Governor Issues Call to Service for 'Hands On Georgia Week'

Governor Issues Call to Service for ‘Hands On Georgia Week’

Hands On Georgia Week 2006 Scheduled for September 30 – October 7

ATLANTA – Today Governor Sonny Perdue challenged Georgia citizens to volunteer in their communities during Hands On Georgia Week 2006, scheduled for September 30 through October 7.

“A growing, educated, healthy and safe Georgia is not achieved by state government alone, but through a collaborative effort including volunteerism,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “Georgians are community-minded, often willing to lend a hand.  Hands On Georgia will harness the volunteer effort in our state and channel it for good use.”

Governor Perdue identified three specific goals for Georgians to consider in their volunteer efforts this year.  To establish a volunteerism legacy, Governor Perdue challenged Georgia’s university system to encourage students to use their talents and energy in volunteer service.  To care for and maintain the beauty of Georgia’s water resources, he challenged Georgians to clean at least 100 waterways, including rivers, streams and creeks across the state.  Finally, to ensure a more educated Georgia, Governor Perdue encouraged Georgians to get involved with literacy programs, including those that address literacy for children, adults and the workplace.

Hands On Georgia, a statewide network dedicated to volunteer service and civic engagement, will gather thousands of volunteers in Georgia’s 159 counties to address the multifaceted needs of Georgians through a variety of service projects.  The organization’s ultimate mission is to foster a sense of community involvement and volunteer service year round.

“Hands On” projects will vary in each city and county.  Projects include river clean ups, building restorations, wheel chair ramp construction, playground builds and mentoring sessions with children.  Signature projects are planned in the cities of Atlanta, Adairsville, Columbus, Dalton, Harlem, Macon, Milledgeville, Rome and Savannah, and in Bulloch, Dooly, Forsyth, Hall, Liberty, Thomas and Wayne Counties.  According to Hands On Georgia officials, at least 30,000 volunteers are expected to serve approximately 125,000 hours of service throughout the 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.

Georgians interested in participating in Hands On Georgia Week are encouraged to e-mail or call Hands On Georgia at info@handsongeorgia.org or (404) 979-2910.  Specific project information is available at www.handsongeorgia.org.

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