With Thanksgiving right around the corner, one thing GUIDE staff are thankful for is our incredible volunteers. Without the help of volunteers from across Georgia and beyond, we would not be able to create such a significant impact on our community. So far in 2019, hundreds of volunteers have worked thousands of hours to help GUIDE be successful. We are so grateful for all of our volunteers and all that they do not only for us, but for the community as a whole.
Throughout the year, our volunteers travel from as far north as Ringgold and as far south as Blakely and everywhere in between in the great state of Georgia. Several people even travel from out of state to volunteer. It’s not possible to list all of the many tasks, projects and events in which our volunteers support us, but a few stand out year after year that make a huge difference.
Our GUIDE Prevention Advisory Board (GPAB) is comprised of community members including business owners, police officers and local government employees. These supportive volunteers assist GUIDE with underage drinking, opioid, vaping and suicide prevention campaigns and projects. By volunteering their time and expertise, these volunteers help GUIDE work to make Gwinnett a safer, healthier community.
The reason for our success at Georgia Teen Institute (GTI) can be nailed down to one word: volunteers. These dedicated people assist with every aspect of GTI. Prior to our summer program, volunteers participate in staff interview days, study facilitator’s guides, make warm fuzzies and assist in several other activities to help make GTI happen each year. While at GTI, these awesome people facilitate team building and Team Meetings, assist with workshops and complete countless behind-the-scenes tasks. Over seventy volunteers helped make a difference in the lives of hundreds of youth at GTI in 2019. {Want to join in on the action in 2020? Staff applications are available here.}
We are fortunate to have several supporters who volunteer their time before, during and after the numerous conferences and training events we have throughout the year. They pack materials, make copies, assemble manuals and do so much more in preparation for upcoming events. At events, they might be found distributing name tags, replenishing supplies or even facilitating a workshop. You’ll also find volunteers helping us distribute materials and engaging with community members at health fairs! Many of these volunteers have been impacted by GUIDE’s work in the past or are involved with us in some other way, such as past training participants, long-time GTI staff members and individuals who serve on GUIDE’s Board of Directors!
Our 2019-2020 Youth Advisory Board is made up of 21 dedicated Gwinnett high school students who volunteer their time with us in order to create positive community change. They plan prevention projects, attend community events and give youth voice to several aspects of GUIDE’s programming. These enthusiastic teens serve as powerful youth representatives for GUIDE.
Thank you to all of the volunteers we have had the pleasure of working with over the past 33 years. This Thanksgiving, we reflect on you and the difference you continue to make.
If you would like to find out more about how you can volunteer and make a difference not only in Gwinnett, but throughout Georgia, please visit our Volunteer page by clicking here.