To be a volunteer is to be aware of the value of your time, and how that time can be used to impact, develop, and build the community you live in.
April is National Volunteer Month – a time to look at the people who volunteer their time selflessly to local causes, organizations, and goals.
This is also a time for those who want to be more involved, but don’t know how, to take that first step in becoming a volunteer with their local organizations. Each week in April, the newspaper will feature a local organization in Gadsden County that depends on volunteers; we will spotlight the community contributions that the organziation makes, how volunteers impact the organization, and how – through volunteering – anyone can make a difference.
Chattahoochee Main Street Located in downtown Chattahoochee, the main street organization serves as a tourism agency, business development resource, and welcome center for new residents. Through Chattahoochee Main Street, many of the town’s festivals, social functions, business grand openings, and fundraisers are generated.
According to Pam Medley, president of Chattahoochee Main Street, the organization relies entirely on volunteers.
“We do not have paid position[s],” said Medley.
Volunteers are the face, as well as the hands and feet, of Chattahoochee Main Street. “We have volunteers who are board members, committee team leaders who do anything from fundraising planning and implementation, to beautifying the downtown areas the murals, landscape, etc, to planning and implementing community events, to updating website and social media promotions and information,” added Medley. “Volunteers are needed to rally other volunteers, right thank you notes and positively represent our Main Street program.”
Through volunteering with Chattahoochee Main Street, individuals get to make a difference in their community by helping facilitate all that Main Street does, but also by helping instill hometown pride within the community.
Chattahoochee Main Street excepts volunteers from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds – if you are interested in hands-on service projects, helping organize events, or putting in office hours at Chattahoochee Main Street’s physical office, there is something for everyone to do.
Chattahoochee Main Street accepts youth volunteers, and loves to see more familial groups get involved – many of the tasks that need volunteers to be accomplished would be perfect for families who want to spend a weekend or afternoon helping the local community.
Chattahoochee Main Street is also prepared to assist those who need to complete community service hours required by the court system, or students who have been obligated to volunteer as part of their studies.
Individuals interested in volunteering with Chattahoochee Main Street can take the first step to getting involved by calling the Main Street office at (850) 663-2323, or sending an email to info@chatt ahoocheemainstreet.org
Ashley Hunter – Gadsden County News Service