COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Courses and Instructors Include…
Community Development Past, Present and Future Best Practices (CDC I) Through the prism of a community and faithbased approach, this course will explore community development from the perspective of effective models from the past, current and future models. With an emphasis on communities within the Washington metropolitan area, the course will examine the origins of community decay throughout Washington, DC area’s locales and evolving best practices for faithbased and community based practitioners working towards transforming underresourced communities into thriving and sustainable communities. Issues of race, ethnicity and class will be explored as they relate to building sustainable community development models in the Washington, DC region.
Instructors: Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr. campaigned for and won the DC Ward 5 Council seat in November 2006. He was sworn into office in January 2007. Councilmember Thomas is Chair of the DC City Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks, and Recreation. He sits on four additional committees: Workforce Development and the Environment, Aging and Community Affairs, Housing and Workforce Development, and Public Services and Consumer Affairs. Councilmember Thomas is the son of late three‐ term Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Sr., and former DC Public School principal Romaine B. Thomas. Councilmember Thomas attended DC Public Schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He holds a degree in Public Relations/Marketing from Bowie State University. Councilmember Thomas was Vice President of Public Affairs for the Public Benefits Corporation (formerly DC General Hospital). Recognizing the need for youth and citizen empowerment programs, Councilmember Thomas co‐founded DCTC‐Team Thomas, a non‐profit organization for social change, citizen empowerment, community development, and youth and senior program development. Councilmember Thomas is a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and has served as Chair of the Woodridge Health Clinic. He is a past President of the DC Young Democrats and a former At‐Large elected member of the DC Democratic State party, for which he coordinated local and national events. Councilmember Thomas has worked for the national Democratic Party, holding the office of Treasurer. He has also served as the Adult and Youth Chair of the Neighborhood Planning Council.
Carol Schwartz entered DC politics in 1974 as a member of the Board of Education representing Ward 3. Reelected four years later, she unsuccessfully ran for president of the Board of Education in 1980. In 1984 she ran for the City Council as an at‐large member and as a Republican unseated Jerry A. Moore, Jr., who had held the seat for ten years also as a Republican. Over the years, Carol Swartz has run for Mayor of the District of Columbia four times. Her bids for the at large seat were more successful resulting
444 North Capitol St. NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-220-1300 | www.Nyack.edu/DC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
in considerable time serving the residents of the District of Columbia as their at large City Councilwoman. Notable among Mrs. Swartz legislative accomplishments is the Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act which requires District employers to give their workers paid time off to address their health needs or those of a family members. The law also represents the first law to require employers to offer time paid time off to victims of stalking, sexual assault, or domestic violence who need time off to seek medical care, shelter, counseling, a court order, or other services related to the domestic violence. Today, Carol Swartz is an outspoken advocate for the citizens of the District of Columbia on issues that promote the social, economic and physical well being of its citizens.
Ron Jackson is the Executive Director of the DC Catholic Conference for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. The DC Catholic Conference is the public policy and advocacy office for the Archdiocese of Washington. His advocacy covers the DC City Council, the Mayor and the U.S. Congress. Mr. Jackson’s background in advocacy and issues related to community development and public policy go back to his roots in Jackson, Mississippi where he blazed a trail as the first professional African‐American staff member in the office of City Councilman Douglas Shanks in Jackson. He went on to blaze a deeper trail as the first African‐American staff person to join the staff of then Senator Thad Cochran (R‐Mississippi). Mr. Jackson went on to receive his law degree from Antioch University School of Law and a Masters of Social Work degree from Howard University. His career includes working as a policy analyst and lobbyist with the National Urban League on civil rights, education, employment and international issues. His work with the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops includes advocacy and policy work on civil rights, education, employment and other areas addressing underserved populations. He has received numerous awards for the work in the community notable of which include, the Order of Merit Medal from the Archdiocese of Washington Emeritus Theodore Cardinal McCarrick and The Benemerenti Medal from Pope Benedict XVI for exemplary service to the church, family and community.
