Skip to main navigation

Catalogue Blog

MLK Day of Service and Benefits of Volunteering

Posted on by
Reply

On Monday, January 20th, we celebrate not only Martin Luther King Jr. Day but also the official MLK Day of Service, a day to honor the legacy of Dr. King by moving us closer to his vision of creating a “Beloved Community” through Americans taking community action to help solve our nation’s social issues.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy’s community of charities has a number of opportunities for volunteers to participate in MLK Day of Service. We encourage you to take a look at what they have to offer, and keep us posted on social media how you decide to turn your “day off” into a “day on” by helping your community.

It’s widely known that volunteering has many intangible benefits such as a sense of belonging and achievement, but did you know that volunteering can also benefit you in other ways, too? The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) research suggests that volunteering can have a significant positive impact on employment prospects. For example, volunteers have a 27 percent higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that volunteering can help build up the critical elements needed for success in the workplace: socialization (networking) and skill-building (including both soft skills such as time management or teamwork, and professional job skills).

In addition to employment benefits, volunteering is good for your health! A recent survey from UnitedHealth Group and Harris Interactive reports that volunteers have lower stress, better physical, mental and emotional health, and feel more connected to their communities. Another, more unique, perk is that volunteers tend to be more informed healthcare consumers as well, and therefore are more proactive in managing their own health.

So, on this MLK Day of Service, gather your family, friends or colleagues, and join a Catalogue charity to help create a “beloved community.” Whether you are an experienced volunteer or new to service, we can all benefit in unique and substantial ways when we come together as a community.

Mentoring Monday

Posted on by
Reply

Today is Mentoring Monday around the District! There are thousands of youth across our region who are in need of a caring adult, a positive role-model, a friend to offer guidance about and spark interest in school, new activities and their future…in other words, a mentor. This consistent, positive relationship has a profound effect on mentees; in fact, youth who meet regularly with a mentor:

  • have better school attendance, a better chance of going on to higher education, and better attitudes toward school,
  • are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, or engage in criminal behavior,
  • are more self-confident and have more positive social relationships,
  • are more likely to get involved with community/extra curricular activities and broader their horizons.

Though the need is great, we are lucky to have so many wonderful mentoring organizations as part of our network. So if you missed the Mentoring Monday phonebank this morning, consider becoming a mentor and checking out some of our charities below.

Capital Partners for Education makes a college degree possible for low-income youth in the Washington, DC area. Since 1993, CPE has connected motivated students from low-income families with the opportunities, resources, and guidance they need to graduate from high school and college and pursue professional careers. CPE provides students with a unique combination of one-on-one mentoring, individualized staff support, college and career readiness programming, and scholarships. By complementing the rigorous education with additional wrap-around services, CPE levels the playing field between our students and their upper-income peers, thereby breaking the multigenerational cycle of poverty one family at a time. Over the past 20 years, the organization has supported more than 500 students and has produced a 75% program completion rate, a 99% college enrollment rate and a 70% college completion rate for its graduates — more than three times the rate nationally and five times the rate in DC. Contact: Chris Lockwood, Recruitment and Selection Associate, mentor@cpfe.org 202-682-6020 ext. 221, http://www.cpfe.org

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) — For children living in foster care in Prince George’s County, MD and Fairfax County, VA, their Court Appointed Special Advocate may well be the only source of comfort and safety they have while they wait for a permanent and stable home. CASA gives a voice to abused and neglected children in the foster care system by training and supervising volunteer advocates and promoting the timely placement of children in stable homes. Volunteers are assigned to one child and commit to advocating for one year. Volunteers spend 10-15 hours per month meeting with their child and advocating on his or her behalf. In Hyattsville, MD, contact: Ann Marie Binsner 301-209-0491, pgerber@pgcasa.org , or visit: http://www.pgcasa.org/.
In Fairfax, contact Elisa Kosarin, volunteer@casafairfax.org, (703) 273-3526 or visit:http://fairfaxcasa.org/

Higher Achievement – Targeting academically motivated students at a critical juncture – 5th through 8th grade – and working with them in the “gap” hours after school and over the summer, Higher Achievement offers rigorous academic classes and stresses the discipline and dedication children need to succeed. A four-year, sustained academic intervention, it requires a serious commitment from its scholars and offers exciting bonuses in return: advanced intellectual discussions, university trips, and lectures on current topics. 100% of scholars improve by 20% or more on standardized tests, 100% of 2011 graduates advanced to college-preparatory high schools (90% to top choice schools like Gonzaga, Banneker, and Sidwell), and 93% ultimately head to college, compared to 50% citywide. Mentors teach a small group (3-4) of 5th or 6th graders in a core academic subject: Math, Literature, or an Elective Seminar (all curriculum and training provided), one night per week Mon, Tue, or Thurs, mid-September until early May. Serves DC and Alexandria, VA. Contact: Matt Thornton, Dir. Volunteer Management 202-375-7733 http://www.higherachievement.org/

