Volunteer Resources

Serving the Wounded Child: What Advocates Need to Know

November 14, 2019

6pm - 8:00pm

500 Indiana Ave. NW, Courtroom 214

RSVP to Amada Crespin by November 11

Community Training Opportunities

(Note: These trainings are not held by CASA for Children of DC)

The Psychology of Dysfunctional Relationships

November 6th, 10am-12pm

Wesley Room, 3655 Calvert St NW (Register)

This information session addresses the psychological foundations for unhealthy relationship building. Trauma will serve as the reference for outcomes such as mistrust, poor attachment, neglect & abuse, co-dependency, and domestic violence, and why they are allowed to persist. An open discussion on how this affects our service exchanges and how to move towards healthy outlets will complete this workshop.

The Psychology of Dysfunctional Relationships

November 6th, 10am-12pm

Wesley Room, 3655 Calvert St NW (Register)

This information session addresses the psychological foundations for unhealthy relationship building. Trauma will serve as the reference for outcomes such as mistrust, poor attachment, neglect & abuse, co-dependency, and domestic violence, and why they are allowed to persist. An open discussion on how this affects our service exchanges and how to move towards healthy outlets will complete this workshop.

Protecting Children from Online Exploitation

Wednesday November 6, 2019, 2-4pm

Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2168 (RSVP)

At the symposium, “Protecting Children from Online Exploitation” experts will discuss the reality of harms many children experience online today, such as the impacts of social media on the developing brain, predatory access and grooming of children for sexual abuse, childhood pornography exposure, sex trafficking, and traffic in child sexual abuse images and videos, and will provide urgent policy recommendations.

Ensuring Equity: LGBQ/GNCT Youth and the Juvenile Justice System

Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 3-4pm

Webinar, Coalition for Juvenile Justice (Register)

This webinar will share new data about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning, gender nonconforming and transgender (LGBQ/GNCT) youth involved in these juvenile justice systems, identifying the specific locations in the system where they are the most overrepresented. Attendees will learn about the intersection of juvenile justice and youth who identify as LGBQ/GNCT, successful state and local programs that address this population, and how provisions in the JJDPA should be applied in an equitable way for all youth. This webinar is free for CJJ members.

Separate and Unequal: How School Investment and Integration Matters for Educational Opportunity and Attainment

Thursday November 14, 2019, 9-10:30am

Russell Senate Office Building, Room 325 (RSVP by Nov 12)

This briefing will share the research on how school segregation affects student achievement, why school desegregation benefits all students, and what policies can most effectively support school integration. During this briefing, speakers will discuss: New findings documenting the large racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in educational opportunities and success and the role of segregation in those disparities and findings that school integration efforts in the 1970s and 1980s were overwhelmingly successful in improving outcomes both in school and later in life. 

Racial Justice Series: Restorative Justice

Thursday November 14, 2019, 6:30-8:30pm

White & Case, 701 13thSt NW (RSVP)

The event will start with a light reception, followed by Healing Justice, and then a discussion led by Seema Gajwani, Special Counsel for Juvenile Justice Reform and Chief of the Restorative Justice and Victim Services Section of the DC Office of the Attorney General. In a country with the highest incarceration rate in the world, Healing Justice addresses why restorative and healing methods are effective means of remedying the inequities in the current American justice system and its effect on marginalized communities.

Trauma and Brain Science: Is My Brain Really Elastic?

Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 3:30-4:30pm

Webinar, The Innocent Justice Foundation, OJJDP (Register)

This webinar will address how brain science explains the quality of elasticity in our brain function. It will describe how we can use this quality to develop new behaviors and thinking patterns that help us build resilience and wellness. Participants will learn how to identify more subtle, long-term impacts of trauma on their belief systems and how to engage in positive changes using what we know about elasticity.

Uniting Voices to Eliminate Violence Against Women (RSVP)

Wednesday November 20, 2019, 11-1:00pm

Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2168

In honor of the anniversary of the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, Women’s Freedom Forum is holding its 9th annual Congressional photo exhibition event to address the implications and consequences of violence against women and girls worldwide, and the history and advancements of the movement to stop violence against women. Speakers will discuss research on human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and supporting suvivors of cultural abuse. 

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Teaching Social Emotional Competencies in Mentoring Programs

Thursday November 21, 2019, 1-2:15pm

Webinar, Mentoring.org / OJJDP (Register)

This webinar will explore a national definition of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and how mentoring can contribute to young people’s social emotional development. Presenters will discuss successful strategies of integrating the Search Institute Assets of social emotional learning into a mentoring strategy, interviewing to assess SEL competence, and assessing SEL progress in program evaluation.

