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Dear Friend,
As we reflect on 2023, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support you have shown Live It Learn It throughout the past year. Your commitment to our mission has fueled our efforts and made a meaningful impact on the lives of DC students and teachers.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibilities that 2024 holds. We have ambitious goals and transformative projects on the horizon, such as implementing a three-year strategic plan, building new programming partnerships, and connecting with members of our LILI community— like you! We invite you to continue with us on this journey in a way that feels meaningful for you. Meet us for coffee, join the LILI Honor Roll (more info in the Field Notes section), or share this newsletter with a friend. Your continued support is not only valued, it is indispensable in helping us make a lasting difference in our community.
We are excited to share the latest issue of The Progress Report with you, highlighting various milestones from the year, upcoming events, and organizational updates! While there is a lot to look forward to, we would be remiss not to mention the passing of our beloved Board Member, Joseph F. Horning, Jr. We invite you to read more below.
To our friends, old and new, we thank you for your investment in our work. Your time, your partnership, and your contributions continue to provide imaginative experiential learning opportunities for both students and teachers. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Erin McSpadden & Maryam Trowell
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We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of longtime Board Member, Joseph F. Horning, Jr. His dedication and passion for education left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young individuals. Joe actively championed organizations that empowered and uplifted the youth of Washington, DC, including Live It Learn It.
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Joe was a devoted supporter and Board Member of Live It Learn It since its founding in 2005. His genuine care, empathy, and tireless efforts were instrumental in shaping Live It Learn It into what it is today, and we are immensely grateful for the invaluable contributions he made towards our shared mission. His kindness, generosity, and leadership will be sorely missed.
As we mourn the passing of a remarkable individual, let us also celebrate the legacy of Joe and the positive change he brought to diverse communities throughout Washington, DC. May the impact of his work continue to flourish and inspire generations to come.
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The Land Carries Our Ancestors
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This fall, with the help of our Board Member, Sara Mark Lesk (former Senior Educator & Manager of Art Around the Corner at the National Gallery of Art), we took the opportunity to reimagine our Native Lands, Native People unit. Fourth grade students explored the latest temporary exhibit, The Land Carries Our Ancestors, at the NGA which featured over 50 pieces of art created by Native American artists across the country. The exhibit emphasized the important connection between Native American tribes and land. Students shared:
- I can hear chirping birds and the wind blowing from that painting!
- I found the art interesting because Native Americans really honored their culture and their loved ones.
- I liked seeing the different types of houses they lived in compared to me.
In the post-lesson, students explore how Jaune Quick-to-See Smith’s Adios Map shares messages about issues that impacted the Native American community. Students then take what they learn and put it into action to create an art map that reflects issues affecting the DC community. One student shared that homelessness is a major problem in our city and she wishes that everyone had a safe place to sleep at night.
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We are thrilled to participate in Capital City Go-Go's Education Day, offering an interactive field trip for our third-grade classrooms. Thanks to the generosity of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, LILI students and teachers from CW Harris, Drew, Patterson, Tubman, Turner, and Whitlock will learn more about the rich history of go-go music through the fusion of basketball and percussion from local organization, Teach the Beat!. How cool is that?! LILI students will engage in a pre- and post-lesson where they will use instruments to create their own beat inspired by go-go music. Be sure to follow along on social media at @liveitlearnitdc!
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We Asked, You Delivered
A HUGE thank you to our donors for their incredible support during Giving Tuesday and our End-of-Year campaign. It was LILI's most successful Giving Tuesday to date – $21,384 raised by 118 individuals surpassing our goal! Our excitement matched this student :)
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Calling New Members!
For just $15 a month, you can help support one student all year long as they explore and learn at places like the National Museum of Air & Space, Planet Word, and the Phillips Collection— simply join the LILI Honor Roll today!
Learn More→
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Let the Creative Juices Flow
In December, members of our Programming Team had the opportunity to attend the Partners for Youth Empowerment Creative Facilitation Training to learn how to better uplift students and build confidence through creative expression and group facilitation.
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I grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA. When I was in third grade, I heard all about the amazing fourth grade field trip to the Franklin Institute where you could walk inside a heart! Imagine, a real beating heart, and I was going to walk inside of it. That sounded so amazing! I was really looking forward to that trip.
But when my turn came, imagine my utter disappointment when my fourth grade class went to see a colonial village instead. I was so upset, and it didn’t help that both my older brother and younger brother got to see the heart exhibit when they were in fourth grade! In theory, I still could have gone, but my parents weren’t comfortable going into the city and so it didn’t happen for me. But my desire to go stuck with me long after fourth grade was over.
It wasn’t until I was married and in my late twenties that my husband heard the story and said, “Okay, we’re going.” We went that very day. Finally, I got to walk through that heart and it was just as incredible as I had imagined.
I support Live It Learn It because I don’t want kids to have to go through what I did. I don’t want them to have to wait until adulthood to experience the resources in their community. I want kids to have that experience now.
- Melissa C.
Want to share why you support Live It Learn It? Share your story here.
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Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist Update
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Since January 2020, the LILI team has worked to actively create an anti-bias and anti-racist (ABAR) organization. As we began this journey, we partnered with activists Anna Laura Grant and Je’Kendria Trahan. Over the last few years, they have led our staff in regular workshops with topics focusing on intersectionality, DC race history, systems of white supremacy, and defining personal and organizational racial equity goals. Together we have created DEI principles and values for our organization. This February, our contract with Anna Laura and Je’Kendria comes to an end, but the work does not! They have set us up to continue weaving ABAR principles through the fabric of our organization. Our three teams (Administrative, Development & Communications, and Programming) will continue having biweekly meetings to discuss and move forward on department specific projects (as pictured above). We are immensely grateful to Anna Laura and Je’Kendria’s leadership in further strengthening our organization with this critical work.
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LILI Takes the Stage!
| You're invited to join us on February 22 (6pm) at the Anacostia Arts Center for the HumanitiesDC Community Showcase— a night honoring the humanities work being done in our city. Register and find more information here. |
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