Transforming DC’s Youth Leadership through the Power of the Humanities
June 27 – July 2, 2005
Smithsonian Institution Anacostia Museum and Center
for African American History and Culture
Are you age 15-18 and enrolled in a District of Columbia public, public charter,
parochial, or private high school?
Yes

Are you curious about what’s going on in D.C. and how decisions are made that have an
impact on your life?
Yes

Are you a team player -- in the classroom, with friends, family, on the playing field or
court, in the band, choir, church, mosque, temple, neighborhood, etc.?
Yes

Are you motivated to learn new things, explore, think “out of the box,” and contribute
your talents to a project?
Yes

Do you finish what you start?
Yes

If you answered Yes to these questions, you are ready to be part of the Soul
Soul of the City
believes ideas can
be transformed to
action when youth
are inspired and encouraged to
discover their own potential for
leadership. Washington, D.C. is
currently undergoing rapid social,
political, and physical change. Soul
of the City encourages confidence in
young citizens to discover their voice,
communicate, and take an active role
in decisions and choices that affect
their lives as well as the city in which
they, learn, work, and play. The
Humanities play a vital part in the
Soul of the City leadership process.
Grounded in the Humanities, Soul
 Gives you the tools for making
decisions and choices using the
lessons of the past, present, and
your own experiences;
 Encourages you to
communicate effectively, and
name and resolve issues for the
betterment of all;
 Inspires you to “get involved”;
 Gives you incentive to plan for
your future.
of the City.
of the City…
When: Mon., June 27 – Sat., July 2
Time: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (M-F)
History and Culture
Where:
Smithsonian
Insitution
Anacostia Museum
and Center for
African American
1901 Fort Place, Southeast, Washington, DC
Soul of the City participants will each
receive a $100 honorarium upon
completion of the following
requirements

Attends all 5 sessions of the program
from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Participates in discussions

Reads and interprets historic
documents from U.S. history: The
Declaration of Independence, the Bill
of Rights, the Emancipation
Forty (40) youth will explore leadership
from four perspectives:
History
Ethics
Public Space
Language – the Power of the Word
Proclamation

Attends field trips

Works in teams and independently

Local scholars, artists, and community
leaders will introduce significant historical
and social themes about Washington, DC
and U.S. history. Participants will share
their ideas and thoughts in activities,
discussion groups, and trips to historic
destinations and neighborhoods in DC’s
Wards 7 and 8. Students residing in
Wards 7 and 8 are strongly encouraged to
apply.

Works with the
group to
establish and
follow ground
rules
Completes a final project (individually
or in a team) to present at the
celebration program Saturday, July 2
for family, friends, and community
leaders. Projects can range from
exhibits, oral presentations,
performances, or any format
demonstrating what has been
uncovered and/or rediscovered
during the week.
Meals: Continental breakfast and lunch
provided.
Transportation: Transportation to all program
sites will be available.
National Endowment for the Humanities – We the People Initiative
Freedom, Rights, and Responsibilities is the theme of our Soul of the City and other
programs throughout the year presented as part of the National Endowment for the
Humanities “We the People” initiative. “We the People” is dedicated to exploring
significant events and themes in U.S. history and to share the lessons with all Americans.
The Humanities Council of Washington, DC is exploring Freedom, Rights, and
Responsibilities through three significant historic documents:
The Declaration of
Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Each Soul of the City
participant will receive copies of the documents and use them to inform their work
throughout the week.
For more information, log on to www.neh.gov.
See Application Guidelines
Soul of the City Application Guidelines
If you are interested in applying for Soul of the City 2005, complete the application
forms per the checklist below. Mail or hand-deliver your application to the Humanities
Council of Washington, DC, 925 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; or Email to
mboston1@wdchumanities.org; or fax to (202) 387-8149. Complete applications must
be received no later than Friday, May 20, 2005.
 A completed Soul of the City Application Cover Sheet [Form 1]
 Personal Statement [Form 2]
 Two (2) Soul of the City Recommendation Forms completed by any two (2) of the
following adults who are part of your community [Form 4]:
 Teacher(s) – all subjects accepted
 Principal
 Guidance Counselors
 Religious leadership: Minister/Youth Minister/Committee leadership
 Coach (all sports)
 Band, Orchestra, Choir leader, Creative Directors, and Editors (fine arts,
performing arts, creative writing, TV/radio/film, and journalism)
 Employer (present or former)
 Civic leaders (Council member, ANC commissioner, neighborhood/civic
program leadership, tenant association, and social services)
 Neighbors (age 21 and over)
Note on recommendations: You may use the letter provided to request a recommendation from
the persons of your choice. [See Form 3]
About the Humanities Council of Washington, DC
The Humanities Council of Washington, DC is celebrating 25 years as a grant making agency and has
grown to become both a funder of community projects and a provider of programs, ensuring that public
education in the humanities reaches diverse audiences across wards, neighborhoods, and cultures in the
Washington area. The Council works with community partners and social leaders, encouraging them to
embrace the D.C. cultural renaissance and collaborate with us to develop intercultural, bridge-building
activities that raise community consciousness. The Council is an affiliate of the National Endowment for
the Humanities; however it is a private, non-profit organization, and not a federal or District agency.
For additional information or questions, contact Michon Boston, Director of Programs, Humanities
Council of Washington, D.C. at (202) 387-8391, or by email at mboston1@wdchumanities.org. Visit
our website to learn more about Soul of the City at www.wdchumanities.org.
925 U Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 387-8391 ph (202) 387-8149 fax
www.wdchumanities.org