Civic Leadership Forum
Public Policy & HBCUs
The Civic Leadership Forum is our annual spring break leadership trip to Washington, D.C. focused on public policy and college preparation. It is a government civics class brought to life in real-time. Ambassadors craft a public policy proposal based on a community-based issue of their choice and travel to the nation’s capital to lobby elected leaders on Capitol Hill. In addition, ambassadors visit several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to learn about college opportunities as well as their historical significance. Ambassadors must complete Rising Leaders year one to qualify for the Forum.
Meeting with Congressional Leaders on Capitol Hill
Community Ambassadors present their public policy to multiple congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. Here they meet with Oregon Representative Janelle Bynum, discussing their proposal on Black mental health.
Touring Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Ambassadors tour several HBCUs, including Howard University, Morgan State University and Coppin State University, where they meet with students, learn about the Divine Nine Greek Fraternities and Sororities, and tour the campuses.
Visit and Dialogue with the D.C. Metropolitan Police
Ambassadors learn about how D.C. police engage the community and share feedback on how they can better support Black youth, including themselves.
Learning about the law and your rights with the D.C. Public Defenders
Ambassadors participate in a hands-on law and rights workshop with the staff at the D.C. Public Defender’s Office. Ambassadors work through a mock court case and their rights during police encounters.
Meeting with Students at Dunbar High School
Dunbar High School was the first public high school in the nation for African American students. Our ambassadors visit the school and host a workshop with students in the Law and Public Policy Academy.
Visit to the National Museum of African American & Culture History
Touring the National Museum of African American History & Culture, and exploring the countless hands-on exhibits reinforces to our ambassadors that Black History is American History.
