The following blog, written by Catalogue for Philanthropy President and Editor, Barbara Harman, was published in the Huffington Post on Wednesday, February 5th. It is the first post in a three-part series on the “evaluation problem.”

Evaluating the (Nonprofit) Evaluators, Part I

The Bad Guys Club

A recent Huffington Post blog refocused attention on a 2013 Tampa Bay Times/ CNN report on “America’s Worst Charities” — a group of 50 bad guys in a club to which no charity seeks admission. Lists like these are, so the notion goes, helpful in alerting unsuspecting donors to the dangers of giving: these donors often don’t know that some big charities with compelling-sounding names have massive armies of paid telephone solicitors, and… clients who barely benefit from the funds that are raised. President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Andrew Watt, chastised the makers of the list in a response, noting that most of the guilty parties are such notorious offenders that the list is hardly newsworthy. But Watt also admitted that there was some benefit in alerting donors to the importance of exercising due diligence.

Of course we should all exercise due diligence when making charitable contributions, but there is something disheartening about the focus on what doesn’t work in our charity system.

There are 50 charities on the “worst” list — out of some 1.5 million nationwide. And while there are likely more than 50 that deserve to be called out, the number would still represent a small fraction of US charities. The truth is, most charities cannot afford to pay expensive solicitors, know that such solicitation is frowned upon, and wouldn’t do it if they could.

Making a splash about how little money actually ends up in the right hands is a familiar story, and one that the press likes to tell. But it just confirms the belief that many Americans sadly hold — that nonprofits take the money of well-meaning citizens and squander it on administrative expenses, while the people who should benefit go unaided. True in a small number of cases, not true at all in most. Wouldn’t it be an interesting turn of events if stories about the best charities got the same kind of attention as those about the worst?

But how do we know who the best are? Who is doing the work of evaluating them? What is the basis of their evaluations? And do they really make sense?

Stay tuned for Part II.”

Are you a Catalogue nonprofit with an event coming up that you want our network to know about? Let us know and you can see your event posted with the likes of the ones you see below!

Saturday, February 01, 2014

Invasive Species Removal

Earth Sangha
We will remove several species of invasive plants such as Wineberry, Amur honeysuckle, Wintercreeper, and Porcelainberry. Please wear long clothes and workboots 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 Sangha’s Conservation Coordinator, Matt Bright.

When: Sat Feb 1 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: Matt Bright, (703) 764-4830
For more information: click here

Cheeky Monkey Sideshow Performance

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus
Award-winning troupe of professionals specializing in astounding feats and amazing oddities: sword swallowing, fire eating, extreme physical stunts (human blockhead, bed of nails, glass walking), contortion, magic, mentalism, escapes, human and animal anomalies and more!
When: Sat Feb 1 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Fee? yes $15 general admission
Contact: Malori Rhones, (301) 699-1819
For more information: click here

Post written by Aline Newman, Catalogue for Philanthropy Director of Marketing and Communications

The first story I ever wrote was called “The Day it Rained Birthday Cakes.” At the age of six, I was convinced that in merely four sentences I had written the next great American short story.

As children, storytelling is an integral part of the way we develop and learn to communicate. Fairytales, nursery rhymes and short stories are often passed down with the similar “plot-conflict-resolution” structure. As adults, storytelling evolves to become not only part of how we learn, entertain and persuade, but also how we build relationships with friends, family and colleagues. We share our stories (and stories of others) with ease in conversations both online and offline.

Yet, when it comes to telling stories on behalf of our organization, storytelling becomes more of a strategic challenge than merely a natural extension of the way we communicate. It requires us to assess not only the intended audience, their motivations and where to reach them, but also the risks (such as sharing benefactors’ stories with dignity) and expected outcomes once the story is shared (such as fundraising or volunteering). As nonprofits it is up to each of us to determine how we define our unique stories; however, as a sector we have an opportunity to learn from one another about how we can tell our stories more effectively and inspire change.

