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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Tweets of the day (7/29/14)

Monday, July 28, 2014

Tweets of the day (7/28/14)

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Tweets of the day (7/27/14)

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Tweets of the day (7/26/14)

Friday, July 25, 2014

Please share the details about free lunches served on Saturdays at select DPR and DCPL sites

Are you a hero to the kids in your program, your neighbors, family members?   It doesn't take a lot.   All you have to do is share information about DC Free Summer Meals Program (meals served Monday - Saturday).   The flyer is available in PDF and JPEG, both below.

One City Youth is encouraging DC Free Summer Meals Program heroes to email their outreach efforts so they can be documented them and heroes recognized!

DCFSMP Saturday Flyer

This was originally posted on the Susie's Budget and Policy Corner blog in the post Are you a DC Free Summer Meals Program hero?.

Parents: Camp costs may qualify for Child and Dependent Care Credit

Did you know that the cost of child care or camps during the summer may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit?

Learn more about how your child-related expenses may qualify by reading the CAAB post Get Credit for Child and Dependent Care This Summer.

The post lists 10 facts about the federal tax credit. The list was developed by the IRS.

Tweets of the day (7/25/14)

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

@1776dc has fall internship opps; deadline to apply is Aug. 1

The deadline for undergrads and grad students to apply for one of the 1776 fall internships is August 1, 2014. All interns will handle various projects to promote the 1776 mission, support Campus incubator programming and Campus operations. It should do without saying that interns are valued team members!

For the fall, 1776 has the following internship opportunities:

  • Events
  • Editorial
  • Design
  • PR/Marketing
  • Business/Finance
  • Executive Support
  • Membership
  • Operations
  • Public Policy
  • More!

Tweets of the day (7/23/14)

DC's Healthy Summer Trend: Yoga!

Whether you are a regular yogi or not, DC is the place to be this summer for FREE YOGA CLASSES.

Taking advantage of these classes is wise considering all the benefits of yoga. Regular yoga practice has shown to boost immunity, improve sleep, fight cravings, and help heart health. Also, yoga is super relaxing and FUN!

So, where should you go for FREE classes this summer?

Many DC Public Libraries (i.e. Cleveland Park, Petworth, Georgetown, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, etc.) are offering classes in the afternoon and evening.

Also, various community organizations like the MBT5K Race Committee and the Golden Triangle BID are sponsoring free yoga classes.

Here are some of the best finds:

No matter where you choose to go, be sure to bring a mat, water bottle, and sunscreen!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Free lunch on Saturdays, anyone?

Mayor Vince Gray announced the terrific news last week (read more) that some libraries and rec centers are serving children and youth 18 and younger lunch on Saturdays through the DC Free Summer Meals Program!

That's right. Free lunch for all kids in DC. Shocked? Surprised? Don't be. DC has served free meals on Saturdays before. The point, after all, is to make sure kids are not hungry on weekends.

DC Free Summer Meals is an important component in One City Youth as evidenced by the real estate dedicated to the program on the One City Youth website. In addition to the searchable map prepared by OCY partner DC Hunger Solutions, the site is home to outreach materials, chief among which are the flyers in Amharic, English, French, Korean, SimChi, Spanish, and Vietnamese; a short PSA; and a list of sites containing Ward and ANC info.

What are you waiting for? Help feed some kids on Saturdays and through the summer - tell them about the DC Free Summer Meals Program, refer them to the searchable map, and tell them to call 211 to find the most convenient location.

FY14 Grantees Weekend Wrap-Up

Tweets of the day (7/22/14)

Monday, July 21, 2014

Back to School Backpack Drives!!

If you know of any back to school drives occurring (like the example above), let us know!! Please email the information to onecityyouth@dc.gov. Specifically, we are asking for the following information:
  • Organization name
  • Organization website
  • Date of drive
  • Time of supply drive
  • Location of supply drive
  • Any other helpful info

Your assistance is GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Tweets of the day (7/21/14)

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Beat the Streets on Friday with a Community Cookout!

Come out and Beat the Streets with the Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative!

This free community event has things for the whole family: face painting, moon bounce, health screenings and more!

