11Alive Community Service Awards

On April 23rd I received a huge honor given out to 11 individuals in the Atlanta community making a difference. The award is given by our local NBC affiliate 11Alive News. The night was super special as my Dad came down from Virginia to be my date...(and I had a reason for that.) Here we are before the big show.

My Dad is amazing. And this is why I chose to dedicate the award to him. You can watch how it all goes down here. I was really honored, but I also got a little overwhelmed by the moment because it was such a special one for my Dad and me. Kate's Club was something started out of the loss of my mom, but my Dad has been an amazing inspiration in my life - even more so in her absence. I feel humbled to receive this award, but I feel lucky to have such a great Dad. Enjoy.

Dan Palotta's TED Talk

I have been a supporter of Dan's perspective on the state our our non-profit business sector since reading his book, Uncharitable a couple of years ago. It's definitely more of an advocacy effort for those of us working in the non-profit sector, but his recent TED talk also speaks squarely to the individual philanthropist. Agree or not with his arguments, he most certainly turns the idea of philanthropy inside out, challenging us to think about our contributions in a new more contemporary way. Enjoy.

Looking at giving as a way to learn something new

Last month I challenged you to look at philanthropy in a different way. I introduced a new perspective around using, not just your fortunes, but looking at your misfortunes as well. I strongly believe that if you want to build giving into your lifestyle, it’s best to look at ways that work for you, too. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, it is charity after all, however I believe it’s key. Make it mean something for you.

Here is another way to do just that: look at philanthropy as an outlet to learn something new. Often we seek out volunteer opportunities that use our talents and skills we already have refined or mastered. This makes sense because we are trying to help others. However, what if rather than signing up for projects using skills you already had, you chose to give back to learn something new or practice to get better? Ultimately you benefit twice as much, by helping yourself and helping someone else.

Take these examples:

• Sharpen your carpentry skills: Sign up to volunteer and help build a house for Habitat for Humanity (atlantahabitat.org)
• Learn more about gardening: Help plant a community garden with Atlanta’s Park Pride’s Community Garden (parkpride.org).
• Refine your cooking skills: Join the best chefs in town by signing up for a Simple Abundance class where all the proceeds benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank (acfb.org).
• Get in better shape: Sign up for Boot Camp for A Cause (bc4c.com) where proceeds from your participation go to various causes throughout the year.

These days, there are many way to give back that involves a skill you want to practice or improve upon, that also impacts our community. Looking at the list of those things you want to learn this year, see if any of them allow you give back too. It’s a Living by Giving win-win.

MLK Day: Around the nation & around the block

It’s the start of a new year and many of us have pledged to give back more in 2011.  The upcoming Martin Luther King Day of Service is our first chance to get out there and honor this pledge. Seems especially fitting during this time of healing for our country.

MLK Day is one of the most widespread efforts all year that we, as a nation come together in the spirit of compassion and love, to play that "small role in making the lives of others better," just as President Obama charged to all of us at the memorial yesterday in Tucson. 

Here are some ideas to make it easy to participate.

Around the Nation: America's Sunday Supper: This Sunday, January 16th at 6pm, HandsOn Network is offering a unique opportunity to be a part of an interactive online discussion being held in Washington DC. Here is your chance to discuss our communities' and our nation's biggest issues with today’s top service leaders from all backgrounds. The Sunday Supper will be filmed and aired live in front of a studio audience out of DC. To register your virtual attendance, visit www.HandsOnNetwork.org  You can also use this site to find projects in your community!

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Around Atlanta: On Monday, January 17th, the Annual National Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday March and Rally will take place around the nation, with the largest celebration taking place in Atlanta. The annual March starts at 1pm at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Auburn Ave and heads down Auburn ending around the King National Historic Site.  A rally is then held around the stage until 4pm. For more information, head over to http://www.mlkmarchaaar.org.

HandsOn Atlanta hosts its Annual King Summit at the Ferst Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia Tech. Kicking-off the summit will be a rally featuring music, dance and a conversation with Senator Jason Carter, Andrea Young, and Brooke Jackson Edmonds.  Participants are then encouraged to take the afternoon and sign up for a service project. This event is free and starts at 10am.   For more information, visit HandsOn Atlanta

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Around the block: For those looking to do your own project in any community.

Sure, you can create your own project.  You can clean up a park or playground, build that community garden you’ve had on your list, even just taking the day to clean out your closet and donate your clothes, donate food or volunteer at a local food bank.  Creating a service project for yourself or a small group of friends is equally impactful.

However, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• As businesses, some non-profits aren’t open or aren't fully staffed on this day because it is a national holiday, so call ahead.
• Most volunteer projects require an application and training, so if you don’t have an existing relationship as a volunteer with a charity, you may run into some obstacles on Monday. 
• But don’t let this stop you from using this day as a day to begin serving your community.  Take this opportunity to find a place to volunteer and submit your application to begin the process. Make the commitment that can be carried out all year. 

You aren't done yet. Here are some ways to share your story. Don't be shy, be proud! The collaboration of stories is something that makes this day extra special for all Americans.

Post your story on HandsOn Network or the Martin Luther King Day of Service website.

You can also visit MyImpact.org which is a great tool that helps you track, measure, and share your volunteerism on this day and throughout the year. You can use your phone to log your hours and share your impact.

Get rewarded for your service, by visiting Do Good Get Rewards – this is a site that allows volunteers to earn points for the hours donated to help and redeem them for rewards including hotel rooms, all-inclusive resorts, dining certificates, health club memberships, spa certificates and more.

A Hug for the Holidays

Yesterday was the annual Thanksgiving Holiday H.U.G.S (Hope. Understanding. Guidance. Support) program at Kate's Club.  It is one of my favorite days of the year; a day where the families of Kate's Club come together to give thanks, enjoy a big pot luck lunch, and connect with each other for support.  It is a true celebration, while also a time for an extra boost during the holidays.

Support during the holidays you ask? Absolutely.  Let's admit it, we could all use a little extra support during the holidays.  For the families at Kate's Club, these weeks can bring on a more intense time for coping with loss.  This is a time when the absence of their loved one is most obvious and thus bringing out more emotions surrounding their grief. But Kate's Club helps them.  And for others, support exists too.

The one thing I did more than anything yesterday was give hugs. A simple gesture but one that can be so impactful and so rewarding. It may be the easiest gift you give these holidays, and I strongly recommend giving LOTS of them away.  Afterall you can not give a hug away without getting one back!

HUGS and more HUGS to all of you!

Happy Thanksgiving.