Volunteers play a pivotal role in CC,CD’s delivery of services. They are, and can be, involved in a wide range of direct services activities, including, among other things, appearing and talking a bit about their experiences, and interacting to hear the kids on Career Day and in our Leadership Program, to picking up a paintbrush, hammer, or gardening tool to help improve our schools, supporting an Arts and Crafts Program at our events, getting involved with our Literature and Drama and Conflict Resolution Programs, to much, much, more. Volunteers can also support CC,CD in other ways, from joining our Advisors Group to helping attain partnerships in the community to other higher level efforts at advancing CC,CD’s mission.

Volunteers have also come from groups and organizations, ranging from college alumni associations to student classes to law firms and more, and CC,CD can provide a great opportunity for an organization to foster spirit and give back to their community. No matter what a volunteer may offer, it will be with direct and hands on involvement with CC,CD’s people and mission, providing the meaningful and direct satisfaction that their efforts confer direct and tangible results for the communities we serve. And, experience tells us volunteers can “get” as much as they “give.” From “this was one of the most gratifying experience of my life,” to “I [leader of volunteer group] am so grateful to your all for your time, efforts, energy, hospitality, and just genuine spirit in helping us come together and create something amazing today.”

Russell Smith and John Huggins

Russell and John distinguished several sessions of CC,CD’s Leadership Program with their knowledge and experience, and, in Russell’s case, with the political process. Among many other things, he facilitated an engaging visit with a District of Columbia Council Member. John Huggins contributed his experience as a businessman and ‘serial entrepreneur’ to enhance the students’ sense of possibilities in the business and working world.

Frances Mbachu, Monica Dodge, and Scott Freedman

Working to facilitate CC,CD’s Untold Stories Program, Frances, Monica and Scott provided guidance and support all along the way from inception to final Story Slam and publication of finished product. Working to facilitate CC,CD’s Untold Stories Program, Frances, Monica and Scott provided guidance and support all along the way from inception to final Story Slam and publication of finished product.