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Guest Post: Thinking Like a Business

We’re eager to kick off our three-part workshop series on Marketing & Communications this Thursday. This series is made possible by Integrity Management Consulting, Inc., a friend of the Catalogue and to several of our charities. Before kicking off the series, we asked Integrity’s Communications Manager, Tracey Wright, to share a few ideas and examples of how nonprofits can communicate to a corporate audience.

Could Thinking Like a Business Help Non-Profits Connect With Business?

By Tracey Wright, Integrity Management Consulting

Non-profits are in the business of helping people. That means that for many, especially small non-profits, their primary focus is on service delivery, with little time or resources to spare. Just like any business that wants to grow its market share though, non-profits that need to fund their missions or that want to expand their services, need to secure more support. Could thinking like a business help them connect with potential corporate givers? Here are five ideas, gleaned from my experience working at the small but growing business and Catalogue for Philanthropy sponsor – Integrity Management Consulting – where I help manage the company’s non-profit partnerships.

1. Think about your audience: Integrity is sponsoring a three-part Catalogue training series beginning this Thursday on how to better tell non-profit stories. In the first session, Catalogue President and Editor Barbara Harman will discuss the need to consider your audience when designing your outreach. It’s one of the first things communications professionals are taught: don’t focus only on the message you want to convey, but also what your audience wants to know. For example, Integrity’s staff-led Community Impact Group reviews small non-profits when approving employee applications to support their favorite charities in our 5x$500 program. Often, a website review doesn’t give us all the information we’re looking for — such as the Form 990, a list of board members, short- and long-term goals and the strategies for achieving them. When we don’t find this information, it requires us to call the non-profit — another step for us and a potential roadblock to the organization securing business donations. Think about the audience and give potential supporters a one-stop information experience to speed decisions in your favor.

2. Make it easy: Of course you have a website, but how user-friendly and attractive is it? Analytics on our own website show that visitors can spend from mere seconds to just a few brief minutes on our site. The information people want to see should be easy to get to, with your story highlighted on your homepage to hook people and keep them there. It’s incumbent on all of us to ask whether we’re making it easy for our visitors to digest information and take an action, such as watching a video, downloading a report, clicking on an email address, or making a donation.

3. Use metrics to demonstrate impact: In her four-part blog series on ‘the evaluation problem,’ Barbara Harman pointed out that while it’s difficult to measure some kinds of impact, there’s a growing requirement by government and donors for metrics that measure results. Many of us respond from the heart, but just as businesses need to show potential customers how they fix problems, improve lives, or save money, non-profits can strike a chord by showing that they are results-driven organizations. For example, longtime Integrity partner Homestretch provides housing and other services to homeless families with children, many of them fleeing from domestic abuse. The simple fact of homelessness and abuse should be enough to convince the public to support the cause. Beyond the emotion though, what demonstrates good stewardship at Homestretch are the numbers it recently added to its new website, highlighted in large, bold type: 92% of last year’s graduates employed a year after graduation, $681,352 of debts repaid in the last six years, $1,157,921 in client savings deposits over the past six years. The numbers validate the Homestretch claim of transformational change in the lives of desperate families.

4. Use creativity and speed to cement a relationship with business: Meeting, or even better, exceeding customer expectations is a goal of most businesses, including Integrity. So when a non-profit exceeds expectations, business leaders notice. In 2013, Integrity used the Catalogue to find a new charity to support with a back-to-school drive. We chose Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC) based on the Catalogue’s review. Before our team returned to the office after delivering the new books and shoes we collected, CFNC had already posted a short, simple video clip to its Facebook page, which Integrity then shared on its own page. Days later, CFNC followed up with an unexpected “Stewardship Report” which recapped the project, the need for shoes among its pre-school population, photos of our team and the children, a child’s quote, screen captures of Facebook and Twitter traffic between us, and of local press coverage that CFNC’s media outreach had generated. We were blown away that they would make such an effort to demonstrate the value of Integrity’s contribution. CFNC’s enthusiastic response led directly to Integrity’s Community Impact Group choosing to adopt 11 adults and 14 children during CFNC’s subsequent year-end holiday gift drive. From a business perspective, it was clear that CFNC really “gets” the interconnection between corporate goals, employee engagement, traditional and shareable new media.

5. Market your strengths: Every business is looking for its differentiators. Whether it’s a unique product or service, a new award or a customer testimonial, a good marketer will use these assets to describe the business in a way that will stand out and make potential customers feel like they’re choosing a winner. The Catalogue stamp of approval achieves this and the logo is likely proudly displayed on your website and materials. Are there additional superlatives you can use? At a Catalogue reviewer function in 2013, one executive director casually mentioned that his non-profit had been chosen for the print and web versions of the Catalogue three times. I said he must have “three-times named ‘one of the best’ by the Catalogue for Philanthropy” in bold on the website. It hadn’t occurred to him. My advice – think like a marketer!

A final suggestion is to repurpose all the hard work you put into your Catalogue application. You have analyzed and clearly stated the need, measured your impact, and described your goals. That’s all good information to help you reach more individuals and more business donors.

There’s still time to register for this Thursday’s workshop, on Telling Your Story in Words, with Barbara Harman (4/3 @ 10am). Registration is full for the second workshop, Communicating via Imagery, but registration will open this week for the third workshop, Telling Your Story by Building Your Brand.

Integrity Management Consulting, Inc. is a rapidly growing small business that delivers acquisition, financial, and program management support services to Federal customers. Based in McLean, VA, Integrity has grown from two to about 100 employees and now supports a range of Federal agencies. An award-winning company for innovation, and job growth, in 2013 it also received the Outstanding Corporate Citizenship – Small Business award from the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. Integrity has been a corporate sponsor of the Catalogue since 2009. It’s employee-led Community Impact Group and company matching program use the Catalogue to find new non-profits and are guided by its standards when approving donations.

Tracey Wright is the Communications Manager at Integrity Management Consulting, Inc., where she is in charge of all internal and external communications. She also leads the employee Community Impact Group and manages company partnerships with non-profits. A former television journalist and an ongoing advocate for children with special needs, Tracey was also a Fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for Social Impact Communication. She connected with the Catalogue in late 2009, when she and a team from Georgetown helped rebrand and plan the Catalogue’s Inspiration to Action event. On behalf of Integrity, Tracey was a reviewer for the 2013 and 2014 editions of the Catalogue.

