Ways you can make an impact:
Welcome Wagon
Set them up for success!
Moving to a new city can be daunting. Where is the best grocery store near me? What childcare should I choose for my family? Is there a faith center that aligns with my views? Navigating a new job is equally intimidating. Activators who embody the Atlanta Way 2.0 mission always seek opportunities to help others become part of our civic fabric. The Welcome Wagon plays a vital role by helping newcomers feel at home and fostering a sense of community. As the city continues to grow, efforts like this create opportunities for newcomers to connect, learn about local resources, and become active participants in Atlanta’s vibrant culture. So where do you start?
Notice a "Sold" sign down the street? Greet that new neighbor and see what resources you can provide. If they come from another city - start by asking what they miss most about their previous home and direct them to similar activities or organizations. Sometimes, a stranger can be the most powerful ally in a new town.
Founder Maria Saporta's business column started on January 8, 1991. She was sitting at her desk when the phone rang. She picked up the phone and a voice says, “Hi. My name is Judy Anderson, and I'm the corporate secretary for Georgia Power. I just think it's so wonderful that the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a woman business columnist. I want to do everything I can for you to be a success. Would it be okay if I set up a series of lunches with you and some people who I think would be good for you to get to know?”
On Maria’s first day as a business columnist at the AJC, getting that kind of support from a woman whom she had never met before was life-changing. Judy Anderson was one of those women making things happen in the city. Maria will tell you that she owes a large part of her success to Judy Anderson doing that. She introduced Maria to a roster of amazing women from all over the city whom she knew of but had not met yet. A series of one-on-one lunches were scheduled and Maria gained insight into how they view the world. Eventually, they formed the Judy Anderson group and they still get together multiple times a year!
Another key part of the Welcome Wagon is helping others learn more about paying their civic dues. For decades, whenever a new executive would come to town, a group of business leaders would call on him — yes, they were almost always male — and explain that in Atlanta, you not only have to pay your office rent, but also your civic rent. They shared a clear message of welcoming the new executive to Atlanta and find ways to make sure he became engaged in the community. Read more about this tenant of the "Old Atlanta Way" in a recent article on SaportaReport.
How a phone call nearly 30 years ago helped create community
If you are interested in learning more about embodying the Atlanta Way 2.0 mission- check out one of our upcoming events and join the movement! Want to share your story of how you make an impact? Email britton@Atlantaway.org.