Community Programs

These activities will provide alternative and creative ways for social interaction. They are intended for all ages, but will be scheduled and promoted to attract the youth and elderly community members. Although the activities are largely recreational, there is an objective of encouraging communication and learning. It is expected that these activities will be held one to two times per month. The types of activities offered will include:

• Monthly community pot-luck/games night - A regular gathering of the community for fun activities, discussions, presentations and other types of social interaction.
• Walking Club - A gathering of members who, for exercise or enjoyment would like to walk on a regular basis but may have issues with motivation or safety that prevents them from doing it alone.
• Mentoring Program - A way to transfer skills, either academic or artistic, to youth and encourage bonding among community members.
• Field trips/travel opportunities - Organized excursions to local activities, (eg. museums, shows, events) as well as opportunity for travel outside of the US.
• Family night - Regular activities specifically to facilitate interaction and communication between family members.
• Garden Club/Food Co-op - Opportunity to share home grown food and gardening advice, or participate in a neighborhood supported buying club
• Neighborhood cleanup - Organized outings to beautify the surrounding area.

TOP

Classes

The ECACollective offers classes in traditional arts which will involve movement, stretching, energy balancing, meditation and dance. We will specifically offer art forms that will provide opportunity for education about the culture, history, people and values from which it came. It is expected that the classes will be offered two to three times per week. The types of activities offered will include but not be limited to:

• Capoeira Angola - An African-Brazilian art form that combines movement, music and singing and provides opportunity for education on African history and culture. It is a high impact, acrobatic art that appeals to African American youth.
• Tai Chi - A slow moving, meditative martial art form practiced today to increase the internal energy flow in the body. As a low impact, stress reducing activity it is ideal for older adults who are looking for ways to relax, stay active and energize the body.
• Chi Kung/Meditation - Chi Kung offers focused breathing and meditation practices that can easily be used at home and throughout the day to rebalance the body’s energy.
• Yoga - Slow stretching and relaxation exercises that will help keep the body limber and flexible.

TOP

Seminars & Workshops

The ECACollective will actively seek experts in the community to share information on different topics. The frequency will depend on the availability of presenters, but we expect to have at least one per month. The types of presentations we are seeking include:

• Artistic - Instruction in hands on crafts such as quilting, instrument making, poetry, or making natural products.
• Educational - Seminars on citizens rights, tax laws, financial planning, local history, environmental issues, or diet and health concerns.
• Experiential - Workshops that facilitate communication and interaction among the participants.

TOP

Support Groups & Counseling Services

The value of emotional support in these times cannot be overstated. Addictions, stress, anger and conflict affect a significant percentage of the community and getting help has become less affordable and available. Many times it is difficult to know where to turn when life becomes overwhelming. The ECACollective plans to address these needs through the following services:

• Resource Center - An area of the center will be set aside for flyers and information about the counseling and support services available in the DC Metropolitan area, and staff will be available to help steer those in need to an appropriate resource.
• Discussion groups - Regular discussion meetings specifically for certain groups (eg. men, women, teens, new mothers) or for those dealing with particular life issues (eg. anger management, conflict resolution, grieving) will be held.
• Support groups - Group meetings following the 12 Step or similar models for emotional recovery from addictions, codependency and other issues will be held regularly.
• Rite of Passage - Programs for adolescents designed to assist them through the difficult transition into adulthood. It emphasizes self awareness, cultural awareness and societal awareness, fostering a sense of belonging to a larger community.