteering gives my life purpose," says Louise "LP" Garcia, Vice-Chairwoman of the Andrew & Walter Young YMCA and a dedicated volunteer in Atlanta. Known for her grateful, optimistic, and caring spirit, LP is making a lasting impact in the community through her involvement with various nonprofit organizations, including the Community Teen Coalition, Atlanta Community Food Bank, United Way, Hosea Feeds, and Free Foundation.

For LP, volunteering is a way of coming home to family. "The Y feels like home," she shares. "It's like a neighborhood I grew up in, and the community of people are in situations that I grew up around. I know that the people who were able to surpass certain obstacles were because someone cared, someone intervened, someone gave some of their own time and treasure and made a difference." LP believes that it's not just the big donations that create change, but also the small, daily efforts of many individuals that have a lasting impact on communities and the lives of others.

“It’s so easy to become self-involved in our own day-to-day, and volunteering helps me keep my priorities in order.””

— LP Garcia

Volunteering has also had a profound impact on LP's personal and professional life. "It's so easy to become self-involved in our own day-to-day, and volunteering helps me keep my priorities in order," she says. "It reminds me to be grateful, encourages me to seek out opportunities for my family and company to engage in the community, informs the legislative initiatives I support, and shows me how the word of God comes to life." LP believes that volunteering is a way to get closer to God by doing good works, and it gives her life purpose.

Through her volunteering experiences, LP has honed various skills, both tangible and intangible. "Every volunteer opportunity allows you to learn something," she says. "Sometimes it's tangible skills, like organizing a food distribution warehouse to improve efficiency, and sometimes it's intangible skills, like listening better to the needs of the community and taking action." LP believes that volunteering is not only about giving back, but also about learning and growing as an individual.

One of LP's most memorable moments as a volunteer was when she was able to help a mother in need. "I saw a mother at a kids' event who looked worried and concerned," she recalls. "After chatting with her, I was able to connect her with a job opportunity that provided a paycheck, health benefits for her and her family, and college tuition reimbursement. Just one question led to a long-lasting impact." It's moments like these that motivate LP to continue volunteering and making a difference in people's lives.

“The people of Atlanta are passionate, involved, and engaged in what is happening in the city. Atlanta’s rich history of advancing the Civil Rights Movement is like no other, and the city’s motto ‘Atlanta Influences Everything’ is a way of life on a global scale.” ”

— LP Garcia

As a transplant to Atlanta from Miami, LP has fallen in love with the city and its people. "The people of Atlanta feel different," she says. "They are passionate, involved, and engaged in what is happening in the city. Atlanta's rich history of advancing the Civil Rights Movement is like no other, and the city's motto 'Atlanta Influences Everything' is a way of life on a global scale." LP enjoys exploring the city's bookstores and thrift stores with her daughter, trying out new restaurants, and spending time in Atlanta's green spaces.

For those interested in getting involved with volunteering, LP has some advice: "Just start... you don't have to make a grand gesture, just show up." She suggests that there are plenty of amazing nonprofit organizations in need of volunteers, and there are various ways to contribute, even by leveraging your own talents. "Nonprofits will likely never turn down administrative help or guidance on how to spruce up their websites or social media pages," she says. "Offer up your services based on your skills and interests. Any help that can lower operational costs is always welcomed."

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Feeling inspired by LP’s s amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

Shawnell Johnson is Doing the Work for a Better Atlanta

As the Director of PAACT (Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive) at GEEARS (Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students), Shawnell Johnson is on a mission to support nonprofit organizations that are working to mitigate generational poverty. But that's not all, Shawnell also volunteers with The Junior League of Atlanta and Atlanta Mission, making a direct impact in the lives of those facing homelessness.

When asked about her passion for volunteerism, Shawnell exclaims, "I believe that volunteerism can make a direct impact to a community partner’s mission. I am committed to supporting non-profit organizations who are working to mitigate generational poverty. I care about this issue most because there is a distinct equity issue in the city." She goes on to highlight the challenges faced by Atlanta workers supporting families and living in the city, such as rising costs for housing, healthcare, and childcare, which present barriers to participation in the workforce and the city's economy.

Shawnell doesn't stop at just talking about the issues - she takes action. As a volunteer at Atlanta Mission, the city's largest and longest-running provider of services to homeless men, women, and children, Shawnell is dedicated to transforming lives. She shares, "I love that I get to partner with the Atlanta Mission and empower and coach people toward excellence. I enjoy coming alongside others and encouraging them to reach their dreams." Through her work with Atlanta Mission, Shawnell has honed her skills in organizing groups of volunteers, strengthening her communication skills, and learning the importance of partnership.