Steve Park is Founder and Executive Director of Little Lights Urban Ministries (LLUM), a community‐based organization focused on Potomac Gardens public housing in Capitol Hill. LLUM provides Christ‐centered after‐school, summer, mentoring, and Bible study programs to underserved children and youth. Little Lights employees 12 full‐time staff (including six Americorps VISTA). They also have nine teens from the community as well as other part‐time staff members. They work with more than 100 children and youth throughout the year. Mr. Park founded the organization in 1995. Also, he helped to found the DC Practitioners group which meets monthly and brings together a diverse group of community and faith‐based organizational leaders for the purposes of collaboration, resource sharing, capacity building assistance and support. Mr. Park is a graduate of Boston University and has two Bachelor's Degrees in Broadcasting and Film and English. He resides in Anacostia with his wife and children.
444 North Capitol St. NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-220-1300 | www.Nyack.edu/DC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Vince Campbell is a doctoral student in Early Christian History at the Catholic University of America and Pastor of DC Shalom Church. Through this house church and his work as program staff and trainer at Little Lights Urban Ministries (LLUM), Mr. Campbell has worked in several collaborative ministry efforts in SE DC with various churches and ministries including the Washington Interfaith Network. Mr. Campbell has served as a Youth Pastor for World Impact in Newark, NJ and a pastoral intern at Cambridge Community Fellowship Church in Cambridge, MA. He has earned ministerial degrees at Gordon‐Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.M.). Mr. Campbell lives in Anacostia with his wife and daughter.
Joel Schmigall is an Associate Pastor at the National Community Church and organizer of the Convoy of Hope, considered a “first responder” organization in disaster relief. With a fleet of tractor‐trailers, a 300,000‐square‐foot warehouse, and a high‐tech Mobile Command Center, the Convoy of Hope has become an active and efficient disaster relief organization that provides resources and help to victims of disasters. In Washington, DC the Convoy of Hope provided food, clothes and outreach services to thousands of needy residents.
Rev. Theresa (Teri) Mullen is the director for Kids Konnection. Her accomplishments include twenty‐four years of ministry to the poor and at‐risk. She serves more than 1,000 children in five locations in DC public housing providing job skills, computer training, etiquette, dance, mentoring and many other programs to serve the needs of the youth in her programs. She holds a Master’s degree in Christian Education from Regent University.
NONPROFIT ADMINISTRATION (CDC I) This course will examine the importance and mechanics of developing adequate vision and mission statements. It will explore the general principles related to operating nonprofit organizations, which include providing an understanding of nonprofit organizing documents. Students will gain an understanding of the external environment for nonprofits related to economic sustainability, understand how to do a SWOT Analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) and gain a better understanding of the roles of nonprofit CEOs, Boards of Directors, and other leadership roles related to effective nonprofit administration.
Instructor: Vera R. Jackson, Ph.D., is the current president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation Metropolitan Washington. A seasoned entrepreneur, she is also president and CEO of Vera Jackson and Associates, a management consultancy that offers professional services and training to strengthen the operations and personnel of businesses and organizations. With more than 25 years of executive leadership and administrative experience with seven non‐profit organizations, Dr. Jackson is a recognized leading expert on non‐profit administration. Her executive experience
444 North Capitol St. NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-220-1300 | www.Nyack.edu/DC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
includes CEO of Residential Youth Services, Executive Director of JCC, Vice President of In2Books and Best Friends Foundation and senior management positions with the National Capitol Chapter of the American Red Cross and The George Washington University. Dr. Jackson is the author of several books and articles, and has provided her expertise to elected officials, business and non‐profit leaders.
FUNDRAISING (CDC I) This course will provide students with an understanding of the role of fundraising in relation to non profit management. Students will gain a better understanding of the nature of donors, including identifying who they are and why they give as well as best practices related to fundraising for non profits. Also, students will gain an understanding of the principles for developing a diverse and sustainable donor base.
Instructor: Lyn English has twenty years of experience in the non‐profit development field, working with local community‐based organizations, national not‐for‐profits, local government and funders. Ms. English has extensive experience in virtually all facets of development including foundation, corporate and government relations; small and major donors; event and earned income strategies. She is an experienced facilitator and trainer and holds a B. A. degree in English from Georgetown University and an M.A. from the University of Maryland at College Park. Her former and current clients include: Anacostia/Congress Heights Partnership, Latin American Youth Center, DC Action for Children, East of the River CDC, Greater Southeast Community Hospital, Youthbuild Public Charter School, Center for Community Change, Council of Great City Schools, Economic Policy Institute, Goodwill Industries International, National Congress for Community and Economic Development, National Council of La Raza, The Nature Conservancy, Poverty and Race Research Action Council, Giant Food, Inc., Group Health Association of America, Southern Community Partners/ The Lyndhurst Foundation and many more.
