Social Innovation Workshops

Do ANY of these apply to YOU?

I want to do something but don’t know what; I have an idea but can’t find faculty, partners, team; I know what to do but I need help & support

Are you a GW student seeking funding and mentoring for a project that addresses community needs? Do you have an idea that combines service with action? Or maybe you just want to help people but not sure how and where to start?

Let us help you on your journey from idea to impact! Before you apply for our grants and fellowships, our workshops are always a great place to work on your ideas, get access to resources and connect with fellow impacters!

All students are welcome! If you have an established project, a social issue you feel strongly about, or an idea you need help with, GWupstart is here to help!

Spring 2026 Sessions

CREATIVITY, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY: HUMAN CENTERED INNOVATION
Wednesday, February 4, 3:00pm – 4:00pm, 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.

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.

SIGN UP FOR AN UPCOMING WORKSHOP!

Contact upstartgwu [dot] edu (upstart[at]gwu[dot]edu) with questions, ideas, thoughts, or an application.

Open to all GW Undergraduate and Graduate students.