Shawnell's dedication to volunteering has not only impacted her personal and professional life, but also the lives of others. She shares a memorable highlight where she was able to use her professional knowledge and experience to provide support to Atlanta Mission in an area of her expertise. She says, "Many of the women at the Atlanta Mission are also mothers, and I have coordinated with the Mission to provide information and resources on child care assistance. My professional knowledge and experiences intersected with my volunteerism. I was excited to provide support to the Atlanta Mission in a content area that is my expertise."

“I love that Atlanta residents are hands-on and committed to giving back to the community!””

— Shawnell Johnson

When asked why Atlanta, Shawnell's eyes light up. "I love that Atlanta residents are hands-on and committed to giving back to the community!" She sees volunteering as a great way to network and meet like-minded people, and she encourages others who are interested in getting involved to find an organization that aligns with their passions and offers their talents, skills, and resources.

As for what's next, Shawnell is always looking for new opportunities to make a difference. She shares, "The Atlanta Mission is always looking for volunteers. Opportunities can be found on their website. She also emphasizes her commitment to early childhood education and family health and wellbeing, with a vision that all children in Atlanta enter school ready for success and reach their full potential.

Shawnell Johnson is a compassionate, servant leader, and advocate who is making waves in Atlanta and beyond. Through her volunteer work and professional endeavors, she is truly doing something good and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. Atlanta is lucky to have her!

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Feeling inspired by Shawnell’s amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

Sarina Marsh on making connections and making an impact

Sarina Marsh is a dynamic and enthusiastic volunteer in Atlanta, who is making a positive impact in her community through her involvement with various nonprofit organizations. With her passion for education and youth development, Sarina is making a difference in the lives of Atlanta's next generation. In this volunteer spotlight, Sarina shares how volunteering is not just about giving back, it's also about connecting with like-minded individuals, exploring the city she loves, and finding joy in making a meaningful difference.

"I believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for our youth and improving our community's future," says Sarina. "Volunteering allows me to contribute towards this cause and make a tangible impact on the lives of young people."

As a member of the Junior League of Atlanta, Sarina is excited about the opportunities it provides for her to connect, serve her community, and grow alongside other service-minded women. She also serves as a Board Member with the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network Atlanta, where she finds fulfillment in building a community and supporting professionals in the nonprofit sector.

"Being a part of these organizations has allowed me to meet amazing people who share my passion for giving back, and it's been an incredible journey of personal and professional growth," says Sarina.

Volunteering has not only impacted Sarina's personal life, but also her professional life. As a Volunteer Manager with Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia, she has honed her skills in communication, collaboration, and interpersonal relationships. She believes that volunteering has reinforced her belief in the importance of positive youth development and education beyond the classroom.

“Volunteering reminds me to stay humble and to do good even when there is no audience.””

— Sarina Marsh

"Volunteering reminds me to stay humble and to do good even when there is no audience. It has also influenced my work with Junior Achievement, where I strive to provide volunteers with a best-in-class experience," shares Sarina.

One of Sarina's most memorable volunteer experiences was during the 2020-2021 school year, when she served as a Monday Reading Program volunteer through the United Way. She recalls a heartwarming moment when she witnessed a student she had been paired with earlier in the year read aloud with confidence and ease.

"That experience reminded me of the importance of consistency, showing up for others, and the joy of giving your time to something you're passionate about," says Sarina with a smile.

Apart from her volunteer work, Sarina also loves Atlanta for its diversity in food, activities, and entertainment. She is a self-proclaimed Beltline regular and a food hall advocate, with Chattahoochee Food Works being her current obsession. She enjoys exploring the city like a tourist, visiting the High Museum Frequency Fridays, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Ponce City Market, and Piedmont Park for walks or festivals. According to Sarina, Atlanta has something for everyone.

“Think about what brings you joy and what you’re passionate about, and research nonprofits whose work aligns with that. Hands on Atlanta is a great resource for finding daily volunteer opportunities.””

— Sarina Marsh

For those interested in getting involved with volunteering, Sarina has some valuable advice: "Think about what brings you joy and what you're passionate about, and research nonprofits whose work aligns with that. Hands on Atlanta is a great resource for finding daily volunteer opportunities."

As April is Financial Literacy Month, Sarina encourages others to join her in volunteering at Junior Achievement's JA Discovery Centers, where volunteers can make a difference in middle school students' lives through programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. She invites everyone to visit georgia.ja.org/volunteer to find opportunities at a JA Discovery Center near them, and if they volunteer downtown, she looks forward to seeing you!

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Feeling inspired by Sarina’s amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

Spreading Joy and Making a Difference with Mary Catherine Pelham

Mary Catherine Pelham is a force of good in Atlanta, spreading joy and making a difference through her volunteer work with various nonprofits. She is a 2023 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, serving with HOPE Atlanta. In this Volunteer Spotlight, Mary Catherine shares her passion for volunteering, the impact it has had on her personal and professional life, and why Atlanta holds a special place in her heart.

