Connecting in the community with Edgar-Keiron Robinson

Meet Edgar-Keiron, a multifaceted professional dedicated to service in Atlanta. His background encompasses teaching, leadership, consulting and more! This made him well-prepared to contribute significantly to our Civic Leadership Program, serving with our Discovery Program. His knowledge, ambition, empathy, and optimism radiate through and showcase the amazing volunteer he is!

Learn more about Edgar-Keiron’s volunteer journey!

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

Atlanta is an amazing city, but it also faces some challenges that I care deeply about. One of the most important is ensuring all children have access to high-quality early childhood education. A strong foundation in these early years sets kids up for success in school and life. Unfortunately, not all Atlanta children have this opportunity, and that can lead to achievement gaps later on. These gaps can then become a cycle of poverty, something we all want to break. Another pressing need is affordable living. The cost of living in Atlanta, especially housing, is rising much faster than wages for many residents. This makes it hard for families, young professionals, and even seniors to find safe and stable places to live. When housing costs are too high, it puts a strain on everyone's resources, increases homelessness, and creates a feeling of instability in our communities. Finally, drug abuse is a serious problem in Atlanta, with opioids and other substances having a devastating impact on individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods. It leads to crime, health problems, and lost productivity. To address this issue, we need a multi-pronged approach that includes prevention programs, effective treatment options, and strong support systems for recovery. These are just a few of the areas I'm passionate about seeing progress in Atlanta. Each of these issues has a ripple effect, impacting the overall well-being of our city's residents. By working together, we can create a brighter future for everyone in Atlanta.

“I’m currently volunteering with Discovery, an Atlanta-based program that empowers K-5 students in Title 1 schools. We run engaging enrichment sessions on alternate Saturdays, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), social-emotional learning (SEL), and health and wellness activities. It’s a fun and rewarding experience for the kids, as they get to learn new things, connect with their peers, and unleash their creativity. We even provide them with healthy snacks to keep them fueled up throughout the day!”

— Edgar-Keiron

What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

What I truly enjoy about volunteering with Hands On Atlanta is the authentic leadership and the incredible ripple effect our work has on the community. The leaders are passionate individuals who are genuinely invested in the cause, not just checking boxes. They inspire us to bring our own ideas to the table and empower us to make a real difference. Secondly, the organization provides an amazing platform to get involved and network. There are so many diverse opportunities to contribute, whether it's getting involved in civic engagement, working on environmental conditions, or leading the Discovery program. It allows you to connect with like-minded people from all walks of life, all working towards a common goal. The network you build can be incredibly valuable, both personally and professionally. But most importantly, I volunteer with Hands on Atlanta because of the tangible impact we have. Seeing the positive change we create is incredibly rewarding. It motivates me to keep coming back and give my all, knowing that our efforts are truly making a difference in people's lives. Overall, volunteering with HOA is an enriching experience that allows me to learn, grow, and contribute to something larger than myself.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has been a game-changer for me, both personally and professionally. It's given my life a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends far beyond the daily grind. On a personal level, volunteering connects me to my community in a meaningful way. Seeing the positive impact I can have on others, even in small ways, is incredibly rewarding. It's fostered a sense of compassion and understanding that I carry with me in all aspects of my life. Professionally, volunteering has been a fantastic way to develop new skills and step outside my comfort zone. It's allowed me to lead projects, hone my communication abilities, and learn from inspiring individuals. These experiences have boosted my confidence and made me a more well-rounded professional. Overall, volunteering has been an enriching experience that's allowed me to grow as a person and contribute to something larger than myself. It's a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals, develop valuable skills, and create a positive impact on the world around you.

What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?

Leading the Discover Child Enrichment program has been an enriching journey of self-discovery and skill development. The ability to delegate has been an essential skill, throughout this process I've learned to assess a volunteer's skills and interests, assigning tasks that challenge them and allow them to shine. This not only lightens my workload but also keeps volunteers engaged and feeling valued. The needs of our young participants are constantly evolving, and so must the program. I actively seek feedback from volunteers, parents, and the children themselves to identify areas for improvement. Finally, working with children requires adaptability! As a former educator, I’ve become very proficient at thinking on my feet and adjusting activities or schedules as needed to ensure a positive and enriching experience for everyone. Beyond these specific skills, volunteering has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of Atlanta's youth.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

Seeing the enjoyment on the faces of the children, volunteers and parents is what really motivated me. You’re getting a chance to get on-the-spot feedback and to know that so many people had so much appreciation and positivity towards the program is beautiful. In addition to that having an opportunity to bond, build relationships, encourage, and give knowledge is amazing.

Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.

There is no place like “the city”, Atlanta is a place in which you can do or be anything, it is surrounded by opportunity if you go out and find it. I enjoy all things Atlanta from Piedmont Park, EAV, urban hiking through Midtown, Music Festivals, Live Music on patios, the Beltline, Waffle House, and of course the weather. As one of the most populated African American cities in the US with a rich civil rights history, it's incredibly inspiring to see so many successful Black leaders and entrepreneurs shaping the future, in addition to several other cultures and communities co-existing. The "City" is truly special and unique.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?

In my experience, the biggest hurdle to volunteering is often ourselves! We can get caught up in waiting for the "perfect" opportunity, the "right" teammates, or that elusive "free Saturday." My advice? Don't wait! Pull up – there are so many causes that need your help. Even a few hours a week can make a real difference. Personally, volunteering has been incredibly rewarding. It connects you to a community of passionate people, gives you a chance to learn new skills, and provides a deep sense of fulfillment knowing you're making a positive impact. It's a win-win! So, if you're thinking about volunteering, don't overthink it. Just start exploring – there are tons of online resources that can help you find an opportunity that aligns with your interests. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

You can find me May 7th at the COX Communications campus (6205-B Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30328) working with 250 volunteers packing up STEAM Kit Packs, reach out to me anytime and I’m sure I can connect you with an opportunity to get involved.

Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good! 

In addition to my passion for volunteering with HOA, I have several ideas to expand Atlanta's social impact landscape! Here are three initiatives I'm particularly excited about, and where I'd love your assistance: Yoga in Schools: Imagine dispatching certified yoga teachers to Title 1 schools, promoting mindfulness and stress reduction for students. Research shows yoga can improve focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Partnering with schools and yoga studios could make this a reality, and I'd love to collaborate on building this program. Tech & Entrepreneurial Saturdays: Equipping students with the skills to thrive in the digital age is crucial. A Saturday enrichment program focusing on tech basics, coding fundamentals, and even fostering an entrepreneurial mindset would be a game-changer. This could involve recruiting volunteers with tech expertise to create engaging workshops, and it would be fantastic to have your support in getting this off the ground. Pay-What-You-Can Consulting: Many small businesses in Atlanta lack access to affordable consulting services. My aim is to connect them with marketing, finance, or operations professionals who can offer guidance. This initiative could leverage the expertise within our community to empower local businesses. These are just a few ideas, and I'm always brainstorming ways to make Atlanta a more vibrant and equitable city. My commitment to "Do Something Good" is unwavering, and I believe in the power of collaboration. If any of these initiatives resonate with you, or if you have ideas of your own, let's connect and see what kind of positive impact we can make together!