Welcom to Transforming Communities!

I’m excited that you’re interested in joining a wonderful group of students in an exploration of issues critical to communities and the public policies which impact communities. Transforming Communities explores education, families, work, housing and community development at the grassroots level, where individuals and organizations offer creative programs to improve life at the community level, where exciting and dynamic change is happening all the time. At the same time, we learn about how government – from the federal to the local level – is involved in strengthening communities.

The Transforming Communities Semester will introduce you to:

Policymakers who impact our lives at the community level. These include members of Congress and the courts, federal, state and local government officials, and influential advocacy group leaders;

Influential national leaders who have changed our community landscape at the national level – people like Robert Egger, founder to DC Central Kitchen and the Nonprofit Congress, Congressman John Lewis, leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Robert Rector, architect of welfare reform, and Jim Wallis, evangelical leader and founder of Sojourners and Call to Renewal;

Inspirational grassroots leaders and programs that have transformed communities and people at the local level. They may or may not have names that you recognize, but you will remember them.

You will also:

Intern (2 days per week) at any number of organizations or agencies, including the U.S. Congress, US agencies like Health and Human Services and Education, nationaladvocacy and activist groups, media outlets, and local organizations involved in a field of your choice (such as education, health care, immigration, and faith-based efforts). Our students have interned in an amazing variety of places. You will gain a wide network of contacts to help guide you as you begin to consider careers and job opportunities after college. These include Transforming Communities alumni who are engaged in activities of all kinds.

Spend time in Washington, DC – one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities in the country, and indeed the world.

Engage with classmates and other students in the Washington Semester. You will learn so much from them.

As a great number of students have commented, Transforming Communities has changed their lives and provided them guidance as they go forward from college into graduate school and/or careers.

If you would like to find out more information on this semester or similar courses offered through American University’s Washington Semester Program, please visit us at the course page at: www.transformingcommunities.net or call to receive more information: 1-800-424-2600.

Hope to see you in D.C.!

Professor Katharine Kravetz