Around Town 3/28-4/3

It’s a busy weekend for Catalogue nonprofits across the region! Check out what fun events you can head to this weekend and let us know where you end up by tweeting at us or telling us about your time on Facebook!

Friday, March 28, 2014

March Three-Day Cancer Retreat

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
Retreats help participants engage in richer, fuller lives by providing empowering tools and knowledge in a community of others facing a cancer diagnosis.
When: Fri Mar 28 2014 (12:00 NOON)
Where: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? yes $650, application required
Contact: Adrienne Dern, (202) 483-8600
For more information: click here

Hexagon’s Midterm Madness!

Sarah’s Circle
Sarah’s Circle is the 2014 beneficiary for Hexagon, Washington’s only original political satirical musical comedy revue. Throughout the month of March 2014, Hexagon will be delighting audiences with its hilarious season, Midterm Madness, and will donate every penny of profit to the work of Sarah’s Circle, which provides supportive, affordable housing to very low-income senior citizens in Washington, DC. We hope you will join us for a show!
When: Fri Mar 28 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? yes $30 per ticket
Volunteer Info: We also need volunteers to serve in a variety of functions: front-of-house services, set builders and painters, etc. Please contact Hexagon via www.hexagon.org for more information.
Contact: Jessica Petro, (202) 332-1400 ext 11
For more information: click here

Saturday, March 29, 2014

March Three-Day Cancer Retreat

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
Retreats help participants engage in richer, fuller lives by providing empowering tools and knowledge in a community of others facing a cancer diagnosis.
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (09:00 AM)
Where: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? yes $650, application required
Contact: Adrienne Dern, (202) 483-8600
For more information: click here

National Conference on Ending Poverty

A Wider Circle
Nearly 50,000,000 children and adults in this country live in poverty. They live each day without the basic need items the rest of us take for granted. No food, no bed in which to sleep, no clothes for work or school – poverty creates a different world for our neighbors. We can solve this crisis, no question about it. On Saturday, March 29, 2014, we will come together to plan how to do just that. The National Conference on Ending Poverty, presented by A Wider Circle, in partnership with Montgomery County’s Office of Community Partnerships, will focus on solutions. The conference will highlight innovative, on-the-ground approaches to ending poverty and connect attendees with concrete ways to engage. Featured speakers include: Dave Phillips, Co-Founder, Cincinnati Works Dr. Pamela Loprest, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute Jeffrey Faulkner, President, Ways to Work Tonya Jackson Smallwood, President and CEO, Family Matters of Greater Washington Scott Miller, CEO, Circles USA Aaron Bartley, Executive Director, PUSH Buffalo Cubby Graham of charity: water will also share his organization’s incredible story and groundbreaking international relief work for those in poverty. You will hear from individuals living in poverty, as well as be welcomed by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett. The conference will be moderated by Washington Post columnist and CNN and MSNBC commentator, Dana Milbank.
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (10:00 AM)
Where: Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? yes $20 regular; $10 students
Contact: Mark Bergel, (301) 608-3504
For more information: click here

Spring Workday @ Girard Children’s Community Garden

City Blossoms
It’s almost that time of year again to get the Community Green Spaces ready for Spring and a new season of Open Times. Itching to get outside? Come join us for a morning of getting hands dirty, digging, and planting.
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Girard Children’s Community Garden, playground at 15th & Girard Sts NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Get the garden ready for spring planting! Individual and group volunteers are encouraged!
Contact: City Blossoms, (443) 854-1669
For more information: click here

Wild Plant Nursery Work Day

Earth Sangha
Every Monday, and Thursday (and selected Sundays), we will be out at our Wild Plant Nursery preparing pots, sowing seeds, weeding, and all the fun things that help our nursery to function! If you are a natural gardener or botanically curious, please join and become one of our “Nursery Diva” volunteers. These workdays will be dependent on weather conditions, so please check with Lisa, lbright@earthsangha.org, before heading out.
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Wild Plant Nursery, See website for directions or search Google Maps for Wild Plant Nursery., Springfield, VA 22150
Fee? no
Contact: Lisa Bright, (703) 764-4830
For more information: click here

Nash Run Trash Trap Cleanup

Anacostia Watershed Society
Since its inception in 1989, AWS staff and volunteers have removed tons of trash from the Anacostia River each year. Our Nash Run Trash Trap cleanups have been a huge success in helping us to make progress towards our goal for a trash free Anacostia River. Located adjacent to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Northeast DC, this trash trap catches trash before it ends up in the River! But our staff can’t manage this trap alone. Volunteers are critical to our plan to collect trash and monitor this trash trap. At the event we will remove trash from the trap and sort it into 5 categories; bottles and cans, Styrofoam, plastic grocery bags, lumber, and “other”. The data collected will be used to educate the public and advocate for a better practice such as Bottle Deposit Bill.
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (12:00 NOON – 3:00 PM)
Where: Intersection of Anacostia Ave NE and Douglas St NE, Washington, DC 20019
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Remove trash from the trap and sort it into categories (bottles, Styrofoam, plastic bags, etc). The task requires squatting down for a relatively long time, and may be physically demanding. It is not suitable for young children or the elderly. Registration is required. Please register at least 2 days prior to the event dates you chose to volunteer in order to receive additional information regarding proper clothing, etc. This event may be canceled suddenly due to high flow rain events effecting Nash Run Stream.
Contact: Masaya Maeda, (301) 699-6204 ext 110
For more information: click here

2014 Generation to Generation Gala

Senior Services of Alexandria
The Generation to Generation Annual gala is a festive celebration that highlights family members in Alexandria whose dedication and passion for giving back to the community are passed down from generation to generation. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 29 from 6:00-11:00 pm at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road in Alexandria, VA. For more information or to sponsor the event, please see www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 14.
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Where: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
Fee? yes
Contact: , (703) 836-4414 ext 14

Night of 1000 Hotdogs @ ArtEnables

Art Enables
Ceramic hamburgers are so 2013! Join your fellow gourmands and art lovers for Art Enables’ Spring event – Night of 1000* Hotdogs. Music, Art, Amazing Circus Acts, and Hotdogs…lots and lots of hotdogs! Event is free but RSVP is required!
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Where: Art Enables, 2204 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018
Fee? no
Contact: Beth Baldwin, (202) 554-9455
For more information: click here

Hexagon’s Midterm Madness!

