Hands on Georgia Week
By STATE SEN. CHIP PEARSON

State Senator Chip Pearson

In January 2002, President Bush called on all Americans to devote the equivalent of at least two years of their lives - 4,000 hours - to service and volunteer work. The President asked us to help strengthen our communities by becoming involved in public-serving activities - by being active and engaged citizens. Volunteering is a gift from the heart. Some view volunteering as a way to give back to the community. Others want to give to their specific cause or passion. Still others just want to feel needed and keep busy. Whatever the reason, the act of volunteering is a noble gesture that deserves to be recognized for its value to our society.

Every year since President Bush's proclamation, citizens from across the state have joined together in an effort to improve the quality of life in Georgia's communities by volunteering their time as a part of Hands on Georgia week. Community service is something we've all probably done at some point in our lives. Whether it is a Boy Scout project, a youth group project, a Rotary project or perhaps something we do with our families, we can all appreciate the value of volunteering in our communities.

Hands on Georgia is a statewide network that promotes volunteer services and civic engagement. Since its inception, the event has rallied almost all of Georgia's 159 counties and thousands of volunteers to address the multifaceted needs of Georgia's citizens through a variety of service projects designed to make a difference in their respective communities.

Governor Perdue again has challenged Georgians to accomplish specific goals in volunteerism during Hands on Georgia week 2007. "For a more educated Georgia, I challenge Georgians to establish ongoing reading programs and partnerships that will reach at least 5,000 children across Georgia. For a more beautiful Georgia, I challenge Georgians to clean or renovate at least 250 parks and green spaces across Georgia. And for a more compassionate Georgia , I challenge Georgians to create partnerships that will provide sustaining community supports for over 1,000 foster children across Georgia," said Governor Perdue.

This year, Hands on Georgia takes place Saturday September 29 through Saturday October 6. The 2007 event will focus on:

• A commitment to those most in need. Volunteers are invited to reach out to our senior citizens who are in need of a helping hand.

• Respect and care for our state's natural beauty by eliminating litter, removing graffiti and collecting recyclable items.

• A greater appreciation and understanding of the importance of education. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up to tutor Georgia's future - our children in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Hands on Georgia projects vary between each town, city and county. Projects include river cleanups, building restorations, mentoring sessions with children, wheelchair ramp and playground construction. In addition, large scale projects are planned in the cities of Athens, Atlanta, Adairsville, Columbus, Dalton, Harlem, Macon, Milledgeville, Rome and Savannah. Projects will also be carried out in Bulloch, Dooly, Forsyth, Glynn, McIntosh, Hall, Liberty, Thomas and Wayne Counties. Hands on Georgia expects as many as 30,000 volunteers to serve approximately 130,000 hours of service throughout the week.

We need a healthier, more educated, safer Georgia, but no one group can do it alone. I challenge everyone in the 51st district and across North Georgia to make a difference in our communities by volunteering time, whether it is a few hours at an event or a few hours a week. We don't need to wait for Hands on Georgia 2008 to help our neighbors and neighborhoods. Together, when we share our time and talents, we can accomplish almost anything.

If you are interested in participating in Hands on Georgia 2007, contact Hands on Georgia at (404) 979-2842 or send e-mail to info@handsongeorgia.org. Specific project information is available at www.handsongeorgia. org.