Each year Hands On New Orleans provides an array of special opportunities for community involvement with annual service projects, and other events. Each year these projects build momentum rallying more volunteers around a single day of service. Mark Your Calendars. Join Us. Raise Your Hand.

January – Martin Luther King, Jr. Days of Service
March – Hands On New Orleans Day
April – Global Youth Service Day
August 29 – Anniversary Day
September – Corporate Month of Service
9/11 Remembrance Day
October –Make A Difference Day
November - Friends & Families Service Day

January – Martin Luther King, Jr. Days of Service

Unite. Serve. Remember. Join New Orleanians from all backgrounds and ages as we celebrate Dr. King's legacy by turning community concerns into citizen action. The King Days of Service brings together people who might not ordinarily meet, breaks down barriers that have divided us in the past, and leads us to a better understanding and social action. The King Days of Service offers opportunities for community members to explore Dr. King’s legacy and apply them to today’s pressing concerns through workshops, film screenings, youth summits, conversations, performances, and service.

Last year over 600 volunteers joined together in service at McDonogh 15 to renovate the school, and gather for a youth summit.

This year The King Days of Service will be January 14 – 21, in partnership with 20 community agencies., we will engage 2,000 people in service. To sign up for a project or event click here. To sign up to be a team leader contact Tony Zebrowski at azebrowski@handsonneworleans.org.

March – Hands On New Orleans Day

Hands On New Orleans began in March of 2006. Every March we invite New Orleanians to join together for a hands-on day of service and “be the change” in their community. This year we will launch the first annual Hands On New Orleans Day in hopes of engaging 100 volunteers in a day of service. Paint a school. Clean a park. Work with Children. Care for Animals. Help rebuild a home. Sign up for a project. Sign up your agency for a project. Sign up to be a Team Leader. Sponsor the Day of Service.

April – Global Youth Service Day

Save the Date! The 9th Annual GYSD will be held April 25-27, 2008

Global Youth Service Day is the largest annual celebration of young volunteers, where millions of young people in countries worldwide highlight and carry out thousands of community improvement projects. GYSD offers a way for local, national, and international organizations to:

Build the capacity of an international network of organizations that promotes youth participation, service, learning,

Educate the public, the media, and policy-makers about the year-round contributions of young peopleas community leaders around the world;

Mobilize youth and adults to meet the needs of their communities through volunteering and

Learn and share effective practices in youth service, youth voice, and civic engagement in the world today.

This April 25 – 27, 2008 Hands On New Orleans will rally and support youth as they volunteer to change New Orleans. To get involved, click here click here.

August 29 – Anniversary Day

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita brought to national attention long struggles of poverty, racism, bureaucracy, and corruption. By all accounts to date, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita created the nation’s worst natural disaster. In the aftermath of the storm, the world responded with an outpouring of volunteerism and resources that continues to rebuild the Gulf coast today. New Orleans and its people are resilient and determined. During anniversary day the New Orleans community comes together for summits, vigils, dialogue, ceremonies, and service. Serve at a project, or attend an event. click here.

September – Corporate Month of Service

Corporations are made up of individuals positioned to make a difference in the community. During the month of September, Corporations rally together for days of service, networking and team-building, to benefit the community. Now is the time to demonstrate the benefits of corporate involvement in New Orleans. Corporations can sign up employees for ongoing projects, or sponsor a customized project tailored to the corporation and the community. During September corporations and employees will gather for networking, and to gain inspiration from community business leaders making an impact in New Orleans. Meet a deadline that makes a difference in the community. For more on Corporate Month of Service contact Sam McKenzie, Corporate Relations Manager, at SMcKenzie@handsonneworleans.org

9/11 Remembrance Day

9/11 changed our country forever. 9/11 is one occurrence that brought out the best of American and international sentiments. 9/11 Remembrance Day brings communities together under the banner of national goodwill to build democracy through service and service learning. On this day each year community volunteers including first responders do service to demonstrate community commitment and support. Sign up to lead or serve at a project. click here.

October –Make A Difference Day

Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of October. Millions have participated. In 2005, 3 million people engaged in service on that day, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns. Hands On New Orleans collaborates with city partners to work in schools, homes, parks, and other direct social service agencies to make a difference. To lead or find a project click here.

November - Friends & Families Service Day

On Thanksgiving weekend, the staff and volunteers of Hands On New Orleans invite our friends and families to join us in a special weekend of service. Everyone will participate in meaningful service together on Thanksgiving Day, possibly feeding families in need of a holiday meal. Thanksgiving Day will culminate with a very special holiday meal of our own. Service opportunities will also be provided on Friday and Saturday. Alums and family members are invited to come and share the holidays with us. It is our own little Hands On reunion. To sign up for a project click here click here to stay with Hands On click here