Join us Friday July 25th and tell all your friends!

The event will be held at 1100 Allison Street NW, Washington, DC from 2:00pm to 7:30pm.

Check out the Facebook event and read more online: Community Cookout.

Tweets of the day (7/20/14)

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Community Day: August 19!

On August 19 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, the United Planning Organization will take part in Community Day with the Azeeze Bates Learning Center beautification project.

More than 60 student and family volunteers of the center will paint and decorate bathrooms, classrooms, and offices. Outside of the center, they will trim trees and bushes, plant flowers, mulch, and wash toys. They will also create an edible garden!

Additionally, residents can register for child care at the center, receive a free health screening, and engage in other fun activities like giveaways and cotton candy.

Other UPO vendors will include Early Learning Registration, Workforce Development, Building Careers Academy, Adult Education, Community Reinvestment and Advocacy and Volunteer Services.

If you're hoping to volunteer, the United Planning Organization still needs 25 volunteers to assist with the beautification project from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Please contact Bernardette Ferrell at (202) 231-7945 for more information.

Tweets of the day (7/19/14)

Friday, July 18, 2014

Tweets of the day (7/18/14)

MoEd DC!

MoEd DC is an exciting new aftercare program at the DCJCC!

Created in partnership with MoEd, a Jewish educational after-school program currently operating in Maryland, MoEd DC will offer an easy way for busy families, with children from PK4 to 3rd Grade, to introduce their children to Hebrew and Jewish learning.

The core program is focused on three “Content Days” which includes Hebrew study through immersion and Judaics balanced with play and homework time. Snack will be provided every day. Content Days will be Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays.

MoEd DC also offers optional “Enrichment Days” on Tuesdays and Fridays. Enrichment classes may include: swimming, musical theater, karate, LEGO engineering, soccer, yoga, Zumba and more. Also, 3 year old siblings of MoED DC students will be eligible to attend DCJCC afterschool on all days.

For more information, visit washingtondcjcc.org.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Spotlight on MPD Helping Kids Eat This Summer!

On Tuesday, July 15, Officer Nardi and Officer Marron of the Sixth District of the Metropolitan Police Department worked on DC Free Summer Meals outreach within their PSA and the surrounding area.

Specifically, Nardi and Marron were working on spreading the word about the new Saturday meal sites being offered at various rec centers and libraries. They visited DC public libraries, recreation centers, and spoke to youth hanging with friends outside in neighborhoods.

Both officers enjoyed learning more about the DC Free Summer Meals program and helping to spread the word in their surrounding communities. Many of the children were enthusiastic to learn that they can eat free Monday-Friday AND Saturday at select meal sites throughout the entire summer.

See the full list below for the NEW Saturday meal sites :

Tweets of the day (7/17/14)

Want to be a part of something GREAT?

Show your love for Ward 8 by volunteering/vending at HATFestDC!

The Humanities, Arts & Technology Festival at Gateway DC (HATFestDC)is on August 2-3 from 1:00pm-6:00pm. The festival is registering both volunteers and vendors for the weekend at hatfestdc.com.

Attendees of HATFestDC will hear, see, create, learn, taste, dance, and interact. With a theme of “Humanities, Arts & Technology at Work,” HATFestDC will showcase the evolving creative economy in DC, while inspiring both adults and youth to build creative projects and programs with H.A.T. (humanities, arts, and technology) disciplines at the center.

The HATFestDC will feature a main performance area and five mini pavilions focused on music, visual arts and graphic design, food, technology and a children’s area. Concurrently, each area will include interactive workshops, readings, artist talks and panel discussions, robotics, art creation, theatrical performances and chef demonstrations. There will be over 50 vendor spaces, designed to provide area entrepreneurs a chance to authentically connect and establish relationships with potential consumers.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Planning and Economic Development and presented by St. Elizabeths East, The Humanities Council of Washington, DC and THEARC.

Register to be a vendor or volunteer at hatfestdc.com and join #HATFestDC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @HATFestDC.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Washington Nationals to Visit Summer Reading All-Stars at Four DC Public Libraries!

