“I have had fantastic experiences at nonprofits, and I certainly saw the value in working with different nonprofits together,” says UDC criminal justice professor Tayler Shreve.
This spring, Shreve is doing just that. UDC students are invited to a series of engaging discussions featuring leaders from impactful nonprofit organizations in the D.C. area, March 20-April 4. The Community Changemakers Speaker Series, hosted by the UDC College of Arts and Sciences, is designed to raise awareness of the nonprofit sector and provide students with opportunities for internships and career development.
Among the local nonprofits Shreve has worked with are Sasha Bruce Youthwork, a nonprofit aiming to prevent homelessness, and restorative justice-focused OAR Nova. It’s work she found meaningful and now wants to pay forward by exposing students to organizations that make a difference.
“I really wanted to connect students to the nonprofit space instead of just reading out of a textbook with them,” Shreve says. “I wanted them to gain hands-on experience.”
Attending this series offers students an opportunity to learn, grow and expand their perspectives. By participating in engaging discussions, hands-on activities and volunteering experiences, they can develop new skills towards their academic, personal and professional success.
“Engaging with nonprofits through the Changemaker Series is providing me with the opportunity to not only directly interact with some of the organizations’ leaders but gain a new perspective on the design of these programs,” says UDC administration of justice senior Yemaiyah Allen. “These weekly discussions create a space for my peers and I to ask clarifying questions and dive deeper into the various obstacles they face, as well as celebrate their achievements.”
When choosing organizations for this series, Shreve sought out entities whose missions and values align with the university’s. Speakers from nonprofits such as the School Justice Project and Food Rescue US–DC will share their experiences and provide insights into the challenges and rewards of nonprofit work.
“My hope is that the students gain a deeper understanding of our work combating food waste and hunger” says Kate Urbank, Site Director of Food Rescue US-DC. The nonprofit works with UDC’s Firebird Market on local food rescues.
Urbank also says she’d like students to glean insights into some of the challenges local nonprofits face.
“Directing a social service nonprofit with a small staff that relies on volunteers requires creative thinking, careful budgeting, strong networking, effective communication and resilience to thrive,” she says.
For Allen, interacting with these local organizations has already “opened doors” for possible careers and internships.
"This speaker series is an amazing addition to the UDC community and brings so much more opportunity and attention to the impactful nonprofits in the D.C. area,” Allen says.
Here are the lectures in the Community Changemakers Speaker Series:
March 20 | Elena Pinzon O’Quinn, Lift DC
Empowering parents toward economic mobility through one-on-one coaching
Room 3124
March 27 | Dr. Ameen, A Wider Circle
Advancing equity through community support and advocacy against poverty
Event Space 6
April 3 | Kate Urbank, Food Rescue US - DC
Filling plates, not landfills. Join us in reducing food waste and feeding the hungry.
Room 3124
April 10 | Rachel Goodman, School Justice Project
Advocating for the educational rights of course-involved students with disabilities.
Event Space 6
April 17 | Lindsey Appiah, DC Deputy Mayor of Public Safety and Justice
Dean’s Event Space
April 24 Keesha Ceran, Teaching for Change
Empowering teachers and students to read, write, and change the world
Event Space 6
A session from Girls Rock DC occurred March 6 before the writing of this article.
All lectures begin at 6 p.m. at the UDC Van Ness Campus, building 71, located at 4250 Connecticut Ave. NW. For additional information about the Community Changemakers Speaker Series, contact Tayler Shreve at tayler.shreve@udc.edu