Mentoring Today — Youth at the secure residential treatment facility for young males (New Beginnings) have frequent arrests to their names. When they return home, poverty, violence, and staggering unemployment await them. So Mentoring Today targets 17-19 year-olds before, during, and after re-entry. Through a partnership with Students United, Mentoring Today pairs each youth with a Washington College of Law student who can act both as confidante and zealous advocate. Together, they plan post-release goals, from earning a GED, to beginning vocational training, to finding a job; guided by a staff attorney, mentors also ensure that each young man receives the public education, health, and support services to which he is entitled. Last year, only one-third of mentees re-offended; none committed violent crimes. Imagine the change. Serves DC. Call (202) 678-9001 or find more here: http://mentoringtoday.org/get-involved

Mentoring to Manhood, Inc. – Last year in Prince George’s County, only 55% of black males graduated from high school. A grassroots mentorship nonprofit, M2M offers personal and academic support to African-American middle and high school boys (grades 7-12) in the county whose average GPA is 1.8 and most of whom report low self-confidence. Through weekly group mentoring and tutoring, mentees develop collaboration and life skills, enjoy team sports and community service, and come together for a Leadership Retreat. Offices located in Upper Marlboro, MD Contact: Rob Howze, 240-461-8474; rhowze@m2minc.org http://m2minc.org/

Mentors Inc. – Founded by a DCPS educator and parent of a high school student to combat DC’s low high-school graduation rates, Mentors, Inc. places at-risk students in one-on-one relationships with trained adults to help them develop their potential, encourage them to stay in school, and see that they graduate with a plan for the next step in life. While only 58% of the city’s seniors graduate from high school, 93% of the most recent Mentors, Inc “proteges” did, and 84% are enrolled in college. Mentors are paired with students ages 14-18, grades 9-12. Offices located in Washington, D.C. Contact: Remeka Blakey at rblakey@mentorsinc.org or 202-783-2310, http://www.mentorsinc.org/

Around Town 1/10-1/16

Posted on by
Reply

Happy 2014 from the Catalogue for Philanthropy team! Looking to get your new year started off with some fun, community-based activities? See what these great Catalogue nonprofits are offering this week on Around Town!

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Seed Cleaning at Arlington Village

Earth Sangha
We will clean the seeds of native grass and forb species that we collected from local parks, every Saturday in January and February. (Except for February 15th) Our seed cleaning sessions during the winter months are a collaborative effort between the Earth Sangha and Arlington Regional Master Naturalist Group, but we will accept a limited number of students who study environmental science or biology/botany. The only reason for limiting the number of participants is entirely due to the space constraint, but the Arlington Village’s Meeting Room is quite large, and we hope to accommodate a larger group.
When: Sat Jan 11 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Arlington Village Condominium’s Meeting Room, See website for directions., Fairfax, VA 22032
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Clean native grass and forb species seeds.
Contact: Lisa Bright, (703) 764-4830
For more information: click here

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Invasive Species Removal with Alan Ford

Earth Sangha
We will remove several species of invasive plants such as Wineberry, Amur honeysuckle, Wintercreeper, and Porcelainberry. Please wear long clothes and work boots as the work may be muddy and there are plenty of thorny plants present. Tools and gloves will be provided, but your own work gloves and hand clippers are useful tools to bring. This event will be led by the president of VNPS Potowmack Chapter, Alan Ford.
When: Sun Jan 12 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Marie Butler Leven Preserve, 1501 Kirby Road, McLean Va 22101
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Remove invasive species.
Contact: Alan Ford, (703) 732-5291
For more information: click here

God’s Country: One Woman Show

District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC)
Michelle Antoinette Nelson, also known as LOVE the poet, is a poet, actor, musician, host and prominent indie artist/author on the national performance and literary art scenes, and in the field of creative writing education. She has appeared on CNN as a speaker at the Jena 6 rally in Washington, D.C., authored the book “Black Marks on White Paper”, is the recipient of the 2011 Baker b-grant award, released multiple spoken word CDs, and has performed at the Smithsonian & college campuses nationwide. Michelle is also a Punany Poet (as seen on HBO), the playwright and star of “God’s Country” her touring one woman play, the creator of Live Lyrics! Creative writing workshops, and the founder/host of BE FREE Fridays (monthly open mic series).
When: Sun Jan 12 2014 (7:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
Where: DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St, NW, Washington, Dist of Columbia 20009
Fee? yes $20 General/ $18 DCAC Members
Contact: DC Arts Center, (202) 4627833-4627833
For more information: click here

