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Resources for Organizations >
Project Examples >
Washington, DC - Strengthening Communities
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District of Columbia Jewish Community Center Washington, D.C.
Each year, the District of Columbia Jewish Community Center (DCJCC) brings together youth, families, and individuals of all faiths to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day through service projects that emphasize Dr. King’s teachings about community. To celebrate the Day, volunteers of all ages are trained in carpentry and painting skills and are deployed throughout the city to help renovate and repair community shelters, schools, and low-income homes. Project leaders facilitate discussion on the causes of poverty and homelessness, the value of volunteer service, and the importance of coming together to help others. Service projects like job skills training and tutoring are also offered so that individuals who are unable to perform physically demanding tasks can take part in the Day of Service.
Dr. King believed in the power of individuals to work together to alleviate poverty and strengthen their communities. Service projects that bring individuals of all ages and backgrounds together to improve their communities are a great way to honor and share Dr. King’s teachings. Consider the project ideas below:
- Work with a local Housing Authority or Parks and Recreation Services to identify homes and community spaces in need of renovation and repair
- Partner with local schools to identify improvement projects for students and families, such as painting or playground clean-up
- Offer job skills training sessions to help individuals prepare for interviews and entry into the workforce
- Organize a clothing drive to collect business attire for individuals in need
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