Skip to main navigation

Catalogue Blog

Around Town 6/27-7/3

With a beautiful weekend ahead of us, and on the heels of an exciting US advancement in the World Cup, we encourage you to check out our packed weekend of events! Summer is a great time to get out and meet our amazing nonprofits and enjoy all that they have to offer. Fun for all!

Friday, June 27, 2014

Garden Workday @ Girard Children’s Community Garden

City Blossoms
Workdays are scheduled sessions that include FREE staff-led activities for children (Fridays are Market Stand days!!), families, volunteers and anyone who wants to drop by! You Help You Harvest: When available any helping hands get to take home fresh garden goodies.
When: Fri Jun 27 2014 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Where: Girard Children’s Community Garden, 15th & Girard Sts NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers are welcome — just drop by!
Contact: City Blossoms, (443) 854-1669
For more information:click here

Sunset Tour of the Anacostia

Anacostia Watershed Society
For the first time AWS will offer an opportunity for community members to experience the sunset on the water in the Anacostia. It is a relaxing trip with opportunities to observe active wildlife. Participants will be taken via our large pontoon boat to see the best views the Anacostia has to offer. Register now as the event is capped at 20 participants.
When: Fri Jun 27 2014 (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710
Fee? yes $29
Contact: Paul Ryberg, (301) 699-6204
For more information: click here

An Evening with Debbi Morgan: The Monkey on my Back

Family Crisis Center of Prince George’s County
This one-women show is a deeply personal memoir about television and film actress Debbi Morgan’s journey through a legacy of fear and abuse, which spanned three generations of women, beginning with Debbi’s grandmother, her mother, and Debbi herself. After the show, join us for a reception, book signing & meet and greet. Doors open at 6pm.
When: Fri Jun 27 2014 (7:00 PM)
Where: Hallam Theatre – Prince George’s Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774
Fee? yes $40 in advance; $45 at the box office (cash only)
Contact:Shirley Schreffler, (301) 779-2100
For more information:click here

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Recreational Fishing Day

Anacostia Watershed Society
Please join Anacostia Watershed Society, University of Maryland College Park, and Anacostia Community Museum for a day of recreational fishing! We will provide fishing rods and bait on a first-come, first-served basis (bring your own if you prefer). Each participant will receive a gift card valued at $10 for providing us with your catch (per DC fishing regulations)! All ages and experience levels are welcome. Please register so you can be notified if inclement weather cancels the event.
When: Sat Jun 28 2014 (08:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: Hains Point, 927 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: We are looking for 5 – 10 volunteers to help with event logistics (e.g., help with participant registration for those who provide caught fish, direct and check on participants, take GPS coordinates, distribute supplies and gift cards, assist with proper labeling and storage of fish samples). If you would like to help, please let us know in either the ‘Please share reasons for participating’ section or the ‘How did you hear about AWS’ section when you register and we will contact you with more details.
Contact: Lori Baranoff, (301) 699-6204 ext 107
For more information:click here

Invasive Removal — Glover Archbold Meadow

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
We will be continuing our work to restore the meadow in Glover Archbold Park by removing invasive plant species. The majority of the volunteers will be removing invasive plant species, so please make sure you wear appropriate clothing for the activity.
When: Sat Jun 28 2014 (09:00 AM – 12:00 NOON)
Where: Glover Archbold section of Rock Creek Park, Macomb St & Massachusetts Ave NW: walk 1000 feet NW on Mass towards Nebraska Ave. Trail entrance is on the left side of Mass Ave. and the meadow (meeting location) is .25 mi down the trail., Washington, DC 20016
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Tools, gloves, and training on how to identify and cut invasives will be provided. Volunteers will mainly be pulling wineberry and early garlic mustard. Trained Weed Warriors will be able to do vines and ivy. Ages 16 and up to use tools. What to Wear: Please wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. Tools and gloves will be provided. Feel free to bring your own tools and gloves if you have them. Students can earn SSL hours, but please bring needed forms.
Contact: Peter Forbes, (202) 237-8866
For more information:click here

Invasive Removal — Melvin Hazen East

Rock Creek Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment)
Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service in removing invasive plant species from the eastern half of the Melvin Hazen section in Rock Creek Park. Tools, gloves, and training on how to identify and cut invasives will be provided. Ages 16 and up to use tools.
When: Sat Jun 28 2014 (09:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Where: Melvin Hazen Trail Head, Quebec ST NW (From Connecticut Avenue, turn onto Quebec Street N.W. ( not to be confused with Quebec Place N.W.) and follow until it hits a dead end. The trail head to Melvin Hazen is on the left side street. On-street parking is limited), Washington, DC 20016
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Tools, gloves, and training on how to identify and cut invasives will be provided. Ages 16 and up to use tools. What to Wear: Please wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers, no sandals. What to Bring: Bring water. Tools and gloves will be provided. Feel free to bring your own tools and gloves if you have them. Students can earn SSL hours, but please bring needed forms.
Contact: Rena Subotnik, (202) 237-8866
For more information:click here