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Tuesday Warehouse Volunteering

DC Diaper Bank
Come help us in the warehouse! Volunteering is family friendly and all are welcome whether it’s for one hour or four. We’ll be sorting and packing diapers and even little hands can help with that (or just play in the play area!). Our Volunteer Dates are a great way to starting talking about giving back and community in a very tangible way that kids can relate to well.
When: Tue Jan 14 2014 (09:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Speaker Series on “Planning for Your Family’s Future”

Senior Services of Alexandria
Senior Services of Alexandria and ACT for Alexandria are co-sponsoring a speaker series on “Planning for Your Family’s Future” on Wednesday, January 15, 9:30 am – Noon at Beth El Hebrew Congregation at 3830 Seminary Road in Alexandria, VA. You’ll hear from local experts who will provide expert advice on financial and estate planning. This event is free and light refreshments will be served. To register call 703-836-4414, ext 10 or go to www.seniorservicesalex.org.
When: Wed Jan 15 2014 (09:30 AM – 12:00 NOON)
Where: Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
Fee? no
Contact: , (703) 836-4414 ext 10
For more information:

Volunteers Needed for Jubilee Jobs Job Friends Event

Jubilee Jobs
On the third Wednesday of each month, Jubilee Jobs hosts an event called Job Friends. These informative celebratory meetings are held for Jubilee Jobs clients who have found employment through our program and for those considering enrollment in our Move-Up career advancement program. We would love to have volunteers serve a prepared holiday meal to our clients. Many of the people we have placed in jobs are or have been homeless and poor and appreciate the dinner and companionship. Job Friends clients now hope that gaining employment will help change their circumstances and we are there to support them and walk with them every step of the way. We hope you will join us.
When: Wed Jan 15 2014 (5:45 PM – 7:30 PM)
Where: The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will serve a prepared holiday meal to our clients.
Contact: Sheila Robinson, (202) 667-8970

One Hour, One World Tour

Ayuda
If you would like to get a first person introduction to Ayuda’s work and learn how you could get involved, please join us for one of our frequent One Hour, One World tours. Please sign up for a time and feel free to bring friends. (Tours are conducted in English)
When: Wed Jan 15 2014 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: Ayuda DC office, 6925B Willow Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Fee? no
Contact: Elise Webb, (202) 387-4848 ext 130
For more information: click here

Around Town 1/3-1/9

Posted on by
Reply

Happy New Year from the Catalogue for Philanthropy team! We are excited to start 2014 off with not only some great events from some Catalogue nonprofits, but the opening of our 2013-2014 Catalogue for Philanthropy application. Know a great nonprofit that would be a great fit for us? Pass the application on! In the meantime, check out these fun events happening around town this week.

Saturday, January 04, 2014

Sounds of Central Europe

National Philharmonic
Nurit Bar-Josef, violin Piotr Gajewski, conductor The Serenade for Strings by Dvorak, the great Czech nationalist composer, is laden with rich sonorities and hauntingly beautiful melodies suffused with the spirit of Czech folk music. Performed by Nurit Bar-Josef, concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra, Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, often referred to by the nickname Turkish, is full of energetic and lively melodies. Symphony No. 29, one of Mozart’s early symphonies, is a very personal work that combines intimate chamber music style with a fiery and impulsive manner. Dvorak Serenade for Strings Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 Mozart Symphony No. 29
When: Sat Jan 4 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? yes $28-$84 (Kids Free)
Contact: Deborah Birnbaum, (301) 581-5
For more information: click here

Sunday, January 05, 2014

Sounds of Central Europe

National Philharmonic
Nurit Bar-Josef, violin Piotr Gajewski, conductor The Serenade for Strings by Dvorak, the great Czech nationalist composer, is laden with rich sonorities and hauntingly beautiful melodies suffused with the spirit of Czech folk music. Performed by Nurit Bar-Josef, concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra, Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, often referred to by the nickname Turkish, is full of energetic and lively melodies. Symphony No. 29, one of Mozart’s early symphonies, is a very personal work that combines intimate chamber music style with a fiery and impulsive manner. Dvorak Serenade for Strings Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 Mozart Symphony No. 29
When: Sun Jan 5 2014 (3:00 PM)
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? yes $28-$84 (Kids Free)
Contact: Deborah Birnbaum, (301) 581-5
For more information: click here

Monday, January 06, 2014

You’re Invited to Coffee Talk with Jubilee Jobs

Jubilee Jobs
This year, Jubilee Jobs helped 1,000 people obtain employment. Want to know how we did it? Want to help us place 1,000 more people in jobs in the coming year? Then join us on January 6th at The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd NW at 8:30 am. We need your help to assist the unemployed in the community. Come and hear applicant testimonials, meet our Executive Director Terry Flood, learn more about our volunteer opportunities, and join others who want to make a real difference and help others in the community. Please call ahead of time at (202) 667-8970 so we know to look for you.
When: Mon Jan 6 2014 (08:30 AM)
Where: The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? no
Contact: Sheila Robinson, (202) 667-8970

