Hands on network

The Hands on Network is a non-profit organization focusing on community service that is based in Atlanta, Georgia. As of August 1st, 2007, it merged with the Points of Light Foundation to form the nation's largest network of organizations skilled at mobilizing volunteers to meet important needs in local communities.

About

Points of Light and Hands On Network is made up of approximately 400 affiliates, including 350 Volunteer Centers and 58 Hands On affiliates in the US and abroad, all of which serve as entrepreneurial civic action centers. After Hurricane Katrina, Hands On established a base in Biloxi, Mississippi and in New Orleans, Louisiana, to help in the relief efforts and rebuilding process. Hands On houses volunteers year round. Projects include, house gutting, mold removal, street cleanup, food bank distribution support, and animal shelter support.

Hands On frequently partners with the Points of Light Foundation to conduct volunteer surveys and more. [(2007) [http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/22296/ Volunteering Strong in America, but 1 in 3 Volunteers Dropped Out in 2006: National 'Volunteering in America' Report Includes First-Ever Civic Life Index.] ]

Partners

Hands On Network has collaborated with hundreds of major companies and organizations to promote volunteerism across the United States. They include the CMT television station [(2006) [http://sev.prnewswire.com/education/20070425/LAW12225042007-1.html CMT One Country and University of Phoenix Partner to Recognize the Power of Volunteerism.] 4/25/06. Retrieved 4/27/07.] and SAP investments [(2007) [http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2007-04/artikel-8102826.asp Atlanta-Area Companies Drive Efficiency, Performance and Growth with SAP.] 4/20/07. Retrieved 4/27/07.] , as well as several with nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups [Sills, M. (2007) [http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070407/NEWS01/704070320/1002 Charity aim of spring breaks: Students to spend vacation volunteering.] Retrieved 4/29/07.] .

Hands On Schools

Hands on Schools is a program designed to create community, school, and civic collaboration to transform schools into dynamic learning centers that foster student achievement and community engagement.

Key Program Elements

* Physical renovation and improvement of learning and teaching environments.
* Technology resources, expertise, and training to increase access to basic computer resources and enhancements for technological innovation.
* Community engagement, including establishing local planning committees and training students to become volunteer leaders in their school community.
* Training a corps of community members to become volunteer leaders, and stay connected to the school, creating long term sustainability.
* Activating the Hands on School Box, a comprehensive turnkey product designed to support community based school renovation in thousands of school communities across the country.

References

External links

* [http://www.handsonneworleans.org/ Hands On New Orleans]
* [http://www.handsonnetwork.org/ Hands On Headquarters]