On Saturday, July 19, kids and teens will have the opportunity to meet Washington Nationals players and manager Matt Williams at DC public libraries!

Here's everything you need to know:

  • Who: Manager Matt Williams
  • Where: Tenley Library (4450 Wisconsin Avenue NW)
  • When: 11:00am to 12:00pm
  • Who: Outfielder Scott Hairston
  • Where: Deanwood Library (1350 49th Street NE)
  • When: 11:00am to 12:00pm
  • Who: Outfielder Denard Span
  • Where: Anacostia Library (1800 Good Hope Road SE)
  • When: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
  • Who: Pitcher Drew Storen
  • Where: Mount Pleasant Library (3160 16th Street NW)
  • When: 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Plus, all youth 18 and under can get a FREE LUNCH at the Anacostia library this Saturday from 1:00-2:30pm!!

Steps of Success for Parents and Caregivers at THEARC

Tweets of the day (7/16/14)

“Man-Up” Youth Empowerment Conference

Join McGuire Group, LLC for this fabulous conference for males ages 14-25 on Saturday, July 26th, 2014 from 9:00am-1:00pm at the Avi Hotel Largo in Largo, Maryland!

The aim of this conference is to provide DMV youth with options to advance in life to become productive citizens within their community. Conference topics will include the following: HIV/AIDS prevention education, virtual technology, social media, sports, mentoring programs, employment opportunities, interview attire, substance abuse, cyberbullying and more.

Need a job? Bring your resume so we can help!

Bladensburg Barber School,and Allstate, Graham Insurance Agency,Inc. will both be at the event! For any teens interested in becoming Barbers or teens interested in Allstate Mentoring Programs, this could be a great opportunity to learn about these fields.

The free conference is an opportunity to meet over 100 young adult men in the DMV area. Continental breakfast, and a light lunch will be provided. Meet former Washington Redskins (#41/Safety) Madieu Williams NFL Man of the Year 2010! He will be speaking about the importance of education,football and safety.

Due to seat limitations, you must pre-register to attend at McGuire Global Recruitment's website.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

NEW Saturday DC Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens!

Saturday lunches are at the following sites:
  • Anacostia Library (1800 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020) on July 19, July 26, August 2, and August 9 for a free lunch served between 1:00-2:30pm.
  • Capitol View Library (5001 Central Ave SE, Washington, DC 20019) on July 26 and August 9 for a free lunch served between 1:00-2:30pm.
  • Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library (3935 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019) on July 19, July 26, August 2, and August 9 for a free lunch served between 1:00-2:30pm.
  • William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Library (115 Atlantic St SW, Washington, DC 20032) on July 19 and August 2 for a free lunch served between 1:00-2:30pm.

Family Day at National Air and Space Museum

On Wednesday, July 16, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, head to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum with your family to explore how aviation and space exploration changed the world!

Activities include designing a mission patch, building a P-51 plane out of popsicle sticks, planting a hydroponic garden, and more! There will be presentations on milestones of flight, the Space Race, the Apollo, and other topics related to the history of air travel in the United States. Be sure to attend the talk from NASA astronaut Patrick Forrester about innovation and the International Space Station!

Admission to the museum and this special event is free. For more information, check out the National Air and Space Museum website.

Tweets of the day (7/15/14)

Monday, July 14, 2014

NBM's Summer Block Party

The National Building Museum is hosting a Summer Block Party every Thursday beginning July 31 and continuing until August 28. The museum will remain open until 9 pm on these five evenings.

Visitors can enjoy extended hours to see exhibitions, navigate the BIG Maze, and nosh at Hill Country's Backyard Barbecue. For more information, visit: nbm.org.

Summer Science for Kids at Home

What activities does your rambunctious 10-year-old find himself in? Searching for some constructive activities during the long, hot summer days? Look no further!

PC Magazine has got you covered! They have eight geeky activities to keep your kids busy. Their website features how to make potato clocks, robots, lego cars, weather stations, and more!

Check out these helpful links for the potato clock and the glow in the dark activity.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Local teens featured in DC museum exhibition

"Investigating Where We Live," an exhibition featuring the work of local teens, will open at the National Building Museum on Friday, August 1.