Sarah’s Circle
Sarah’s Circle is the 2014 beneficiary for Hexagon, Washington’s only original political satirical musical comedy revue. Throughout the month of March 2014, Hexagon will be delighting audiences with its hilarious season, Midterm Madness, and will donate every penny of profit to the work of Sarah’s Circle, which provides supportive, affordable housing to very low-income senior citizens in Washington, DC. We hope you will join us for a show!
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? yes $30 per ticket
Volunteer Info: We also need volunteers to serve in a variety of functions: front-of-house services, set builders and painters, etc. Please contact Hexagon via www.hexagon.org for more information.
Contact: Jessica Petro, (202) 332-1400 ext 11
For more information: click here

VaVaVoom!

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus
Joe’s Movement Emporium and DEVIATED THEATRE bring you a late night performance full of burlesque dancer, aerial arts, amazing feats and much more!
When: Sat Mar 29 2014 (10:00 PM)
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, ME 20712
Fee? yes $30 per individual
Contact: Melissa Rosenberg, (301) 699 – 1819

Sunday, March 30, 2014

March Three-Day Cancer Retreat

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
Retreats help participants engage in richer, fuller lives by providing empowering tools and knowledge in a community of others facing a cancer diagnosis.
When: Sun Mar 30 2014 (09:00 AM)
Where: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? yes $650, application required
Contact: Adrienne Dern, (202) 483-8600
For more information: click here

Red Shoe 5K Run & Walk

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, DC
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington D.C.’s Red Shoe 5K Run & Walk helps children heal faster and better. March 30th. Race starts 9:00 AM Kids Fun Run at 8:45am. 2303 Dulles Station Blvd., Herndon, VA. Family friendly Red Shoe 5K is for racers, leisure walkers and runners. Prizes, family activities and games, awards & surprises. Kids can get community service hours. Cost: Adults $40 until March 23, $45 thru race day. Kids $25. Team & Family discounts. Kids in strollers & leashed dogs free. Sign up on-line now at www.redshoe5K.org or call 202.529.8204.
When: Sun Mar 30 2014 (09:00 AM)
Where: 2303 Dulles Station Blvd., Herndon, VA 20171
Fee? yes Adults $40 until March 23, $45 thru race day. Kids $25.
Volunteer Info: Three different volunteer shifts – 1st Shift-6:00am-9:15am, 2ND Shift- 8:45am-12:00pm and All Day Shift-6:00am-12:00pm. We will need support setting up for the race, help with all of our family friendly activities and also cheering the runners on as they run by. For more information, please contact Kristen Claus at kristen@rmhcdc.org or (202) 529-8204.
Contact: Kristen, (202) 529-8204
For more information: click here

Wild Plant Nursery Work Day

Earth Sangha
Every Monday, and Thursday (and selected Sundays), we will be out at our Wild Plant Nursery preparing pots, sowing seeds, weeding, and all the fun things that help our nursery to function! If you are a natural gardener or botanically curious, please join and become one of our “Nursery Diva” volunteers. These workdays will be dependent on weather conditions, so please check with Lisa, lbright@earthsangha.org, before heading out.
When: Sun Mar 30 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Wild Plant Nursery, See website for directions or search Google Maps for Wild Plant Nursery., Springfield, VA 22150
Fee? no
Contact: Lisa Bright, (703) 764-4830
For more information: click here

Monday, March 31, 2014

Wild Plant Nursery Work Day

Earth Sangha
Every Monday, and Thursday (and selected Sundays), we will be out at our Wild Plant Nursery preparing pots, sowing seeds, weeding, and all the fun things that help our nursery to function! If you are a natural gardener or botanically curious, please join and become one of our “Nursery Diva” volunteers. These workdays will be dependent on weather conditions, so please check with Lisa, lbright@earthsangha.org, before heading out.
When: Mon Mar 31 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Wild Plant Nursery, See website for directions or search Google Maps for Wild Plant Nursery., Springfield, VA 22150
Fee? no
Contact: Lisa Bright, (703) 764-4830
For more information: click here

Tuesday, April 01, 2014

Dine for CASA at Franklin’s

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County
Dine and shop at Franklin’s Brewery & General Store on April 1, 2014, bring your receipt to the hostess and 20% will go back to support Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County!
When: Tue Apr 1 2014 (09:00 AM – 12:00 MIDNIGHT)
Where: Franklin’s Brewery and General Store, 5123 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Fee? yes Cost of your meal and drinks
Contact: Penny Gerber, (301) 209-0491
For more information: click here

Washington Bach Consort presents the FREE Noontime Cantata Series

Washington Bach Consort
Cantata: Nimm, was dein ist, und gehe hin, BWV 144 Prelude and Fugue in E-Flat Major (“St. Anne”), BWV 552 Organ Soloist: Neil Weston A Washington DC tradition described by the Washingtonian as a “hidden gem,” the Noontime Cantata Series at Church of the Epiphany in downtown DC provides respite from the busy workday and the stress of city life. Each fifty minute concert consists of a cantata and an organ piece introduced by J. Reilly Lewis and performed by orchestra, chorus and soloists.
When: Tue Apr 1 2014 (12:00 NOON)
Where: Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20005
Fee? no
Contact: Janet Mullany, (202) 429-2121
For more information: click here

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

4th Annual Allies in Change Awards Luncheon

District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH)
DASH’s Allies in Change Awards recognize community partners who have made a difference in the lives of women and children facing homelessness due to domestic violence. Mistress of Ceremonies Erika Gonzalez, Reporter/Anchor, NBC News Channel 4 Special Guest Yvette Cade Hear her story of survival and courageous efforts to escape from abuse. Ms. Cade was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey show and has focused her survival on speaking out against domestic violence in communities around the country.
When: Wed Apr 2 2014 (12:00 NOON – 1:30 PM)
Where: Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Fee? yes $150 Standard Ticket; $75 Nonprofit Ticket; Sponsorships Available!
Contact: Meghan McDonough, (202) 462-3274 ext 101

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Wild Plant Nursery Work Day

Earth Sangha
Every Monday, and Thursday (and selected Sundays), we will be out at our Wild Plant Nursery preparing pots, sowing seeds, weeding, and all the fun things that help our nursery to function! If you are a natural gardener or botanically curious, please join and become one of our “Nursery Diva” volunteers. These workdays will be dependent on weather conditions, so please check with Lisa, lbright@earthsangha.org, before heading out.
When: Thu Apr 3 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Wild Plant Nursery, See website for directions or search Google Maps for Wild Plant Nursery., Springfield, VA 22150
Fee? no
Contact: Lisa Bright, (703) 764-4830
For more information: click here

Dance Place Moves and Grooves in the Midst of Renovation

A big Catalogue “cheers!” to Dance Place, one of our 2012-2013 charities, on the exciting renovation to its Brookland space and accompanying coverage in today’s Washington Post (article below). Dance Place serves as a bustling dance school and neighborhood cultural center, offering performances and training in various types of dance, while also offering academic enrichment and dance classes, job training for teenagers, and a summer arts camp for at-risk youngsters.