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Whine/Wine Wednesday

DC Diaper Bank
Come join us Wednesday nights for Whine/Wine Wednesday! Bring your own “whine” or wine! Help us bundle diapers for the families we serve and make great new friends.
When: Wed Jan 8 2014 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

Season of Getting, Season of Giving

Posted on by
Reply

The following blog was published by Barbara Harman, Catalogue President and Editor, on December 30th 2013.

To see the original post, click here.

There is a new kind of inequality in our nation and it isn’t between blacks and whites, gay people and straight, or men and women, though these inequalities remain. Income inequality — the new buzz word, or really buzz phrase, that has emerged in recent years and gained momentum in recent months — is really about the gap, the no-man’s land, that divides people not by race or gender but by economic status. The numbers, and their implications, are staggering.

In the nation as a whole, the average net assets of the top 1 percent of the population are 8.4 million which amounts to 70 times -that’s right, 70 times — the average net worth of the rest of the population. According to UC Berkeley economist Emmanuel Saez, average real income during what some have deemed the “lost decade” (2002-12) went up 86 percent for the top 1 percent, while for everyone else it went up 6.6 percent. Hold on for one more stat: from 2007-2009, a period that includes the market crash and “recovery” from the recession, 95 percent of the recovery went to the top 1 percent.

In our nation’s capital, income inequality reflects this national trend, but with a twist. Studies released by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reveal that the richest 5 percent of individuals in the District of Columbia bring in an average of $436,900, while the poorest 20 percent average $17,000 and the poorest 5 percent clock in at $9100. This last figure reveals wealth disparity, or income inequality, at its starkest: on average, the wealthiest among us make nearly 40 times what the poorest do.

What complicates the picture locally is the fact that the Washington region has a greater share (1/3rd) of what are called “super zips” than any region in the country (Washington Post, “A World Apart”). A super zip is an interesting hybrid: it includes people who are in the top 5 percent for income AND for education. When super zips are contiguous, as they are here, it is possible to live one’s daily life without ever encountering people who are different from oneself — different because they lack a college (or even a high school) degree, live on less (even a lot less, even on virtually nothing) — and whose daily lives are, effectively, invisible. A century and a half ago, author (and, later, British Prime Minister) Benjamin Disraeli referred to the rich and the poor as “two nations between whom there is no intercourse and no sympathy, who are as ignorant of each other’s habits, thoughts, and feelings as if they were dwellers in different zones or inhabitants of different planets.”

At the intersection of income inequality and the super zip (the “different zone” or “planet”), the problem takes on an even darker meaning — and creates an imperative that has particular force at this time of year. People who have no experience of, or exposure to, those who live in the other “nation” are unlikely to experience the empathy that generates giving. They have the capacity to give — if income inequality shows us anything, it shows us that — but if they can’t see what need looks like or if they lack knowledge of where to give, then will they give? We can advocate (and should) for an increase in the minimum wage, an extension of unemployment benefits, and a dead halt to cuts in key programs like SNAP and TANF. But as individuals, we should also be, we can also afford to be, more philanthropic.

Research shows that the poor give a greater percentage of their income to charity than the rich, and that they do so because they see before them on a daily basis just what real need really looks like. The rest of us have an exposure problem: where the need is greatest it is also the most invisible. What we don’t witness we can’t experience, and what we can’t experience we don’t connect with, and what we don’t connect with we aren’t likely to support.

In the final days of this year — when giving picks up speed because it has the added benefit of reducing tax liability — we might all take a moment to learn about causes that are addressing the needs of the neediest among us. One way to do this is to explore the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, which features over 300 vetted community charities that are all based right here, in our nation’s — or two nations — capital. The Catalogue shines a light on the invisible among us, tells their stories, and opens up to all of us worlds of need that we might otherwise not experience. For many in our region, this has been a season of getting. We can also make it a season of giving.

You’ve made your list, but have you checked it twice?

Posted on by
Reply

Still searching for the perfect gift?

This year, save yourself from a frantic last-minute trip to the mall and consider giving the gift that gives back. The Catalogue for Philanthropy offers gift e-cards that make the perfect gift for anyone on your list: from that one person who has everything to the budding junior philanthropist in the family. In fact, we can’t think of a time when a Catalogue gift card wouldn’t be a great gift.

