Soul of the City2005

June 27 – July 2, 2005

Transforming DC’s YouthLeadership through the Power of the Humanities

Smithsonian Institution Anacostia Museum and Center

for African American History and Culture

Are you age 15-18 and enrolled in a District of Columbia public, public charter, parochial, or private high school? / Yes

Are you curious about what’s going on in D.C. and how decisions are made that have an impact on your life? / Yes

Are you a team player -- in the classroom, with friends, family, on the playing field or court, in the band, choir, church, mosque, temple, neighborhood, etc.? / Yes

Are you motivated to learn new things, explore, think “out of the box,” and contribute your talents to a project? / Yes

Do you finish what you start? / Yes

If you answered Yes to these questions, you are ready to be part of the Soul of the City.

Soul of the Citybelieves ideas can be transformed to action when youth are inspired and encouraged to discover their own potential for leadership. Washington, D.C. is currently undergoing rapid social, political, and physical change. Soul of the City encourages confidence in young citizens to discover their voice, communicate, and take an active role in decisions and choices that affect their lives as well as the city in which they, learn, work, and play. The Humanities play a vital part in the Soul of the City leadership process. / Grounded in the Humanities, Soul of the City…
Gives you the tools for making decisions and choices using the lessons of the past, present, and your own experiences;
 Encourages you to communicate effectively, and name and resolve issues for the betterment of all;
 Inspires you to “get involved”;
 Gives you incentive to plan for your future.

Soul of the City2005

When: Mon., June 27 – Sat., July 2
Time: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (M-F)
Where: Smithsonian Insitution
Anacostia Museum and Center for African American
History and Culture
1901 Fort Place, Southeast, Washington, DC
Forty (40) youth will explore leadership from four perspectives:
History
Ethics
Public Space
Language – the Power of the Word
Local scholars, artists, and community leaders will introduce significant historical and social themes about Washington, DC and U.S. history. Participants will share their ideas and thoughts in activities, discussion groups, and trips to historic destinations and neighborhoods in DC’s Wards 7 and 8. Students residing in Wards 7 and 8 are strongly encouraged to apply.
Meals: Continental breakfast and lunch provided.
Transportation: Transportation to all program sites will be available. / Soul of the City participants will each receive a $100 honorarium upon completion of the following requirements
  • Attends all 5 sessions of the program from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • Participates in discussions
  • Reads and interprets historic documents from U.S. history: The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation
  • Attends field trips
  • Works in teams and independently

  • Works with the group to establish and follow ground rules
  • Completes a final project (individually or in a team) to present at the celebration programSaturday, July 2 for family, friends, and community leaders. Projects can range from exhibits, oral presentations, performances, or any format demonstrating what has been uncovered and/or rediscovered during the week.

National Endowment for the Humanities – We the People Initiative

Freedom, Rights, and Responsibilities is the theme of our Soul of the City and other programs throughout the year presented as part of the National Endowment for the Humanities “We the People” initiative. “We the People” is dedicated to exploring significant events and themes in U.S. history and to share the lessons with all Americans. The Humanities Council of Washington, DC is exploring Freedom, Rights, and Responsibilities through three significant historic documents: The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Each Soul of the City participant will receive copies of the documents and use them to inform their work throughout the week. For more information, log on to .

See Application Guidelines

Soul of the City2005

Soul of the City Application Guidelines

If you are interested in applying for Soul of the City 2005, complete the application forms per the checklist below. Mail or hand-deliver your application to the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, 925 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; orEmail to ;orfax to (202) 387-8149. Complete applications must be received no later than Monday, May 2, 2005.

A completed Soul of the City Application Cover Sheet [Form 1]

Personal Statement [Form 2]

Two (2) Soul of the City Recommendation Forms completed by any two (2) of the following adults who are part of your community [Form 4]:

  • Teacher(s) – all subjects accepted
  • Principal
  • Guidance Counselors
  • Religious leadership: Minister/Youth Minister/Committee leadership
  • Coach (all sports)
  • Band, Orchestra, Choir leader, Creative Directors, and Editors (fine arts, performing arts, creative writing, TV/radio/film, and journalism)
  • Employer (present or former)
  • Civic leaders (Council member, ANC commissioner, neighborhood/civic program leadership, tenant association, and social services)
  • Neighbors (age 21 and over)

Note on recommendations: You may use the letter provided to request a recommendation from the persons of your choice.[See Form 3]

About the Humanities Council of Washington, DC

The Humanities Council of Washington, DC is celebrating 25 years as a grant making agency and has grown to become both a funder of community projects and a provider of programs, ensuring that public education in the humanities reaches diverse audiences across wards, neighborhoods, and cultures in the Washington area. The Council works with community partners and social leaders, encouraging them to embrace the D.C. cultural renaissance and collaborate with us to develop intercultural, bridge-building activities that raise community consciousness. The Council is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities; however it is a private, non-profit organization, and not a federal or District agency.

For additional information or questions, contact Michon Boston, Director of Programs, Humanities Council of Washington, D.C. at (202) 387-8391, or by email at . Visit our website to learn more about Soul of the City at .

925 U Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 387-8391 ph (202) 387-8149 fax