Interested in supporting Dance Place through a donation or volunteer work?

For $150, you can sponsor a student for a 10-week scholarship to attend after-school dance classes; $500: 1 InReach performance for a local school; $1500: 1 full scholarship to Dance Place summer camp.

Dance Place is always looking for volunteers to serve as ushers for its weekend performances. No training necessary, see a great performance for free! Check out their nonprofit page for more details.

Jumping for joy in Brookland as Dance Place gets a much-needed facelift

By John Kelly,Published: March 25

“Once a dancer always a dancer. That’s what I thought as Carla Perlo showed me around her domain.

In 1980, the Washington area native founded Dance Place, a center for contemporary dance whose original home was in Adams Morgan. Forced from the building in 1986, Carla came to Brookland, where she turned a former welding company warehouse on Eighth Street NE into a performance space. That building is in the midst of a $4 million renovation. When it’s done this summer, it will reestablish Dance Place as an artsy anchor in a rapidly changing corner of the neighborhood.

Carla is a leader, and I mean that quite literally: She took me by the elbow as we crossed the street, guided me onto the sidewalk, brought me to a halt whenever she wanted to stop and point something out.

I was reminded of the ballroom dancing lessons I took with My Lovely Wife. As is common, students would swap partners you have to be able to foxtrot or samba with anyone and my wife would be amazed by her time with the male instructor.

A good partner can take the clumsiest dancer and ?through his carriage, through the firm pressure of his hands turn her into Ginger Rogers.

I was Ginger. Carla was Fred.

If I’d been born a boy, I’d probably have been an athlete, she said. I was a girl, so I became a dancer.

Her parents were Edith and Hyman Perlo. Hyman was a standout athlete at Roosevelt High in the District and an all-Met basketball player. He served during World War II as an Army paratrooper. The Perlos ran a clothing shop in Washington before Hyman went to work for Abe Pollin as director of community relations for the Baltimore Bullets, today’s Washington Wizards, and the Capital Centre.

Carla, 62, is a bit of community relations director herself.

When we moved here, this was nothing, she said as we walked on Eighth Street. The neighborhood could be dangerous at night back then.

The kids protected me, Carla said. They were no doubt curious about this crazy woman who had set up shop along an industrial strip by the railroad tracks.

Soon they were knocking on the door, asking to take classes, Carla said.

That effort continues today. Kids can study African dance, hip-hop, tumbling, tap and more. Adults come to move their feet, too.

Local troupes book performance time at Dance Place, which also hosts touring companies from around the world.

Eighth Street has changed a lot in the past 28 years heck, in the past 10 years. Next door to Dance Place is ArtSpace, an apartment building with studio and gallery space for artists and some nice, big wooden floors for dancers. On the other side of Lee?s auto body shop is a place that handles bodies of a different sort: Excel Pilates.

Dance Place has some temporary space in the Edgewood Arts Center, a multi-use space. It sits next to the Monroe Street Bridge, which has been yarn-bombed by fiber artists, some of whom have studios in the Monroe Street Market, the big red-brick buildings overlooking the Brookland-CUA Metro station. A brewpub, Brookland Pint, will open soon. A Barnes and Noble is coming. When the weather warms up (it will warm up, won’t it?), Art on 8th will start: dance, music and art Thursday through Saturday on a plaza.

Carla hopes the Dance Place construction will be finished by June, in time for the annual Dance Africa festival. The renovation will greatly improve things. There will be better tech booths for light and sound and more comfortable seating for the 144 audience members. The dancers are most excited that they’ll be able to get from one side of the theater to the other without having to scurry outside the building.

I had stopped by Dance Place to hear about what may be the most visible feature of the renovated building: Artist Christopher Janneuy is creating a light and sound installation that will soar from an outside corner of Dance Place. Called Touch My Building, it is a two-story tower of translucent glass that will make sounds when passersby touch it.

Won’t that be noisy, I asked.

The sound is quiet enough that it won’t be intrusive, Carla said. The light will be more like stained glass than neon. A soft light from within.

A soft light from within. I was going to say that described Carla Perlo, but I think she?s more of a spotlight: bright and focused.”

Around Town 3/21-3/27

Happy Spring! Looking for a great way to enjoy the end of winter (knock on wood!)? Check out these fun events that Catalogue nonprofits are putting on across the region!

Friday, March 21, 2014

DC Law Students in Court Spring Open House

DC Law Students In Court Program
Please join us at our new home for a spring celebration! Come meet our current class of students, alumni, and see our new office space. Free drinks and refreshments will be served. Music by DJ Al Carry (LSIC Staff)
When: Fri Mar 21 2014 (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: DCLSIC Office 4340 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 100 Washington DC 20008
Fee? no
Contact: Angela Wang, (202) 638-4798 ext 207
For more information: click here

Irish Songs & Spring Songs @ Washington Revels

Washington Revels
Washington Revels & Carpe Diem Community Sing: Welcoming the Spring & Celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month! 6:30-7:15 Children’s songs 7:15-8 pm All ages sing Please bring a song to share if you wish. Sign up in advance by contacting busygraham@gmail.com / 301-466-0183
When: Fri Mar 21 2014 (6:30 PM)
Where: Washington Revels Community Room, 531 Dale Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? no
Contact: Graham, (301) 466-0183
For more information: click here

Hexagon’s Midterm Madness!

