Politics & Government

Reed Launches New Community Service Initiative

New strategic service plan unveiled.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, along with several philanthropic, government, and business leaders, on Tuesday announced the launch of the city’s new strategic service plan to encourage more Atlantans to participate in focused community service activities.  

Made possible by a Cities of Service Leadership Grant, funded jointly by the Rockefeller Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies, Forward Together outlines the Mayor’s vision to mobilize and channel volunteers towards what he describes as the city’s greatest areas of need - developing Atlanta's youth and beautifying its communities.

“The city of Atlanta has a strong tradition of service and community involvement, and I am confident that the launch of our new Cities of Service plan will lead to even more volunteerism and civic engagement,” Reed said. 

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“We look forward to opening ‘Centers of Hope’ across the city where young people can strengthen their academic and study skills, participate in sports and physical fitness activities, and develop important character traits.  And I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and begin working with residents to clean up and beautify our neighborhoods as part of the 'Love Your Block' program.”

Reed was joined by several speakers, including Atlanta City Councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms; Amy Phuong, chief service officer for the city; Gina Simpson, president of Hands on Atlanta and Katy Elder, senior community affairs manager for The Home Depot Foundation.

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The service plan comprises three initiatives aimed at realizing the goals of youth development and neighborhood revitalization, as well as creating a sustainable network of philanthropic organizations to promote targeted volunteer opportunities and efficiently enable citizens to serve.

The Centers of Hope provide an opportunity for public-spirited residents to get involved and volunteer as mentors, tutors, coaches and in other capacities that will support our youth.  Additional volunteer opportunities will allow citizens to help beautify and improve the physical appearance at each center as well as within the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Through partnerships with key organizations such as The Home Depot Foundation working in the revitalization and beautification space, the city launched the “Love Your Block” initiative.  The initiative promotes community beautification by influencing citizens to lead neighborhood revitalization efforts and connecting volunteers with organizations already engaged in beautification projects in their area.


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