PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Ready2Play Summer Update! We Want to Hear From You!
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has released a major draft of the Ready2Play Master Plan, which will guide DPR development over the next 20 years. This draft includes: (1) a draft set of four goals with 13 strategies and 85 specific actions to initiate the plan, (2) a draft Equity Framework, and (3) the results from the Ready2Play Citywide Survey.
DPR is seeking input to make sure the plan is on the right path. You can review materials and provide feedback online at www.ready2playdc.com. You can also email your thoughts, comments, and questions to ready2play@dc.gov or leave a voice message by calling 202-282-2198.
Apply to join the Green Building Advisory Council
The Green Building Advisory Council (GBAC) is a volunteer commission that makes recommendations on green building policies and monitors the District's compliance with green building requirements. Made up of representatives from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, the GBAC continues to support the District as a leader in green building innovation. To view previous agendas and minutes from recent meetings, visit the GBAC webpage.
The GBAC currently has two openings to join the volunteer board: one private sector and one nonprofit sector representative who lives or works in the District. For more information or to apply, visit the GBAC website.
GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Green Stormwater Infrastructure
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is seeking eligible entities to submit an application to provide green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) maintenance while creating sustainable employment opportunities for local District residents, including returning citizens. The deadline for application submissions is October 12, 2021. For more information about the GSI funding, visit the DOEE website or email 2021gismaintenance@dc.gov.
Application for Outdoor Learning Technical Assistance
Want to create an outdoor learning space for your school but don’t know how? The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Division of Health and Wellness, plans to work with a contractor to provide technical assistance to school personnel in District public and public charter schools to establish outdoor learning spaces to maximize the number of students engaged in outdoor learning. Technical assistance includes a site assessment and individualized recommendations for schools, and professional development to help teachers accelerate learning outdoors. Schools must apply to receive technical assistance, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until November 15. For more information and to apply, view the application form.
JOBS
Department of Energy and Environment – Environmental Protection Specialist
The Environmental Protection Specialist position is located within the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Illicit Discharge Branch of the Inspection and Enforcement Division of the Natural Resources Administration. The incumbent will act as an inspector for DOEE’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Inspection and Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program, and be part of a team responsible for inspection, compliance, and enforcement activities at commercial, institutional, industrial, and municipal facilities within the District’s MS4 area. Applications for the Environmental Protection Specialist position are due by October 11. To learn more about the position or to apply, visit the DC Careers webpage, Job ID 14436.
Department of Energy and Environment – Green Fellows
The Green Fellows Leadership and Development Program is a competitive paid opportunity designed for graduate-level students who are currently enrolled in a graduate study program. Candidates must either attend a local-area higher education institution and/or be a District resident. The Program is both a career exploration and pipeline program for students interested in job placement at DOEE. Green Fellows perform a variety of assignments designed specifically to enhance their public service values, environmental knowledge, critical leadership skills, and project management abilities. Fellows will have several opportunities to come together with their cohort to participate in cross-disciplinary and professional development trainings, collaborative group projects, field work, volunteerism, field trips, and other value-added opportunities. Fellows are connected to a program area which matches their unique skill set, background, expertise, and interests.
Inquiries may be sent to the Program Coordinator, Larissa Etwaroo-Bako, at larissa.etwaroo@dc.gov. Applications for Green Fellows are anticipated to open later this fall. Follow DOEE on Twitter and Facebook for updates.
Solar United Neighbors – Organizer and Go Solar Fellow
Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a clean, equitable, resilient energy system that benefits everyone. SUN is looking for a part-time Community Organizer and a Go Solar Fellow to build its mission of a clean energy movement by helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights. The Program Fellow will join a team of Program Coordinators and Specialists to support state program and field staff. The Fellow will also help review and prepare solar installer bids for co-ops and will gain experience and knowledge in solar installation. To apply for the Go Solar Fellow position, visit SUN’s webpage or email internships@solarunitedneighbors.org. The Community Organizer position is part-time and will focus on facilitating community feedback that will foster education and recruitment for Solar for All participants and empower them and their communities to demand answers and accountability of the Solar for All program. For more information, or to apply for the Community Organizer position, visit the website.
VOLUNTEER
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Volunteer at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Come out and volunteer on Saturday, October 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to participate in a variety of park stewardship activities, including invasive plant removal, litter collection, flower bed weeding, trail maintenance, and more. Some activities involve working in shallow ponds. This event will run rain or shine—please dress accordingly and plan to work outside! All tools and supplies will be provided.
To register for this event, please visit the Eventbrite page. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, registration is required to participate. For any questions or concerns reach out to Shannah Cumberbatch, the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Volunteer & Engagement Coordinator, at shannah@fokag.org or 202-650-0455.