Still looking for inspiration? What about giving a Catalogue gift card…

  • as a “thank you” to your favorite hard-working barista, postal carrier, dog-walker or doorman?
  • as a way to introduce philanthropy to the next generation in your family? (We think the inspiring work of our charities as told in the Catalogue makes a great substitute for the annual reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”)
  • as a hostess gift for holiday parties?
  • as a creative gift for teachers at your child’s school?
  • for the neighbor who is always there to lend a hand?

The Catalogue for Philanthropy’s e-gift card not only captures the spirit of the holidays through the joy of giving, but it also gives recipients the opportunity to support the causes that mean the most to them, whether in the environment, arts, education or human services. And it’s SO easy to give! Simply click. Give. And inspire.

Guest Post: Washington Youth Garden

Posted on by
Reply

Today we welcome the Washington Youth Garden to GoodWorks! Using the garden cycle as a tool to enrich science learning, inspire environmental stewardship and cultivate healthy food choices http://iga.edu/best-paper-writing-service-essay/ in youth and families, the Washington Youth Garden is in its 40th year to service to local youth and families.

Today’s post is from Mel Jones, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Coordinator at John Burroughs Education Campus. Gardening is hard work. So is being a public school teacher. It’s no surprise then that school gardens are such an uphill battle for DC teachers and administrators. This letter from one of the Washington Youth Garden’s partner schools helps show why partnerships are so valuable.

Growing Green Dreams at Local Schools

by Mel JonesDisplaying Mel Watering.jpg

Since beginning as a science teacher here over ten years ago, I have made repeated attempts to start a garden. I knew my students would have a better understanding of science if there was more hands-on learning. However, despite my efforts, I didn’t have the expertise or the time to develop a real, working garden.

In 2011, our partnership with the Washington Youth Garden made the dream of a school garden come alive as third graders filled new raised beds with soil and transplanted lettuce, which they later harvested for salad pitas. Since then, the garden has become a part of every student’s experience, from compost investigation projects to school-wide sweet potato tastings.

The garden continues to expose students to new fruits and vegetables and provide an outdoor science laboratory. With grant funding, we’ve hired a School Garden Coordinator who regularly teaches our Early Childhood classes and collaborates with teachers to integrate the garden into science and literacy lessons. Plans are in progress to install a kitchen classroom to give our students year-round opportunities to cook healthy foods and learn about science and nutrition. The Washington Youth Garden has made a truly wonderful difference for our students and our school!

How does the Washington Youth Garden support school gardens?
The Washington Youth Garden provides multi-stage school garden partnerships that help schools integrate their school garden into the curriculum, teach garden-instruction best practices, seek independent funding, and plan for long-term sustainability. Currently, we support thriving school garden programs at four low-income partner schools in Ward 5.

How can you support this?
A pledge of $500 supports the cost of closely collaborating with a teacher to deliver four hands-on, curriculum-aligned garden lessons.

Learn more about the Washington Youth Garden on their website, blog, Facebook page and current Indiegogo Online Fundraiser.

Around Town 12/13-12/19

Posted on by
Reply

It’s cold outside but you can warm up this weekend–and beyond– with these great events put on by Catalogue nonprofits!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Vision Contemporary Dance Ensemble in Holiday Extravaganza

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus
Come celebrate the Holiday Season with this newly-created dance company as it presents an expression of Holiday Cheer through an action-packed dance performance. The ensemble is under the creative and artistic genius of legendary artistic director Katherine Smith.
When: Sat Dec 14 2013 (7:00 PM)
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Fee? yes $20 General Admission
Contact: Malori Rhones, (301) 699-1619
For more information: click here

Handel’s Messiah

National Philharmonic
Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano Magdalena Wor, mezzo-soprano Robert Petillo, tenor Kevin Deas, bass National Philharmonic Chorale Stan Engebretson, conductor Begin your holidays with Handel’s 1741 masterpiece, Messiah, one of the most beloved and most frequently performed works in Western choral literature. The critically acclaimed National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale, conducted by Stan Engebretson and joined by a superb cast of soloists, bring the joy, spirit and tidings of the season to you with this glorious oratorio, which includes such timeless favorites as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
When: Sat Dec 14 2013 (8:00 PM)
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? yes $28-$84 (Kids Free)
Contact: Deborah Birnbaum, (301) 581-5
For more information: click here

The Christmahanukwanzakah Special

District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC)
The Capital City Showcase (www.capitalcityshowcase.com) is proud to present its first annual Christmahanukwanzakah holiday special on Saturday, December 14th, at 10:00pm at The DC Arts Center in Adams-Morgan! The special features holiday performances from some of the DMV’s best performing artists. All of the proceeds from this amazing show will be donated to DC Central Kitchen (www.dccentralkitchen.org)
When: Sat Dec 14 2013 (10:00 PM – 12:00 MIDNIGHT)
Where: DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St, NW, Washington, Dist of Columbia 20009
Fee? yes $15 online/ $10 at the door
Contact: DC Arts Center, (202) 462-7833

