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Hands On Georgia seeks to
call attention to the important role volunteerism plays in transforming
communities. It is dedicated to providing resources and technical support to
communities while simultaneously tracking the volunteer efforts of Georgians.
From the beginning, Governor Sonny Perdue, Honorary Chair of Hands On Georgia
has supported the encouragement of citizen volunteer action as a means to
address issues impacting residents and communities in the state. Each year the
governor issues a call to action to citizens of the state around specific goals
for volunteer engagement. This call to action serves as the launch of Hands On
Georgia Week, which runs from Saturday September 30 to Saturday, October 7.
What started out with five affiliates in the cities of Atlanta, Columbus and
Macon, as well as Hall and Thomas Counties in 2004 has now grown to every county
in Georgia participating in at least one project. In just two short years the
statewide week of service now includes 16 Hands On Georgia affiliates, 159
counties, approximately 500 project sites, 30,000 estimated volunteers and
nearly 125,000 hours of volunteer service.
During Hands On Georgia Week, Georgians are tasked with taking charge in their
communities not just for this week, but to serve year round. Sustained
volunteerism is one of the greatest factors positively impacting communities.
Hands On Georgia Week projects vary in each community. For example, in Harris
County, students will complete yard work for the disabled and elderly. Counties
sitting along Hwy 341 will plant daffodils on the side of the road, making the
"golden isles highway" truly representative of its name in the spring. Over the
years the Madison County Rotary Club has built hundreds of wheel chair ramps;
they will continue the tradition building the 294th ramp for Hands On
Georgia Week.
"Georgia has a strong legacy of community activism. During Hands On
Georgia Week, Georgians have an opportunity to demonstrate just how deep the
roots of civic engagement are in our state," said Eric Tanenblatt, board
chairman of Hands On Georgia.
Click here for more information on Hands On Georgia Week projects in
affiliate communities and counties across the state. You can also call
404-979-2842 or email
info@handsongeorgia.org. All that is required of volunteers is a
commitment to serve, a little sweat and a desire to have fun.
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