WOMEN AND SCHOOL KIDS JOIN TO BEAUTIFY WASHINGTON, D.C.’S GEORGIA AVE.

Washington D.C.National EventsLeadership of the Heart

Nov 13

Women young and older attending the annual Women's Federation for World Peace conference grabbed brooms and squeegees the morning of Thursday, Oct. 23 to beautify a section of historic Georgia Avenue in Washington, D.C. Their goal: to exemplify and learn from the theme "Learn to Lead Through Service."

Scores of children from four schools in the area participated, too. The schools from the District of Columbia were Bridge Academy, Central Charter Public School, and Paul Charter School, and the one from nearby Prince George's County in Maryland was New Hope Academy.

"I never realized how much serving people made them happy," said one student from New Hope Academy. "We got comments like 'Good job!' and 'You guys are awesome!' from storeowners and people on the street."

Another student said, "We had such a great time working together! It seemed like the more energy we put into cleaning the streets the more we excited each other to do even more and work even harder!"

The service project cleaned and beautified a long section of Georgia Avenue Northwest. The project was part of the 22nd Anniversary National Assembly activities of the Women's Federation for World Peace USA (WFWP). The organization held a one-day conference on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Washington Times Ballroom. More than 200 women attended. The service project began at the Metropolitan Police Department station at 6001 Georgia Ave. NW in Washington, D.C.

A 10 a.m. kickoff meeting at the police station launched the service project. WFWP USA President Angelika Selle greeted all the volunteers and teachers, saying, "Leadership begins with service, not with an attitude of seeking the limelight and coveting titles and accolades, but with an attitude of humility." She went on to remind all present of President John F. Kennedy's famous remark: "Think not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country!"

Thereafter, the main speakers were Keith Holman, a representative from D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray's office; and service project organizer Juanita Pierre-Louis, vice president of WFWP USA. Mr. Holman presented a proclamation from the D.C. government honoring WFWP.

The service project concluded with a community gathering and final remarks at the police station at 2 p.m., followed by a tasty lunch donated by nearby pizza and chicken restaurants.