This morning, the Meyer Foundation hosted Julie Dixon of Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies to present key findings from their joint research project: “Stories Worth Sharing: Storytelling for Nonprofits.” During the course of their research, Julie and her team at the Center for Social Impact Communication (CSIC) sorted through hundreds of nonprofit stories in order to better understand the general nonprofit storytelling landscape and how local organizations share their stories online. While the full research analysis will be available later this spring, Julie shared key insights to get nonprofits thinking about the realities and opportunities that exist when it comes to storytelling and their organization.

Among some of the insights shared, one of most striking was the gap in the recognized importance of storytelling, and our ability to do it well. Nearly all nonprofits surveyed (96%) agreed that storytelling is an important part of communication, yet only 23 percent were satisfied with the quantity of their content, and 39 percent satisfied with the quality. While it’s good that nonprofits see the critical importance of storytelling, there is still a tremendous opportunity for the sector in creating richer and more accessible content.

Another interesting takeaway (and great news for smaller nonprofits): According to the research, there is no direct correlation between having a large budget and strong storytelling. So if it’s not always about the budget, what makes for good storytelling? Thinking about the insights presented we can glean that having a clearly defined audience and call-to-action are of course important (84% and 68% of nonprofits, respectively, already do these regularly as part of their storytelling), but so is making your story easily accessible and shareable, both on a traditional desktop and a mobile device. Think about the last time you looked at your website on a mobile phone or tablet: Did your video, images and text appear as you expected? Accessibility aside, developing to-the-point, original content (i.e. changing your stories’ heroes, challenges and calls to action) can keep an audience engaged and excited to find out “what’s new?” with your organization, and at the end of the day an engaged audience is perhaps our most valuable asset in fulfilling our missions.

This spring, Julie and the team at CSIC will continue to share how nonprofits can improve storytelling and make our stories worth sharing. While our storytelling as nonprofit organizations may not be as simple as a four-sentence exploration in birthday cakes falling from the sky, we certainly believe that by applying the best practices shared by CSIC in the coming months, it can be just as (if not more) gratifying.

Note: In addition to CSIC’s publications, the Catalogue for Philanthropy will also be exploring the topic of storytelling in upcoming workshops. Stay tuned for details!

Happy Friday! We have a lot of great events happening this over long weekend and hope that you are able to get out and give back to your community! See what these great Catalogue nonprofits are offering for your Martin Luther King Jr. weekend!

Friday, January 17, 2014

La Vie en Rose

The In Series
A stunning assembly of French art-song and cabaret chanson–from Le nuis d’ete to La vie en rose– from Berlioz, Debussy, and Satie, to Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel. A collaboration with the exuberant dances of The Washington Ballet Studio Company. Choreography and Direction by Septime Webre and David Palmer. Music Direction and Pianists: Frank Conlon and Carla Hubner. Featuring Fleta Hylton and Byron Jones
When: Fri Jan 17 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $40 general admission; $37 seniors; $20 students with school id & children
Volunteer Info: Usher, Box Office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, Executive Assistant, (202) 204-7765
For more information: click here

Saturday, January 18, 2014

MLK Weekend Of Service- Rock Creek Parkway

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Come out and participate in the MLK Weekend of Service to remember and celebrate the great achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Rock Creek Conservancy to work along Rock Creek Parkway. Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees and ground and remove trash from the woods. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools.
When: Sat Jan 18 2014 (09:00 AM – 12:00 NOON)
Where: Rock Creek Parkway – Waterside Drive & Massachusetts Ave NW, corner of Waterside Drive NW & Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees and ground and remove trash from the woods. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate. Please dress for the weather by wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Dressing in layers is the best option. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. If you have your own gloves and tools, please bring them. If not, bags, gloves, and tools will be provided. Feel to bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. Students can earn SSL hours, please bring needed forms.
Contact: Karen Zeiter, (301) 775-2960
For more information: click here

