Service-Learning Trip – Washington D.C.: Social Issues Today in our Nation’s Capital

Start the morning with a brief orientation, where you’ll discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and how what you learn from the day can be applied to daily life when you return home. Note: Service activities can be developed based on group needs and requests.

Many cities have issues regarding affordable housing and homelessness, and natural disasters have only made the issue worse. These issues persist in different neighborhoods throughout Washington, D.C. Working on housing and homelessness is not only a great way to help the city rebuild but also an important way to learn about its history. Projects may include: • Home rebuilding and construction • Vacant lot clearing • Assisting local homeless shelters

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Take a walking tour around the District, which is known for its diverse neighborhoods—many with important historical connections.

This evening, enjoy dinner together followed by some reflection on and discussion of the day's activities and what you learned.

After dinner, attend a performance at Ford’s Theatre.

Begin the day with a brief orientation to discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and how what you learn from the day can be applied to daily life when you return home.

A city is made up of many vibrant and unique neighborhoods, each with its own history, culture, highlights, and challenges. Neighborhood revitalization emphasizes residents’ quality of life, specifically in low-income areas. This approach is a great way to support D.C. while learning more about what makes the city special—its people and neighborhoods. Projects may include: • Neighborhood and park beautification projects (murals, plantings, etc.) • Park clean-up and planting • Blighted property and lot clean-up • Community center support • Neighborhood canvassing and surveying • Storm drain clearing

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

his afternoon, cruise down the Potomac River and see some of Washington’s numerous monuments along the shore.

Enjoy dinner as a group followed by some reflection on and discussion of the day’s activities and what you learned.

Explore Washington by night and view the city’s illuminated monuments and buildings, including the White House, the spectacular Washington Monument, the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, and the FDR and MLK Memorials.

Start the morning with a brief orientation, where you’ll discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and what you learn from the day can be applied to daily life when you return home.

Environmental sustainability is one of the greatest challenges facing the country today. From rising sea levels to sinking wetlands and bayous to natural disasters, the future is dependent upon responding and adapting to climate change. Environmental sustainability projects not only have an immense impact on the community but also provide great educational opportunities for the volunteers. Projects may include: • Working in public green spaces and urban gardens/farms • Ecosystem restoration • Conservation and disaster management projects • Planting trees and rain gardens in flood-prone areas

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the most famous 19th-century African American. His life was a testament to courage and persistence that still serves as an inspiration to those who struggle for liberty and justice. Visitors to the site learn about his efforts to abolish slavery and his struggle for rights for all oppressed people.

Enjoy dinner together followed by some reflection on and discussion of the day’s activities and what you learned.

Visit Georgetown, the oldest section of Washington and home to Georgetown University, and stroll along its lively streets.

Begin the day with a brief orientation to discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and how what you learn from the day can be applied to daily life when you return home.

Education is the key component to the sustainability, long-term growth, and prosperity of a city. From elementary school to high school, a community can only go as far as the quality of its education system. Unfortunately, work is still needed at many schools across the country. Education-related volunteer projects not only provide short- and long-term benefits to the communities served, they also highlight the challenges and benefits of the education system. Projects may include: • School and playground beautification • Classroom and library organization • Painting classrooms • Technology support

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

You’ll have free time to explore the Smithsonian Museum of your choice. Some recommendations are the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of African Art, American Art Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, National Portrait Gallery, and National Postal Museum.

Enjoy dinner as a group followed by some reflection on and discussion of the day’s activities and what you learned.

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Start the morning with a brief orientation, where you’ll discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and how what you learn from the day can be applied to daily life when you return home.

The arts have a tremendous ability to change individuals and groups in positive ways—investment in this area can improve the local economy and increase residents’ quality of life. Volunteer art projects can help cultivate community by communicating the area’s history and bridging the gap between different cultures. Projects may include: • Mural painting • Museum or community art center support • Cemetery clean-up • Working at a local art or music festival

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Tours of the historic Capitol begin with a 13-minute film, "Out of Many, One," which will take you on a journey through our country's struggle to establish the world's first truly representative democracy and introduce you to the magnificent building that houses Congress. Once inside, you’ll see the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. Be sure to visit Exhibition Hall, the only exhibition in the world dedicated to telling the story of the U.S. Congress and building the Capitol, located on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. It features original, rarely seen documents, artifacts, videos, and more.

Have your final group dinner of the trip.

Take a haunted ghost tour of the White House.

This evening, you’ll make the final entries in your Reflection Journal and share some of the most significant observations and perspectives that have taken shape throughout your Service-Learning week in Washington, D.C. We’ll also discuss how these experiences may be most relevant for us all as we return home.

Your rewarding and enjoyable Service-Learning in Washington, D.C. program comes to an end as your Tour Director accompanies your group to the airport on your final day.