Sometimes philanthropists are right in our own backyard and community --neighbors helping neighbors donating their skills and resources.  In this podcast we feature a fascinating discussion with Dr. Alfred Taylor, Jr. author, educator, and historian who shares terrific information about historic community philanthropists.  Here are a few of the community philanthropists that also appear in his book, Bridge Builders of (Nauck) Green Valley: 

·       Dr. Roland H. Bruner, a physician and community doctor.

·       Verna Lee Taylor Dean “Mamma Dean”, a surrogate mother to thousands of children, church and community leaders.

·       Leonard “Doc” Muse, owner of the Green Valley Pharmacy that served African Americans, who during that time, were not served by the County’s white owned pharmacies.

·       Ralph D. Collins, Sr.  owner of the Friendly Lunch. the Friendly Cab Company. that served neighbors who could not pay for services or were denied service by white-owned establishments.

·       Robert M. Alexander, Esq., a pro bono attorney for the NAACP and others

In this interview a local government leader discusses a wide range of topics related to philanthropy in the community – even her own!   County government officials deal with everything from complaints about potholes to, public health issues, human services, schools, public safety to relationships with nonprofits, small businesses, large corporations and more.   Former Arlington Virginia County board member Katie Cristol shares her insights on local government and philanthropy.  During her tenure Amazon selected Arlington Virginia for its second national headquarters.  The county government negotiated many community benefits for the community as part of its agreement with Amazon to be a philanthropic partner as well as an economic partner.

Arlington Historical Society's President Cathy Hix discusses the mission of uncovering and promoting Arlington's true history.  AHS operates two museums and has special initiatives that research Arlington's complete history - the good, the bad and the ugly.  They work to educate and share with all members of the community.

During Women’s History Month, we had a fascinating conversation with former Virginia State Senator Mary Margaret Whipple about the Virginia Women’s Monuments being built on the grounds of the Virginia capitol.  The monuments consist of 13 important women in Virginia’s history featuring a diverse range of ethnicities, occupations and contributions to Virginia’s history.

Phoenix Bikes is a local  nonprofit that uniquely combines youth education programs with a full-service professional bike shop and retail store.   They harness the power of bikes to help youth build passion, purpose, and a place in the community
 
 Their motto is "Empowered youth, thriving communities and a second life for every bike"

Join me as I speak with Kelvin Manurs, Founder & Community Relations Director for Arm & Arm, a nonprofit that addresses substance use and addiction process at three levels – individual, group, and community. Their services include mentoring, specialized workshops, one-on-one sessions, and participation in small group sessions. Arm & Arm began with a focus on returning citizens and military vets and expanded its services to families and youth.

In tis episode we spotlight a local volunteer matching program .   Volunteer Arlington helps match volunteers with terrific volunteer opportunities at dozens of nonprofits.  The CEO  shares the special volunteer initiatives targeting seniors, young professionals and youths as well as other activities that promote and celebrate volunteerism.  A special re-occurring volunteer event offers numerous opportunities to volunteer with a service projects on the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Day of Service.

Did you know there is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding opera to diverse audiences including children, minorities and older adults at affordable prices?  In this podcast we share a lively and fun interview with the ENERGETIC AND FABULOUS President of Opera Nova, Miriam Miller. 

 Opera Nova’s goal is to make opera affordable to everyone.  Hear about Opera Nova’s annual children’s opera as well as their efforts to bring affordable opera programs to children, seniors and minorities (such as their salute to African American opera singers Leontyne Price, Marian Anderson and Coretta Scott).  As Miriam states, "the arts are a neutral and wonderful way to bring the community together and a first step to promoting harmony and friendship among all residents!"  

On today's Your Philanthropy Matters episode, guest host Savannah Pierce interviews podcast host Wanda Pierce on her life and career in philanthropy and about the variety of Your Philanthropy Matters episodes that have aired.

Did you know that studies show that the zip code you are born in can make a huge difference in your economic opportunities?  Today on Your Philanthropy Matters we are joined by Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, Executive Director of Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB).  CAAB is a nonprofit that works to ensure that all residents in the Greater DC area regardless of zip code have opportunities to save and invest in their dreams!  CAAB changes lives by providing financial education, a matching savings program and consumer education programs to help people move forward. CAAB also conducts research and advocacy.