Middle and high school students from the D.C. area have spent five weeks exploring, documenting, and interpreting the built environment - this exhibition showcases their work and lends a fresh perspective to the identity of our nation’s capital.

The exhibition opening, held on August 1 at 6:30 pm in the National Building Museum, is free. No registration is required.

For more information, visit the National Building Museum website.

Tweet of the day (7/13/14)

Saturday, July 12, 2014

National Night Out: August 5!

Join neighbors and friends on Tuesday, August 5th for National Night Out, America’s Night Out Against Crime. HD Woodson High School will host this year’s Kickoff, starting at 5:00 pm.

The “Summer of Love: Love Your Self and Your Health” Citywide National Night Out Celebration will showcase local artists in a festive atmosphere with activities for all ages.

Various law enforcement agencies will display their vehicles and share strategies for problem solving while social service providers share information in preparation for a healthy start to the school year. Nearby, children will navigate the park on bike rides with officers. The night will end with a movie night in Marvin Gaye Park.

For more information, visit mpdc.dc.gov.

Tweet of the day (7/12/14)

Simon Students are Shining Bright!

Simon Elementary School, located on Mississippi Avenue, has many student achievements to celebrate.

In May, Whitney Bartell's fifth grade students, Ka'Shawn Hough and Arjanae Mitchell were two of ten winners of the National Capital Lawyers Auxiliary's (NCLA) Law Day essay contest, while another, Kavon Douglas, was named as a Carson Scholar.

When Bartell suggested the Carson Scholarship and NCLA Law Day essay contest to Douglas, Hough, and Mitchell, it didn’t take much convincing to get them to apply! Not only do the three students have superior grades, they are leaders in the classroom.

“They are the people who take over in terms of projects and can manage their peers in a way," explained Bartell, "and their peers are very dedicated to following these three.”

According the application, the NCLA Law Day essay contest, of which Hough and Mitchell were winners, aims “to encourage students to understand the importance of living in a democratic society.” The contest invited DC Public School fifth graders to write 250 to 500 word-essays on a chosen theme. This year’s theme was “What America Means to Me.”

Hough and Mitchell were honored at the NCLA awards ceremony where they read excerpts of their essays in front of Justice Sotomayor. After the ceremony, they were able to meet Justice Sotomayor and receive an autographed copy of her most recent book.

The Ben Carson Scholarship Fund, of which Douglas was one of the 510 recipients, awards students in grades 4 through 11 with academic success and humanitarian qualities demonstrated in community service projects. As a winner, Douglas received $1,000 college scholarship and an “Olympic-sized medal and trophy.”

What makes this achievement even more special for Douglas and Hough is that as siblings, they can celebrate together.

“They're very competitive, but they're very, very close,” said Bartell. Despite constantly competing academically, they support each other's accomplishments.

“I'm proud of him for winning,” said Hough. “He's my older brother, so now, I can follow his footsteps.” Douglas agreed saying, “I never thought she would get this type of award from this greatest person...So now, I can set examples for her and she can set examples for me.”

Keep up the great work Simon Elementary School!

Read the full story on Capital Community News.

Friday, July 11, 2014

This Just In: Summer Meal Materials!

Check out onecityyouth.dc.gov for translations of DC Free Summer Meals flyers! Flyers are now available in the following languages: Amharic, English, French, Korean, SimChi, Spanish and Vietnamese. TELL EVERYONE :)

Nana Asare: A Determined DC SCORES Alum

A former DC SCORES participant, Nana Asare, is moving to Vermont this fall for his freshman year at Johnson State College. He will be the first member of his family to attend college. Just this mere fact alone is remarkable. Yet, 18-year-old Nana has overcome many additional obstacles to be where he is today.

Born in Ghana, Nana moved to the United States when he was toddler. Even as a young boy, Nana dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. However, when Nana was hit by a car while crossing a street in second grade, his world was shaken. The impact of the car resulted in Nana breaking his femur in his left leg and fracturing his skull.

Worried about his health, Nana’s parents thought he should end his soccer career and pursue other goals. However, even eleven surgeries later, Nana was resilient in his goal of becoming a professional soccer player.

