Originally posted by Lucy Stone on Inside Vandy
April 15, 2013
Founded in 1991, Hands on Nashville is a service organization that aims to address issues facing the Middle Tennessee community such as hunger, homelessness and environmental issues. Started by entrepreneur Hal Cato as a grassroots organization, Hands on Nashville has made some stunning progress since its inception. In 2012 alone, Hands on Nashville connected or referred more than 117,000 volunteers to service opportunities, making the organization one of the largest resource centers of its kind in the world. The growth of Hands on Nashville has paralleled the growth of volunteerism in the city. Nashville’s 2011 volunteer rate was ranked 14th of 51 major U.S. cities, according to the National Conference on Citizenship. In 2008, Nashville ranked 35th. Hands on Nashville volunteers range from youth involved in its VolunTEEN program to entire business groups serving in its Corporate Partner program to those more interested in specific niche programs, which include the Home Energy Savings program, the Urban Agriculture program and the Waterway Recovery and Restoration program. It is also looking to start some representative clubs on college campuses. So, where will Hands on Nashville be spotted working in the future? For starters, daytime opportunities are always popping up on its Volunteer Opportunity Calendar, which can be found at its website. This a great option for students with free time during the day to get involved whenever they have the impulse. Additionally, Hands on Nashville is promoting National Volunteer Month in April with its National Volunteer Month Challenge, presented by Opry Country Classics. The first 75 volunteers who register for the Challenge and complete service by April 23 will receive two complimentary tickets to attend an Opry Country Classics performance at the Ryman Auditorium on April 25. Hands on Nashville is also coordinating with Starbucks on Global Youth Service Day, coming up on April 27 at the Hands on Nashville Urban Farm in South Nashville. Volunteers will help harvest produce for families with limited access to fresh foods.