Join us for the second meetup in our reoccurring happy hour event series. Have a drink with fellow Casa Chiri supporters to meet new people, network, learn more about the organization and learn about how you can get involved.
Volunteer Alexandria has compiled the following Hotlist of local volunteer opportunities. Please contact the agency directly if you are interested in the opportunity and reference Volunteer Alexandria.
There is so much to like about all of the adoptable animals at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, but the AWLA has selected several "staff picks" that have captured our hearts.
The Reading Connection (TRC) would like to invite you to attend the Community Reading Festival on May 11 and to participate in the 2nd Arlington Kids Read Read-a-Thon. TRC is holding a Community Reading Festival on May 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Campbell Elementary School. There will be books read aloud, a visit from Clifford, crafts and treats for all. The event is open to the public and geared towards families with children aged 3 to 12.
Tuesday's What's Next Alexandria Community Dialogue was all about making sure the new Civic Engagement Framework would work for City staff and community members alike.
MAPPing Alexandria - The culminating event in Alexandria’s National Poetry Month activities, Mapping Alexandria in Poems and Pictures features readings of poems about Alexandria with Poet Laureate Amy Young. A collaboration between the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association and the Office of the Arts.
The Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market has a lot of exciting news for the upcoming 2013 season, set to begin on the second Sunday in April (April 14th)!!
We're playing with maps here at ACTion HQ and digging this data-rich map from Chris Persaud - Rich Blocks, Poor Blocks. It's an interactive map of income and rent costs for every city in America. The data are culled from the American Community Survey with city "blocks" outlined out using the Census.
It’s kitten and puppy season and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is hosting a baby shower to collect items needed for its foster care program. Animal lovers and prospective foster parents are invited to attend the shower at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter to learn more about the foster care program, meet current foster parents, and donate items from the Foster Care Wish List
It's puppy and kitten season and the doors of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter are open to the unplanned and unwanted litters. You can help our puppies and kittens start life on the right paw by coming to the AWLA Baby Shower with a gift from our Foster Care Wish List.
Originally posted by Patrick Boyle at SparkAction.
As more community leaders around the country see the value of creating a youth master plan, many of them wonder about the critical task of getting good public input—that's why Alexandria is inspiring its residents to get involved.
There is much to celebrate today, the 12th of February. Not only is it Mardi Gras, it's also Robert Griffin III's birthday. I'm not superstitious, but all signs point to purchasing your tickets to MG3, the 3rd Annual Mardi Growl Gala, today!
The Alexandria Childhood Obesity Action Network (A-COAN) is partnering with the Virginia Cooperative Extension to develop a Master Food Volunteer Program in Alexandria. The Master Food Volunteer Program combines your love of cooking, nutrition, physical activity, and helping others!
The City is hosting the second of its four part Community Dialogues on January 29, 7-9pm at First Baptist Church. This meeting, we're getting down to brass tacks.
Hmm...what was going this weekend again? Oh, right! National Day of Service and the Inauguration!
It's going to be a cold week, but Saturday is looking good which is the perfect opportunity to volunteer and do service for National Day of Service. Monday, President Obama will be sworn in. How many of you are going?
If you don't have any plans this weekend, here are some events that'll get you out and about.
Come help kick off inauguration weekend with a celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and volunteer! On Saturday, January 19th, hundreds of volunteers will assist nonprofit agencies providing services to people in need as well as provide educational activities to children and youth. In Alexandria, volunteers are needed to assist children and teenagers creating a story book. Volunteers are needed for set up, registration, implementing arts and crafts projects, clean up, and much more. Adult volunteers are needed to facilitate discussion groups with a smaller group of children. Interested adults should contact Jason Ellis at jellis@arha.us. Teenagers are needed to create activities prior to event day. Interested youth should contact Shawn Thorpe at shawn.thorpe@acps.k12.va.us.
If you are considering giving someone a pet as a gift this holiday season, please READ THIS FIRST. If you want to give someone the joy and companionship that pets bring, there is a proper way to do so.
You can give our homeless cats the gift of comfort this holiday season by donating a cat bed from Kuranda. We're collecting 100 cat beds before the end of the year, and donating through Kuranda earns you a 28% donation discount! Donate today at www.Kuranda.com/donate/2274
Reach Out and Read is an evidence based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities to fund Alexandria’s first trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to help feral cats in the city. The TNR program enlists the help of concerned citizens and feral cat caretakers to humanely reduce the sizes of feral cat colonies.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities to fund Alexandria’s first trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to help feral cats in the city. The TNR program enlists the help of concerned citizens and feral cat caretakers to humanely reduce the sizes of feral cat colonies.
