Civic Leadership Dialogues
We invite you to strengthen your civic leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills join the Nashman Center at our Civic Leadership Dialogues!
All students are welcome!
Civic Leadership Dialogues consist of workshops, informational sessions, and casual dialogues on various topics including active citizenship, advocacy, leadership, diversity, equity, and other related topics. We focus on the overarching theme of inclusive excellence, leadership, and community.
To register: please visit the Register Now button or click on a session title below and log onto GWServes using your GW Net ID and password.
* Note* Once registered, attendees will be emailed a confirmation email.
Spring 2026 Sessions
FROM IDEA TO IMPACT: PERFECTING THE PROJECT PROPOSAL
Tuesday, February 10, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Nashman Center Conference Room 409
Ayman Rahman, Program Manager, Social Innovation
A strong idea needs a strong structure. This workshop focuses on turning social and civic ideas into clear, compelling project proposals. Participants will learn how to articulate goals, define scope, build realistic timelines, and develop thoughtful budgets that align with mission and resources. Whether applying for funding or pitching a project to partners, this session equips participants with the tools to communicate feasibility, clarity, and impact with confidence.
MEASURING WHAT MATTERS: TOOLS AND STRATEGIES FOR ASSESSMENT
Wednesday, February 18, 3:00pm – 4:00pm, Nashman Center Conference Room 409
Ayman Rahman, Program Manager, Social Innovation
Reporting impact of your initiatives is about observing and learning, not just measuring. This session introduces practical tools for evaluating social impact using qualitative and quantitative methods. Participants will explore how to set meaningful goals inspired by your overall objectives, design indicators, and use data to improve programs and strengthen accountability to communities.
TELLING YOUR STORY, SELLING YOUR STORY: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION FOR IMPACT
Tuesday, February 24, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Nashman Center Conference Room 409
Ayman Rahman, Program Manager, Social Innovation
Stories move people before data ever does. This session explores the power of storytelling, messaging, and narrative framing in nonprofit and civic communication. Participants will learn how stories shape public understanding, influence support, and build credibility while also examining the ethical responsibilities that come with telling community-based stories. The workshop will focus on crafting authentic, audience-centered narratives without oversimplifying complex social issues.
CREATIVITY, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY: HUMAN CENTERED INNOVATION
Tuesday, March 3, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Nashman Center Conference Room 409
Ayman Rahman, Program Manager, Social Innovation
Social innovation begins with understanding people, not just problems. This session explores how history, culture, and collective identity shape communities and influence how change happens. Participants will examine creativity as a civic tool and learn how cultural awareness strengthens human-centered problem solving, trust-building, and ethical community engagement through projects suitable for their selected communities.
BEYOND THE BALLOT: UNDERSTANDING RANKED CHOICE VOTING IN DC
Thursday, March 19, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Nashman Center Conference Room 409
Yewoinhareg Kebede, DC Board of Elections
This CLD will explore the fundamentals of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) and what its implementation means for future DC elections. Students will learn how RCV works, why it was passed as a ballot initiative, and how it will be implemented in DC. Attendees will have the opportunity to case a sample RCV ballot via paper ballot or voting equipment.
LEADING WITH DATA: USING RSTUDIO TO UNDERSTAND AND IMPROVE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Monday, April 20, 3:45pm - 5:15pm
Imani Lee, Graduate Assistant
This session is a beginner-friendly crash course in RStudio designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of working with data. Using a small, hands-on dataset related to community engagement, students will learn how to explore, visualize, and interpret data to better understand and improve public service programs. No prior coding experience is required!
Questions?
Contact gwserves
gwu [dot] edu (gwserves[at]gwu[dot]edu)