DC Early Childhood Summit

Friday, December 6, 2019, 7:30am-4;30pm

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Rd NW (Register)

If you work with young children in any capacity, or care about early childhood educators, we invite you to join nearly 4,000 early childhood professionals at the District of Columbia’s Early Childhood Summit: Brighter Futures Start Here on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019. Highlights include: Free registration including swag bag, breakfast and lunch; Keynote session - Building Your Bounce: 23 Questions That Can Change the Way You Look at Life; Breakout sessions with local and national early childhood experts focused on trauma informed practices; and The collective launch of DC’s plan to help families with children birth to five years old.

Sustaining Youth Collaboration in Programs and State Advisory Groups

Tuesday, December 12, 2019, 3-4pm

Webinar, Coalition of Juvenile Justice (Register)

This webinar will discuss the challenges of youth collaboration and offer solutions to those challenges, and help participants ensure young people play a vital role in shaping their advocacy initiatives, policy recommendations, and organizational goals.

Webinar Recordings:

Implementing a Whole Child Approach

The Barras Report: DC Community Forum on Child and Youth Trauma

Impact of Early Trauma on the Developing Brain (.75 hours, includes module with course certificate)

Events for CASAs/Youth

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Every 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 1-4pm

Project Create Studio, 2028 MLK Jr Ave, SE

Family Art Day

During this all ages program, the community can create art projects and enjoy refreshments. This event is free and open to the public...please spread the word! Project Create is a community-based nonprofit that promotes creative youth development through multi-disciplinary arts education and enrichment.

Every 3rd Saturday of the Month, 5pm

Busboys and Poets, 1025 5th St NW

Youth Open Mic

Youth-focused and youth-led, Youth Open Mic is a monthly series that features student poets, singers, musicians, and actors from the DC/Maryland/Virginia area. Middle school and high school students are encouraged to come share their art in our supportive, progressive, artistic atmosphere. Youth Open Mic is presented by Busboys and Poets in partnership with DC Youth Slam Team and Split This Rock.

Webinar Recordings:

Implementing a Whole Child Approach

The Barras Report: DC Community Forum on Child and Youth Trauma

Impact of Early Trauma on the Developing Brain (.75 hours, includes module with course certificate)

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Activities with Youth

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Kids Euro Festival 2019

October 26th - November 10th

Different locations around the DC Metro Area

Now in its 12th year, Kids Euro Festival is one of the largest performing arts festivals for children in America, bringing Europe's most talented children's entertainers to the DC metro area each fall for two weeks of free performances, concerts, workshops, cooking lessons, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, magic, and cinema. Schedule of Events

Finding Grants for College Students

Thursday November 7th, 4-5pm

Laurel PG Library, 507 7th Street, Laurel, MD 

Are you looking for college or graduate student funding? Join us to create your own educational funding plan. Leave with a plan of action to get funded. Register

The Nao Santa Maria

Thursday November 7th - Friday November 15th, 10am-6pm

The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave SW

The Nao Santa María is one of the most famous ships of humanity. On October 12, 1492, captained by Christopher Columbus, the boat sailed into one of the most important milestones in history: the Discovery of America. The visit consists of a self guided tour through the 4 decks of the Santa María, where you can find informative panels with the history of the ship, ornamental elements of the time and talk with the crew to feel how to live the Spanish sailors 500 years ago. Tickets $5-10

Teen Financial Literacy Workshop

Saturday, November 9, 10:30am-12:30pm

Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd NE

You are cordially invited to the Teen Financial Literacy Workshop. This workshop is designed to develop the financial manager within our teens. It will lay a strong foundation by exploring concepts in banking, budgeting, credit score and other money matters.

The World and Me Family Program: How Fossils Get to the Museum

Saturday, November 9, 11am

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Theater in Q?rius, Ground Floor

Led by museum educators, families will explore the different jobs and responsibilities that go into caring for fossils, from discovery in the field to storage at the museum. After reading the book, “How the Dinosaur Got to the Museum” by Jessie Hartland, young children and their families will have the opportunity to sift for, identify, and explore fossils and bones. Please note that while all are welcome, these programs are designed for ages 3 to 8. $2 registration fee per person. The World and Me Family Program is held every second Saturday of the month. 

The Magical World of Children's Songs

Saturday, November 9, 11am

Sitar Arts Center, 1700 Kalorama Rd NW

Presented by The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, this free event is part of the 12th annual Kids Euro Festival which promotes free activities celebrating European arts and culture. Little ones will enjoy the children songs while older kiddos will appreciate the folktales and storytelling.