NAVIGATING THE BUREACRACY (CDC I) This course will provide the student with an understanding of the functions of agencies within the District of Columbia and the process for communicating with these agencies to accomplish specific goals. An overview of the DC City Council, Wards, Advisory Neighborhood Commission and services and expertise will also be examined. For students who do not live or have business with the District of Columbia, an overview of how to approach other localities, for the purpose of navigating the system to accomplish community development goals, will be explored.
444 North Capitol St. NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-220-1300 | www.Nyack.edu/DC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Instructor: Sherrie Lawson is recognized as an ardent community organizer, and passionate community fixer upper. Ms. Lawson has learned the ropes of navigating bureaucracies from the ground up. Beginning with her role of four years as President of the Eastern Plaza Condominiums located in Ward seven of the District of Columbia, she has worked closely with the District of Columbia’s Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works, Department of Housing and Community Development, and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to eradicate crime, unsafe living conditions and to ensure that residents of neighbors, and the public enjoyed a safe and pleasant living environment.
Out of a city‐wide application process, Ms. Lawson was selected to attend The George Washington University’s District of Columbia Neighborhood College, a city‐wide program that trains community and civic leaders to lead, organize, and influence positive change in their communities. It was in Neighborhood College that Ms. Lawson learned the ‘nuts and bolts’ of Washington DC government as well as valuable community organizing skills. After completing the program, she was elected vice president of the Deanwood Citizens Association where she worked closely with local Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, Ward Seven’s Councilmember, Yvette Alexander, and local businesses to assist in community improvements. For the past three years she has walked the Capital View community with local law enforcement as a member of the Capital View Community Policing Initiative Project, a pilot program that works with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sixth District. She is a member of River East Emerging Leaders (R.E.E.L), Friends of Marvin Gay Park, and the Far North Ward Seven Council.
Ms. Lawson is currently a doctoral student at Walden University where she is pursing a Ph.D. in Leadership and Organizational Change. She has Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Nyack College.
DEVELOPING YOUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS (CDC II) As important as financial resources are to the successful growth of organizations, perhaps even more important to success are the human resources, specifically, staff and volunteers. This course will explore the best practices for developing motivated and engaged staff and volunteers. Strategies for recruiting and retaining good staff and volunteers will be examined as well as how to assist staff and volunteers to work together effectively.
Instructor: Rev. Michael C. Worsley is a native of Newport News, VA. Currently, he serves as the Community Engagement Specialist for the National Capital Area, U.S. Programs office of World Vision, Inc., the largest Christian humanitarian organization in the world. Presently, World Vision serves over 100
444 North Capitol St. NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-220-1300 | www.Nyack.edu/DC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
countries globally, and 11 cities across the USA. Ultimately, World Vision seeks to empower “at‐ risk” youth and families to experience “fullness of life” throughout the Capital region.
Rev. Worsley has served as a Community Coordinator for The National Day of Prayer (DC Host Committee), a Coordinator and Manager of volunteers for the Congressional Black Caucus National Prayer Breakfast, a facilitator with the National Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values. He is a graduate from Norfolk State University with a B.S. degree in Mass Communications, and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Howard University, Divinity School. From 1981‐ 2006, he served as a Chaplain at Howard University, focusing on leadership development with Tom Skinner Campus Ministry, sponsored by Skinner Leadership Institute. He remained a recognized University Chaplain in an advisory capacity until 2009.
PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (CDC II) This course will explore the rise of faith and communitybased organizations (FBO and CBO, respectively) as dispensers of essential services in today’s economy and the relationships between these organizations and public institutions. Discussion will include topics on charitable giving, philanthropic regulation, the role of foundations and social entrepreneurship. Students will examine the nexus between the nonprofit, government and business sectors, with a focus on understanding organizational leverage.
