Building bridges between Atlanta’s business community and children pays big dividends

	for more information… The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc. Alicia Philipp EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lisa Eaves PROGRAM OFFICER lisaeaves@atlcf.org The Hurt Building, Suite 449 Atlanta, GA 30303 404.688.5525 www.atlcf.org
	Photo courtesy of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc.
	Carl Swearingen, Georgia President of Bell South Telecommunications, received instruction in proper play dough technique from Ashlee and Letitia during “Put Yourself to Work for Georgia’s Children Day.” More than 35 other executives also spent the day working for Georgia's kids.

In September, more than 35 of Atlanta’s busiest executives put aside their paperwork, cleared their calendars, and went to meet and work with some very important people: Metro Atlanta’s children.

The effort was part of the third annual “Put Yourself to Work for Georgia’s Kids Day,” an annual day of service sponsored by the Georgia Children’s Campaign. The campaign is an initiative of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc. and 17 partner organizations that advocate on behalf of children.

Launched in early 1992 and implemented in 1993 by the community foundation (then known as The Metropolitan Atlanta Community Foundation), the public awareness/education campaign focuses on creating action in the business community and general public to improve conditions that affect Georgia’s children.

“Businesses are great partners for Georgia’s children,” says Roy Richards, Jr., Southwire Company CEO and co-chair of the Georgia Children’s Campaign. “More important than ‘Put Yourself to Work Day’ are the commitments executives have made to make their companies and community more child-friendly.”

Richards and his peers read books, worked on art projects, played in sandboxes, and talked with and listened to children and youth as CEO’s—“Children’s Executive Officers.” To be this kind of CEO “means you have learned about the issues that face today’s children, and about the programs that help them on a daily basis… and that you have taken action in your workplace and/or community to improve the lives of Georgia’s children,” says Ann Cramer, Regional Manager, Community Relations and Public Affairs for IBM and chair of the Georgia Children’s Campaign Business Task Force.

SPREADING THE WORD
“Put Yourself to Work for Georgia’s Kids Day” is only part of the Campaign’s efforts to involve business leaders with children. “Executives have the knowledge, power, and resources to influence public policy and promote effective programs on behalf of children,” says Eaves. “But it’s important to keep issues fresh by communicating regularly about needs, concerns, and accomplishments.”

To that end, “Blueprint,” a newsletter published by the Georgia Children’s Campaign, is mailed quarterly to about 1,000 business leaders, educators, service providers, and child advocates throughout the state. Each issue highlights business commitments on behalf of children, family-friendly policies businesses can implement, and information on children’s issues.

In addition, a “How To” Manual that documents steps taken in launching “Put Yourself to Work Day” was developed to encourage other groups to engage business sectors in partnerships for children. (Copies of the manual are available for $20 plus $3 postage and may be ordered from Lisa Eaves by calling 404.688.5525.)

LESSONS LEARNED
Key to any collaborative effort is the individual strengths each group brings to the table. “Strong representation is essential,” says Eaves. “Every not-for-profit that participated had special insights about the children they serve. They came up with ideas, shared information, and made suggestions business leaders could implement.” Involvement by the business community was another key for success. “We looked for strong advocates who could capture the attention of the business community,” says Eaves. These leaders helped pull the business community together into peer networks, which led to implementation of new workplace programs and policies that benefit children, youth, and families.

The community foundation’s role was that of organizer and leader. “As with any program that brings together different sectors, the initiative has required considerable staff time, coordination, and funding on a consistent basis,” says Winsome Hawkins, senior program director at The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Specifically, the community foundation has provided a half-time staff coordinator, oversight, annual funding and identification of additional financial support, and ongoing evaluation of Campaign activities.

“We’ve been proud to take part in ‘Put Yourself to Work Day’ and other Georgia Children’s Campaign activities,” says Hawkins. “Everyone—especially our children—has benefitted from the bridges that have been built.”