WFWP DC Annual Day of Service: Learning to Lead through Service

On a beautiful sunny day, October 17th, 2019, the Women’s Federation for World Peace, Washington DC chapter brought together 115 people (83 students and 32 adults) for a huge clean up project known as the Annual Day of Service.

As the students started arriving, the momentum began to build. The first ones came from Brightwood Education Campus, a public school in DC. We were all smiles as we waited in anticipation for students from the Calvin Coolidge Senior High School, Maryland’s New Hope Academy, Home School with Mother Love, Meauvell Tate and last but not least, the Center City Public Charter School, who had 48 students and several councilors. This year we were so many that we could not all fit in the community room at the 4th District Metropolitan Police Station on Georgia Avenue. We didn’t have enough chairs or t-shirts for everyone.

 David Williams of the DC Department of Public Works (DPW), through their Helping Hands Program, delivered the brooms, rakes, dust pans, trash bags, and shovels for the 7th year since we started the program. 

After giving out cleaning materials, students headed out to clean up the historical Georgia Avenue from Van Buren Street to Madison Street NW. Students were motivated knowing that they were giving back to the community by cleaning. They collected nine bags of garbage.

Upon returning to the police department, students came up and shared their experiences. One student said, “Cleaning made me feel good inside and knowing that I’m helping to save the earth was a nice feeling.” After that they had lunch, which was donated by local businesses.

While students were eating, speakers from the mayor's office, Ward 4 Councilmember's office, the 4th district Police Department, teachers and counselors spoke to the students. All speakers encouraged the students to continue doing something good in their communities and also applauded them for coming out for the Day of Service.

The students also had a chance to dialogue briefly with some of the police officers (Officer Kori Barrett, Officer Elvin Green, Officer Danielle Vitatoe and Lt. Charles Barnes-Tutt) as well as play a round of trivia about the District of Columbia with Lieutenant Troy Jessup and Captain Franklin Porter. The students with the correct answers each received a crisp twenty dollar bill courtesy of the captain and lieutenant. Ten winners received the cash price and everyone who participated received sweet treats as parting gifts from 4th District Metro Police Department.

Ms. Meauvell Tate, a homeschool teacher said, “My student enjoyed interacting with students and educators from other schools. It was also great to hear from the police officers. Thanks to WFWP for the great example of leadership you set for the next generation.”

We are grateful that the DC Mayor Muriel Bowser sent a representative, Jasmine Benab, with a proclamation and a check of 200 dollars for students’ t-shirts. Another proclamation was brought in by LaRoya Huff, a community coordinator from the office of Brandon Todd, who represents Ward 4 on the Council of Washington, DC. 

As WFWP USA’s motto for this year says, “Lead with heart: Uplift, Collaborate and Transform,” we uplifted the students, collaborated with the police officers, Mayor Bowser’s office and Councilmember Todd’s office, and transformed Georgia Avenue by beautifying it.

This community service project really brings people together, both youth and adults. “Living by the logic of love does not end with loving our fellow human beings but also includes keeping our environment safe and clean,” says Elizabeth Aihe, chairwoman of the WFWP DC chapter.

Students cleaning the local Fire Department

A special thank you goes to David Williams of the DPW for delivering the tools and bags as well as the coordination of the trash pickup necessary to make this event a success. “He comes through for us every year,” said Derek Staten, the community outreach coordinator for the 4th District of the Metro Police Department.

WFWP DC Chapter Chairwoman Elizabeth Aihe and Co-chairs Min. Chi Mauuso and Jane Karimi would like to thank the following:

∙         WFWP USA national office for sponsoring the Day of Service

∙         DC Mayor Muriel Bowser for the proclamation and $200 donation for students’ T-shirts

∙         DC Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd for the proclamation

∙         Local businesses: WAPA Cafe, Missouri Avenue Market, Richie Café, Papa John’s and Wonder Chicken for food donation

The five schools which participated:

∙         New Hope Academy, MD – 6 students led by Mrs. Beverly Berndt, teacher

∙         Calvin Coolidge High School, DC – 15 students led by Mrs. Linda James, school counselor, accompanied by a school social worker.

∙         Center City Public Charter School, DC – 48 students led by Mrs. Lori Farrar, school counselor, accompanied by 4 teachers.

∙         Brightwood Education Campus, DC – 13 students led by Mrs. Ariana Roland, school counselor, accompanied by Ms. Elizabeth Castillo, social worker, and one teacher

∙         Home School – 1 student accompanied by  Ms. Meauvell Tate, teacher

∙         WFWP members and all volunteers.  A BIG THANK YOU!

Report written by Elizabeth Aihe, chairwoman of WFWP DC chapter, with contributions by Min. Chi Mauuso, co-chair and, Derek Staten, a community outreach coordinator for 4th District Metropolitan Police Department.