Sarah’s Circle
Sarah’s Circle is the 2014 beneficiary for Hexagon, Washington’s only original political satirical musical comedy revue. Throughout the month of March 2014, Hexagon will be delighting audiences with its hilarious season, Midterm Madness, and will donate every penny of profit to the work of Sarah’s Circle more event info >

Double Time Jazz @ THEARC Theater presents Shana Tucker

Building Bridges Across the River t/a THEARC
Transcending genre distinctions, SHANA TUCKER is a “ChamberSoul” cellist and singer/songwriter whose music is a sultry pastiche of acoustic pop and soulful, jazz-influenced contemporary folk. Many of the grooves have a bossa-nova/latin heartbeat, translated through percussive vocal phrasing. Join us for a fantastic Jazz experience!
When: Fri Mar 21 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where:THEARC 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020
Fee? yes $20
Contact: Jasmine Taylor, (202) 889-5901 ext 106
For more information: click here

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Vasa Ride

Washington Area Bicyclist Association
Don’t pack up your ski goggles just yet! Bid farewell to the chilly winter months with WABA’s first organized bike ride of the season. Join 500 winter warrior bicyclists of all ages and experience levels at the House of Sweden on the morning of Sat., March 22 for a fun, noncompetitive ride through D.C. and Maryland. Fifteen-mile, 31-mile, and 59-mile routes are available (please note these route lengths are approximate). At the ride’s end, all riders are invited to the House of Sweden for blueberry soup, a Swedish tradition.
When: Sat Mar 22 2014 (07:45 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: House of Sweden, 2900 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
Fee? yes $20 – WABA members; $40 non members
Volunteer Info: We need volunteers at the House of Sweden to help run rider check in and greet riders when they return for the blueberry soup, as well as ride marshals to help guide the bicyclists safely on the ride.
Contact: WABA, (202) 518-0524
For more information: click here

H2O Summitedit

Potomac Riverkeeper
Want to get more involved in your community and environment? Join Potomac Riverkeeper President, Matthew Logan, as he MC’s the 4th Annual H20 Summit in Silver Spring. The event is free and open to the public. Enjoy free refreshments, live music, free workshops for the whole family and crafts for the kids. Meet with over 50 different watershed groups, and learn about issues affecting your local water bodies and wildlife. Don’t miss Matthew from 2:00-3:00PM as he speaks about issues affecting the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and our work to protect our water.
When: Sat Mar 22 2014 (09:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
Where: Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? no
Contact: Ryan Zerbe, (240) 777-7744
For more information: click here

“Hoppy” Hour Benefit @ Churchkey DC

Potomac Riverkeeper
Join us for an ice cold brew made from the sweet water of your local rivers. Come celebrate World Water Day and tip your glass in support of Potomac and Shenandoah Riverkeeper at Churchkey in DC, presented by Sweet Water Brewery Company.
When: Sat Mar 22 2014 (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: Churchkey DC, 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Fee? yes per beverage
Contact: Potomac Riverkeeper, (202) 429-3946
For more information: click here

Hexagon’s Midterm Madness!

Sarah’s Circle
Sarah’s Circle is the 2014 beneficiary for Hexagon, Washington’s only original political satirical musical comedy revue. Throughout the month of March 2014, Hexagon will be delighting audiences with its hilarious season, Midterm Madness, and will donate every penny of profit to the work of Sarah’s Circle, which provides supportive, affordable housing to very low-income senior citizens in Washington, DC. We hope you will join us for a show!
When: Sat Mar 22 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? yes $30 per ticket
Volunteer Info: We also need volunteers to serve in a variety of functions: front-of-house services, set builders and painters, etc. Please contact Hexagon via www.hexagon.org for more information.
Contact: Jessica Petro, (202) 332-1400 ext 11
For more information: click here

Daughter of the Struggle

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus
An inspiring and unforgettable one-woman show brought to you by Free Soul Productions starring Ayanna Gregory with special guest, comedian, civil rights activist, Dick Gregory.
When: Sat Mar 22 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, ME 20712
Fee? yes $25 General; $15 Youth
Contact: , (301) 699-1819

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Bright Beginnings 5K

Bright Beginnings
Put your feet in motion on Sunday, March 23 at the 2014 Bright Beginnings 5K for homeless children and families in DC. Bright Beginnings, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that provides educational, therapeutic, health and family services free of charge to homeless infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and their families. All proceeds from the 5K directly support Bright Beginnings’ programming that prepares young children for kindergarten and helps their families get back on their feet. Run, walk, or join the stroller brigade, and set up a fundraiser to help us raise $25k for DC’s homeless children!
When: Sun Mar 23 2014 (08:00 AM)
Where: West Potomac Park at Hains Point, Ericcson Circle at Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC 20037
Fee? yes $30 per adult; $20 kids 12 and under
Contact:Whitney Faison, (202) 842-9090
For more information:click here

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Equality Happy Hour with DC Vote

DC Vote
Join us for the spring Equality Happy Hour and make a toast to Executive Director Kimberly Perry’s one year anniversary at DC Vote as we aim to engage greater support in the fight for equal rights and full citizenship. So bring a friend. The evening will feature a good cause, good networking and a DC equality themed signature cocktail. We’ll see you there!
When: Wed Mar 26 2014 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: Bar-Code, 1101 17th ST NW, Washington, DC 20036
Fee? yes for all beverages **20% of the HH proceeds benefit DC Vote
Contact: DC Vote, (202) 462-6000
For more information: click here

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 Mar 26 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

Age is Just a Number

Every now and then, and advertisement is so simple in its design that you can’t help but take notice. Amid the noise of a 24-7 media culture, a simple concept with a powerful message can leave an unexpected, lasting impression on the viewer. Though some Madison Avenue execs have perfected this art to promote consumer products (i.e. any iPhone ad you’ve ever seen. ever.), others have used this method to call attention to important social issues.

This week, Advertising Age featured a PSA by Age U.K., a British advocacy group for older people, as its “Ad of the Day.”

“The ad, titled “Love Later Life,” features a poem by English beat poet Roger McGough that was commissioned for the spot and is expertly read by 91-year-old Sir Christopher Lee. It’s the one inescapable element of the human condition that connects us all: nothing can stop us from growing older. But the ad’s simple visuals of people aging from childhood to age 102 let the message truly shine that age, in some ways, really is a state of mind.”

Testimonials on the Age U.K. website add depth to ad’s message by featuring audio and video of older individuals depicting the challenges of aging, which include issues such as financial challenges, health care and emotional support.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy has 10 charities that are passionately focused on the issue of aging, and each has ways that you can help whether by giving a donation or your time.

What can you do with $100?

Looking to volunteer?

