Current PAFs and a panel of four PAF alumni “change makers” came together to host a workshop on “How to Make Change” for the university’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Leadership on January 18th, hosted by longtime PAF placement, the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service. Over 600 GW students, alumni, and community members came together for the annual day of service to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Participants served with 13 community partners both on- and off-campus to paint lockers with U.S. Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, create wellness kits for homeless LGBTQ youth in the District, and develop classroom materials for local preschools. To enhance their service experiences, participants also had the opportunity to engage in workshops hosted by various groups, organizations, and researchers, including the PAF program.
The PAFamily was pleased to have four alumni share their experiences and provide insight on how to make change and pursue social justice. Our alumni represented a variety of perspectives and inspired participants to make change in their own communities.
Austin Frizzell, CCAS BA ’13, SPH MPH ’15, Membership Assistant at Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, discussed power dynamics and how they affect communities. He also talked about how students could get involved and affect change in the District by working with organizations such as ONE DC, a partner of the Nashman Center.
Titi (Williams-Davies) Harley, GWSB BBA ’07 MBA ’09, Consultant at UPD Consulting, taught participants the value of listening in advocacy and checking your assumptions. She also discussed how to find your voice and use social media as a tool for leverage.
Josh Lasky, CCAS BA ’07 MPA ’09, Green Apple Program Manager at the U.S. Green Building Council, discussed the value of collaboration, provided participants with information on a variety tools for learning about the causes they are passionate about, and examined how to build coalitions and compromise.
Jeff Marootian (CCAS BA ’01, MPA ’03), Assistant Secretary for Administration at the United States Department of Transportation, encouraged participants to use a variety of tools for advocacy and highlighted that there’s no “one size fits all” approach. He also informed participants about the power one voice can have in affecting change.
Current PAF Ashlynn Profit moderated the panel and highlighted how exciting it was to have PAF alumni present who reflect GW’s dedication to drive positive change and empower communities.
Last year, current PAFs Ashlynn Profit and Khadija Lalani served on the committee to implement workshops into the Day of Service. As the PAF program continues its dedication to service, we are excited to be a part of opportunities to facilitate learning around Dr. King’s legacy.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Leadership is a part of the university’s two-week long celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy. Click here to learn about upcoming events, including a screening of current fellow Zinhle Essamuah’s documentary, Hands Up.