“Nana has been a paragon of determination since the accident,” writes DC SCORES, “but it took him awhile to develop the focus and discipline that allowed him to juggle playing varsity soccer and academics at Wilson High School.”

Nana isn’t shy to admit it—he was hard-headed and full of behavioral issues during his early years at Brightwood Education Campus. That is, until he joined DC SCORES in the fourth grade and met soccer coach, Shannon Nelson.

“She became a mentor-mother figure while I was at school,” describes Nana. “She just made sure I had the right necessary tools to learn and live the life that I want to live. To this day we still keep in contact.”

With Coach Nelson’s influence, day by day, Nana became a kinder classmate and better student.

Nana spent five years as a DC SCORES participant at Brightwood and then Paul Public Charter School, playing soccer — of course — but also learning to express himself through the art of poetry. Writing poetry helped Nana develop public speaking and leadership skills.

Now, Nana is following in Coach Nelson’s footsteps and paving the way for others. He is braving the heat this summer and working at Marie Reed Elementary School as a Summer Youth Employment Program worker at DC SCORES’ Soccer & Arts camp.

Nana has taken one child, Jonathan, under his wing because he sees so many similarities to his younger self. Jonathan is a hard-headed kid who loves soccer.

“He’s just been that one kid that I can say I’ve seen myself in when I look at him. I’ve been a knucklehead, I’ve been hard-headed, I’ve been stubborn at his age. It just takes that one person to have you under their wings to guide you the right way and you’ll be good.”

One City Youth wishes Nana the best of luck in college and congratulate him on his accomplishments!

Read Nana’s full story and see more photos from DC SCORES on the DC SCORES blog.

Tweets of the day (7/11/14)

Thursday, July 10, 2014

FREE Dental Screenings for Youth!

Out of the Basement: A Story of Perseverance and Community

Out of the Basement is a documentary short by filmmakers Natalie Avery and Kyle Centers. The film tells the story of Columbia Heights boxer, Greg Newby, as he strives to overcome his past and enter a professional boxing career, even though he has been repeatedly told that the odds are against him.

Avery first heard of Greg’s story while she was a student at The Institute for Documentary Filmmaking at George Washington University. One of her classmates discovered Lime Lite Boxing Gym, where Greg trained, and told Avery about this hidden gem filled with great stories and the great protagonists of these stories. When Avery met Greg at Lime Lite, she was fascinated by his resilience and wanted to learn more.

The dynamic between Greg and his father, Tony, was especially of interest to Avery, who wanted to delve into how they navigate and make sense of the tension posed by competing fears and ambitions.

To share a little of his story (without any major spoilers), Greg thought he had his life figured out—a career in the coastguard, a family, a reliable paycheck—but suddenly that was all gone. These tragedies were not only disappointing to Greg but to his father as well who had hoped for him to have a different kind of life and not have to face the struggles that he had as a young man.

Through the process of telling Greg’s story, Avery learned that you don’t need to reach your ultimate goal to have significant change occur in your life, “Greg may or may not become a world champion," writes Avery, "He may not, as he hopes, make a good living off boxing. But he has learned what he is capable of in the journey so far.”

Even if you aren’t into the DC boxing subculture, this film has something to offer you. On the surface, the film is about a boxer and has the audience on the edge of their seats wondering “Is he going to make it?” But in Avery's words, the boxing is a metaphor about something greater, "the rawness and the struggle of rising to the challenge of life, especially a life in this economy where there is such a winner take all mentality.”

Indeed, Avery hopes that one of the main messages that youth learn from the film is that success requires individual diligence and perseverance but also depends on the strength of the community surrounding oneself.

For show times (many screenings are at DC Public Libraries) and trailers, see outofthebasementdc.com.

Tweets of the day (7/10/14)

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Free Summer Concert Series at the National Building Museum!

This summer, the National Building Museum is hosting a free summer concert series!

Each Sunday, beginning July 20 and continuing until August 10, music and dance groups will grace the Great Hall in a fun, family-friendly event. Concerts begin at 2 pm and do not require pre-registration.