Capitol Hill Village: Capitol Hill Village is just that: a virtual village in livable, walkable surroundings where volunteers unite to help older adults age safely and comfortably ? in their own homes and in their beloved neighborhood. Capitol Hill Village is a “volunteer first” organization, meaning that they use volunteers when we can to fill request from our members. Services request can range from gardening to rides to physicians appointments to friendly visiting and walks. CHV also relies greatly on volunteers to provide administrative duties, such as writing articles for our newsletter and working in the office.

Seabury Resources for the Aging seeks friendly visitors for isolated older adults; home repair and maintenance projects so that seniors can age in place more safely, meal delivery, office support, committees and councils to support our work in the community, work on public education efforts, website/IT support or building spruce up projects.

#GivingTuesday Best Practices Summit 3/18/2014

“Oh the weather outside is frightful,
but planning for #GivingTuesday can be so delightful…”

Monday’s “snowpatricksday” storm may not have been our idea of spring weather, but it was the perfect backdrop to get us in a winter mindset for today’s #GivingTuesday Best Practices Summit at the United Nations Foundation Headquarters in the District.

The all-day summit brought together fundraising experts, thought leaders and key partners that helped make #GivingTuesday 2013 a success. For those unable to attend in-person, the UN Foundation’s LiveStream channel allowed others from all over the U.S. (and the world!) to listen in.

#GivingTuesday is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations. This year’s #GivingTuesday is on Tuesday, December 2nd.

Although #GivingTuesday is still more than 8 months away, it’s not too early to begin planning. Below are some quick tips we learned from various panelists throughout the day:
  • START EARLY! It’s never too early to begin building anticipation for #GivingTuesday on your social networks. Use the tools that givingtuesday.org provides and find ways to incorporate them in your communications plans throughout the year. Also, now is the time to start evaluating your online giving experience (through your website, social media, etc.). You can do a lot with marketing and social media, but if the donation experience you offer your users is complicated or confusing, your efforts may fall flat. The simpler the better!
  • Get Creative! Been itching to try a fun new donor outreach initiative? Don’t be afraid to try something new on #GivingTuesday. “Surprise and Delight” your audience by making giving a fun, fulfilling experience.
  • Establish metrics! How can people make a difference with their donation? How will you measure the success of your campaign? As one panelist said, “You can’t analyze data if you don’t have it.” Start thinking about your metrics (and how you’ll communicate them) now.
  • Collaborate! #GivingTuesday is the perfect opportunity for nonprofits to work hand-in-hand with other nonprofits to share resources and best practices. Talk to others in your network, and brainstorm how you can work together to make a big impact on December 3rd.
  • Establish partnerships! Pick your 5 dream partners and ask them to participate in #GivingTuesday with you. Given that this is a rapidly growing, national movement, this could be a great way to get a foot in the door.
  • Have fun! Above all, #GivingTuesday should be a fun experience for your organization and your donors. If you can communicate your organization’s enthusiasm, donors will take note and feel the same!

For more great tips on #GivingTuesday, we recommend following @givingtues on Twitter for continuing updates and ideas to make the most of the day.

Stay tuned for more on Catalogue’s #GivingTuesday planning throughout the year…

Around Town 3/14-3/20

Catalogue nonprofits are busy *trying* to usher in some springtime happiness and they have some great events going on to prove it! Check out what is going around town with this week:

Friday, March 14, 2014

Hexagon’s Midterm Madness!

Sarah’s Circle
Sarah’s Circle is the 2014 beneficiary for Hexagon, Washington’s only original political satirical musical comedy revue. Throughout the month of March 2014, Hexagon will be delighting audiences with its hilarious season, Midterm Madness, and will donate every penny of profit to the work of Sarah’s Circle, which provides supportive, affordable housing to very low-income senior citizens in Washington, DC.
When: Fri Mar 14 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? yes $30 per ticket
Volunteer Info: We also need volunteers to serve in a variety of functions: front-of-house services, set builders and painters, etc. Please contact Hexagon via www.hexagon.org for more information.
Contact: Jessica Petro, (202) 332-1400 ext 11
For more information: click here

Saturday, March 15, 2014

STORMWATER SOLUTIONS: Rain Barrels and More!

Anacostia Watershed Society
Did you know that polluted stormwater is the fastest growing type of pollutant to our streams? This workshop provides solutions to stormwater runoff which includes a rain barrel talk and demonstration along with the ins and outs of Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate program. The funding for these rebates comes from the polluted runoff fee. In the afternoon, an eco-tour of Greenbelt Public Works facility will feature multiple stormwater reduction techniques such as cisterns, pervious pavement, and meadows restoration. There will be educational and fun activities for families, including hands-on watershed models along with availability to purchase rain barrels and paint them on the spot!
When: Sat Mar 15 2014 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Where: Greenbelt Public Works Building, 555 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Fee? no
Contact: Alex Palmer, (202) 542-2168
For more information: click here

MD Swim @ Georgetown Prep

KEEN Greater DC (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now)
Volunteer coaches are paired one-on-one with young athletes. Athletes are encouraged to have fun and socialize in the water with their assigned coaches and other athletes. A variety of water toys and equipment such as rafts, basketball and hoop, diving rings, kick boards and other flotation devices help to keep the time fun for all involved. New this year: KEEN Swim will also include the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund’s Make a Splash program. KEEN’s swimmers and their coaches will enjoy games and activities that teach water safety skills while having fun in and around the water. Volunteers should arrive at 4:00 pm to ensure that they have time to review the information about the athlete they will be coaching during the session and to participate in a basic orientation about the JPMF Make a Splash water safety rules and activities and ways to make the best out of the time that they have to spend with the athletes.
When: Sat Mar 15 2014 (4:00 PM)
Where: Georgetown Prep – Hanley Center, 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteer coaches are paired one-on-one with young athletes. KEEN’s swimmers and their coaches will enjoy games and activities that teach water safety skills while having fun in and around the water.
Contact: KEEN DC, (301) 770-3200
For more information: click here

The Art of Social Dance

Joe’s Movement Emporium/World Arts Focus
A benefit for Joe’s Movement Emporium. Put on your dancin’ shoes and join us for an evening of partner dancing — everything from hand dancing and salsa to swing and tango!
When: Sat Mar 15 2014 (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Fee? yes $100 ea. Sponsorships Available*
Volunteer Info: Assist with set-up, clean-up, guest check-in, food set up, bartenders
Contact: Melissa Rosenberg, (301) 699-1819
For more information: click here

Giving Voice Award Gala

Young Playwrights’ Theater
Sample your way through DC with food and drinks from local restaurants, enter to win unique raffle prizes and dance the night away to live music as we honor artist, activist and entrepreneur Andy Shallal with our 2014 Giving Voice Award. The YPT Giving Voice Award recognizes extraordinary individuals who have exemplified YPT’s spirit and vision by giving voice to the voiceless and inspiring others to realize their full potential. Dress code: black tie, blue jeans or both! Proceeds to benefit YPT and inspire thousands of local students to discover the power and value of their voices and stories through playwriting.
When: Sat Mar 15 2014 (7:30 PM – 11:00 PM)
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Fee? yes $50 per ticket (a portion of which is tax deductible)
Contact: Alison Beyrle, (202) 387-9173
For more information: click here

Hexagon’s Midterm Madness!

