Feeling philanthropic AND like you want some fun, educational weekend plans? Here’s a list of fun/niche non-profits to know and support! And did we mention that all of the organizations listed do their work in DC, so your donation directly benefits your community right at its heart?
CARA (Capital Area Rainbowlers Association) is a “member-supported organization composed of gay and lesbian bowling leagues in the metropolitan Washington, DC area.” Their mission is to “promote the sport of bowling in the national capital area's LGBT community.” Whether you’re a beginner or a professional-level bowler, CARA has you covered! Make friends, support DC’s LGBTQ+ community, and hone your bowling skills with this fantastic non-profit. Join one of their eight Fall/Winter bowling leagues, or one of their two Summer leagues. As they state on their website, “although the team size, numbers of games, times and nights vary, the one thing our leagues all have in common is the goal of having fun”!
Connect DC is a Wiccan-based public ritual group that aims to heal and bring together the DC community through spirituality and magic. They hold rituals four times a year on the equinoxes and solstices, and they are always free to the public! This year, on the night of the August full moon, they joined to “reinvigorate Connect DC’s original working to energetically reconnect the District of Columbia’s boundary stones” to “strengthen our city and community as a vibrant container of healing, hope, and transformation through magick, mystery, celebration, and joy.” If you love magic and need a break from hectic city life, check out their events calendar and join them for their next candlelit ritual.
Story District’s mission is to “build community, promote empathy, and enrich an understanding of our common humanity through the art of autobiographical storytelling. Through our classes and live performances we train and showcase storytelling talent in the Washington, DC area and create a platform for diverse perspectives.” Story District often collaborates with other groups in Washington D.C. in order to give voice to marginalized perspectives, including "Out/Spoken: Stories about Queer Culture in America (with Human Rights Campaign); My So Called Jewish Life (with Sixth & I);Unhinged: Stories about Living with Mental Illness; Bad Mommy Moments: A Storytelling Play-date for Moms; After-School Special: Stories by and about educators for Teacher Appreciation Week (with Teaching for Change); Home Sweet Home: True Tales from East of the River, and more.” Check out their upcoming shows, sign up for one of their classes, or follow their podcast! They offer numerous opportunities for fun, live entertainment, and community growth. Why not join in?
The ABC (American Bird Conservatory) is a non profit organization whose mission is to “conserve birds and their habitats throughout the Americas.” If you’re feeling like staying in, but still want to have some kind of vicarious adventure (and save some beautiful birds!), then check out their website to explore some international birding routes, learn about educational reserves where you can spot rare species of birds, or simply enjoy their cute “bird of the week” spotlight articles!
Opened in 1923, Avalon Theatre is the oldest operating movie house in the Washington D.C. area. After suddenly being closed in 2001, ”an amazing grassroots effort resulted in the successful restoration of the historic theater, which reopened in April 2003. The Avalon now offers exciting and diverse programming, including first-run studio films, independent and foreign films, film festivals, a weekly Wednesday night series, and special programs for students, families and seniors.” Join in on a “Wednesday Signature Series” every Wednesday night at 8 pm in their historic theatre, enjoy live performances and films during their weekend family matinees, or become a member to enjoy their member-only screening series! Or if you’re in the mood to get educational, take a class in film studies
From staff contributor Halley Stubis.