Instructor: Lisa Trevino Cummins is the founder and president of Urban Strategies, LLC, focused on connecting, resourcing, and tooling non‐profit organizations to affect change among communities in need. Ms. Cummins’ work includes the development of strategic alliances, program design, and implementation of programs on a range of subject matters including at‐risk children and youth, strengthening marriage and families, early childhood development, adoption, and community and economic development. Prior to founding Urban Strategies, Ms. Cummins served in the White House Office for Faith‐Based and Community Initiatives, leading efforts in the White House and several Cabinet‐level agencies. In the private sector, Ms. Cummins served as Senior Vice President of Community Development for Bank of America for 12 years where she mobilized communities in economic and community development efforts. She was a pioneer in the development of the financial institution’s nationally recognized Community Development Program that included capacity building, lending, and investment as key program components. Among her accomplishments is the creation of the San Antonio Business Development Fund that has facilitated the investment of more than $20 million for small business growth; the creation of the San Antonio Housing Initiative that secured more than $20 million from financial institutions for affordable housing; the implementation of new lending policy that extended capital to religious institutions; and, a national project focused on community‐serving faith‐based organizations.
444 North Capitol St. NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-220-1300 | www.Nyack.edu/DC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Ms. Cummins earned an MBA from the University of Texas in San Antonio and an undergraduate degree from Trinity University and is an active member of her local community, as well as serves on the national boards of Wycliffe Bible Translators and Christian Community Development Association. A sought‐out national speaker, Ms. Cummins is a frequent plenary presenter for the White House regional and national conferences.
EMPOWERING THOSE YOU SERVE (CDC II) The word empowerment is defined as “the giving of an ability; enablement or permission.” This word as it relates to community development often infers a process of enabling those in underserved communities with the mindset and accompanying resources to move beyond their present circumstances into a more socially and economically productive set of circumstances. This class will focus on community development strategies based in real time that are working to “empower” young people and adults in low income urban communities move beyond the mental and physical barriers imposed by poverty.
Instructor: Steve Fitzhugh speaks to thousands of youth each year throughout the country and abroad. His talks help young people make positive choices in life. Mr. Fitzhugh’s message challenges the students on critical issues of today: from dropping out to academic leadership; from peer pressure to positive values; from alcohol abuse to freedom from the chemical culture. He encourages those students who have made positive choices. Mr. Fitzhugh’s style is fresh and humorous as he tells about his stories in the NFL (Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns) and his own personal experiences. He has been living and working in the Washington DC area since the mid 1980's. He is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio where he captained both the track and football teams while earning his B.A. degree in Public Administration.
Mr. Fitzhugh accepted a contract offer from the Denver Broncos of the NFL immediately after graduation. Sidelined by a shoulder injury after only two years, Mr. Fitzhugh began his Master of Divinity graduate studies at Howard University in Washington DC in 1987. Following divinity school, Mr. Fitzhugh spent 16 months on Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota, where he began drug & alcohol prevention education throughout the public and private school systems. Today Mr. Fitzhugh serves nationally and abroad as the executive director of PowerMoves, leading students into success and significance. He also is the national spokesperson for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ "One Way 2 Play ‐ Drug Free" program. And when at home in Washington, DC, you can find him at "The House," an after school teen drop‐in center he co‐ founded as a safe place for the students of Southeast DC.
444 North Capitol St. NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-220-1300 | www.Nyack.edu/DC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
EVALUATING PROGRAM SUCCESS: KEYS FOR TURNING YOUR SUCCESS STORIES INTO FUNDABLE OUTCOMES (CDC II) This course will provide an overview of essential elements for effective outcomebased program evaluation geared towards the use of non –profit organizations. Concepts including developing an outcome based program evaluation strategy, inputs, outputs and short and long term outcomes will be examined. Special focus will be given to assisting community and faith based organizations understand how to transfer their success stories into outcome based language utilized by funders.
Instructor: Nancy Chan graduated in 2006 with a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown Public Policy Institute, focusing on public management and nonprofit studies, and also has a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from MIT. She is currently working on program evaluation projects for the US Department of Education and the National Science Foundation. She is also currently working as an economics and technology policy analyst at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI International). Previously, Ms. Chan was a research associate in education policy analysis at the Urban Institute. In partnership with Michael Porter's organization, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, she did her Master's thesis exploring the regional economic effects of inner‐city economic development programs on surrounding suburbs. Her private sector work experience includes strategy management consulting, college recruiting, market research, product marketing, and program management in the Silicon Valley (Palm Inc. and Adaptec Inc.). Ms. Chan got involved with non‐profit work when she helped Little Lights Urban Ministries launch their after‐school tutoring program and served on their board of directors for two years.
444 North Capitol St. NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-220-1300 | www.Nyack.edu/DC