One of my favorite quotes is, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” There are so many angles/perspectives/lenses. Building Compassionate Atlanta over the last nine years has created the opportunity to share so many moments of connection and spark joy.
Actually, almost 20,000 and counting.
This spark of joy is called a “Love Note.” A unique two-square-inch colored piece of paper rolled into a tiny scroll with a handwritten note. Somehow, these notes, each with a different message, seem to hit just the right spot wherever they land. The cashier at the grocery store, everyone at the doctor’s office, janitors, fellow patrons, and to the attendees at almost every meeting I go to. I open a bag of Love Notes to share with everyone around me.
My home as Co-Director of Compassionate Atlanta, alongside Iyabo Onipede, has given me the gift of seeing things differently through the lens of shared power.
Compassionate Atlanta is a grassroots organization dedicated to building healthier, more inclusive communities from the ground up. When we talk about healthier communities, we’re addressing the broader concept of health that goes beyond physical well-being to include what the Public Health Sector calls the Social Determinants of Health — those factors that influence how we live, work, and play.
These determinants encompass a wide range of health influences, beyond medical interventions, from access to education and healthcare to economic stability, neighborhood environments, and social support networks. At Compassionate Atlanta, we believe that compassion is the cornerstone of a thriving community. It is through compassion for ourselves, one another, and within the systems we navigate daily that we can create stronger, more resilient communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
In the context of our work, compassion is not just a feeling but a practical, actionable strategy. It means recognizing the struggles and challenges that people face and actively working to address them. It means creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. It means advocating for policies and practices that promote equity and justice.
One of the guiding principles that resonate deeply with our mission is a concept deeply rooted in Atlanta’s history and culture, emphasizing the importance of connection, inclusivity, and compassion as fundamental principles for community life. The concept was dubbed “The Atlanta Way.” This philosophy helped shape the city’s approach to addressing social challenges and fostering a sense of unity among its diverse population during the Civil Rights era.
Over time, some say the tenets of the Atlanta Way have been lost or misconstrued. For my organization, one of the most important parts of the Atlanta Way is looking at life through a compassionate lens. It’s about more than just living in proximity to others; it’s about creating a community where everyone is welcomed, everyone is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. A new movement called Atlanta Way 2.0’s mission is also to live with compassion every day. They have started a movement of engaged Atlantans they call Activators who pledge to strengthen Atlanta’s civic fabric.
One of the areas where anyone can help our city is by committing to seeing everyone through a lens of common humanity. All of us have an opportunity to support our neighbors — in times of difficulty, sorrow and joy. Our lives are made richer when we connect to provide support to people who may be going through tough times personally or professionally.
At Compassionate Atlanta, we see our work as a direct embodiment of “The Atlanta Way.” Our initiatives are designed to break down barriers, build bridges, and create opportunities for people from all walks of life to connect and collaborate. We are proud to work with more than 179 local organizations and businesses, forming a network of partnerships that amplify our collective impact. These collaborations allow us to reach not only the heart of the city but also extend our efforts to rural communities outside the metropolitan area. By doing so, we ensure that resources, opportunities, and support are available to those who might otherwise be overlooked.
We understand that building a strong community requires more than just addressing immediate needs; it involves fostering long-term relationships and creating sustainable systems of support. To address and develop “compassion in systems,” we work on projects that bring resources to underserved areas, advocate for policies that promote social justice, and organize events that bring people together. Our focus is always on creating spaces where everyone feels included and empowered.
Our work in rural communities is a prime example of how we extend the principles of “The Atlanta Way” beyond the city’s borders. These areas often face unique challenges, from limited access to healthcare and education to economic hardships and social isolation. By partnering with local organizations and leaders, we bring resources and support to these communities, partnering with them to build their organization’s capacity and resilience while building healthy and equitable communities. Whether it’s providing training for local leaders, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, or supporting grassroots initiatives, our goal is to ensure that these communities are not left behind but are instead integrated into the larger fabric of the region.
Compassion is a key tenet of “The Atlanta Way,” and it is at the heart of everything we do. But compassion, as we see it, is not a passive or abstract concept. It is an active, dynamic force that drives us to challenge injustice, promote equity, and create environments where everyone can thrive. Compassionate Atlanta is committed to this vision, and we believe that by working together and sharing our power and resources — across sectors, communities, and regions — we can build a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate world.
Ultimately, our work is about building a stronger community where nobody is left out. We believe that when we embrace the values of compassion, inclusivity, and connection, we create a foundation for a healthier, more vibrant society. This is how we, alongside our partners, contribute to the ongoing story of “The Atlanta Way” — by ensuring that everyone has a place at the table and that every voice is heard.
Compassionate Atlanta is not just an organization; it is a movement — a movement toward a future where compassion is the norm, where inclusivity is the standard, and where everyone is encouraged and empowered to contribute to the common good. We are proud to be a part of this work, and we are committed to building a better, more compassionate Atlanta for all.
If you want to get involved, join us at CompassionCon on Oct. 27 at Legacy Park from 1 to 5 p.m. for a day of community, centering compassion for ourselves, our neighbors, and within the systems where we live, work, and play. I’ll have a Love Note waiting for you.