It's that time of year--when the leaves begin to fall, the air is grows cold and our televisions fill with political ads--Election Day is almost here! It's time to prepare to exercise your greatest civic responsibility and vote.
We've created guide to help you get your vote on! What should you expect at your polling place? How do you get help should you need it. And nowww...
Autumn is a season of transition, and each year we marvel at the leaves changing color and falling to the ground. It is only fitting that October, the peak period of fall foliage, is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. While each season is temporary, the change you will make in a dog’s life by adopting is forever. But don’t take our word for it. See why the kids in the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Youth Volunteer Program think you should adopt!
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Founded in 1990, we are headquartered in Arlington, VA. We build homes in Arlington and Fairfax Counties as well as the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax.
The beef is back. The Stiflers will be at 4MRMarket again this Sunday with their fabulous meat.
And Fall is here and the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market is in the homestretch. We have a great year of fantastic products and now we head into another season with more to offer.
Fabulous Fall Savory Slow Cooker Meat Loaf with What's For Dinner Now
The answer: 45 or the entire 5th grade class at Charles Barrett Elementary School. But we're not talking about a literal light bulb - we're talking about creativity and imagination. With the help of Spring2ACTion, turn it on they did in Lightbulb - Illuminating Thoughts to Light Up Our World, a chapbook of poems by the class.
TWU runs projects and campaigns in the following areas: Education: Alexandria students and parents fighting to close the achievement gap for students of color in Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and to ensure that all students graduate prepared to go to college.
Adopting a shelter animal is an amazing way to change lives. Not only are you rescuing a homeless animal in need, but your life and the lives of your family members are sure to change as well. Many of us want to help homeless animals in any way possible, but the reality is that adoption simply isn't an option for everyone. However, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's foster care program is an excellent alternative for animal lovers that are able to provide temporary care.
What’s the best way to help Alexandria’s homeless animals? Obviously, adoption is the best and most immediate solution for the current residents of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, but what about the next generation of unwanted and abandoned animals? And if you’re like most of the staff and volunteers at the shelter, or most of Alexandria for that matter, what do you do if you already have a home full of animals?
On Tuesday September 4th, the transformation of one of Community Lodgings’ five apartment buildings will begin – a full-fledged renovation! When I took over as Executive Director seven years ago, I set a long-term goal to ensure all our families lived in safe, comfortable homes. Over the years, out of sheer financial necessity, I was forced to take a “band-aid” approach to building repairs. Seven years later, with help from HomeAid Northern Virginia, Pulte Homes and the City of Alexandria, our long-term goal becomes reality.
Alexandria’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities has teamed with the Arlandria-Chirilagua Business Association and Lynhaven Citizens Association, Warwick Village Citizens Association and Hume Springs Citizens Association to organize DiverseCity Alexandria Multicultural Fest.
The boys in Community Lodgings' mentoring program were also there raising money to help sustain the program they love. We love nothing more than supporting young philanthropists!
You can pitch in and support the Community Lodgings Boys Mentoring Group by attending their BBQ Fundraiser and Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, August 25th between noon and 3:00pm.
Come one, come all, to an electrifying performance this Sunday from 11am-Noon this Sunday at 4MRMarket!
Wytold Lebing, an acclaimed electric cellist, and a Strathmore Artist in Residence, has volunteered to play the market this weekend, so come on out and experience a very eclectic and electric sound for a song. Donations will be accepted, but the performance is totally free! Find a music loving neighbor who has never stopped by our little neighborhood market that could and bring them along.
The Uncle Devin Show is a live, participatory musical experience for children by world renowned drummer and author, Devin Walker. He uses the drum, both traditional and electronic, to convey universal principles of love to children and to inspire young people into pursuing the artist within themselves. This interactive show seeks to connect with children through the drum and the art of storytelling that will lead toward their personal, cultural and social development.
Community Culture celebratino and fundraiser. Entertainment will include a variety of dance performance and musical groups. The festival will aslo feature children's activites, a community service and health fair, and displays showcasing traditional arts and crafts from South America, Bolivia, Peru, and Central America. Various foods and beverages will be available for purchase.
This year, ACTion Alexandria and our community has been all about Project Play, an effort to ensure that every child in Alexandria has a quality space to play. Working with our partners, Alexandria Childhood Obesity Action Network and Alexandria/Arlington Smart Beginnings, we've been able to accomplished a lot!
After adding on the almost $700 in cash donation made at Alexandria branches of Virginia Commerce Bank, our presenting sponsor, Spring2ACTion 2012 raised more than $320,000 for Alexandria nonprofits in just 24 hours! Spring2ACTion is the biggest Alexandria fundraising event ever thanks to you!