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Volunteer at H St. Farms
Join Cultivate the City every Saturday through the end of October from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at H St. Farms, the rooftop garden on top of W.S. Jenks Hardware and a unique rooftop growing area that utilizes DC’s unused space. With three greenhouses and many plants, we encourage you to come to get involved and have a try at a green thumb! Sign up today!
For more information check out their website, or email hstfarms@cultivatethecity.com.
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EVENTS
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eCYCLE Collection Events
By recycling used electronics, individuals can help recover valuable resources and properly manage potentially hazardous materials. eCYCLE DC, through manufacturers’ collection and recycling plans, is bringing District residents more options for recycling their electronics.
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The following items are banned from the trash and are collected at the eCYCLE DC collection events: computers and monitors, tablets, e-readers, mice, keyboards, DVD or VCR players, printers, televisions, game consoles, and portable music players. For more information, check out this fact sheet. Upcoming eCYCLE DC collection events are listed below.
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Saturday, October 9, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 1900 Pennsylvania Ave NW (east of James Monroe Park)
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Saturday, October 9, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE (near Anacostia Library)
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Saturday, October 16, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 1350 49th St NE (near Deanwood Library)
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Saturday, October 23, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 4001 Calvert St NW (south of Stoddert Recreation Center)
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Saturday, October 23, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 403 7th St SE (near Southeast Library)
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Saturday, October 30, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 5900 33rd St NW (near Lafayette Recreation Center)
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Saturday, November 6, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 1801 Hamlin St NE (near Woodridge Library)
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Saturday, November 6, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 301 Franklin St NE (north of Edgewood Recreation Center)
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October is Growing Healthy Schools Month!
Growing Healthy Schools Month celebrates the health of students in public schools throughout the District. During the annual celebration, public schools collaborate with local community-based organizations, District Government agencies, farmers, athletes, and chefs to coordinate inspiring activities to engage students on nutrition, the environment, and being active.
To celebrate Growing Healthy Schools Month 2021, OSSE is promoting outdoor learning activities to engage schools in the different themes of the Healthy Schools Act: Farm to School, School Gardens, School Meals, Environmental Literacy, and Physical Activity. Activities and resources related to each theme can be found here. We encourage you to share how you’re celebrating Growing Healthy Schools Month on social media with the hashtag #HealthySchoolsDC. For more information, please visit the Growing Healthy School Month website or contact Elysia DiCamillo Drummer at Elysia.DiCamillo@dc.gov.
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The Farm at Kelly Miller Fall Festival
On Friday, October 8 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., join Dreaming Out Loud and City Blossoms for a fall afternoon with festive music, art making, and farm fun for all ages. The annual festival is held at the two-acre Kelly Miller Farm on the campus of the Kelly Miller Middle School in Ward 7. The farm serves as a source of fresh food for Dreaming Out Loud’s programs and teaches youth to grow and cook food in a way that celebrates their cultural traditions. For more information, see the event page.
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Anacostia Community Museum – Food for the People: Eating and Activism in Greater Washington
With every bite of food we eat, we have an opportunity to help remake an unjust and unequal food system. Do you know where your food comes from? Who produces, processes, and prepares it, and in what conditions? Why is fresh food available in some communities, and not others? And who—if anyone—is responsible for ensuring that everyone has access? Food for the People explores these questions by looking at the greater Washington, DC area’s food system, the inequalities that shape it, and the people working to transform it. Take a deep dive into the food issues of the nation’s capital—past and present—with this outdoor and indoor exhibition featuring artifacts, art installations, videos, and hands-on interactives. The Anacostia Community Museum is open Tuesday–Saturday 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. For more info about the exhibit, or to plan your trip, visit the museum website.
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Kingman and Heritage Island Family Day
Explore Kingman and Heritage Islands with family and friends on Saturday, October 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All ages are welcome to experience the amazing things to do on the islands including paddling, nature walks, restoration plantings, yoga, and so much more! To learn more about the event or Kingman and Heritage Island, visit their website.
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GreenWrench Winter Workshop
This workshop will provide environmental technical assistance, tools, and best practices for the District’s automotive industry and will be held on November 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Auto mechanics, shop owners, managers, fleet managers, and stakeholders interested in vehicle maintenance should participate to learn about winter de-icing options, garage management, environmental regulations, hazardous waste requirements, and best practices.
Participants need to pre-register for this event on the Eventbrite page, and may choose to attend the workshop in person at DOEE headquarters, located at 1200 First Street NE, or join us online. To learn more about the GreenWrench Program, visit the DOEE website or contact gwe@dc.gov.
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