Since June 2012, Serve DC's Emergency Preparedness Team has been working diligently to increase audience-specific Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to groups and organizations across the District. In addition to its regular monthly trainings, Serve DC provided CERT training to more than 150 people, including groups from: the 19th Street Baptist Church; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Bolling Air Force Base; Fort Lesley J. McNair, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington headquarters; and a specialized Deaf and hard-of-hearing training at Gallaudet University. Serve DC also conducted bilingual, English- and Spanish-language, CPR and First Aid trainings to groups from Catholic Charities, the United Planning Organization, the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs, and the DC Youth Advisory Council (DCYAC).

"Serve DC is really excited to bring emergency preparedness training to new communities," said Jason Williamson, Serve DC Neighborhood Corps Program Manager. "The best line of defense in any emergency is informed, engaged residents and these trainings are a great step in the right direction."

Serve DC's free CERT program trains citizens to be better prepared for emergencies, including educating them about the hazards most likely to affect their own communities and providing basic disaster response training, such as fire safety and first aid. Learn more about CERT and other Serve DC emergency preparedness initiatives online or email Jason Williamson for more information.

It's October already?! We can't believe it either. Check out Serve DC on Flickr to see what we've been up to this summer and fall. New photo albums include:

• Serve DC's First-Ever Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing CERT Training at Gallaudet University
• DC Public Schools Beautification Day at Marshall Elementary with the Washington Capitals
• September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance Tribute Event on Freedom Plaza
• Commander Ready 2012-13 School Year Kick Off at Winston Education Campus

Don't miss this great showcase of the District's finest (and most photogenic!) volunteers and service projects - there might even be a few photos of you!

AARP Experience Corps is an award-winning national program that engages people 50+ to meet critical challenges in their communities. In 19 cities across the country - including the District of Columbia - more than 2,000 AARP Experience Corps volunteers serve 20,000 K-3 students, working to improve academic achievement through one-on-one tutoring and mentoring, including literacy coaching, homework help, and consistent, committed support.

Targeting urban schools that draw from low-income neighborhoods, the program has been proven to improve academic outcomes and address the achievement gap. According to research from Washington University in St. Louis, students working with Experience Corps tutors gain more than a 60 percent boost in two critical literacy skills, sounding out new words and reading comprehension, over similar students not being served by Experience Corps. Additionally, 84 percent of its volunteers reported the participation has changed their lives for the better, including increased motivation, knowledge, confidence and skills.

"Working with the children during these past five years has been both challenging and rewarding," said Nathalie Black, AARP Experience Corps DC volunteer. "When a child asks, 'Will you be my tutor again?' for the second or even third year, it is gratifying. When that child achieves measurable success in reading and general deportment, it is doubly gratifying."

In September 2011, Experience Corps joined forces with AARP, a strategic partnership designed to build capacity and maximize success: Experience Corps will be able to increase its ability to tap into the experience and dedication of older Americans who want to give back to their communities; and AARP members will be offered a new way to engage in one of their top service priorities, volunteering to tutor or mentor youth.

To learn more about volunteering with AARP Experience Corps, visit the DC program website or contact Hillary Williams via email or (202) 434-6495. To learn more about AARP Experience Corps' impact in the classroom and beyond, check out this great video featuring Deborah Stiller, DC Branch Director!

AARP Experience Corps: A Gift of Reading

The District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) is a vibrant center of activity for residents and visitors in the nation's capital. The library provides environments that invite reading, learning and community discussion and equips people to learn all their lives, to embrace diversity and to build a thriving city. DCPL is proud to be a recognized force in the community for engaging the mind, expanding opportunities and elevating the quality of life.

DCPL offers regular and periodic volunteer opportunities, including a teen- and high school-specific volunteer program, for interested individuals ages 14 and up.  Whether you are new in town, a long-time District resident, college student or library professional, DCPL could use your support to carry out its important work. With 24 neighborhood libraries, in addition to DCPL's central Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, there is bound to be a convenient location near you.

For more information on DCPL volunteer opportunities, visit the DCPL volunteer program online or contact them at (202) 741-5803 or libraryvolunteers@dc.gov.

For more than 20 years, USA WEEKEND Magazine and Points of Light have joined together to sponsor Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of community service. On Saturday, October 27th, millions of volunteers from around the world unite in a common mission to improve the lives of others.

Make A Difference Day shows that anyone - regardless of age, location or resources - can accomplish amazing things when they take on the problems they see in their community. Recognizing the power of Make A Difference Day, other organizations join with USA WEEKEND and Points of Light each year to inspire and recognize the valuable work of volunteers. 

Want to get involved with Make A Different Day? Register your service project or find a volunteer opportunity with the Make A Difference Day DaytaBank.