What your contributions mean for local nonprofits
Casa Chirilagua can now start an after-school middle school program for kids living in the Chirilagua area of Arlandria.
The Art League can build a new art facility to continue to provide affordable art education.
YMCA Alexandria can provide 21 more kids scholarships to summer camp.
Friends of Guest House can continue parenting classes for women coming out of incarceration to help them transition successfully back into community and family life.
Senior Services of Alexandria is able to extend its Meals on Wheels Program to serve seniors on more Saturdays and Sundays.
ACTion Alexandria's biggest action of the year, Spring2ACTion, begins at midnight on May 2, and we urge you to help us make it a record breaker. Last year, we all worked together to raise $104,000. This year, our goal is to help local nonprofits raise $200,000 in just 24 hours!
Civic engagement is what ACTion Alexandria is all about and what's more civic than voting? It's been a boisterous year in city politics, and with more than a baker's dozen worth of candidates running for City Council, it's hard for a lot of us to figure out which candidates best represent our vision for our community.
So, we are turning the tables on traditional political debates by giving YOU the starring role in our online forum.
How would you make Alexandria a greener, more sustainable community?
On February 29, 2012, Eco-City Alexandria, Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission, and ACTion Alexandria teamed up to launch the Alexandria Green Ideas Challenge. We asked Alexandria to submit their ideas for making Alexandria a greener, more sustainable community. Our goal was to harness the incredible talent, intelligence and creativity of Alexandria citizens to generate and prioritize ideas for sustainability and serve as a community catalyst to move our city closer to being a true eco-city!
On Wednesday, May 2nd, our community will come together for 24 hours of unprecedented giving.
Spring2ACTion is one extraordinary day to support the organizations that make Alexandria amazing. ACT and ACTion Alexandria, in partnership with our sponsors, are offering up to $30,000 in cash and prizes to help increase fundraising efforts by participating organizations and individual fundraisers. Real-time tracking will be displayed on the leader board at www.Spring2ACTion.org on May 2.
Volunteer Alexandria has compiled the following Hotlist of local volunteer opportunities. Please contact the agency directly if you are interested in the opportunity and reference Volunteer Alexandria. 
The Reading Connection (TRC) would like to invite you to attend the Community Reading Festival on May 11 and to participate in the 2nd Arlington Kids Read Read-a-Thon. TRC is holding a Community Reading Festival on May 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Campbell Elementary School. There will be books read aloud, a visit from Clifford, crafts and treats for all. The event is open to the public and geared towards families with children aged 3 to 12. 
Tuesday's What's Next Alexandria Community Dialogue was all about making sure the new Civic Engagement Framework would work for City staff and community members alike. 
here is much to celebrate today, the 12th of February. Not only is it Mardi Gras, it's also 
Hmm...what was going this weekend again? Oh, right! National Day of Service and the Inauguration!
Come help kick off inauguration weekend with a celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and volunteer! On Saturday, January 19th, hundreds of volunteers will assist nonprofit agencies providing services to people in need as well as provide educational activities to children and youth. In Alexandria, volunteers are needed to assist children and teenagers creating a story book. Volunteers are needed for set up, registration, implementing arts and crafts projects, clean up, and much more. Adult volunteers are needed to facilitate discussion groups with a smaller group of children. Interested adults should contact Jason Ellis at 
If you are considering giving someone a pet as a gift this holiday season, please READ THIS FIRST. If you want to give someone the joy and companionship that pets bring, there is a proper way to do so.
It's that time of year--when the leaves begin to fall, the air is grows cold and our televisions fill with political ads--Election Day is almost here! It's time to prepare to exercise your greatest civic responsibility and vote.
The answer: 45 or the entire 5th grade class at Charles Barrett Elementary School. But we're not talking about a literal light bulb - we're talking about creativity and imagination. With the help of 
Adopting a shelter animal is an amazing way to change lives. Not only are you rescuing a homeless animal in need, but your life and the lives of your family members are sure to change as well. Many of us want to help homeless animals in any way possible, but the reality is that adoption simply isn't an option for everyone. However, the 
On Tuesday September 4th, the transformation of one of Community Lodgings’ five apartment buildings will begin – a full-fledged renovation! When I took over as Executive Director seven years ago, I set a long-term goal to ensure all our families lived in safe, comfortable homes. Over the years, out of sheer financial necessity, I was forced to take a “band-aid” approach to building repairs. Seven years later, with help from 
These 
Come one, come all, to an electrifying performance this Sunday from 11am-Noon this Sunday at 4MRMarket! 
Bring your little ones to the 
