Washington DC
 Chapter

About Room to Read Chapters

Room to Read depends on our chapter leaders and chapter members to help us achieve our annual fundraising goal and to represent Room to Read. Our chapters are comprised of groups of individuals who have made a long-term volunteer commitment to promoting Room to Read within their networks and communities. The chapters organize annual fundraising events, introduce us to potential corporate, foundation and individual supporters and act as representatives for Room to Read within their area.

About the 
Washington DC
 Chapter

Our goal is to promote awareness of the mission and to increase support to Room to Read efforts through local DC, VA and MD partnerships. People ask all the time, “How can I be involved, how can I help?” Certainly the answer depends on many factors including your skills & passions, your available time, and the details regarding your "network of contacts." Want to know more? We invite your interest. Email us at washington.dc@roomtoread.org

Meet the 
Washington DC
 Chapter Leaders

Craig Herb - Chapter Leader
Craig was with Microsoft from 1985-2000 where he managed sales teams and marketing teams. Craig was drawn to Room to Read in 2007 after reading John’s book that told of his journey as well - "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World." Seeing education as the key to “the change we seek,” Craig has been providing leadership to the greater Washington DC chapter's work since early in 2009.
Heither Freitag - Director of Young Professional Outreach
Heather Freitag is the Strategic Communications Coordinator at the International Center for Research on Women. She is also a second year Global Communication master's student at George Washington University's Elliott School for International Affairs, focusing on international development and public diplomacy. Beyond work and school, Heather spends as much time outdoors as possible camping,
Sultana F. Ali - Director of Volunteer Engagement
Sultana is the Senior PR Manager at Liquidity Services, Inc. She is a former and current member of several organizations that support women’s and girls’ rights. Sultana received multiple awards for her role in mentoring youth and was one of ten women in the U.S. nominated for the eWomen Network's International Femtor Award. In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing, running and hiking.
Laura Chmar
Laura Chmar is a principal at Mainpointe Capital, a wealth management firm where she oversees the ongoing asset management. She has volunteered throughout Africa and South America with organizations supporting children's education and is passionate about supporting DC area Room to Read volunteers in developing and reaching their own personal fundraising goals.

Upcoming Events

How can you help the DC Chapter?


You can help the DC Chapter in their support of Room to Read’s mission. By joining you’ll become part of a movement of over 11,000 volunteers around the world whose efforts make our 52 chapters vital in envisioning a world in which all children can pursue a quality education, reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world.

Students Helping Students 

Students Helping Students is a global youth movement to change the world through the power of education. You can download a two-page summary here. For more about it, go also to www.roomtoread.org/students.

To access a PowerPoint on learning more about being a part of a team in contacting a local school to join over 1000 schools worldwide who have partnered with this program, click here. 

There are several areas where your giftedness can help us in our local school efforts.  If you have interest in possibly becoming a volunteer, please take our volunteer survey by clicking here.

Young Professional Outreach

Our outreach to young professions consists of the desire to create regular opportunities to gather and also empowering them to serve the mission in concrete ways. For more information, click here. If you have interest in possibly becoming a volunteer, please take our volunteer survey by clicking here.

Events

We have a need for people to serve on our event committee. If you have interest in possibly becoming a volunteer, please take our volunteer survey by clicking here. 

Reaching Corporations, Foundations & Major Donors

A major facet to our local work is presenting the work of Room to Read to area corporations, foundations and major donors.  To better understand how you might be able to help in this area, click here.

Communications & PR

One of our Chapter’s committees that is vital to our local efforts is in the area of communications and PR.  To learn more about how you can use your talents in this area, click here.
 

Let’s get in touch!

Like us on Facebook
Join our group on LinkedIn
Follow @DCRoom2Read  on Twitter
Email us at washingtondc@roomtoread.org
Complete a volunteer survey that will help us match your gifts with our Chapter’s needs.

Event Photos

Past Events

Spring Gala - May 2, 2013

[Pictures and details coming soon]


Book Launch Event 'Creating Room to Read' - Mon., Feb. 11, 2013 

 

Could there be a better place to discuss literacy than a public library? 

John Wood presented his new book CREATING ROOM TO READ: A Story of Hope in the Battle for Global Literacy at the MLK Public Library, Washington DC, last February 11th. Robert O. Blake, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South & Central Asian Affairs, interviewed the author about the origin and purpose of Room to Read. John Wood also shared some fascinating stories about the organization's latest projects. Afterwards, numerous people patiently lined up to get their new copy signed. For more about the book, click here. 



Half the Sky screening - Thu., Nov. 15, 2012

On the evening of November 15th, we welcomed a full room at the Peace Corps in DC. Many people were thrilled to take a look at a selection from the documentary television series "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" featuring Room to Read. The screening generated a lively discussion between the audience and the Room to Read panel. 




2012 Gala

2012 Gala co-sponsored by The US Indian Business Council and keynoted by Room to Read founder John Wood raised $347,000.  Thanks to our host and major sponsor Jones Day!

 

Luncheon with Cokie & Steven Roberts, Dec. 7, 2010

Room to Read's Girls Education Program was the focus of our Dec. 7th 2010 luncheon, featuring Room to Read CEO Erin Ganju and Author/Journalists Cokie and Steve Roberts.

 

Get Involved with the Chapter!

Volunteer with your local chapter: We're thrilled to hear of your interest in getting involved with the chapter! Volunteering with a Room to Read chapter is not only a great way to help further Room to Read's mission, but also to meet new people! Volunteer opportunities include helping to plan events, giving small presentations about Room to Read's work, and introducing Room to Read to new supporters! If you would like to learn more, please update your profile by filling out the Volunteer Form.

 

Organize your own fundraiser or start an online campaign: Whether you’re running a race, encouraging wedding guests to donate in lieu of gifts, hosting a party at your home, or raising money just because you believe in our mission, the personalized fundraising tool will allow you share the Room to Read story with your friends and family through your own web pages and email messages. You can also track the success of your email campaigns and your progress towards your fundraising goal. Check out our Friends Asking Friends section!

 

Chapters

Our chapters raise 1/3 of our budget so more dollars fund our programs.  Help them, help us!

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