KATIE KING | November 21, 2017
AVLF attended eight fall festivals in October, weaving tenants’ rights information into fun and games for the whole family.
With six new staff members in six new schools, Standing with Our Neighbors staff had a lot of ground to cover this fall. They jumped in head-first this October, attending (and sometimes organizing) eight fall festivals.
With seasonally themed games for the kids and information for the parents, fall festivals are a great way to become more involved in the communities we serve. Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
participated in festivals at Barack and Michelle Obama Academy, Dunbar Elementary School, South Atlanta Treat Street, Slater Elementary School, Gideon’s Elementary School, Thomasville Heights Elementary School, in addition to two events at the Villages at Carver.
At one of the Villages at Carver festivals, Community Advocate Nekesha Whitaker passed out candy to over 300 children.
All of the festivals were extremely well attended and gave AVLF staff members a chance to talk to parents and family members about our Standing with Our Neighbors program. At one of the Villages at Carver events alone, Community Advocate Nekesha Whitaker passed out candy to over 300 children. AVLF’s table also included Halloween-themed games.
As part of AVLF’s monthly Turn Up and Turn Out (TUTO) events, we paired the Thomasville Heights Elementary School fall festival with a Know-Your-Rights clinic. Roughly 30 residents attended the clinic, which also included information from the Center for Black Women’s Wellness and Georgia Center for Child Advocacy. Representatives from the Housing & Urban Development Department spoke to residents about Section 8 vouchers and the sale of local properties, including Jeremy Hudgeons, Faye Mobley, and Samuel Williams.
Additionally, John Marshall Law School brought a host of volunteers as part of their pro bono and service week, including the law school’s dean.
Check out photos from the events below.
Dunbar Elementary School students walk in the school Storybook Character Parade.
Principal Karen Brown-Collier at the Dunbar Elementary School Storybook Parade.
Children play fall-themed games at the 2017 Gideons Kindezi Fall Festival. Gideons Art teacher Ms. Berry painted faced throughout the event.
Children play fall-themed games at the 2017 Gideons Kindezi Fall Festival.
A paralegal volunteer stands with SWON staff attorney Lauren Washington at at the Barack and Michelle Obama Academy Fall Festival.
Children play fall-themed games at the Barack and Michelle Obama Academy Fall Festival.
Barack and Michelle Obama Academy's 2017 Fall Festival. Staff Attorney Lauren Washington and Community Advocate LaKeta Whittaker are pictured with a law student volunteer.
Kids play tug-of-war at Slater Elementary's 2017 Fall Festival. Community Advocate Kesha Whitaker facilitated the tug-of-war event.
Kids play tug-of-war at Slater Elementary's 2017 Fall Festival. Community Advocate Kesha Whitaker facilitated the tug-of-war event.
Kids play tug-of-war at Slater Elementary's 2017 Fall Festival. Community Advocate Kesha Whitaker facilitated the tug-of-war event.
Community advocate Kesha Whitaker at the AVLF table at the 2017 Villages of Carver Fall Festival. She passed out candy to over 300 students.
Standing with Our Neighbors Staff Attorney Ayanna Jones-Lightsy hosts games at the AVLF table as part of South Atlanta Treat Street. The event began in an effort to encourage more costumes and more active participation, as well as to provide a safe and fun space.
Volunteers assist tenants filling out repairs requests at the November TUTO event, as part of a know-your-rights clinic. This event was held in conjunction with the Thomasville Heights Elementary School's 2017 Fall Festival.
Residents at the November 2017 TUTO event at Thomasville Heights Elementary School. This event was held in conjunction with their 2017 Fall Festival.
A representative from HUD speaks at the November TUTO event at Thomasville Heights Elementary. This event was held in conjunction with their 2017 Fall Festival.
Children walk in the Storybook Parade at Dunbar Elementary School.
The Dunbar Elementary School Storybook Parade was led by students from Maynard Jackson High School. They danced, while the high school band followed them.
Barack and Michelle Obama Academy's 2017 Fall Festival.
Barack and Michelle Obama Academy's 2017 Fall Festival.
Community Advocate Christal Reynolds visits Ms. Sudalter's art class at Thomasville Heights Elementary. They are finishing a "bat project."
Want to see more photo galleries from AVLF? From fundraisers to community events, you can check them all out here.
Katie King
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Katie handles all of the online communications for AVLF, overseeing the organization’s social media campaigns, newsletters, and website. She is passionate about community engagement and the city of Atlanta. Katie holds a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an M.A. in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi. Follow her on social media at @katiecarterking.
