GW Community Is ‘Hungry for Change,’ Turns Focus to Advocacy

By Brittney Dunkins

A home and a hot meal—these simple necessities are not guaranteed to the more than 7,000 D.C. residents who experience homelessness and the one in seven D.C. households that experience food insecurity

The George Washington University community will unite for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, held Nov. 15-22, to engage with the D.C. community on these issues and promote dialogue and advocacy.

Students in the “Organizing for Social Justice” course, taught by Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Peter Konwerski, plan the events each year with support from the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service.

“The students have connected with student partners and city-wide hunger advocates to learn about these issues and raise awareness among the GW community about hunger, poverty and economic inequality,” Dr. Konwerski said.

“This is a great example of students putting their knowledge into action. While there is much to do about these important issues, the efforts of the students will advance campus awareness and their own knowledge as they become informed citizen leaders.”

Advocacy will be at the forefront during the week of events organized under the theme “Hungry for Change in Our Community.” Activities include the annual food drive in partnership with Capital Area Food Bank and the “SNAP Challenge,” which tasks participants with living on the $4.50 per day provided to low-income Americans through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

GW students also can get involved in voter registration outreach during GW’s first advocacy training, street outreach and letter writing campaign to encourage minority populations and people experiencing homelessness to exercise their right to vote.

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"So much of giving is receiving a new perspective. Come in with an open mind and an open heart and see where the service takes you.”

- Leah Cohen, Junior, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

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Junior Leah Cohen participated in Dr. Konwerski’s course last year and helped organize events. This year Ms. Cohen took a leading role as a teaching assistant for the class. She said that participating in the SNAP Challenge gave her a new perspective on homelessness and hunger in D.C., which made her a better advocate. 

“Hunger is a unique issue because it is the great equalizer,” Ms. Cohen said. “Many of us in the GW community are privileged to not worry about where we will get our next meal, but it’s important to be aware of the situation going on around us in D.C. and get involved in advocacy.”

GW students are no strangers to community involvement. They collect canned goods for Trick or Treat for Service, support local education programs during Greek Day of Service and volunteer across D.C. for Freshman Day of Service. Last Friday, the GW women’s lacrosse team collected 3,000 food items and toiletries and $1,000 to buy turkeys for Thanksgiving baskets that will feed 21 local families.

Junior J. Cooper Schembor has dedicated about 10 hours a week for the past 14 months volunteering at Campus Kitchen D.C. at the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church. He said that he has learned to be committed to his tasks and put meaning behind his work.

“It taught me that, no matter how hard a task, service is worth getting done as it provides benefit to others,” Mr. Schembor said.

Sophomore Amanda Feldman said that her weekly volunteer session at Miriam’s Kitchen has shown her the importance of creating an environment that acknowledges the dignity of recipients of service.

“The respect and culture of compassion has stuck with me,” Ms. Feldman said. “Service has to be done with a willing heart, not to complete a service requirement for a course.”

Ms. Cohen encourages students who want to get involved in volunteer opportunities that address hunger and homelessness to do so with an open mind.

“So much of giving is receiving a new perspective,” Ms. Cohen said. “Come in with an open mind and an open heart and see where the service takes you.”

Below is a full list of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week events:  

Food Drive for Capital Area Food Bank
Nov. 15-20
Donate canned goods and other nonperishable items for the food drive to benefit D.C. residents through the Capital Area Food Bank. Items can be dropped off at bins located in academic and campus buildings, including 1957 E St., NW, the Marvin Center, Phillips Hall and Rice Hall. Bins also will be placed in residence halls, including 1959 E St., NW, Amsterdam, Dakota, Fulbright, FSK, Guthridge, Shenkman, JBKO, Munson and South Hall.

SNAP Challenge
Nov. 16-20
The annual “SNAP Challenge” offers the GW community a glimpse into the difficulties faced by those who live on the $4.50 per day budget provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Participants gain a better understanding of the difficult choices made by low-income Americans and spark a desire to advocate for those who go hungry.

The Homelessness Bill of Rights
Nov. 16
7 p.m., Marvin Center, Betts Theatre
Witness performers from the Street Sense Theatre “Staging Hope” workshop, led by Professor of Theatre Leslie Jacobson. They will perform scenes, monologues, poetry and songs. After the show, meet the performers and learn more about advocating for the homeless.

Healing Hunger with Harmony  
Nov. 17
8 p.m., Marvin Center, Continental Ballroom
Members of the GW and D.C. communities come together for an evening of song and dance. Admission is free, but a donation of a nonperishable food item is suggested.

Advocacy Training and Outreach for Voter Diversity
Training on Nov. 17 following “Hunger with Harmony,” Marvin Center, Continental Ballroom
Outreach 4 p.m. Nov. 20, various locations in D.C.
Attend a training to improve minority representation in voting on Nov. 17 and an outreach event on Nov. 20 to register people experiencing homelessness to vote. A letter writing campaign advocating for affordable housing also will kick off this week.

Hunger Banquet
Nov. 19
7 p.m., Marvin Center, Continental Ballroom
Attend this free dinner where a random lottery determines your income bracket and meal. Guests will discuss and reflect on the experience following speeches from guest speakers.