Schedule:

  • July 20 – Reverb
  • July 27 – Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir
  • August 3 – CityDance Ensemble
  • August 10 – Washington Performing Arts Summers Steps with Step Afrika!

For more information, visit: nbm.org

Tweets of the day (7/9/14)

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Lowell's summer reading lists

Lowell School's summer reading list has recommendations for primary and middle school students and their parents.

Books include:

  • Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash by Monica Brown
  • The Secrets of Droon (series) by Tony Abbott
  • Rules by Cynthia Lord
  • Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman

Does your school have a reading list? Email the list to One City Youth.

Tweet of the day (7/8/14)

Millennial Day of Service (#Successful)

On Saturday, June 7, 2014, the first ever Millennial Day of Service took place in Washington DC!

In honor of Millennial Week, Capital Cause, an organization that revolutionizes how young people define philanthropy by training them to give collectively to charitable causes, hosted this event and partnered with over twenty millennial-led organizations to make it a success.

On the actual day of service, over two hundred young philanthropists participated by volunteering at Kelly Miller Middle and Johnson Middle Schools. In efforts to encourage students to learn more and give more, volunteers wrote letters to students about valuing education; created career-themed messages on bulletin boards and murals; donated 200 career prep packs; and hosted eight career workshops for students.

Overall, the efforts of the volunteers reached and inspired over seven hundred students in one day! Check out pics from the event on the Capital Cause Facebook page.

Monday, July 7, 2014

DC Middle-Schoolers Discover University Life

Apply for the Youth Development Practitioner Scholarship!

The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (CYITC), in partnership with the University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC), is offering credit-bearing courses at the UDC-CC and a Youth Development Practitioner Scholarship to help out! The scholarship covers admission fees, tuition and books for the full certificate program based on program guidelines.

The courses at UDC-CC will eventually lead to an eighteen credit Certificate in General Education (Out-of-School-Time), which builds staff capacity in youth-serving organizations. These classes will be offered over the course of three semesters and were selected based on the necessary skills to help youth reach positive knowledge, attitude, and behavioral outcomes.

The program is perfect for professionals in a variety of youth-serving fields and organizations, such as community-based organizations, government agencies, faith-based groups, community recreation and correctional professions, coaches and counselors.

If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, check out CYITC's website and download and complete the application online. There are a limited number of scholarships available. Participants will be notified of their application status by Friday, July 20th.

You can read more online.

Tweet of the day (7/7/14)

Sunday, July 6, 2014

We Need YOU.....to Tell Us about School Supply Drives!

ATTENTION: One City Youth needs YOUR HELP IN FINDING SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVES!

If you know about an organization hosting a school supply drive, please email the information to onecityyouth@dc.gov. Specifically, we are asking for the following information:

  • Organization name
  • Organization website
  • Date of drive
  • Time of supply drive
  • Location of supply drive
  • Any other helpful info

Your assistance is GREATLY APPRECIATED.

D.C. Hunger Solutions: Working Hard to Fight Hunger

Think of eight people you know. Not that hard right?

Now imagine one out of those eight struggling with hunger--that's a thought that is much more difficult to face.

However, nearly 1 out of 8 households struggle with hunger, with uncertain or limited access to, or ability to buy, healthy and nutritious food in DC.

Founded by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)in 2002 to improve food security in DC, D.C. Hunger Solutions strives to "improve the nutrition, health, economic security, and well-being of low-income District residents."

Specifically, D.C. Hunger Solutions works to:

  • Improve public policies to end hunger, reduce poverty, promote nutrition, curb obesity, and increase the availability of healthy, affordable food in low-income areas
  • Maximize participation in all federal nutrition programs (SNAP/Food Stamps, school meals, early childhood nutrition programs, WIC, and summer meals)
  • Educate the public about both the stark reality of hunger's existence in the midst of plenty and the real opportunities for effective solutions

During the summer, a focus of D.C. Hunger Solutions is the DC Free Summer Meals Program, a federal nutrition program administered locally by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. This FABULOUS and FREE program serves all children ages 18 and younger and provides them with free food during the summer months. Children and teens can just show up at a site (i.e. DPR centers, libraries, DC Public Schools, charter schools, and houses of worship) during meal time to receive a FREE meal. Breakfast and lunch are the most common meals served although dinner is served at some sites.

