We’re ecstatic to introduce one of our amazing volunteers; Raveena Alli! Raveena is a first-year undergraduate at Georgia Tech here in Atlanta, majoring in International Affairs and Modern Languages as well as Public Policy with a plan to minor in Social Justice.

When she is not volunteering or in school, she works part-time for Partnership For Southern Equity (PSE) on their Yes! For Equity youth staff team. At PSE, they work collaboratively to advance policies and institutional actions that promote racial equity and shared prosperity for the growth of all in Metropolitan Atlanta and the American South.

Learn more about Raveena in our interview below!

Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?

I volunteer with Atlanta Mission (specifically My Sister's House and Restoration House which are both shelters for women and children experiencing homelessness). I also am a member of the WABE advisory council, where we provide valuable feedback and insights into how WABE as a public journalism organization can work to create a more informative, connected, and inclusive Atlanta community for all while centering diverse voices and experiences in important conversations. Lastly, I serve as a board member for the 49 Mustard Seeds Foundation, a nonprofit where we create fun and engaging math videos and content in an effort to make math feel more real-world and relevant, presenting it to students in exciting, transferable ways that feel relevant in every aspect of life. We also collect and distribute school supplies to local schools every summer in preparation for the new school year.

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

In Atlanta alone, over ten thousand of our neighbors are experiencing homelessness. Housing is a basic and undeniable human right. Currently our approach to homelessness is very much one size fits all and does not center individual needs/experiences. Homelessness is a very solvable issue, it requires investment in affordable, safe and dignified housing and we must change the narrative and stigma surrounding homelessness, it's not about placing blame, shame, or judgement and homeless is not a choice or the fault of anyone experiencing it. It's about us coming together as a caring community, each of us doing our small part to ensure everyone has what they need to thrive.

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Volunteerism fosters for me a deep sense of personal connection and connection to my Atlanta community. When we look at big societal and systemic problems, it's easy to get wrapped up in data and numbers, but volunteerism personalizes these issues in a very meaningful and powerful way. Volunteerism provides critical insights into the challenges our communities face and how I can be part of the solution, and as a young leader and aspiring changemaker, I am filled with hope and optimism as I think of the ways I can someday the small changes I am making now, implementing and enforcing equitable policies that center the voices of those impacted by systemic injustices and contributing to a more kind, inclusive community for all. Volunteerism has deepend my empathy and awareness of the challenges our communities face and through volunteerism I have met many unsung heroes and sheroes, inspiring role models and valued mentors whose profound words of wisdom serve for me as an ever present reminder of the importance and power of our voices, our stories, and our experiences when used for good to drive positive change in our communities and beyond.

What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?

For the past three years I have co-led the Community Service Club at my school, Atlanta Girls School, where my peers and school community have taught me the value of adaptability and creativity, of never giving up and treating each challenge as a door opened, a new opportunity for learning and shared growth and connection. I often had to think outside the box to devise unique ways to engage and motivate students whose passion may not have necessarily been volunteerism and community service. In this way, I became a more dynamic and empathetic leader, more able to meaningfully connect with and engage individuals with diverse interests. I believe that had it not been for these past three years co-leading this amazing club I would never have developed the flexibility and creative thinking skills to lead empathically and effectively, remembering to appreciate everyone's unique gifts which deserve to be shared and celebrated! Through the club I also met so many likeminded community members, peers, and mentors for whom I will forever be grateful. Lastly, I would like to extend special thanks to our club's faculty advisor, whose invaluable guidance and expertise in service-learning programs greatly enhanced my event planning and leadership skills, and her ever positive and encouraging spirit kept us all motivated to keep making our community a kinder place for all.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

For the past two years, I have successfully co-led my school's Community Service Club in hosting an annual Mothers Day tea party for the women and children at Restoration House, a shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness that falls under the umbrella of Atlanta Mission. One of my proudest and most cherished moments of my high school journey came in May of 2023 at this festive event. We served 80 mothers and 40 children, we had delicious food, deserts, and of course tea! We had music playing, lots of fun games and arts and crafts for the kids, and excited chatter filled the room around me as everyone enjoyed the celebration. I will never forget the pure joy in that room, contagious and profound joy, the spirit of love and celebration, of togetherness radiated from every corner of the packed room. Observing the women, watching as their faces lit up, as they relaxed and talked, and more than anything admiring the amazing women around me, their resilience, their strength, their courage and feeling profound gratitude for this moment and for everyone here with me, sharing this gift of community, and the beauty of our shared humanity in that moment.

Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.

Out Of Hand Theater is one of my favorite places in Atlanta, creatively utilizing the arts to spread awareness surrounding important social justice issues. I have had the honor to participate in their Institute For Equity Activism eight-module training which I would highly recommend! Out Of Hand Theater serves as an inspiration for me every day reminds us of the power of our stories and the arts to convey powerful messages and drive positive change.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?

Never underestimate the sacredness and value of your time. In this increasingly fast paced and individualistic world, it can be easy to forget the little things, the special moments we share with our neighbors and community. Never underestimate the gift of simply knowing someone cares, and do everything you can to show up for others in your life and for your community. A little kindness really does go a long way!