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Canal Stewards at the River Center

Potomac Conservancy
Join us at the River Center! We’ll be meeting at 10 am at the River Center to clean up the lockhouse area and the nearby towpath. This cleanup is open to all ages, and we’ll provide all the necessary supplies – just wear clothes that can get dirty. This event is part of the National Park Service’s Canal Stewards program, engaging volunteers to become long-term caretakers of a site within the C & O Canal National Historical Park.
When: Sun Dec 15 2013 (10:00 AM)
Where: River Center at Lock 8, 7906 Riverside Drive, Cabin John, MD 20818
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Typical activities include picking up trash, invasive plants removal, pruning vegetation, or repairing the towpath and trails.
Contact: Lien Vu, (301) 608-1188 ext 205

Handel’s Messiah

National Philharmonic
Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano Magdalena Wor, mezzo-soprano Robert Petillo, tenor Kevin Deas, bass National Philharmonic Chorale Stan Engebretson, conductor Begin your holidays with Handel’s 1741 masterpiece, Messiah, one of the most beloved and most frequently performed works in Western choral literature. The critically acclaimed National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale, conducted by Stan Engebretson and joined by a superb cast of soloists, bring the joy, spirit and tidings of the season to you with this glorious oratorio, which includes such timeless favorites as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
When: Sun Dec 15 2013 (3:00 PM)
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? yes $28-$84 (Kids Free)
Contact: Deborah Birnbaum, (301) 581-5
For more information: click here

Festive Music of the Americas Concert

DC Youth Orchestra Program
DC Youth Orchestra Program’s Youth Orchestra and Junior Orchestra will perform festive music of the Americas in the beautiful Hall of States at the Organization of American States’ Main Building. The concert includes “Danzon No. 2″ by Artur Marquez and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. This concert is free, but there is a suggested $10 donation. No tickets are required. A reception that is open to all will follow the concert.
When: Sun Dec 15 2013 (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
Where: Organization of American States Main Building Hall of States, 17th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Fee? no
Contact: Rashida Coleman, (202) 698-0123 ext 1264156

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tuesday Warehouse Volunteering

DC Diaper Bank
Come help us in the warehouse! Volunteering is family friendly and all are welcome whether it’s for one hour or four. We’ll be sorting and packing diapers and even little hands can help with that (or just play in the play area!). Our Volunteer Dates are a great way to starting talking about giving back and community in a very tangible way that kids can relate to well.
When: Tue Dec 17 2013 (09:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

BUILD Metro DC Holiday Sales Bazaar

BUILD Metro DC
Shop local this holiday season and pick up one-of-a-kind products designed and crafted by our youth entrepreneurs at this family-friendly event.
When: Tue Dec 17 2013 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: 1776, 1133 15th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20005
Fee? no
Contact: Alyza Weinberg, (202) 450-1483

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Volunteers Needed for Jubilee Jobs Job Friends Event

Jubilee Jobs
On the third Wednesday of each month, Jubilee Jobs hosts an event called Job Friends. These informative celebratory meetings are held for Jubilee Jobs clients who have found employment through our program and for those considering enrollment in our Move-Up career advancement program. We would love to have volunteers serve a prepared holiday meal to our clients. Many of the people we have placed in jobs are or have been homeless and poor and appreciate the dinner and companionship. Job Friends clients now hope that gaining employment will help change their circumstances and we are there to support them and walk with them every step of the way. We hope you will join us.
When: Wed Dec 18 2013 (5:45 PM – 7:30 PM)
Where: The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will serve a prepared holiday meal to our clients.
Contact: Sheila Robinson, (202) 667-8970

FLOC College Night

For Love of Children
An event for FLOC families, including a College Fair and postsecondary exploration activities targeted towards students and their parents. Information is given about the college application process, FLOC postsecondary students speak about their personal experiences, and families learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
When: Wed Dec 18 2013 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: Cloyd Heck Marvin Center, 800 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers who have a strong tie to their undergraduate institution could share information with potential candidates at the event.
Contact: Kate Fleischer, (202) 462-8686 ext 3613
For more information: click here

Whine/Wine Wednesday

DC Diaper Bank
Come join us Wednesday nights for Whine/Wine Wednesday! Bring your own “whine” or wine! Help us bundle diapers for the families we serve and make great new friends.
When: Wed Dec 18 2013 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

Guest Post: LearnServe International

Posted on by
Reply

Today’s post comes from LearnServe International, whose programs spark high school students’ passion to make a difference and equips them with the knowledge, tools, and relationships to effectively drive local solutions to pressing global challenges. Bringing together students from across the DC area, LearnServe prepares them with the skills of business leadership, innovative problem-solving, and cross-cultural fluency. Then students are challenged to lead community-based change in their schools, across the DC region, and around the world.Empowering high-schoolers who have the motivation to make a difference, the Fellows Program guides them through the creation of their own “social venture.”