When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Mary Catherine exclaims, "I love seeing the direct impact on an individual or family." She volunteers with organizations such as Paws Between Homes, where she helps reunite pets with their owners after they have secured better housing, and Meals on Wheels, where she brings a friendly face to seniors who may not have anyone else checking in on them. For Mary Catherine, volunteering is a way to take care of each other as a community, a responsibility she takes to heart.

“Volunteering gives me perspective, joy, and a purpose.” ”

— Mary Catherine Pelham

Volunteering has always been a significant part of Mary Catherine's life, even from childhood. She describes how it has given her perspective, joy, and a sense of purpose. Through volunteering, she has connected with people outside of her regular social circle and gained empathy and compassion towards those facing challenges that she may not experience herself. Mary Catherine is also passionate about inspiring others to volunteer and find their own passion in giving back to the community.

Mary Catherine believes that volunteering should be fun and impactful for everyone involved. She recalls receiving follow-up texts and emails from volunteers thanking her for hosting events and expressing their interest in getting more involved. This motivates her to continue sharing the amazing opportunities that Atlanta has to offer and inspiring others to join the cause. Mary Catherine believes that the more people who are inspired to volunteer and make a difference, the better the city of Atlanta will be as a whole.

Mary Catherine's love for Atlanta is evident as she gushes about the city's culture, arts, food, diversity, sports, and nature. She chose Atlanta to be her home because of the abundance of things to see and do, and she is committed to contributing to keeping it a great city in every way possible. From visiting new exhibits at the High Museum to trying out new restaurants, Mary Catherine enjoys the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of Atlanta.

“Volunteering in Atlanta is great because there are so many different types of services to be involved with.””

— Mary Catherine Pelham

When asked for advice to those interested in getting involved in volunteering, Mary Catherine shares her excitement about the diverse range of service opportunities in Atlanta. She recommends starting with Hands On Atlanta. From direct service to behind-the-scenes work, and from group activities to individual efforts, there is something for everyone in Atlanta's volunteering scene.

Mary Catherine's upcoming volunteer events include HOPE Atlanta's food packing program and delivering Meals on Wheels on a Saturday mornings.

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Feeling inspired by Mary Catherine’s s amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

Mecca Mcrae benefits personally and professionally by volunteering

Winston Churchill famously said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Mecca McCrae embodies this quote by giving her time and energy to a variety of organizations in Atlanta, including Hosea Helps, Hands On Atlanta, High Museum, Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, and the Fox Theater.

Mecca's passion for volunteering started when she was looking for ways to help financially insecure people. She found 4Hosea.org and loved how they touched the lives of so many people in need. "I love to see people share their stories that they are volunteering because Hosea helped them during their time of crisis," she shared.

But Mecca doesn't stop there - she also volunteers as the co-chair of the volunteer committee for Susan G. Komen to support families who have lost loved ones to breast cancer. "Supporting Komen makes me feel like I can help someone to continue sharing the wonderful lives of their loved ones," she said.

“Volunteering has taught me to have a more inclusive tone when I speak to people. It makes me take a mental pause to think about what I am saying, and if what I am going to say will bring peace to someone in need of a simple hug or listening ear.””

— Mecca McRae

Mecca's volunteer work has not only impacted her personal life but also her professional life. "Volunteering has definitely given me exposure to high-level executives from different walks of life. They know that I am dependable and reliable through my actions," she says. In addition, Mecca has honed her skills in inclusivity and learned to be a better listener. "Volunteering has taught me to have a more inclusive tone when I speak to people. It makes me take a mental pause to think about what I am saying, and if what I am going to say will bring peace to someone in need of a simple hug or listening ear."

One of Mecca's most memorable moments as a volunteer was when she created a volunteer opportunity for her team at UPS, and she received another member who asked to keep in touch for her next event. "I make all of my events memorable by sharing my story for volunteering with the organization and I make sure that I let them know that I genuinely appreciate their time and dedication," she said.

As for Atlanta, Mecca loves how the city has grown and changed over the years. From the Westin Peachtree Plaza being the tallest building to the National Center for Civil & Human Rights being built, Atlanta has become a place of endless opportunities. "There are so many wonderful reasons why I love this city and will never give up on it," she said.

“The only time that you should look down on a person is when you are helping them up,” ”

— Mecca McRae

If you're interested in volunteering, Mecca advises finding your passion and researching organizations before volunteering. And if you want to volunteer with her, keep an eye out for events at the Fox Theater - although they are closed for 2023, they send out volunteer invites the first week of February.

Mecca's commitment to volunteering is truly inspiring, and she encourages everyone to volunteer their time to help build our community. "The only time that you should look down on a person is when you are helping them up," she said.

So let's follow Mecca's example and make a difference in our community.

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Feeling inspired by Mecca's amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.