MLK Weekend Of Service- Glover Archbold Park

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Come out and participate in the MLK Weekend of Service to remember and celebrate the great achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Rock Creek Conservancy to work in Glover Archbold Park of Rock Creek. Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees, pick up litter from the woods, and clear the two meadows from invasive plant species. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools.
When: Sat Jan 18 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Glover- Archbold Park on the AGP trail (1/2 way between Cathedral and Mass Avenues. The trailheads are located on: 1) Cathedral Ave. 100 yards downhill (east) from New Mexico Ave 2) Massachusetts Ave. 100 yards north of intersection at Macomb St.), 4100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees, pick up litter from the woods, and clear the two meadows from invasive plant species. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate. Please dress for the weather by wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Dressing in layers is the best option. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. If you have your own gloves and tools, please bring them. If not, bags, gloves, and tools will be provided. Feel to bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. Students can earn SSL hours, please bring needed forms.
Contact: Peter Forbes, (301) 775-2960
For more information: click here

MLK Weekend Of Service- Broad Branch

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Come out and participate in the MLK Weekend of Service to remember and celebrate the great achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Rock Creek Conservancy to work in the Broad Branch section of Rock Creek Park. Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees and ground and cleanup trash from the woods. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools.
When: Sat Jan 18 2014 (10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON)
Where: intersection of 36th Street and Nevada Ave NW, Washington, DC., Washington, DC 20015
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees and ground and remove trash from the woods. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate. Please dress for the weather by wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Dressing in layers is the best option. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. If you have your own gloves and tools, please bring them. If not, bags, gloves, and tools will be provided. Feel to bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. Students can earn SSL hours, please bring needed forms.
Contact: Karen Zeiter, (301) 775-2960
For more information: click here

Invasive Species Removal

Earth Sangha
We will remove several species of invasive plants such as Wineberry, Amur honeysuckle, Wintercreeper, and Porcelainberry. Please wear long clothes and workboots 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 Sangha’s Conservation Coordinator, Matt Bright.
When: Sat Jan 18 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: Matt Bright, (703) 764-4830
For more information: click here

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 18 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

MLK Weekend Of Service- Pinehurst Tributary

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Come out and participate in the MLK Weekend of Service to remember and celebrate the great achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Rock Creek Conservancy to work in the Pinehurst Tributary of Rock Creek Park. Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees and ground and other invasive plant species. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools.
When: Sat Jan 18 2014 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Where: ibasketball court at the intersection of Beech Street NW and Western Ave., Washington, DC 20015
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees and ground and other invasive plant species. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate. Please dress for the weather by wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Dressing in layers is the best option. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. If you have your own gloves and tools, please bring them. If not, bags, gloves, and tools will be provided. Feel to bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. Students can earn SSL hours, please bring needed forms.
Contact: Karen Zeiter, (301) 775-2960
For more information: click here

Three Great Classics

National Philharmonic
Gabriela Martinez, piano Julie Keim, soprano Robert Petillo, tenor Kerry Wilkerson, bass National Philharmonic Chorale Victoria Gau, conductor The brilliant inventiveness and virtuosity of the D Major Divertimento is, to echo the words of Alfred Einstein, “a masterpiece of masterpieces, on the smallest possible scale.” It is followed by Bach’s Piano Concerto No. 1, among the first concertos written for keyboard. The concert concludes with Schubert’s famous Mass No. 2 in G Major, composed in less than a week in 1815. All but unknown during Schubert’s life, it has become one of his most popular sacred works. Mozart Divertimento K. 136 Bach Piano Concerto No. 1 Schubert Mass No. 2 in G Major
When: Sat Jan 18 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,
For more information: click here

La Vie en Rose

The In Series
A stunning assembly of French art-song and cabaret chanson–from Le nuis d’ete to La vie en rose– from Berlioz, Debussy, and Satie, to Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel. A collaboration with the exuberant dances of The Washington Ballet Studio Company. Choreography and Direction by Septime Webre and David Palmer. Music Direction and Pianists: Frank Conlon and Carla Hubner. Featuring Fleta Hylton and Byron Jones
When: Sat Jan 18 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $40 general admission; $37 seniors; $20 students with school id & children
Volunteer Info: Usher, Box Office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, Executive Assistant, (202) 204-7765
For more information: click here