Distribution Day

DC Diaper Bank
Our distribution days are one of the most exciting and important days at DC Diaper Bank. This is the day we distribute more than 50,000 diapers to over 18 amazing organizations across the DC Metro area. Come join us as we help these great organization fill their trucks with much needed diapers for the families that they serve.
When: Sat Jun 28 2014 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Where: DC Diaper Bank Warehouse 8858 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Sorting and packing diapers; helping with other inventory
Contact: Corinne Cannon, (202) 656-8503

Garden Workday @ Marion Street Intergenerational Garden

City Blossoms
Workdays are scheduled sessions that include FREE staff-led activities for children (Thursdays are recipe days!!), families, volunteers and anyone who wants to drop by! You Help You Harvest: When available any helping hands get to take home fresh garden goodies.
When: Sat Jun 28 2014 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Where: Marion Street Intergenerational Garden, 1519 Marion St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers are welcome — just drop by!
Contact: City Blossoms, (443) 854-1669
For more information:click here

Garden Workday @ Girard Children’s Community Garden

City Blossoms
Workdays are scheduled sessions that include FREE staff-led activities for children, families, volunteers and anyone who wants to drop by! You Help You Harvest: When available any helping hands get to take home fresh garden goodies.
When: Sat Jun 28 2014 (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Where: Girard Children’s Community Garden, 15th & Girard Sts NW, Washington, DC 20009
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers are welcome — just drop by!
Contact: City Blossoms, (443) 854-1669
For more information:click here

La Traviata

The In Series
The In Series celebrates the completion of 25 years producing pocket-opera with a Verdi masterpiece, as the wordwide celebration of the master’s 200th birthday year ends. Based on Dumas’ Lady Of The Camelias, La Traviata is the intimate story of a not-socially-acceptable love affair that continues to touch our souls with its heart-breaking music. Director: Nick Olcott Music Director: Carlos Rodriguez
When: Sat Jun 28 2014 (8:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $44 general admission; $40 seniors; $22 students with school id & children
Volunteer Info: Usher, box office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, Executive Assistant, (202) 204-7765
For more information:click here

 

 

7 Questions with Andrew Barnett, Executive Director of SMYAL

June is Pride Month and today we welcome Andrew Barnett, Executive Director of SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) to 7 Questions! SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region through youth leadership development, community service, and advocacy. While working at SMYAL over the past 9 years, Andrew served on the Mayor’s Bullying Prevention Task Force, worked diligently to strengthen in-school GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliance), and developed SMYAL into an influential organization.

 

1. What motivated you to begin working with your organization?

I first became involved in advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth when I co-founded a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) as a senior in high school. When I graduated college, I knew that I wanted to get more involved in the LGBT movement and I moved to DC to find a way to do that, which led me to an internship at SMYAL. One of the aspects of SMYAL’s work that drew me in was the organization’s focus on addressing intersectional issues. The majority of the youth we serve are African-American and low-income, and so face challenges due not only to their sexual orientation or gender identity but also due to institutionalized racism and economic factors. I greatly valued (and still do!) the way in which SMYAL’s programs incorporated an understanding of how different systems of oppressions impact youth’s lives. As my internship was winding down, a staff position opened up, and I joined the team.

2. What exciting change or innovation is on your mind?

Last year, we teamed up with a California-based organization, GSA Network, to launch a major new initiative: the DC Regional GSA Network. This new effort focuses on empowering LGBTQ youth leaders to organize and promote positive change in their schools and communities through GSA clubs. The program has challenged us to shift our thinking in two major ways: (1) incorporating youth leaders into the program at all levels, including program facilitation, and (2) using a network-based model in which we are not only creating a safe space for LGBTQ youth to be who they are but also working with youth to create affirming spaces wherever they are. As an Executive Director, it’s been exciting to see our youth develop and articulate their own visions for the program, their schools, and their communities.

3. Who inspires you (in the philanthropy world or otherwise)? Do you have a hero?

There are many people who inspire me and whom I admire. In the landscape of LGBT youth organizations, I am particularly inspired by Carolyn Laub, the Executive Director of GSA Network, and Grace Sterling Stowell, the Executive Director of the Boston Alliance of GLBT Youth (BAGLY). I am also a huge admirer of the work of Dr. Caitlin Ryan and the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University.

In addition, what sustains me day to day is the inspiration I take from the people I work with–the SMYAL Board, staff, volunteers, and, most importantly, our LGBTQ youth. I consider myself so fortunate to work with amazing, talented people who are so passionate about the work that we do.