Free Screening: Early Man

Saturday, November 9, 11am

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

The latest from Aardman Animation, the award-winning tribe behind WALLACE & GROMIT, CHICKEN RUN, and SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE, this delightful prehistoric romp tells the epic story of one caveman, his goofy friends, and the sacred game of soccer. Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the Earth, EARLY MAN follows courageous caveman hero Dug (Oscar®-winner Eddie Redmayne) and his best friend, Hognob, as they unite their tribe against a mighty enemy — Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston) and his Bronze Age City — to save their home.RATED PG. Tickets are free, but limited to 4 per reservation. Age 7+

Free Screening: Gordon and Paddy

Sunday, November 10, 11am

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Swedish filmmaker Linda Hambäck creates an engrossing forest world filled with magical creatures in this charming tale of friendship. Blooming with charm, this wonderful story challenges our perceptions — including what we might expect from a tiny mouse and big, bad fox. Tickets are free, but limited to 4 per reservation. Age 7+

Animal Feeding - Turtles

Saturday, November 16th, 1pm

Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 Marcey Rd, Arlington, VA 22207

The turtles at Potomac Overlook Regional Park are ready for lunch! Guests can watch land and water turtles feed and learn how to identify these remarkable creatures. Participants can expect to see resident Box Turtles, Painted Turtles, and Snapping Turtle. It is important to note that families should meet in the nature center. $5 per person. 

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Peter and Friends

Saturday, November 23rd & Sunday November 24th, Times Vary

The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW

Venture with a boy and his animal friends through the forest. This wild adventure features actors, puppets, and a quintet of woodwind and brass musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra. Come early for a Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo" Starting one hour before the 10 & 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances on Sat., Nov. 23 and the 1 p.m, 2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. performances on Sun., Nov. 24, hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they'll see played on the stage. Infants to 5+. Tickets $20. 

Family Look-In: The Magic Flute

Saturday, November 23rd, 1-2pm

The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW

In this introduction to opera designed for children and families, audience members will experience excerpts from The Magic Flute along with insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects such as lighting, scene changes, costuming, and more that go into creating stage magic. A whimsical production designed by children’s author/illustrator Maurice Sendak sets a playful landscape for this enchanting fairy tale. Join handsome prince Tamino and his silly sidekick Papageno as they set out on a fantastic journey to rescue the kidnapped Pamina in this special opera exploration. Come early for a Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo"—and to interact with real props and costumes! Starting one hour before the performance hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they'll see played on the stage. This is a sensory-friendly performance. Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families, including those with children with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Best for ages 5+. Tickets begin at $15. 

ZooLights

Friday, November 29th - January 1st, 5-9pm

Smithsonian National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW

Smithsonian’s National Zoo in celebrating the holidays with its annual free lights festival: ZooLights, powered by Pepco. The Zoo will be illuminated for 31 nights — from Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, 2019 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over half-a-million brightly colored environmentally friendly LED lights and animal-shaped displays will transform the Zoo’s trees, walkways and buildings into a dynamic and colorful winter wonderland.

Museum Kids Club: Fall Family Day

Saturday, November 30th, 11am-4pm

Prince Georges African American Museum and Cultural Center, 4519 Rhode Island Ave, North Brentwood, MD

Float into fall with the PGAAMCC Museum Kids Club! Story time with a take home craft, steel pan performances, and a special Kids Tour of the Museum! Free.

DC Holiday Boat Parade

Saturday, December 7th, 6-9pm

The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave SW

Watch beautifully decorated boats pass by The Wharf at this annual DC holiday event. Other activities include ornament decoration, a Camp Wharf fire pit where sweet tooths can enjoy s’more making. For those who need more action, the Wharf also offers an ice skating rink. The whole family can meet Santa at the lighted Christmas tree, and for the cherry on top, the night will also have fireworks and live music, an event sure to make its mark as a holiday memory to cherish. Free.

Stripes of All Types

Saturday, December 14th, 10:30am-12pm

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Theater in Q?rius, Ground Floor

Join us in welcoming special guest, author and illustrator Susan Stockdale! She will read and demonstrate how she created her book, Stripes of All Types, which celebrates the variety of stripes found on animals around the world. After her presentation, participants will do a craft activity to take home with them, and have the opportunity to purchase their own book to be personally inscribed by Ms. Stockdale. Please note that while all are welcome, these programs are designed for ages 3 to 8. $2 registration fee per person. The World and Me Family Program is held every second Saturday of the month. 

Family Art Day

Every 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 1-4pm

Project Create Studio, 2028 MLK Jr Ave, SE

During this all ages program, the community can create art projects and enjoy refreshments. This event is free and open to the public...please spread the word! Project Create is a community-based nonprofit that promotes creative youth development through multi-disciplinary arts education and enrichment.

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