When you see the list of volunteer activities Renee’ White is involved with, you may wonder how she has time for it all. President of the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association for seven years, Ms. White received the Volunteer of the Year Award during Asheville City Council’s May 22 meeting.
East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association members lined up to nominate this tireless community volunteer.
“The East End is a historically African American neighborhood that celebrates and clings to its roots in the ever-changing Asheville development boom,” said Amanda Broderick. “Renee’ leads the (neighborhood) organization with inclusiveness and welcomes all residents, whether they are newcomers or have lived a lifetime in the East End.”
Sometimes neighborhood discussions get heated, noted Helen Lindberg. “Renee’ has a way with people and conducts our monthly meetings with a boatload of poise,” Lindberg said.
Besides being president of the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood Association, Ms. White also distinguished herself with multiple community involvements, including:
- First Vice Chair of Democratic Precinct 1, previous secretary
- NAACP member
- Steward board member, St. James AME Church
- President, St. James AME Church Lay Organization
- WNC District Coordinator for the Second District Lay Organization
- Consultant, Democracy NC Voter Registration Education
- Previous member of the Stephens Lee Center Executive Committee
- Leadership person for ENGAGE Committee for Change Healthcare
- Volunteer, MANNA Food bank, Asheville, and the Salvation Army Rescue Mission,
Charlotte
“Renee’s tenure has seen increased participation in neighborhood meetings,” said Carmen Ramos-Kennedy. “She led a multi-month visioning process and promoted reclamation of Martin Luther King Jr. Park as a venue for events more suitable for a family neighborhood.”
Ms. White has organized neighborhood clean-ups, a fall festival and yard sale, a Neighborhood Watch program and promoted cleanup of derelict properties in the East End/Valley Street neighborhood.
“Renee’ has one of the most important qualities of a community leader — the passions to help,” said Ms. Ramos-Kennedy.
We salute Renee’ White for her many contributions to her neighborhood and the City of Asheville!
About Volunteer of the Year
This is the second annual Volunteer of the Year award by the City of Asheville. A panel appointed by the Neighborhood Advisory Committee reviews and evaluates nominations and selects the recipient.
Last year, Mayor Esther Manheimer recognized Steve Mitchell of the Malvern Hills neighborhood as Asheville’s first Neighborhood Volunteer of the Year.
For more information on this award as well as how to register your neighborhood with the City of Asheville, visit the City’s Neighborhood Services webpage.