LearnServe Fellows Prepare to Speak Out

by Scott Rechler, Director & CEO, LearnServe International

When is the last time you saw someone teased, harassed, or picked on simply because of who they are? Did you recognize it as bullying? Stand up to the perpetrator? Console the person these attacks were directed towards?

Madison and Alichea, both students at Parkdale High School in Prince George’s County, ask these questions every day. Both Madison and Alichea have seen bullying first-hand. And both are ready to do something about it.

In September we challenged Madison, Alichea, and the other 70 members of the 2014 class of LearnServe Fellows to articulate the injustices they witness or experience, that they would like to put an end to. As LearnServe Fellows, Madison and Alichea and their peers will spend the year developing business plans around their respective causes, then mobilize teams to get these “social ventures” off the ground.

Madison herself has been bullied. She knows the sting of teasing and intimidation, which she has endured for more than a year. She appreciates all that her school — through counseling and peer mediation — has done to address the problem. But she feels that students can also do more to support their classmates who have been targets of bullying.

Madison plans to create a peer-to-peer support network for targets of bullying and their allies. With additional guidance from the school’s counselor, students would support each other in working through some of the emotional effects of bullying.

Alichea, a member of Parkdale’s JROTC squad, sees it as her responsibility to intervene when she sees other classmates being bullied. She wonders why more students don’t step in. Do they see it all as a harmless joke? None of their business? They’re too afraid to respond? Or they simply don’t know what bullying looks like – and feels like – in all the forms it can take?

Alichea would like to help would-be bullies and would-be bystanders better understand what bullying is and why it must stop. Through school outreach she hopes to shed light on bullying at her school and build a network of allies ready to step in and stop it as it happens.

Each year, the LearnServe Fellows Program offers leadership and social entrepreneurship training to 70 high school students like Madison and Alichea – students who represent more than 30 public, private, and charter schools in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. LearnServe guides these students as they translate the causes they are most passionate about into community impact.

LearnServe invites you to meet Madison, Alichea, and the other members of the 2014 class of LearnServe Fellows as they debut their social venture ideas at the 7th Annual Innovators Coffee House, tomorrow, December 12, 2013. The LearnServe Fellows will offer a series of 30-second “elevator pitches” on the causes they have chosen to address and the solutions they plan to design and implement this spring.

For more information about the LearnServe Fellows Program visit www.learn-serve.org/fellows.

For details or to RSVP for the 7th Annual Innovators Coffee House, visit http://learn-serve.org/learnserve-fellows-events/.

Around Town 12/7 – 12/13

Posted on by
Reply

Miss #GivingTuesday? You’re in luck: there’s still plenty of time to get involved with our great nonprofits! Check out what’s coming up and how you can support them this holiday season.

Saturday, December 07, 2013

Canal Stewards at Fletcher’s Cove

Potomac Conservancy
Join us at Fletcher’s Cove! We’ll be meeting at 10 am at Fletcher’s Cove to clean up the picnic area and surrounding trails. This cleanup is open to all ages, and we’ll provide all the necessary supplies – just wear clothes that can get dirty! This event is part of the National Park Service’s Canal Stewards program, engaging volunteers to become long-term caretakers of a site within the C & O Canal National Historical park.
When: Sat Dec 7 2013 (10:00 AM)
Where Fletcher’s Boathouse, 4940 Canal Road, Washington, DC 20007
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Typical activities include picking up trash, pruning vegetation, or repairing the towpath and trails.
Contact: Lien Vu, (301) 608-1188 ext 205

Hospice Caring Tree of Love and Candle Luminary

Hospice Caring
Make the world a brighter place this holiday season as we honor and remember those who have touched our lives. Event includes: traditional lighting of the Tree of Love; Instrumental and Vocal music; Responsive readings; Reading of the Names; Light Refreshments
When: Sat Dec 7 2013 (5:00 PM)
Where: Hospice Caring Cottage, 518 South Frederick Avenue (Bohrer Park), Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Fee? yes: sponsor a name $25, or 5 names for $100
Contact: Penny Gladhill, (301) 990-8904
For more information: click here

Le Villi & Heart of Madrid

The In Series
Pocket-Opera Double-Bill: Puccini’s first triumph, an opera-ballet in which the spirit of a jilted young woman returns to haunt her unfaithful lover. Paired with a charming Spanish fairy tale of lovers reunited serves as the vehicle for a cavalcade of zarzuela hits. In Elizabeth Pringle’s delightful libretto, fun-loving madrilenos reunite an estranged American couple.