Sunday, January 19, 2014

MLK Weekend Of Service- Beret Park

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Come out and participate in the MLK Weekend of Service to remember and celebrate the great achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Rock Creek Conservancy to work in Beret Park section of Rock Creek. Volunteers will remove trash from the woods before it can wash into Rock Creek. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate.
When: Sun Jan 19 2014 (10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON)
Where: Beret Park, 3401 Beret Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20906
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will remove trash from the woods before it can wash into Rock Creek. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate. Please dress for the weather by wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Dressing in layers is the best option. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. If you have your own gloves and tools, please bring them. If not, bags, gloves, and tools will be provided. Feel to bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. Students can earn SSL hours, please bring needed forms.
Contact: Karen Zeiter, (301) 775-2960
For more information: click here

MLK Weekend Of Service- Glover Archbold Park

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Come out and participate in the MLK Weekend of Service to remember and celebrate the great achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Rock Creek Conservancy to work in Glover Archbold Park of Rock Creek. Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees, pick up litter from the woods, and clear the two meadows from invasive plant species. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools.
When: Sun Jan 19 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Glover- Archbold Park on the AGP trail (1/2 way between Cathedral and Mass Avenues. The trailheads are located on: 1) Cathedral Ave. 100 yards downhill (east) from New Mexico Ave 2) Massachusetts Ave. 100 yards north of intersection at Macomb St.), 4100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees, pick up litter from the woods, and clear the two meadows from invasive plant species. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate. Please dress for the weather by wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Dressing in layers is the best option. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. If you have your own gloves and tools, please bring them. If not, bags, gloves, and tools will be provided. Feel to bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. Students can earn SSL hours, please bring needed forms.
Contact: Peter Forbes, (301) 775-2960
For more information: click here

La Vie en Rose

The In Series
A stunning assembly of French art-song and cabaret chanson–from Le nuis d’ete to La vie en rose– from Berlioz, Debussy, and Satie, to Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel. A collaboration with the exuberant dances of The Washington Ballet Studio Company. Choreography and Direction by Septime Webre and David Palmer. Music Direction and Pianists: Frank Conlon and Carla Hubner. Featuring Fleta Hylton and Byron Jones
When: Sun Jan 19 2014 (3:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $40 general admission; $37 seniors; $20 students with school id & children
Volunteer Info: Usher, Box Office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, Executive Assistant, (202) 204-7765
For more information: click here

Monday, January 20, 2014

MLK Day of Service: Marvin Gaye Park Community Greening Center

Washington Parks & People
Come help improve the Marvin Gaye Park Community Greening Center – Weed and add soil to raised garden beds – Remove debris/rubbish from site and surrounding park lands – Install hoop house and plant cold weather crops – Remove invasive underbrush – Organize tools and complete inventory – Spreadwood chips on trails (if available) – Make signage for vegetable beds, bee hives, rain barrels, trail, tree names for nursery, tree names for planted trees, etc. – Paint the community board (weather depending) – Complete painting the front of the storage container (weather depending) – Organize shed into office space – Move nursery trees to accommodate expanding gardens
When: Mon Jan 20 2014 (09:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Where: Marvin Gaye Park Community Greening Center, 5000 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE,, Washington, DC 20019
Fee? no
Contact: RonDell Pooler, (202) 462-7275 ext 25
For more information: click here

MLK Weekend Of Service- Glover Archbold Park

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Come out and participate in the MLK Weekend of Service to remember and celebrate the great achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Rock Creek Conservancy to work in Glover Archbold Park of Rock Creek. Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees, pick up litter from the woods, and clear the two meadows from invasive plant species. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools.
When: Mon Jan 20 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Glover- Archbold Park on the AGP trail (1/2 way between Cathedral and Mass Avenues. The trailheads are located on: 1) Cathedral Ave. 100 yards downhill (east) from New Mexico Ave 2) Massachusetts Ave. 100 yards north of intersection at Macomb St.), 4100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will remove English ivy from the trees, pick up litter from the woods, and clear the two meadows from invasive plant species. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate. Please dress for the weather by wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Dressing in layers is the best option. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. If you have your own gloves and tools, please bring them. If not, bags, gloves, and tools will be provided. Feel to bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. Students can earn SSL hours, please bring needed forms.
Contact: Peter Forbes, (301) 775-2960
For more information: click here