Although the full time staff at D.C. Hunger Solutions may be small (currently six individuals, including three Americorps VISTAs), they can obviously accomplish a lot! To find out more, visit the D.C. Hunger Solutions website.

Tweets of the day (7/6/14)

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Tweet of the day (7/5/14)

The Quest for Readiness: A Thought Leader Conversation

Don’t miss out on this free conference call and discussion on Wednesday, July 15 from 2:00-3:00 PM EDT that addresses academic and workforce readiness!

Both academic credentials and “non-cognitive” competencies like punctuality, perseverance, and problem-solving are essential to young people graduating from high school and succeeding in college or the workforce. Often, however, young people are not developing these non-cognitive competencies and as a result, are not “ready” for further education or a career.

Join John Gomperts, president & CEO of the America's Promise Alliance; Karen Pittman, CEO and co-founder of the Forum for Youth Investment; and Sean Slade, director of whole child programs at ASCD for a discussion of the latest reflections on these overarching questions:

  • What does it mean to be "ready"?
  • If it takes more than academic competence, what are the other competencies and how do we name, build and measure them?
  • What supports must communities provide to get young people ready?
  • Are schools responsible for the "academic" ones and the community responsible for the rest?
  • What must national, state and local leaders do to create those supports?

Register here.

Summer Reading for Social Justice

Looking for some good summer reads for yourself or a student? Check out these reading recommendations from Teaching for Change!

They have reading lists for elementary students, middle school students, adults, and educators. Visit the Teaching for Change bookstore if you want to buy some of the books on the list.

Teaching for Change's bookstore is the Washington DC area's best source for books that encourage children and adults to question, challenge, and re-think the world beyond the headlines. The bookstore is located in Busboys and Poets (2021 14th St NW, Washington DC).

The only question is "What will you read first?"

Friday, July 4, 2014

Tweet of the day (7/4/14)

A Six-Week Writing Residency For Children and Teens

The Northeast Library is proud to announce its inaugural Writer-In-Residence program for children and teens, to take place from August 26 to September 30. One Young Writer-In-Residence (ages 10-12) and one Young Adult Writer-In-Residence (ages 13-19) will be selected from an open submission period to participate in the six-week program at Northeast Library, culminating in a public performance of their work, a cash stipend, and publication in the Northeast Library Writer’s Anthology.

There are many benefits to participating including:

--Writing-studio space
--Writing prompts and/or editing/inspiration/creative support as desired
--The space and organization for the writer’s end-of-residency reading and accompanying promotion
--Publication in the Northeast Library Writer’s Anthology
--$25 stipend (Young WIR) or $50 stipend (Young Adult WIR)

Applications will be accepted from July 1 to August 1. For more information, visit the DC Library website.

U.S. Department of Education Has Upgraded District’s Grantee Status

Last week, Mayor Gray was happy to hear that the U.S. Department of Education is going to remove the "high-risk grantee" designation from grants issued by USDOE to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

In 2006, USDOE designated DC Public Schools as a "high-risk" grantee on account of systemic problems. Since the DC Public Education Reform Act of 2007, OSSE has been implementing systemic reforms and finding solutions to stated issues in the High-Risk Corrective Action Plan.

Mayor Gray believes the decision to remove the "high-risk grantee" designation "demonstrates the significant progress" the District has made in our efforts to reform and improve our system of public education. He applauded the State Superintendent of Education and the entire OSSE team for "their dedication and commitment to transforming our educational system."

Read the full press release on OSSE's website.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Get Lost this Summer at the BIG Maze

The National Building Museum, in partnership with BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, is creating a never-before-seen large-scale maze this summer! The 18 foot high and 60x60 foot wide maze will have its grand opening on July 4. Besides viewing the maze from the ground floor, visitors can also get an unexpected aerial perspective from the second and third floor balconies of the museum.

