This week on The Local Take, I reached out to Jay Cranman, CEO of Hands on Atlanta. This year the MLK Holiday falls in-line with the Presidential Inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden. Both celebrations this year include service projects. Hands On Atlanta, called "the front page for civic engagement" by Cranman, compiles a listing of various opportunities.
I think most people in Atlanta who volunteer their time are familiar with Hands On Atlanta, but I asked how they got started and how they have fared during the pandemic.
Cranman shares that they partner with other organizations and have 175 projects available to be done in person (where you can safely distance) or at home virtually. Outside projects include opportunities in our parks, including Piedmont Park downtown. He speaks to Hands On Atlanta being a concierge service for volunteers. You can find projects that involve the whole family at home or in person.
I ask Cranman what Hands On Atlanta does when not coordinating a major holiday weekend. He speaks about their programming with AmeriCorps and programming with partners to address food-insecure citizens.
Cranman shares that he worked with Points of Light, an international organization, before coming to Hands On Atlanta. He explains that he was looking to be closer to seeing his work results.
MLK Volunteer Opportunities
For more information on Hands On Atlanta
For more information on Jay Cranman