Playworks Georgia looks forward to celebrating our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 15 to April 21. National Volunteer Week is a time that allows us to shine a light on and give high fives to the people who spend their time with us in order to make a change in their communities with no expectations of a gift in return.
We interviewed Playworks Georgia Board Chair Leslie Pierson and Young Professionals Board Chair Brock Cline about their volunteer experiences and their time with Playworks. This is what we learned.
Leslie Pierson
In one word, how would your friends, family, or colleagues describe you?
Creative/Innovative.
When, where, and what was the first place you participated as a volunteer?
Ijams nature center in Knoxville, TN, when I was about 12. I was a summer camp helper, mostly making snacks and helping with kindergarteners.
What motivates you to volunteer?
We need to take care of our communities and each other to help everyone have the same opportunities. I love this quote by Mother Teresa: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
What have you found most inspiring during your volunteer work with Playworks?
Playworks transforms school culture by changing how children and adults treat each other. These skills seem so simple but have such a long-term and profound impact.
What do you wish people knew about Playworks?
Playworks is about ensuring healthy play in order to teach resilience, compromise, and collaboration. Play is the means, not the end.
What is your favorite recess game?
Freeze tag.
Brock Cline
In one word, how would your friends, family, or colleagues describe you?
Competitive.
When, where, and what was the first place you participated as a volunteer?
Atlanta Humane Society, 16 years old, because I wanted to be a vet.
What motivates you to volunteer?
I enjoy being able to help people and Playworks helps me to get out of myself to focus on something that is much bigger.
What have you found most inspiring during your volunteer work with Playworks?
The kids are absolutely the most inspiring thing. Five minutes into recess they’re always hanging all over me. The level of excitement is incredible and contagious.
What do you wish people knew about Playworks?
How big of an impact any sort of gift or participation can make.
What is your favorite recess game?
Tug of War . . . you have got to play it!
Volunteer with Playworks