Bjarke Ingels said of his maze: "The concept is simple: as you travel deeper into a maze, your path typically becomes more convoluted. What if we invert this scenario and create a maze that brings clarity and visual understanding upon reaching the heart of the labyrinth?" From outside, the maze's cube-like form hides the final reveal. On the inside, the walls slowly descend towards the center which concludes with a grand reveal—a 360 degree understanding of your path in and how to escape.

The BIG Maze will be open Monday through Saturday, 10 am–5 pm, and Sunday, 11 am–5 pm, July 4 through September 1. Tickets will only be available in person, on a first-come, first-served basis. To find out more information, check out the National Building Museum website.

Tweet of the day (7/3/14)

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Fourth of July: Family Baking!!

Planning to bake for your family this fourth?

Check out our favorite red, white, and blue ideas--everything from patriotic cupcakes to tacos!

Tweet of the day (7/2/14)

FY14 Grantees Weekend Wrap-Up

Check out this tweets that feature City Dance, DC parks, and more from DC Arts!

Teenage Pregnancy: Does Geography Equal Destiny?

On Thursday, June 19, DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy sponsored a panel discussion entitled "Growing Up East of the River--Does Geography Equal Destiny?" The forum featured panelists Wendell Felder (ANC Commissioner, Ward 7), Robert McCartney (Columnist, The Washington Post), Michael Perry (Partner, PerryUndem Research and Communication), and Khadijah Tribble (Principal Consultant, Ground Game LLC). The panel was moderated by Meymo Lyons of WAMU-FM.

The forum was a result of efforts that started fifteen years ago when a group of local foundations and DC Campaign sponsored a study of teen pregnancy in the District. Since this study was published, the rate of teen pregnancy in DC has sharply decreased. In wards 1 through 6, the total number of teen births dropped by nearly half—from 710 in 1997 to 364 in 2011. In wards 7 and 8, however, the number rose over that period, from 473 to 508. In 2011, data from the Department of Health indicated that Ward 7 had 215 teen births and Ward 8 had 293 births.

Panelists at the forum offered insightful perspectives and comments on the fact that wards 7 and 8 continue to struggle with high teen birth rates. Panelists indicated how a "sexually charged" environment surrounds teenagers from everything from music lyrics to the conversation of their peers. Additionally, a lack of activities plagues the teens in wards 7 and 8. As one pregnant high school student said earlier this year, "Uptown . . . they have . . . activities they can focus their mind more off of sex. I mean, everybody is going to think about sex. But I feel like they can focus their mind on something else."

Additionally, there are gaps in knowledge regarding contraception as well as differing perceptions of risk in wards 7 and 8. Panelists encouraged mothers to talk about love and relationships with their children and to overcome any "awkwardness" that may be a part of the conversation.

To lower teen birth rates in wards 7 and 8, the most recent study conducted in DC suggests the solution is to solve broader, persistent problems, such as broken families, unemployment,and especially the lack of education and various social services. The panelists agreed and recommended a holistic approach that includes female empowerment as a focus. As one panelist stated, "There are some beautiful things and beautiful people east of the river." Helping one another recognize their assets and boost their self-esteem is essential to not only lowering teen birth rates but for also raising morale in DC.

To read more, check out the DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy online.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Wellness Programs for Youth in DC!

Serve Your City

Another viral video about girls: #likeagirl from Always

Dollarwise Summer Youth Campaign

2014 Dollarwise Summer Youth Jobs Contest Flyer

DC Water Promotes Water Awareness at Its Annual Children’s Festival!

On June 19, 2014, DC Water hosted its annual Children's Water Drop Festival. About 80 students showed up for this free outdoor environmental education program.

The program included many fun activities that were designed to engage children and teach them about their drinking water as well as environmental issues concerning water resources.

Learning stations included water testing, a mobile water conservation unit, recycling and water relays, and a video that showcased "A Drop's Life," a cartoon explaining the Clean Rivers Project. Additionally, students toured the mobile water quality lab, took photos with Wendy the Water Drop mascot, and painted water-themed murals.

Sounds like a WATERful time!

Read the full press release on DC Water's website.

Tweet of the day (7/1/14)