Sarah’s Circle
Sarah’s Circle is the 2014 beneficiary for Hexagon, Washington’s only original political satirical musical comedy revue. Throughout the month of March 2014, Hexagon will be delighting audiences with its hilarious season, Midterm Madness, and will donate every penny of profit to the work of Sarah’s Circle, which provides supportive, affordable housing to very low-income senior citizens in Washington, DC. We hope you will join us for a show!
When: Sat Mar 15 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? yes $30 per ticket
Volunteer Info: We also need volunteers to serve in a variety of functions: front-of-house services, set builders and painters, etc. Please contact Hexagon via www.hexagon.org for more information.
Contact: Jessica Petro, (202) 332-1400 ext 11
For more information: click here

Raise Your City: A Benefit for Sitar Arts Center

Sitar Arts Center
Please join us at Hiearchy on Saturday, March 15th at 9:00PM with our friends at The Intentional for a special evening of music, art, and philanthropy. All profits will go to our selected beneficiary, Sitar Arts Center. Music by: Pleasure Curses, The Walking Sticks, Wanted Man, and DJ Provoke Art Exhibition by: Kelly Towles Live Painting by: Rose Jaffe Photography by: Studio 1527 The first 25 people in the door will get a free copy of The Intentional Quarterly Issue #1 so come early! Issue #1 and #2 will be available for purchase throughout the night.
When: Sat Mar 15 2014 (9:00 PM)
Where: Hiearchy, 1841 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? yes $10 in advance // $20 at the door
Contact: Sitar Arts Center, (202) 797-2145
For more information: click here

Monday, March 17, 2014

Junior Coach Leadership Conference

Playworks
Playworks DC is excited to bring together 150 Junior Coaches from across the city to participate in a leadership conference and meet their fellow peer leaders from our 13 partner schools. Volunteers are needed to help travel to and from the event with the coaches and students as wells as enrichment?and game support during the event.
When: Mon Mar 17 2014 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Where: Verizon Center, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers can sign up for one of the following options: 1. Support the event from 10am to Noon by traveling to the event with students and assisting with station rotations through lunchtime 2. Support the event from Noon to 2:30pm by assisting with station rotations after lunchtime and traveling back to school with the students 3. Support the whole day by traveling to and from the event with students and participating in our enrichment and game stations throughout the day
Contact: Andrea Stark, (202) 822-0097
For more information: click here

40th Anniversary: Community Foundation National Capital Region

Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington
Special anniversaries call for special celebrations. For Community Foundation’s 40th anniversary party, we want to celebrate with you: the nonprofits, donors, and community members who make our region a vibrant and wonderful place to call home. The evening features: Performances by local nonprofits artists & Grammy-nominated musician Christylez Bacon; Maureen Andary of the award-winning duo The Sweater Set; spoken word artists and poets Regie Cabico, Patrick Washington, G. Yamazawa, Safia Elhillo, Silvana Straw, Gowri K., Drew Law, and 2DEEP; Adventure Theatre MTC; Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company; Joe’s Movement Emporium; Levine Music; and N Street Village. Multiple stages will feature performances throughout the evening choose what you want to see! More on our fabulous artists here. Networking with funders, colleagues, elected officials, community stakeholders, & friends Open bar featuring spirits, wine, beer, & specialty cocktails Passed hors d’oeuvres & delicious food stations including award-winning BBQ, plenty of vegetarian options, and corned beef and Guinness for St. Patty’s Day!
When: Mon Mar 17 2014 (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Where: The Mead Center for American Theater, Home of Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Fee? yes $90 for young professionals and nonprofits
Contact: http://cfncr40th.org/, (202) 955-5890
For more information: click here

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Family Friendly 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 Mar 18 2014 (09:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Heather Foley, (202) 656-8503

2014 Rock Paper Scissors Tournament

Playworks
Rock crushes scissors. Scissors cut paper. Paper covers rock…. You know the drill. But do you have what it takes to be champion of the country’s most powerful playground Washington, DC? Bring your friends and colleagues for a fast-paced, high-fiving night and a chance to network, unwind, and support play for every kid in Washington, DC. With skill (and luck!) you can win some awesome raffle prizes and become the next Rock Paper Scissors ROCKSTAR! -
When: Tue Mar 18 2014 (5:30 PM)
Where: Penn Social, 801 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Fee? yes $15 in advance; $20 at the door; Corporate Teams = $500 for 8 players & sponsorship
Volunteer Info:
Contact: Andrea Stark, (202) 822-0097
For more information: click here

Wednesday, March 19, 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 Mar 19 2014 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Volunteer Information Session

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County
Have you been looking for an opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in your community? Learn how to be a voice for a foster child! CASA volunteers are appointed by the courts to advocate for the best needs of children in foster care. At our information session you will learn about the continued need for volunteers in our county to give voices to children and youth in care. We are seeking volunteers from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Volunteers must be 21 or older and complete our background check/screening process. There will be a short Q&A at the end of the session.
When: Thu Mar 20 2014 (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Where: Hyattsville Administrative Building, 4310 Gallatin St. Hyattsville, MD 20781
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: This is an opportunity for prospective volunteers to learn about the opportunities at CASA
Contact: Simon Lee, (301) 209-0491
For more information: click here

Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena Makes Skating Accessible to All

At the Catalogue for Philanthropy we’re always so excited when one of our charities’ programs is in the media, especially when that media is the front page of the Washington Post! Today, Post writer Jacqueline Kantor covered the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club, a program which is housed in the Fort Dupont Ice Arena (the Catalogue is proud to have the Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena as one of our Human Services charities).

