Pamela McNall is the driving force behind many volunteer initiatives in our area. Her work has not only resulted in the cleanup and development of numerous parks, waterways, bus stops, and other sites around Tucker, but she has also tirelessly worked to increase community awareness and citizen involvement. Through Pam’s efforts, not only is Tucker a cleaner and safer place to live, but the community is more involved and the overall quality of life in Tucker has improved.
Pam began her community involvement in Tucker as the Chair of Tucker Civic Association’s (TCA) Parks and Green Space Committee, where she organized and volunteered at numerous events including cleanups at elementary schools, athletic fields, MARTA stops and other sites around Tucker. One of her biggest successes with TCA has been her involvement with the Rivers Alive program. The cleanup events she organized have resulted in the removal of tens of thousands of pounds of trash from South Fork Peachtree Creek and led to TCA being named “Non-Profit Organization of the Year” by the State of Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division. After many years, TCA’s Rivers Alive initiative is still going strong and Pam continues to serve on the organizing committee.
When TCA decided to form the “Friends of Tucker Parks” group, Pam was the obvious choice to lead the organization and build it from the ground up. One of Pam’s biggest strengths is bringing people together and motivating them to get involved. When Pam first took over the TCA Parks and Green Space Committee, only one person showed up for the first meeting. Thanks to the legacy of Pam’s tireless recruiting and mobilizing efforts, Friends of Tucker Parks now has thousands of supporters, and as many as 200 volunteers show up for events in our parks. This kind of volunteer manpower has been critical to the huge success of these programs. Although Pam has stepped down as the head of Friends of Tucker Parks, she continues to serve as the Chair of Friends of Tucker Nature Preserve, and coordinates events such as the very popular Great American Cleanup each April. Pam also continues to represent Tucker on DeKalb County’s Citizen Advisory Board for Parks and Recreation.
One of Pam’s latest endeavors is RespectfulWays.com, an online curriculum program and educator support tool that she created. Respectful Ways is a digital (from home or school), trauma-informed, social emotional learning (SEL) program that helps school systems teach emotional intelligence to students and offers Professional Development SEL training for educators. The program helps educators teach compassion, perseverance, respect, and responsibility, traits that Pam herself exhibits and inspires in those around her everyday.
According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, Tucker has the highest rate of volunteerism in metro Atlanta. I strongly believe that this accolade is a direct result of Pam McNall’s leadership and infectious enthusiasm. She has inspired so many Tucker residents, including myself, to serve our community through volunteer activities. She is very deserving of the honor of Tucker’s Citizen of the Month!
Nomination by Beth Ganga