Director: Abel Lopez Conductor: Carlos Cesar Rodriguez Cast: Randa Rouweyha, Peter Burroughs, Gregory Stuart, Heidi Kershaw, Eduardo Castro, Adriana Gonzalez, Aurelio Dominguez, Mary Gresock, Adrienne Starr, Christine Soler, Brendan Sliger
When: Sat Dec 7 2013 (8:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $42 general admission; $37 seniors; $20 students with school id & children
Volunteer Info: Ushering, box office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, Executive Assistant, (202) 204-7765
For more information: click here

Sunday, December 08, 2013

Living Well With Cancer One-Day Retreat

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
This condensed version of our longer retreats help participants strengthen their innate healing mechanisms, complementing medical care with knowledge and tools to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. The day features group discussions, gentle yoga, a simple yet profound creativity activity, and talks on nutrition and healing.
When: Sun Dec 8 2013 (09:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Where: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? yes $40
Contact: Adrienne Dern, (202) 483-8600
For more information: click here

Do Good Things Sunday

Volunteer Fairfax
On December 8, Stone’s Cove will partner with Volunteer Fairfax for a do good things Sunday. Join us to eat well and 10% of your purchase will be donated to support the Volunteer Fairfax mission.
When: Sun Dec 8 2013 (11:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Where: Stone’s Cove KitBar, 2403 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA 20171
Fee? no
Contact: Emily Davis, (703) 246-3892
For more information: click here

A Family Reunion

The In Series
The world premiere of a haunting American opera-musical by Chris Patton & Bill Moses. When disparate family members gather for the holidays, love, loss, duty and memories of happy times converge as they wrestle with strained relationships and issues of care for their aging mother. Director: William Moses Music Director: Paul Leavitt Cast: Laura Lewis, Anastasia Robinson, Patricia Portillo, Alexandra Linn, Sean Pflueger, Andrew Adelsberger, Brian Shaw, Alessandro Topa, Nephi Sanchez
When: Sun Dec 8 2013 (3:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $38 general admission; $35 seniors; $20 students with school ID & children
Volunteer Info: Ushering, Box Office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, (202) 204-7765
For more information: click here

Aerial ARts

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus
Elevate Studios and Archane Aerial Arts proudly present this afternoon of aerial work. See just how possible it is to fly and the many ways it can be accomplished! Choreography and performance by the students and teachers of Elevate Studios and Archane Aerial Arts.
When: Sun Dec 8 2013 (4:00 PM)
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Fee? yes $12 General; $10 Students & Seniors; $7 Youth
Contact: Malori Rhones, (301) 699-1619
For more information: click here

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Tuesday Warehouse Volunteering

DC Diaper Bank
Come help us in the warehouse! Volunteering is family friendly and all are welcome whether it’s for one hour or four. We’ll be sorting and packing diapers and even little hands can help with that (or just play in the play area!). Our Volunteer Dates are a great way to starting talking about giving back and community in a very tangible way that kids can relate to well.
When: Tue Dec 10 2013 (09:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

One Hour, One World Tour

Ayuda
If you would like to get a first person introduction to Ayuda’s work and learn how you could get involved, please join us for one of our frequent One Hour, One World tours. Please sign up for a time and feel free to bring friends. (Tours are conducted in English)
When: Wed Dec 11 2013 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: Ayuda DC office, 6925B Willow Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Fee? no
Contact: Elise Webb, (202) 387-4848 ext 130
For more information: click here

Global Kids’ DC Friendraiser

Global Kids
Global Kids presents, Live at Spike’s place: A Senator, an Ambassador, a Film, a Celebrity Chef and an Exceptional Group of Youth Leaders Please join Global Kids for dinner, drinks, and a special screening of “21st Century Global Kids: The New Soul of the City,” a short film created by DC high school students enrolled in Global Kids’ Summer Foreign Policy Institute and service-learning trip to Costa Rica. With special guests: Muni Figueres, Ambassador to the United States from Costa Rica Senator Harris Wofford (ret.) of Pennsylvania – former advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; advisor to President John Kennedy on civil rights and the formation of the Peace Corps; CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service Spike Mendelsohn, Top Chef veteran and Washington, DC celebrity chef (We the Pizza; Good Stuff Eatery; Bearnaise) Enjoy great company and great food with a great cause: Washington, DC’s youth leaders learning locally and acting globally. Attendance for this occasion is at cost: $38. Space is limited to 150.
When: Wed Dec 11 2013 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: We the Pizza, 305 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Fee? yes $38 (covers food & beverages)
Contact: Catalina Talero, (202) 263-4534
For more information: click here