Meet Henry Simmons, former teacher, current river enthusiast, and most recently — water quality steward. Simmons, 74, is a member of RVAHydro, a new TeamWorks program offered by HandsOn Greater Richmond.
Partnering with local water quality experts from Chesterfield County, James River Advisory Council, and James River Parks and Recreation, RVAHydro aims to combine education with volunteerism to more deeply engage its feisty volunteer force. “HandsOn Richmond’s RVAHydro projects helped us think smart about the river, the watershed and the storm sewers,” says Simmons. “Learning, teamwork, getting our boots on the ground and our hands in the weeds all counted. We made a difference.”
RVAHydro is just one of many HandsOn Greater Richmond’s team-based projects. The organization also partners with non-profits addressing community health, youth and education, hunger and homelessness, seniors and disabled, animal welfare and more.
“While planting trees and marking storm drains isn’t for everyone, anyone can make a difference, there are hundreds of ways people can get involved,” notes HandsOn Greater Richmond director, Vanessa Diamond. “Richmond needs all hands, young or old, big or small.”
Since its inception in 2007, HandsOn has connected more than 10,000 individuals like Simmons, all wanting to volunteer in the Greater Richmond community. Last year, the organization mobilized more than 6,000 volunteers for specific service projects and events and as referrals to their nonprofit and school partners.
Richmonders of all ages can volunteer as much or as little as they like based on time and interest. The organization offers an assortment of programming, including one time volunteer projects, HandsOn@Work (customized projects and sponsorship opportunities for businesses), DIY (creative volunteer projects you can do from home), and specific programming for volunteers 12 to 17 years old. In addition, there are volunteer classifieds on the organization’s website, www.handsonrva.org, where nonprofit partners post their ongoing, one time, or skill based needs to the site to recruit volunteers.
Embarking on its fifth anniversary, the organization is calling on Richmonders to participate in HandsOn Day 2012. On October 20, volunteers will roll up their sleeves and descend on more than 40 different organizations and schools to paint, build, rake, sort, sew, stuff, organize, and clean the Greater Richmond community.
HandsOn Richmond Day is one of the city’s largest volunteer events. Last year, thousands of volunteers enlisted to support projects at Tricycle Gardens, CARITAS, Richmond City Public Schools, YMCA, Elderfriends, and Fan Free Clinic. “Whatever time and talent an individual can offer is valuable,” says` Diamond. “We all have the power to be the center of change.”