Volunteering and connecting communities with Shameka Fahie

Shameka Fahie is an avid volunteer and a Civic Leadership Program fellow. She has volunteered with variety of organizations including Junior League of DeKalb County (JLD), Boys & Girls Club, United Way of Greater Atlanta, and more. She is currently serving as the Vice President of the Finance & Operations Council on the Board of Directors at Junior League of DeKalb County. Along with volunteering, Shameka is the Senior Contracts & Grants Manager at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Get to know Shameka and how her volunteering journey is giving back to the community in numerous ways!

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

Several impact areas and pressing needs facing Atlanta are of particular importance to me due to their potential to effect positive change and improve the overall well-being of the community. Here are some key areas I care about the most:

Education Equity: Ensuring access to quality education for all residents, regardless of socioeconomic background, is crucial for Atlanta's future prosperity. By addressing disparities in educational opportunities, we can empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Poverty Alleviation: Tackling poverty and homelessness is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable Atlanta. By providing support services, affordable housing, and pathways to economic stability, we can uplift marginalized communities and create a more just society.

Community Development: Promoting sustainable community development initiatives, including affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and access to healthcare, fosters a thriving and resilient Atlanta. By investing in local neighborhoods and empowering residents, we can enhance the overall quality of life for all Atlantans.

These impact areas are interconnected and require collaborative efforts from government, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the community at large. By prioritizing these pressing needs, we can work towards building a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable future for Atlanta.

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

One organization I deeply appreciate volunteering with is The Junior League of DeKalb County (JLD). What I love most about JLD is its commitment to community impact and empowering women to become effective leaders and change-makers. The sense of camaraderie and purpose within JLD is truly inspiring. I'm continuously impressed by the dedication and passion of its members who work tirelessly to address pressing issues in our community, such as education, poverty, and health disparities. The organization's focus on collective action and collaboration allows us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I volunteer with JLD because I believe in its mission and values. As someone passionate about civic engagement and social justice, I'm drawn to JLD's emphasis on advocacy, volunteerism, and leadership development. By volunteering with JLD, I have the opportunity to contribute my skills and talents towards creating positive change while also growing personally and professionally. Additionally, JLD provides a supportive and inclusive environment where women from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, serve, and lead. The friendships and connections I've made through JLD are invaluable, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and impactful organization. Overall, volunteering with JLD allows me to combine my passions with purpose, and I'm proud to be part of a community-driven organization that is making a difference in the lives of others.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteering has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life in several ways:

Skill Development: Volunteering has provided me with opportunities to develop and hone various skills, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and project management. These skills have not only been valuable in my volunteer roles but have also translated into my professional life, enhancing my effectiveness in the workplace.

Expanded Network: Volunteering has allowed me to connect with a diverse group of individuals who share similar passions and values. These connections have expanded my network, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships that have enriched both my personal and professional life.

Sense of Fulfillment: Contributing to meaningful causes and making a positive impact in my community has brought me a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. Knowing that my efforts are helping to improve the lives of others has boosted my overall well-being and sense of self-worth.

Personal Growth: Volunteering has been instrumental in my personal growth and development. It has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, develop empathy and understanding for others, and become more socially aware and engaged. These experiences have contributed to my ongoing growth as a compassionate and socially responsible individual.

Professional Advancement: Volunteering has also contributed to my professional advancement by providing opportunities for leadership roles, skill-building experiences, and networking connections. These experiences have enhanced my resume, bolstered my credibility, and positioned me as a well-rounded candidate in the eyes of employers.

Overall, volunteering has been a transformative experience that has enriched my life in countless ways, helping me to become a better person, a more effective leader, and a more engaged member of my community.

“Volunteering with the Discovery Program at Asa G. Hillard, I had the opportunity to interact with the students and their parents. The interaction and conversations were positive, engaging, genuine and authentic. After volunteering for 9 months, you build a bond with the students and the parents that makes you want to continue to volunteer with the program. It truly makes you feel like you are doing something good in the community. I miss the students and plan to continue to volunteer with the Discovery Program at Asa because of the students and the bond.”

— Shameka Fahie

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

Through my experience as a volunteer, I've honed a variety of skills and learned valuable lessons that have contributed to my personal and professional development. Some of the key skills and lessons include:

Leadership: I've developed leadership skills by taking on roles such as committee chair, team leader, or project manager within volunteer organizations. These experiences have taught me how to motivate and inspire others, delegate tasks effectively, and lead by example.

Communication: Volunteering has improved my communication skills, both verbal and written. Whether it's communicating with team members, stakeholders, or the broader community, I've learned to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt my communication style to different audiences.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Working as part of a team on volunteer projects has taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. I've learned how to leverage the strengths of diverse team members, resolve conflicts constructively, and achieve common goals through collective effort.