4. What was your most interesting recent project/partnership?

For the past two years, SMYAL has been a member of the Mayor’s Bullying Prevention Task Force here in DC. The Task Force was charged with developing of a model bullying prevention policy and then assisting with its implementation in our schools and other youth-serving providers. I have been so impressed with the way in which the DC Office of Human Rights has spearheaded this effort through engaging a diverse pool of stakeholders (ranging from folks who work at DC Department of Parks and Recreation to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) while also keeping us on task and ensuring we adhered to the timetable for speedy implementation. I believe that the model bullying prevention policy that the District adopted is very strong and the ways in which the work is being coordinated across the city will serve as a model for other cities in the future.

5. What is the single greatest challenge that your organization faces (besides finances) and how are you dealing with this challenge?

The greatest challenge we face is probably similar to many other community-based nonprofits, which is that there is always more need than resources. We strive to be strategic in how we develop programs and focus our time in order to ensure that we are able to maximize our impact. Unfortunately, this means that we cannot be everything to everyone and that sometimes we have to say no to opportunities for collaboration and partnership because we just don’t have the bandwidth to take on a new initiative.

6. What advice do you have for other people in your position?

When I first became Executive Director of SMYAL, I took a class at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement for new EDs. The instructor hung a banner at the front of the classroom each session which said, It’s all about relationships. I have reflected back on that banner over the years and I have to say I think it is true–as EDs, the relationships we build with our Board members, staff members, community stakeholders, and constituents are central to our ability to do our jobs. Another piece of advice I would offer is never to be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

7. What’s next/coming up for you or your organization?

This year is an exciting one for SMYAL–we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary! To commemorate this milestone, we have been recording the history of SMYAL through our alums–former youth participants, Board members, volunteers, and staff. We just released a publication, 30 Years of SMYAL Stories, that collects several of these interviews and will be putting out a podcast later in the year. Programmatically, we are continuing to build our DC Regional GSA Network and preparing for the second school year of implementation.

A major change for me is that I will be stepping down from SMYAL in August to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the George Washington University. It is certainly bittersweet, as I will be very sad to leave this organization that has meant so much to me since I joined the staff 9 years ago. However, I am excited to see how SMYAL continues to grow in the years to come. The Board is in the midst of a search for the next Executive Director, so I would encourage anyone who is interested to apply!

Do More 24

There’s still time! Nonprofit organizations across the region are participating in DoMore24 (until midnight tonight!) a day of giving towards community causes. So many of “the best” charities featured in the Catalogue are raising funds today — for soccer uniforms, to publish teen authored books, to provide legal services to homeless individuals and low-income refugees and so much more.

Need some inspiration? Check out our listing of great nonprofits here!

And as a bonus, several of our charities have matching funds to double the impact of your gift today. Take a look at these Catalogue charities, listed by category:

ARTS

ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

EDUCATION

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

2nd Celebration of Catalogue Reviewers & Charities

On Tuesday, June 17th the Catalogue celebrated our 2014 reviewers and newest class of charities at a reception in the Clarendon Ballroom. With a warm welcome to all from Catalogue Board Treasurer, Tom Raffa — who makes the financial review possible year after year — this event recognized the incredible dedication of our 120+ person review team and welcomed the charities they selected for the upcoming 2014/15 Catalogue, 26 of whom are brand new to the Catalogue network.

In a special presentation, President & Editor Barbara Harman honored several long-standing reviewers who have given over a decade of service to the Catalogue — including Oramenta Newsome (LISC DC), who has participated in all 12 years of the Catalogue’s review since our inception in 2003! Reviewers Bob Wittig (Jovid Foundation), Julia Baer Cooper (Lois & Richard England Family Foundation) and Silvana Straw (Community Foundation for the National Capital Region) were recognized for 11 years of service, and Suzanne Martin (formerly of the Fowler Foundation) received the “above and beyond” award in recognition of the quality & quantity of her thoughtful reviews over the past six years. The Catalogue is made possible by our program and financial reviewers and we were so pleased to have so many join us and meet the Class of 2014/15!

A huge thanks to our host and long time friend Sandra Hoehne at the Clarendon Ballroom, our nonprofit representatives, our reviewers, the Catalogue Board and special friends of the Catalogue from the Meyer Foundation, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, the Cohen Foundation and the Otto Whalley Foundation. Thanks to everyone in attendance for making this our best celebration yet, and stay tuned for updates as our production process leads us to the release of the Catalogue on November 1st!

