I’ve always been engaged in my community — I regularly volunteer with LearnServe, an amazing social entrepreneurship program for high school students; I’m chair of the Board of Directors of New Endeavors by Women, a wonderful organization that transforms women’s lives by providing housing, fostering the development of life skills, and promoting education and employment to end the cycle of homelessness; and I volunteer with the Arlington Democrats to help campaign during state and local elections.
But in recent months, I’ve been wanting to do more to help others and my community. So I became the change I wanted to see in the world. I am excited to announce two recent opportunities that have come to fruition:
Commission on the Status of Women: Among Arlington County (VA)’s 50 standing advisory groups designed to increase community input and focus on specific community needs and problems, the CSW serves as a community advocate and resource on the social and economic interests of all Arlington women. As a member of the commission, I will help to empower women in Arlington and advocate on their behalf.
The Arlington Neighborhood College: Started in 2000, the Neighborhood College is a free civic leadership development program for people who live and work in Arlington and want to get more involved in their community. Since it began, 342 Arlingtonians have graduated from the program, many of whom have gone on to become civic association leaders, advisory boards members, volunteers at nonprofit organizations and local activists. As a participant, I hope to learn how to best solving neighborhood issues and devote energy to community activities.
I am beyond excited to get started and I look forward to becoming more engaged with my community to enact change at the local level.