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