President Barbara Harman presents awards to Bob Wittig, Silvana Straw, and Julia Baer Cooper for 11 years of Service

 

President Barbara Harman with 12-year reviewer Oramenta Newsome

Around Town 6/13-6/19

A lot of great events coming up this week at our nonprofits! Opportunities to learn about and experience the great work that these local organizations do in our community.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Fred Taylor Scholarship Dinner

For Love of Children
Come celebrate the newest recipients of the Fred Taylor Scholarship award as they graduate from high school and go on to start their postsecondary experience.
When: Thu Jun 12 2014 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: St. Francis Hall, 1340 Quincy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20017
Fee? no
Contact: Joe Peralta, (202) 349-3522

Saturday, June 14, 2014

La Traviata

The In Series
The In Series celebrates the completion of 25 years producing pocket-opera with a Verdi masterpiece, as the wordwide celebration of the master’s 200th birthday year ends. Based on Dumas’ Lady Of The Camelias, La Traviata is the intimate story of a not-socially-acceptable love affair that continues to touch our souls with its heart-breaking music. Director: Nick Olcott Music Director: Carlos Rodriguez
When: Sat Jun 14 2014 (3:00 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $44 general admission; $40 seniors; $22 students with school id & children
Volunteer Info: Usher, box office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, Executive Assistant, (202) 204-7765
For more information: click here

Monday, June 16, 2014

La Traviata

The In Series
The In Series celebrates the completion of 25 years producing pocket-opera with a Verdi masterpiece, as the wordwide celebration of the master’s 200th birthday year ends. Based on Dumas’ Lady Of The Camelias, La Traviata is the intimate story of a not-socially-acceptable love affair that continues to touch our souls with its heart-breaking music. Director: Nick Olcott Music Director: Carlos Rodriguez
When: Mon Jun 16 2014 (7:30 PM)
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Fee? yes $42 general admission; $38 seniors; $21 students with school id & children
Volunteer Info: Usher, box office
Contact: Gregory Stuart, Executive Assistant, (202) 204-7765
For more information:click here

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

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 Jun 18 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

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Do More 24! for Girls on the Run – DC

Girls on the Run – DC
Do More 24! encourages the community to Give Where You Live. On June 19th from midnight to midnight, you have 24 hours to support the causes you care about by making an online donation of $24 or more to nonprofits that serve our region. Our goal is to raise $6,000 to provide 30 more girls with?program scholarships this fall. We hope you’ll choose Girls on the Run – DC on 6/19 as your favorite charity! Make a difference in just one day at: http://www.domore24.org/#npo/girls-on-the-run-dc
When: Thu Jun 19 2014 (00:15 AM – 12:00 MIDNIGHT)
Where: Online Giving Day at domore24.org, 1200 18th St NW, Suite 700f, Washington, District of Columbia 20036
Fee? yes
Contact: Kelly Makimaa, (832) 443-8909

Catalogue Welcomes New Staff Member!

2014 is a year of exciting growth for the Catalogue…new workshops, a new class of charities, new partnerships, and now…a new team member! The Catalogue is excited to welcome Emma Bloksberg-Fireovid to the Catalogue team!

Emma joins us from Tufts University with a BA in Sociology. Raised in Baltimore, Emma’s passion for direct service work led her to work with inner-city youth in multiple facets: founding and operating an all-girls jump rope camp, teaching dance in Prince George’s county, and developing lesson plans for tutoring programs.

Emma will use her organizational, programming, and research experience to help support Catalogue initiatives. Her official bio (complete with fun facts!) and a photo are forthcoming on the Catalogue website.

Welcome aboard, Emma!

Millennial Week DC

This week Washington DC is host to its first annual Millennial Week. With a focus on highlighting the impact of the largest, most diverse generation in the United States (approximately 92 million in the United States, 1.8 billion globally) Millennial Week DC looks to cultivate, promote and present meaningful ideas and trends that reflect this generation.

In Thursday’s Washington Post, Caitlin Gibson explores Millennial Week DC, the negative stereotypes normally associated with this generation, and the steps they are taking to overcome them. While many label this generation as entitled, selfish, or uncharitable, the truth is that millennials are significant givers, of both time AND money. A recent study from Blackbaud shows that more than 60 percent of millennials donated an average of $481 per year across 3.3 charities. This generation, unlike others, wants more from the groups to which they give. They want to feel like they are part of the solution, whether as donors, volunteers or brand ambassadors. As nonprofits, we must be ready to engage them in these ways.

At the Catalogue for Philanthropy, we’re inspired by millennials and the way that they approach charitable giving and volunteerism. They challenge us to think bigger, be bolder, and meet their rising expectations for real-time information, rewards, and results (expectations which have been set largely thanks to the ever-present and emerging digital landscape). During 2014-2015, a main goal for the Catalogue is to expand our involvement with millennials, and we have exciting events, partnerships and campaigns in the works to do this…stay tuned!

Are you a millennial who wants to get more involved with the Catalogue? We’d love to hear your ideas! Contact us at ideas@cfp-dc.org.

At Millennial Week DC, working to improve a generation’s image, one selfie at a time – Caitlin Gibson, Washington Post