MLK Day of Service: DC Law Students in Court & Green Scheme

DC Law Students In Court Program
Please join us for a Day of Service by lending a helping hand to Green Scheme while advancing Dr. King’s dream of opportunity for all. Green Scheme promotes access to healthy living within DC’s low-income community through community gardens and nutrition classes. Kickoff & Refreshments 10:00 AM Lincoln Heights Family Enhancement Center 400 50TH Street NE 20019 Gardening Project 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Community Outreach 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Know Your Rights Presentation by LSIC 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM
When: Mon Jan 20 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
Where: Lincoln Heights Family Enhancement Center, 400 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20019
Fee? no
Contact: Angela Wang, (202) 638-4798 ext 207
For more information: click here

Diaper Drive @ MLK Day of Service, Montgomery County

DC Diaper Bank
Diaper Drive & diaper tip sheet coloring!
When: Mon Jan 20 2014 (10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON)
Where: Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? no
Contact: Heather Foley, (202) 656-8503
For more information: click here

Give Together: A Family Volunteer Day

Volunteer Fairfax
Give Together: A Family Volunteer Day celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the spirit of service this day represents. Join us for the fifth annual Give Together: A Family Volunteer Day on Monday, January 20, 2014. Come give back as a family and enjoy a experience that allows children to witness first-hand how fun and easy volunteering can be. Three sites are available including Fairfax, Herndon, and Alexandria.
When: Mon Jan 20 2014 (10:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
Where: Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers age 0-12 and their care givers are invited to complete age appropriate projects. In addition, adult volunteers are needed to support registration, set up, and tear down.
Contact: Emily Davis, (703) 246-3825
For more information: click here

MLK Weekend Of Service- Meadowbrook

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Come out and participate in the MLK Weekend of Service to remember and celebrate the great achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Rock Creek Conservancy, Montgomery Parks, John Shorb Landscaping and Norman’s Farm Market to work in the Meadowbrook section of Rock Creek. Volunteers will remove English ivy and other invasive vines from the trees and pick up litter before in travels into Rock Creek. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools.
When: Mon Jan 20 2014 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Where: Meadowbrook Park Recreation Center, 7901 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will remove English ivy and other invasive vines from the trees and pick up litter before in travels into Rock Creek. We encourage volunteers of all ages to participate, but you must be 16+ to use tools. Please dress for the weather by wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Dressing in layers is the best option. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. If you have your own gloves and tools, please bring them. If not, bags, gloves, and tools will be provided. Feel to bring your own sunscreen and bug spray. Students can earn SSL hours, please bring needed forms.
Contact: Karen Zeiter, (301) 775-2960
For more information: click here

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

A Rememberance of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Atlas Performing Arts Center
The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) and the Atlas Performing Arts Center will offer a “Remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr.” on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lang Theatre of the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE. The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by a grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. The venue is accessible and the event will be interpreted for the deaf. This year’s Remembrance will include performances by a variety of groups, including a cappella groups Fortissima, Not What You Think and Nuance, choral groups Washington Youth Choir and All Souls Jubilee Singers, and performances by private music students at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) and an ensemble from the DC Youth Orchestra (invited). Individual artist Pamela Jafari is the MC. For more information about the King Remembrance, contact (202) 547-6839 or http://www.chaw.org/ or http://www.atlasarts.org/.
When: Tue Jan 21 2014 (7:00 PM)
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center – Lang Theater, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Fee? no
Contact: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, (202) 547-6839
For more information: click here

Wednesday, January 22, 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 22 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

Skills Based Volunteering: Share Your Expertise!