Described as a “little-known secret” in Southeast D.C., the 36-year-old Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club (also known as the Fort Dupont Cannons) is the oldest club in a National Hockey League program that was designed to promote the sport in urban neighborhoods. Each week, children ages 8-18 hit the ice to not only practice the sport of hockey, but also to gain new experiences through travel, and learn important lessons such as the value of hard work and gratitude. While participation comes at no financial cost to players and their families, coaches do expect students to share their report cards with coaches and attend practice regularly. All of this seems to pay off, as the program boasts an impressive 95 percent high school graduation rate. To read the full article about the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club in the Washington Post, click here.

Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena

In 1996 the goal was simple: prevent the National Park Service’s scheduled closing of the only public indoor ice arena in DC. Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena succeeded, not only in saving the rink, but also in creating a vibrant community resource in Ward 7. Today, the Fort Dupont Ice Arena — an America’s Promise “Safe Place” for young people with structured activities during non-school hours — offers number of programs for young people to stay fit and learn valuable lessons about life.

One of those programs, Kids On Ice, is a community ice skating program for children ages 5 to 18 years old, offering free lessons with all equipment provided. Kids on Ice programs include basic skating skills, speed and figure skating, ice hockey (see above), and more. Since all of these programs are at no cost to participants, Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena relies on the community to help through volunteer work, material and financial contributions.

Volunteer opportunities: Are you a medium-advanced level skater willing to lend a hand for a few hours each week? Channel your inner Dorothy Hamill or Apollo Ohno as an instructor for a Kids on Ice class! All Kids on Ice classes are taught by volunteer instructors. Each of the five programs — Basic Skills, Advanced Figure Skating, Synchronized Skating, Ice Hockey, and Speed Skating — are managed by a qualified instructor who instructs volunteers how to teach each specific class.

In addition to helping on the rink, volunteers are also needed off the rink to help with general office assistance during the week, and concessions and skate shop assistance on Saturdays. Click the “volunteer” link on the Catalogue page for details.

To donate: You can also support the Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena by donating equipment, offering scholarship support, or directly supporting the Kids on Ice Program through a donation to Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena. For $50, you can provide helmets and gloves for new ice skaters; $250: 8 weeks of Learn to Skate; $500: two skating lessons for a school group of 30 children.

Thinking Beyond Barbie: Empowering Girls in Greater Washington

Michelle Obama.

Sheryl Sandberg.

Oprah Winfrey.

Mrs. Potato Head?

This unlikely combination of women has more in common than meets the eye: Each plays a role (whether consciously or not) in inspiring confidence in young girls to pursue their career ambitions, no matter how big. There are dozens of other female leaders who do so much each day to empower young women, yet according to a recent study, one pop culture icon is not likely to make the cut: Barbie.

A recent study coming out of Oregon State University suggests that little girls playing with Barbie “believe there are more careers for boys than for themselves” — a contrast from girls playing with Mrs. Potato Head, who see an equal range of career opportunities for girls and boys.

Of course, more research on this topic is needed in order fully to understand the impact of dolls on girls’ aspirations, but one key takeaway is that we must inspire confidence in girls so they don’t hesitate to think “big” and think beyond the stereotypes that hold them back. We can do this not only through the toys we buy for our children, but also through the stories we tell, and the activities in which we participate.

For several Catalogue for Philanthropy charities, such as Girls on the Run (DC and Montgomery County) and The Washington School for Girls, inspiring confidence in girls is a central part of their mission. Find out below how you can show your support, and stay tuned to the Catalogue for Philanthropy blog this month as we celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting other important women’s issues that are a key focus for some of our charities.

Girls on the Run

The Catalogue for Philanthropy is proud to have two local Girls on the Run Councils in our network of charities. Using the sport of running as basis for inspiration and motivation, GOTR program participants meet twice per week in small teams where they learn life skills while celebrating the joy of movement. At each season’s conclusion, participants complete a 5k running event, giving them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.

Girls on the Run — DC: GOTR-DC has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, from one-time volunteer opportunities to coaching for a 10-week season. GOTR-DC is currently looking for volunteers for the GW Classic 10 Miler on April 13th, and is also taking names for those interested in coaching for the Fall 2014 season.

Interested in supporting with a donation? For $185, you can cover a full scholarship for 1 runner; $750: running shoes for an entire team; $3,000: a full scholarship for a full team next season (great idea for a corporate fundraiser!)

Girls on the Run of Montgomery County is also looking for coaches and one-time volunteers. Check out the volunteer page for more detail on specific needs.

Interested in supporting with a donation? $100 will cover a full scholarship for 1 season; $500: running shoes for one team of 15 girls; $1000: race fees for 75 parents to run alongside their daughters. Also, don’t forget about SoleMates, which lets you run a marathon or a triathlon while raising money for MoCo’s Girls on the Run Council.

The Washington School for Girls

The Washington School for Girls is an all-girl, grades 4-8, Catholic school located in Anacostia. Its mission is to offer a solid and holistic education to young girls, and it is committed to believing in their gifts, talents and potential. WSG offers a range of volunteer opportunities: from one-time visits – where volunteers participate in a career fair, leadership series presentation or fundraising event – to weekly tutoring, hosting student clubs during Extended Day and office support.

Interested in supporting with a donation? $100 covers 10 books for the Reading Circle; $500: 1 laptop for a WMSG teacher; $1000: transportation for 3 field trips for 1 class.

We hope you’ll support these wonderful organizations and their missions to empower girls in our region!

Around Town 3/10-3/13

We are back in action with a special Monday edition of Around Town! If you are looking to make your week a little bit more lively, check out these great events put on by Catalogue nonprofits!

Tuesday, March 11, 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 Mar 11 2014 (09:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Heather Foley, (202) 656-8503

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Speaker Series on Recreation & Cultural Activities for Seniors

Senior Services of Alexandria
Learn about the many activities and programs available for Alexandria’s mature adults including: Aquatics and Rec Centers; Classes and Clubs; Parks & Open Spaces; Robust Walking and the Alexandria Library Programs and Series.
When: Wed Mar 12 2014 (09:30 AM – 12:00 NOON)
Where: Chinquapin Recreation Center, 3210 King Street Alexandria, VA 22304
Fee? no
Contact: ?, (703) 836-4414 ext 10
For more information:

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 Mar 12 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