Become a Force of Nature in a Local Park with Park Pride

During a recent catch-up with Park Pride, we got a glimpse into what it takes to take care of 250 parks in the Atlanta and DeKalb area. With Earth Day right around the corner on April 22, 2023, Hands On Atlanta has our Sustainability work at top of mind, and our local parks are a huge part of that work. Parks are not only natural habitats for plants, trees and small creatures, but they’re crucial gathering spots for our communities, that we all have a responsibility to take care of.

We popped by a Saturday morning volunteer day over at Herbert Taylor Daniel Johnson Park, and got to chat with Ellen Bruenderman, Director or Community Services, and Joanna Patterson, Volunteer Associate – read on to find out how Park Pride leverages volunteers.

TL;DR – Sign up here to volunteer + support the nearest greenspace or nature center to you.

Claire, Hands On Atlanta: Ellen, I’m starting simple… talk to us about Park Pride’s philosophy on the ‘power of parks’. I love this phrase I found on your website. What does it mean to you all?

Ellen, Park Pride: Our mission is to engage communities to activate the power of parks, and one of the things we like about that is that it conversation, because the power of a park means something different to everyone. For me, the power is that parks are places for people to connect in lots of ways. People can connect with nature, with their roots, their neighborhood, their place, and with others their community. It’s a place for neighbors to meet each other and come together.

Claire: I like that concept of connectivity, both human and natural – it’s a great way to say that parks are more than a safe home for plants and trees.

Ellen: Yeah, and even in an urban world, parks connect habitats, so it’s not too fragmented and our natural neighbors can also live here with us.

Claire: Now let’s get into the work you all do, every day. We know there are hundreds of parks that y’all support – what does that look like? How do you do it??

“These are people who care a lot, and put a lot of energy into their neighborhoods.”

— Ellen Bruenderman, Park Pride

 Ellen: We do our work through partnership with communities. We could not do this work without our Friends of the Parks groups. We work with a network of over 130 registered groups – and we know there are others, it’s really closer to 150 – and those are all volunteer-led groups. They give their time and energy to care for their local parks, just like Marti is doing today, leading volunteers to remove invasive species at Herbert Taylor Daniel Johnson Park. They advocate for resources, fundraise, and transform parks to reflect the character and needs of the surrounding community. These are people who care a lot, and put a lot of energy into their neighborhoods. And we support them with our programs and resources.

Claire: And what do you mean by programs and resources?

Ellen: It can mean a lot of things. Some resources apply across the network, like workshops, networking opportunities, and bringing Friends groups into our own thought leadership programming like our annual conference, which is a regional greenspace learning opportunity. We also offer individual group guidance and consultation. We have a grant program that helps make capital improvements possible. Our Park Visioning department does planning and design services – it’s comprehensive facilitation, and relies heavily on community input. And, we’re announcing a new leadership program soon – our Park Stewardship Academy, which will offer deep dives into technical expertise for Friends group members.

Claire: That’s awesome – having community members inform park features, based on their unique needs, totally goes back to that original sentiment of connectivity. Switching gears – talk to us about the importance of volunteerism in the parks.

Joanna, Park Pride: Now that we’re more in person, we’re focused more on volunteerism as a stronger resource for Friends groups. This is individuals corporate and civic groups, and more – it can make a huge difference to have a surge of volunteerism with a large group, to make a dent at what sometimes feels like endless work to do to maintain the parks. Matching these groups and volunteers up with parks is always a win.

Ellen: We have some really strong Friends groups that lead their own workdays, and just need more hands to get the work done – and one resource we provide them with is Hands On Atlanta, to help them recruit volunteers. These Friends groups typically are doing regular work days and know how to coordinate and manage a project. They’ve got tools and know what to do – they just need more people to accomplish the goal.

Claire: So, how could I get involved with my local park and Friends group? And what about Earth Day – it’s right around the corner on April 22nd, 2023!

Ellen: Most projects are Hands On – we regularly host Greener Good Days, which are open to all volunteers. We have one coming up for Earth Day! And of course, you can get outside and volunteer with one of our Friends of the Parks groups. For volunteers able to make a longer commitment, the Friends groups have behind-the-scenes needs like communications, flyering, raising awareness as well as projects to complete in the parks. We’re just finishing up our new directory of Friends groups – it’s on our website. You can find specific parks and groups and join from there.

Joanna: For Earth Day, we’re partnering with Trees Atlanta – they’re doing invasive removals, and we’re focusing on trash pick up in Stone Hogan Park! That’s Saturday, April 22nd, and you can sign up here. This park was identified on the City of Atlanta’s new data equity tool, and that’s why we chose it. This tool helps prioritize parks that have not received a lot of investment and are in areas of town with greater inequity. Stone Hogan was near the top of that list, and so we’re working with our Friends group there to make this day happen. It'll be really impactful.