"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve." Martin Luther King, Jr. shared this thought about community service from the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta in February 1964. More than 60 years later, during National Volunteer Month, many Georgia organizations are hoping citizens will be inspired by these words because their help is needed.
While volunteering used to be a mainstay of U.S. culture, giving back to their community hasn’t played as big a role in many Americans’ lives in recent years, indicates research from the University of Georgia. The decline in volunteerism dates back to the recession of 2008, and it has not rebounded due primarily to economic and demographic factors, says Rebecca Nesbitt, lead author of the study and a professor in UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs.
Georgia has over 16,000 registered nonprofits
that rely heavily on volunteers.
Opportunities abound to reverse that trend in Georgia. The state has over 16,000 registered nonprofits that rely heavily on volunteers. But that’s only a portion of the total number of organizations looking for help. Even the Georgia state park system uses over 6,800 volunteers annually to help operate and maintain its 63 state parks and historic sites.
What’s in it for you?
While volunteering helps strengthen communities in many ways, those willing to give their time can also realize benefits.
Experts say volunteering is good for mental health because it prevents isolation and provides purpose. Making new friends and connecting with loved ones are additional rewards. Many also benefit from the increased physical activity and new skill development that comes with giving their time to help others.
Walton Gas employees, from left, Jim Bottone, Savannah Chandler and Pete Ervin label canned goods while volunteering at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
Find your fit
A satisfying volunteer experience begins with identifying an opportunity that best suits your interests and availability. Some tips for finding your fit:
- LOOK local. Volunteer opportunities exist in every community for citizens to contribute their time and talents to improve the places where you live, work and play. Local newspapers, online community forums and social media are good starting points for finding groups needing help. City, county and state entities also encourage citizens to get involved. The city of Peachtree Corners maintains a list of area organizations seeking volunteers on its website. The Mayor’s Volunteer Program is a formal initiative that promotes community engagement activities in Atlanta.
- PICK your passion. Look for a volunteering opportunity you are genuinely interested in and a cause you care about. Love being outdoors? Consider snagging one of those state park positions. If you're an animal lover, be a dog walker at a shelter. Book lovers can find volunteer positions at town libraries.
- KNOW your limit. Be honest about how much time you can spend on a volunteer project. Begin with a limited commitment and add more hours if/when you want.
- DO your research. Because they know you and your interests, friends and family are a good resource for finding volunteer opportunities. Once you’ve identified possibles, spend some time checking out their website and social media. It’s also a good idea to visit an organization’s location or activity to see for yourself what volunteers are doing before you commit.
Plug in
National Volunteer Month provides the perfect time to think about how you can use your skills and interests to enrich your life and the lives of others. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a short list of nonprofits and events where Walton Gas employees volunteer their time and talents. These organizations, as well as thousands of others throughout Georgia, welcome willing helpers.
Annandale Village is the only non-profit residential community in the entire southeastern United States that serves adults with developmental disabilities.
- Needs: Arts, academics and recreational activity hosts; office/administrative assistance; landscape and campus improvement; event assistance
- Where: Suwanee
- When: Choose a specific date, volunteer on a regular basis or flexible for when your schedule allows
- Connect: Online volunteer application
Walton Gas employees volunteer their time to host recreational activities for the residents of Annandale Village.
AthHalf is an annual 13.1-mile half marathon and 5K event organized by the nonprofit AthFest Educates to benefit music and arts education in Athens-Clarke County.
- Needs: Race day assistants for registration, hospitality, course monitoring, set up and cleaning
- Where: Downtown Athens
- When: October 10 & 11
- Connect: athhalf.com/volunteer/
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities provides free or low-cost lodging, meals and support services to families with children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
- Needs: Guest service volunteers (must be at least 18 years old) to clean/maintain facilities, prepare meals, provide hospitality. Service opportunities for high school and college students, too.
- Where: Houses near Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospitals – Arthur M. Blank (Atlanta) and Scottish Rite (Sandy Springs)
- When: Two-hour weekly or biweekly shift
- Connect: Volunteer interest form
Camp Twin Lakes provides weeklong summer camping experiences for children and teens with serious illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges.
- Needs: Groups and individuals for campsite improvement projects (cleaning, painting, landscaping, simple construction projects); direct camper support (cabin counselors, program assistants, support staff)
- Where: Camps in Winder and Rutledge
- When: A few hours to a full-week camp session
- Connect: Tour the facility and participate in a camp beautification project during Volunteer Day, May 3, 1-4 p.m., at Winder camp. Sign up for the event
No matter your age, interest, available time or skills, there’s a Georgia organization just waiting to connect with you. National Volunteer Month is a great time to raise your hand and say “I will.” There’s a good chance you’ll receive more than you’ll give.