service organization

Dear friends, Please join Wake Up DC for an afternoon of mindful volunteering in celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service. We will gather at Picnic Pavilion 29 in Rock Creek Park at noon to enjoy an hour of sitting, walking, and tea meditation, as well as sharing about our teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's friendship and collaboration with Martin Luther King Jr. At 1 PM, we will join Rock Creek Conservancy at Piney Branch Mini-Oasis for \~2 hrs of litter clean up. Please register for the litter clean up here: [MLK Day: Litter Cleanup at Piney Branch](https://secure.everyaction.com/O4cXKayJNEqP3Do6iscONA2?referrer=luma) From Rock Creek Conservancy: **What to Wear:** Please dress appropriately for the work and weather. We recommend wearing sturdy boots or sneakers and long layers, including pants and long sleeves - this ensures safety and reduces likelihood of exposure to nuisances like poison ivy. **What to bring:** We recommend bringing water, and snacks if desired. Tools and supplies will be provided. Please bring your own gloves if you have them. **Weather/Cancellation Policy:** All participants will be notified via email at least 12 hours before the event start time if an event is canceled due to inclement weather. If you do not hear from us you should assume the event will occur as scheduled. **Please do NOT attend this event if you are or have been experiencing symptoms of illness.**

### **A Day of Restoration for Those Who Serve** On Martin Luther King Jr.’s National Day of Service, we pause to honor not only the act of serving others, but the hearts and minds of those who give so much of themselves every day. Caregivers, teachers, government workers, leaders, medical professionals, healers, parents, activists, and community servers often place everyone else’s needs before their own. Over time, this quiet self-sacrifice can lead to exhaustion, emotional depletion, and loss of inner clarity. This special session offers a sacred space to rest, reflect, and replenish. Through an uplifting talk and guided meditation, we will explore how self-care is not selfish, but essential, especially for those committed to service. You’ll reconnect with your inner strength, restore emotional balance, and leave feeling renewed, supported, and seen. Serving others begins with caring for yourself. **You give so much, this day is for you!** ***Sister Dr. Jenna*** *is a spiritual mentor, author, radio and TV personality, renowned speaker, and the founder of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum located in Maryland. She hosted the popular America Meditating Radio Show and is a recipient of the President’s Lifetime National Community Service Award. Sister Dr. Jenna is a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, a group of thought leaders from diverse disciplines in service to conscious evolution and was selected by Empower A Billion Women 2020 as one of 100 most influential leaders of 2015.* *She is the author of “[Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices](https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Experiences-Contemplative-Practices-Sentience/dp/194502691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A4J9WRQ16QAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.va3qPnUsFjEWH641OraGTqBHm8wDhdhrTu3hpjHufKo.7mA_AgIvDXQuQ9_Uu4ucZgQIOKmCfKb6yBHsIqamhPY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Meditation%3A+Intimate+Experiences+with+the+Divine+through+Contemplative+Practices&qid=1753065633&sprefix=meditation+intimate+experiences+with+the+divine+through+contemplative+practices%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-1 "https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Experiences-Contemplative-Practices-Sentience/dp/194502691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A4J9WRQ16QAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.va3qPnUsFjEWH641OraGTqBHm8wDhdhrTu3hpjHufKo.7mA_AgIvDXQuQ9_Uu4ucZgQIOKmCfKb6yBHsIqamhPY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Medita"),” a profound compilation featuring insights from over 30 contributing authors and she contributed to “[Mr. President – Interfaith Perspectives on the Historic Presidency of Barack H. Obama,](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-President-Interfaith-Perspectives-Presidency/dp/1939774306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LXE3LGDPJ6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lSb0fzkCXPXp-Gf4ReVNoA.5hIb1TKNvtmLu65w2R4-l13WjyXAzF-rRFtQzDsRTcg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mr.+President+%E2%80%93+Interfaith+Perspectives+on+the+Historic+Presidency+of+Barack+H.+Obama%2C&qid=1753065692&sprefix=mr.+president+interfaith+perspectives+on+the+historic+presidency+of+barack+h.+obama%2C%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1 "https://www.amazon.com/Mr-President-Interfaith-Perspectives-Presidency/dp/1939774306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38LXE3LGDPJ6C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lSb0fzkCXPXp-Gf4ReVNoA.5hIb1TKNvtmLu65w2R4-l13WjyXAzF-rRFtQzDsRTcg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mr.+President+%E2%80%93+Interfaith+P")” offering her unique spiritual insights on leadership and unity.* Monday, Jan. 19th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/LkeU1](https://shorturl.at/LkeU1)

This event combines a beautiful, slow-paced neighborhood walk through Adams Morgan (ADMO) with a meaningful day of service in honor of MLK Day. The approximately 3.0-mile loop begins at Pitango Café (1841 Columbia Rd NW) and winds through local streets and parks as we pick up litter and help protect our neighborhood environment. Much of the trash found in our community eventually washes into the Potomac River during rainstorms, and this walk offers a simple but impactful way to make a difference. Our route will pass through Kalorama and Waterside, continue down to the Zoo Loop, and return via Walter Pierce and Unity Parks. Gloves, bags, and masks will be provided, and the walking surfaces will be paved sidewalks and asphalt paths. The pace will be relaxed, but participants should be comfortable walking three miles and should use their judgment if they have back or mobility concerns. Please bring water, snacks, layered clothing, and sturdy, comfortable footwear. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, and optional brunch in Adams Morgan afterward is available for those who would like to join. This is a joint hike between the ADMO Hiking Club and the Sierra Club. All hikers will be required to sign the Sierra Club waiver form to participate. Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. Also, you can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club website: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia) Dupont Circle is the closest Metro stop (.6 miles). Bus routes C51, C53, D70, and D74 are all within a couple blocks of Pitango. There is metered and free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Please arrive early so you have enough time to find parking.

Volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles to help us get them back out in the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

This event combines a beautiful, slow-paced neighborhood walk through Adams Morgan (ADMO) with a meaningful day of service in honor of MLK Day. The approximately 3.0-mile loop begins at Pitango Café (1841 Columbia Rd NW) and winds through local streets and parks as we pick up litter and help protect our neighborhood environment. Much of the trash found in our community eventually washes into the Potomac River during rainstorms, and this walk offers a simple but impactful way to make a difference. Our route will pass through Kalorama and Waterside, continue down to the Zoo Loop, and return via Walter Pierce and Unity Parks. Gloves, bags, and masks will be provided, and the walking surfaces will be paved sidewalks and asphalt paths. The pace will be relaxed, but participants should be comfortable walking three miles and should use their judgment if they have back or mobility concerns. Please bring water, snacks, layered clothing, and sturdy, comfortable footwear. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, and optional brunch in Adams Morgan afterward is available for those who would like to join. This is a joint hike between the ADMO Hiking Club and the Sierra Club. All hikers will be required to sign the Sierra Club waiver form to participate. Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. Also, you can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club website: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia) Dupont Circle is the closest Metro stop (.6 miles). Bus routes C51, C53, D70, and D74 are all within a couple blocks of Pitango. There is metered and free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Please arrive early so you have enough time to find parking.

Join us for Career Night to learn how our agency works, what we do, and how you can earn part-time or full-time income helping families with financial literacy and protection.

Volunteers collect, store, and deliver donated furniture and other household items, free of charge, to needy families in the Annandale, Bailey’s Crossroads, and Culmore areas. The furniture is stored in a building donated by Annandale United Methodist Church. ACCA receives requests for furniture through Fairfax County human services staff and specialized agencies, churches, and schools. ACCA churches and community volunteers take turns providing teams of volunteers to work at the warehouse located at 6935 Columbia Pike on Saturday mornings. [https://accacares.org/furniture/](https://accacares.org/furniture/)

♠️😲♠️ W.O.W. Spades Night ♠️😲♠️ Washington on Wednesday (W.O.W.) - 3rd Wednesday Spades in DC 🌟Spades in DC! 😀 Hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! ✅️ No partner needed! Find one onsite. All skill levels are welcome. 📌 Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken - Navy Yard 300 Tingey St SE #150, Washington, DC 20003 ❤️ **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚌 One block from Navy Yard Metro Station 🚗 Street and Garage Parking available. **** 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! 🍗 Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. 🌟 The fun starts at 5:30pm! RSVP today.

Welcoming in 2026 with our first meeting and social of the year! **New Location: Colony Grill in Clarendon** Whether you've been around a while, or have never heard of us - All are welcome, and we hope to see you there 🍕👥🍕👥🍕 ---------------------------------------------------------- **Leadership development through community service.** The Arlington Jaycees is the premier civic organization of Arlington and the surrounding DMV. We provide young adults [ages 21-40] with opportunities for community service and outreach, personal & professional growth, business networking, and social engagement. We are a local branch of the Junior Chamber International, which provides the opportunity to build lifelong connections both at home and abroad! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/arlingtonjaycees?igsh=ZHd0cml3ZXh2MXFu&utm_source=qr) for more 👀

Please join us for our first social gathering of 2026! This month, we'll be gathering at Busboys and Poets, Takoma Park. Located only a short walk from the Takoma Park metro, Busboys and Poets is a restaurant, bar, bookstore and community gathering place. First established in 2005, Busboys and Poets was founded by owner Andy Shallal [(@andyshallal)](https://twitter.com/andyshallal), an artist, activist, and restaurateur. After opening the flagship location at 14th and V Streets, NW DC, the neighboring residents, and the progressive community embraced Busboys and Poets, particularly activists opposed to the Iraq War. Busboys and Poets is now located in nine distinctive neighborhoods in the Washington D.C Metropolitan and Baltimore areas. Busboys and Poets is a cultural hub for artists, activists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers. This is a new venue for our meetups, so please note that all accessibility information was gathered over the phone and has not been verified in person as of yet. Service animals and companions are welcome!

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. Our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:15am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Volunteer with Mid-OH Food Collective Mid-OH Market 4041 Gantz Rd Grove City, OH 43123 -fill carts with boxes -help support the various stations inside the Market -help scan groceries at the check-out stand -help repackage groceries into shopping after being scanned -help deliver groceries to customer vehicles Some volunteers will help load groceries into vehicles so dress in layers as needed. RSVP by contacting Renee with name, email, phone # 614-257-9389 or reneelquillet@gmail.com

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

🎉 You’re Invited! 🍩 Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a fun community gathering at Monster Baby Donuts, a vegan, peanut & gluten-free, local family-owned business that just opened their new storefront! They started as a beloved food truck, and now they have a permanent location. 📍 700 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205 🗓 Saturday, January 31 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come enjoy amazing donuts, meet other vegans, and help grow our community with people who share your values. It’s a great opportunity to connect, support a local vegan business, and have a good time. 🥪🥗 The shop also has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. 🚗 Ample parking in the back. Everyone is welcome — see you there! 🌱💚

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.