Problem-Solving: Volunteer experiences often involve tackling complex challenges and finding creative solutions. I've developed strong problem-solving skills by analyzing situations, identifying root causes, brainstorming solutions, and implementing effective strategies to address issues.

Time Management: Balancing volunteer commitments with other responsibilities has helped me improve my time management skills. I've learned how to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and manage my time efficiently to meet deadlines and maximize productivity.

Adaptability: Volunteering has exposed me to a variety of situations and environments, requiring me to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Whether it's navigating unexpected challenges or adjusting to new roles and responsibilities, I've learned to remain flexible and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Empathy and Cultural Competence: Engaging with diverse communities through volunteer work has deepened my empathy and cultural competence. I've gained a better understanding of different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, which has enriched my ability to connect with and serve others effectively.

Overall, my experience as a volunteer has been a valuable learning journey that has equipped me with a wide range of skills and insights applicable to both my personal and professional life.

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.

Atlanta holds a special place in my heart because I am a true native. One of the things I love most about this city is its vibrant and diverse culture. Atlanta is a melting pot of people from all walks of life, bringing together a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. One of my favorite things about Atlanta is its thriving sports, arts, and music scene. From the High Museum of Art to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to Broadway at Fox Theatre to the Atlanta Falcons to the Atlanta Braves to the Atlanta Hawks, there's no shortage of opportunities to experience world-class sports, arts, and music right here in the city. I also love exploring the local music festival One Musicfest and the Jazz Festival. But perhaps what I love most about Atlanta is its sense of community. Despite its size and diversity, Atlanta has a strong sense of community spirit, with residents coming together to support one another and make a positive impact in their neighborhoods and beyond. It's this spirit of unity and collaboration that makes Atlanta such a special place to call home.

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

If you're interested in getting involved with volunteering, here are some pieces of advice to help you get started:

Identify Your Passions and Interests: Start by reflecting on what causes or issues are important to you. Consider your skills, hobbies, and personal values to identify areas where you can make the most impact.

Research Volunteer Opportunities: Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and availability. You can research local nonprofit organizations, community groups, and online platforms that connect volunteers with opportunities in your area.

Start Small and Build From There: If you're new to volunteering, consider starting with smaller commitments or one-time opportunities to get a feel for different types of volunteer work. As you gain experience and confidence, you can explore longer-term or more involved roles.

Reach Out and Get Involved: Once you've found a volunteer opportunity that interests you, reach out to the organization or group to inquire about how you can get involved. Attend volunteer orientations, information sessions, or training workshops to learn more about the organization and its mission.

Be Open-Minded and Flexible: Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things as you explore different volunteer opportunities. Be flexible with your schedule and expectations, as volunteer work may involve adapting to changing circumstances or needs.

Build Relationships and Network: Take the time to build relationships with fellow volunteers, staff members, and community members you encounter through your volunteer work. Networking with others in the field can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships.

Celebrate Your Impact: Remember to celebrate the impact you're making through your volunteer efforts, no matter how big or small. Recognize the value of your contributions and the difference you're making in the lives of others and your community.

Overall, volunteering is a rewarding experience that allows you to give back, connect with others, and make a positive impact in the world. By following these tips and taking the initiative to get involved, you can embark on a fulfilling journey of service and civic engagement.

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

On April 27th I will be volunteering with Hands on Atlanta at the 2024 Spring Summit for the Girls Scout of Greater Atlanta. The purpose of the Spring Summit is to cheer on early 100 middle and high school Girl Scouts as they learn about careers, mental health, high school life, and social media netiquette. Volunteers can sign up through Hands on Atlanta's website.

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

Here are a few additional things our community should know about my commitment to volunteering and doing something good:

• Passion for Social Impact: I am deeply passionate about making a positive difference in the world and believe in the power of volunteerism and community service to create meaningful change. Dedication to

• Continuous Learning: I approach volunteer service with a growth mindset, always seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and expand my skills and knowledge in order to be a more effective advocate and ally for those in need.

• Inclusivity and Equity: I am committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity in all aspects of my volunteer work. I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities and access to resources, and strive to contribute to initiatives that advance social justice and equality.

• Collaborative Spirit: I believe in the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing complex social challenges. I am eager to work alongside others who share a commitment to making a difference and believe that together, we can achieve greater impact.

• Long-Term Commitment: Volunteering is not just a one-time activity for me; it is a lifelong commitment to service and giving back to my community. I am dedicated to making volunteering a consistent part of my life and contributing to positive change for years to come.

  Overall, I am deeply committed to doing something good and using my time, energy, and resources to make a meaningful impact in the world. I believe that by coming together and taking action, we can create a brighter and more compassionate future for all.