November 2023 Roundup

This past week, we had a fantastic time connecting with our new class of local nonprofit partners, celebrating our 2023 Changemakers, and joining local giving circles in voting for the Community Choice Awards!

Every year, our Community Changemakers event kicks off a season of inspiration and action here at Spur Local. Up next, our Give Local Together community campaign on #GivingTuesday (November 28) will highlight 250+ critical local nonprofits you can learn more about and support! We'll also be hosting our second annual Gratitude Crawl in partnership with local businesses so that we can shop, eat, drink, and give local together. Stay tuned for more details! ??

Volunteer Opportunities

?? This November and December, Dog Tag Bakery is looking for volunteers to help them put together holiday gift boxes at their bakery. Dates and times will be posted soon, so sign up here to learn more. Groups welcome!

??? Edu-Futuro is always looking to expand their team of volunteers! One-time volunteer commitments include serving as a career panelist or scholarship judge, while seasonal opportunities include mentoring and more. Indicate your interest here.

Search for more ongoing volunteer opportunities by issue area, location, group size, and time on our website.

Job Opportunities

Spur Local collates job openings from our nonprofit partners as a resource for our community. For more information or to apply for the positions listed below, please reach out to the appropriate organization directly.

Full-Time Positions

Communications Director | Dog Tag | $90,000 - $100,000. Contact [email protected].

Development Manager | One World Education | $70,000 - $80,000. Contact [email protected].

Entry-Level | Communications Coordinator | FRESHFARM | $52,000 - $60,000. Contact Julie Margolies at [email protected].

Part-Time Positions

Entry-Level | Development Assistant | Dance Place | $22 per hour. Contact Rebecca Gushue at [email protected].

Entry-Level | Program Support Coordinator | Playtime Project | $22-24 per hour. Contact Selma Siddig at [email protected].

Events

Find upcoming nonprofit events and timely volunteer opportunities on our website! Upcoming ones include:

• New Voices New Works: Act One - Play Festival at Anacostia Playhouse | November 13, 20
• The Platform of Hope Family Saturday Thanksgiving | November 18
• Fairfax Turkey Trot benefitting Britepaths | November 23

And more...

?? As part of the Shakespeare Everywhere Festival on Saturday, November 18, Studio Acting Conservatory presents Try It In Translation, a compare and contrast of passages from Shakespeare's folio with newly updated/translated works from Play On Shakespeare, which has commissioned a group of largely women and BIPOC playwrights to update language for better understanding of the text. This fascinating and fun dive into the language of the Bard will be helmed by the Conservatory's founder, Joy Zinoman, with a group of actors. ??? Registration recommended (free) | November 18, 3-5pm | Washington, DC

?? The 18th Annual Arlington Turkey Trot is back on Thanksgiving Day this year. One of the most anticipated Arlington events of the year, the Trot has been able to donate over $1 million dollars to local nonprofits throughout Arlington. This family-friendly 5K course is open for walking, jogging, running -- all are welcome to have fun with your neighbors while supporting the community! After crossing the finish line in Lyon Park, stay on for the party with music and an awards ceremony. All proceeds from the race are donated to 17 local nonprofits including Arlington Thrive, Phoenix Bikes, Kitchen of Purpose, and more. ??? Registration required ($25-50) | November 23, 8am | Arlington, VA

?? Experience Fellowship Square's Winter Wonderland fundraiser on Thursday, December 14, complete with savory wines & craft beers, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, and the camaraderie of friends! They improve the lives of 800+ older adults with limited income and resources by providing them with affordable housing and supportive services. Get artwork calendars from residents during the event, along with exciting raffle prizes. ??? Registration required ($50) | December 14, 6:30-8:30pm | Reston, VA

News & Happenings

??? "The question of what will keep us safe is rarely posed to the people who are most directly impacted by violence. Ask the community, and they will tell you." We recently published this piece in collaboration with 730DC and DC Justice Lab to share more about the story behind their work and why sustainable change cannot happen without the expertise of the community that is most impacted.

"Many people don’t actually want people of color deciding what the words on the page are," said Patrice Sulton, Founder and Executive Director of DC Justice Lab, and 2023 Spur Local Changemaker. "We’re teaching community members where the levers of power are, and how they can change and effectuate the world they want to see and as they envision it." Read the full article here.

??? Yasmine Arrington, Executive Director of ScholarCHIPS, has been selected as this year's Top 10 CNN Heroes! Growing up, she knew firsthand the challenges that came with having an incarcerated parent. When she was 16, she founded ScholarCHIPS to help other teens with incarcerated parents through scholarships, mentoring, and a network of support.

They have since awarded over $450,000 in scholarships and other aid, supporting more than 80 scholars who are working towards their college degrees. Learn more and vote for Yasmine Arrington to win an additional $100,000 as CNN's 2023 Hero of the Year!

Missed last month's roundup? View more volunteer and job opportunities from October 2023.

Have feedback on this newsletter or other thoughts you want to share? Reach out to Amanda Liaw, Spur Local's Communications & Marketing Manager, at [email protected]!