GEORGIA DEMOCRATS WORK: Helping Build and Support Community in Atlanta, GA

Democrats Work is an organization connecting Democratic Activists with their community for valuable volunteer work. From their website:

The mission of Democrats Work is to mobilize grassroots Democrats to perform community service projects . . . as Democrats. DW connects Democratic volunteers with visible, tangible service projects in their communities – cleaning up neighborhoods and parks, supporting schools and teachers, planting trees, sponsoring soccer clinics, and working at food banks. With DW, for the first time, Democrats have a sustainable infrastructure to keep our volunteers and supporters visible and active throughout the year.

To achieve its mission, DW partners with Democratic and progressive organizations – including local clubs, state and county parties, and local chapters of national organizations, campaigns and elected officials – to get their members and supporters to volunteer for local service projects as part of a Democrat-branded “Work Crew.” DW provides the tools to help Democrats organize successful service events in their communities and the logistical support to increase the visibility of those efforts.

All DW activities advance four main goals:

1. Make tangible contributions to increase the visibility of Democrats at the local level. We want to show our neighbors that Democrats get things done, making improvements that people can point to and say: "The Democrats did that for this community." We associate Democrats with service so when there is a need in the community, people will say, “Call the Democrats, they always have people who can help.”

2. Engage the grassroots during non-election time to keep folks active and involved. Instead of asking people to get involved every two or four years, we tap into that energy year-round and “keep the band together.”

3. Reach out to people who might not otherwise get involved in purely “political” activities, but share our values. Not everyone wants to hand out campaign literature or phone bank or even wants to work for a particular candidate, but they are willing to paint a school or clean up a park with their friends.

4. Build a unified stable of motivated and easily mobilized volunteers who can help candidates win elections.

In the short term, DW seeks to foster the civic participation of Democrats in their communities. In the long term, DW aims to transform our nation’s politics: instead of money, we offer work; instead of message, we offer action. In the end, DW envisions a new type of politics: a politics of service.

Here are some upcoming Democrats Work Events in Atlanta Georgia that I urge you to participate in:

Repair a senior's house with the Tool Bank - Atlanta, GA

When: Saturday, March 14th 2009, at 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: ToolBank Atlanta
55 Ormond St SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Host: Democrats Work
Contact: mdrain@newellrecycling.com

Info: Imagine choosing between a lifesaving drug prescription - and fixing a leaky roof. HouseProud seniors face choices like these every day. Despite a fixed income and an aging home, these fragile neighbors all want the same thing - to stay home.

Join Democrats Work volunteers at a HouseProud volunteer work day.

Volunteers will met at the Atlanta ToolBank on March 14th at 8:30am.

Please arrive at the ToolBank warehouse promptly at 8:30am. Be sure to wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and clothes that you are willing to get dirty.

From 8:30am until around 9:00am you will be given a brief tour of the ToolBank warehouse. At around 9:00am your group will caravan over to the worksite. Please try to carpool if possible as parking at most worksites is limited.

Our group will work until about 12:30pm at which time we will load up materials, take pictures with the homeowner and depart.

We will have plenty of water on hand for you throughout the day, however feel free to bring sunscreen, snacks, or additional water.

If you happen to wake up on the morning of your volunteer day to inclement weather, simply call (404) 880-0054 ext 20 as early as 7:30am for a message indicating whether or not the day will be canceled.

We look forward to seeing you!

Community garden plantings - Atlanta, GA

When: Saturday, April 4th 2009, at 9:00 AM
Where: TBD
TBD
Atlanta, GA

Host: Atl Community Food Bank
Info: Prepare community food gardens for low-income neighbors.

Join Democrats Work volunteers to help plant community gardens in low-income areas of Atlanta. Working with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we will help make sure neighborhoods have fresh, nutritious food to eat.

Tools, gloves, bottled water and snacks will be provided. Please dress for the weather and to get dirty!

We will know the location of the garden two weeks prior to our work day, so stay tuned!

RSVP here