Anacostia International Launching in February in D.C.

In February, Learning Life will launch Anacostia International (AI) — a monthly series intended to bring international affairs “east of the [Anacostia] River” to Wards 7 and 8 of Washington D.C.

Background

AnacostiaThe United States has an enormous cultural, environmental, economic and political impact on the world.  At the same time, the world is becoming more globally interdependent as transportation and communication technologies improve, and more people, goods and services move across national borders.  Many of today’s pressing issues — trade, development, terrorism, climate change, disease, piracy, slavery, etc. — are often international in scope.  For all these reasons it is important for more Americans to become informed and caring citizens of the world.  

As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. has many people involved in international affairs, yet these tend to be disproportionately white, educated, higher-income people clustered in the wealthier neighborhoods of the city.  International affairs, however, should not be the province of a privileged few because international affairs affects everyone.  Furthermore, experiencing the cultures of foreign countries can help open minds and hearts, and turn more American families on to a life of engagement with the world.  

Anacostia International

Learning Life is organizing Anacostia International to help meaningfully connect more families in Washington D.C., particularly in Wards 7 and 8, to the world.  AI will be composed of two kinds of events: 

  1. A country presentation series featuring two or more diverse presenters — artists, musicians, dancers, journalists, teachers, students, business and nonprofit leaders, travelers, diplomats, etc. — who will present or perform about a chosen country’s culture, history and current affairs.
  1. An international meal series inviting lower-income D.C. Ward 7 & 8 families participating in Learning Life’s Citizen Diplomacy Initiative to taste and learn about the food and culture of different countries via metro D.C. restaurants.  

The country presentations will occur every other month on a Saturday afternoon at the Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Good Hope Anacostia Arts CenterRoad SE, Washington, DC) starting in March, and will be open to the public.  The meal series will occur in intervening months likewise on a Saturday afternoon at a different metro D.C. restaurant each month starting in February.   

We invite individuals and organizations to sponsor AI in this launch year at the levels described below.  To discuss sponsorship, please email Learning Life’s Director, Paul Lachelier at paul@learninglife.info to set up a time to meet or talk.    

Sponsorship Levels

Anacostia International Ambassador: $800

Ambassadors make possible an AI country presentation for 25 guests ($500 value), and an AI meal at a related restaurant for up to five Ward 7 & 8 families ($300 value).  

Benefits of being an Ambassador:

  • Opportunity to take part in selection of the country and metro D.C. restaurant
  • Invitation for 1-2 people to be guests and speaker(s) at both events
  • Recognition as an Ambassador at Learning Life’s website
  • Special thanks via Learning Life’s email list reaching 900+ people in metro D.C.
  • Special thanks via Learning Life’s email list and social media pages that reach 10,000+ people worldwide

Anacostia International Country Sponsor: $500

Country Sponsors make possible an AI country presentation to 25 guests.  

Benefits of being a Country Sponsor:

  • Opportunity to take part in selection of the country to be presented
  • Invitation for 1-2 people to be guests and speaker(s) at the presentation
  • Recognition as an Ambassador at Learning Life’s website
  • Special thanks via Learning Life’s email list reaching 900+ people in metro D.C.

Anacostia International Meal Sponsor: $300

Meal Sponsors make possible an AI meal for up to five Ward 7 & 8 families.  

Benefits of being a Meal Sponsor:

  • Opportunity to take part in selection of the metro D.C. restaurant
  • Invitation for 1-2 people to be guests and speaker(s) at the meal
  • Recognition as an Ambassador at Learning Life’s website