Raising A Village Celebrates Our Fourth Annual The Starting Line Event!

On Saturday, October 14th, RAV welcomed a record number of new Driven Student Corps (DSC) members to the Village. Donning their colorful RAV polo shirts, DSCs received their official Raising A Village pins, thus officially incorporating them as members of the team. As each incoming DSC received their pin, they were met with a chorus of cheers from their fellow newcomers as well as current and former DSCs, volunteers, members of the RAV staff, partners, and board members. Our partners were the first guests to arrive, joining us for the first-ever Partner Appreciation Reception to thank them for their support and dedication to the organization. Once all new DSCs, received their pins, it was time to move into the training and personal development portion of the event. New DSCs were split into groups and attended interactive workshops led by Susannah Tsien and Gina Burd of City Tutor DC on the basics of planning an effective high-impact tutoring session, and by Jeffrey Walker of Mentor Maryland DC, on establishing a unique, genuine, and true-to-self mentorship style. DSCs attended both workshops and received the unique opportunity to learn from some of the area’s foremost figures on high-impact tutoring and mentorship in underserved communities.  There was also an engaging panel discussion featuring several experienced RAV AmeriCorps VISTA fellows and returning Driven Student Guides. Panelists had the opportunity to reflect on their service experience with RAV and the ways in which this work has impacted their outlook on serving the community. 

Following a productive and celebratory morning, attendees were treated to catered lunches, with a choice of either Peruvian-inspired sandwiches or Caribbean soul-food fusion bowls, followed by dessert from Captain Cookie. Attendees sat together, talked, and then moved into afternoon celebrations, with carnival games, face painting, music, and dancing. The incredible day finally commenced with a closing address from Jeff Franco, CEO of Camino Consulting and former Executive Director of City Year DC. "It was a truly special experience for me as I had the opportunity to see the work that RAV does to prepare its tutors and thought-leaders in action, " said Board Chair Dara Johnson. "The Driven Student Corps' ability to reach, teach, and inspire young minds is unmatched, and we are confident that this next group of high-impact tutors will answer the call to service and mentorship."