JVC in Washington
DC is a city of contrasts. The city is home to the federal government and much of its history and current structure are tied to this. There are numerous events and sites that are free to the public (Smithsonian, The Kennedy Center, The Cherry Blossom Festival, etc.) and tourism is an important part of the city’s economy. At the same time, there is a socioeconomic divide with the eastern part of the city being disproportionately lower income and areas west of Rock Creek Park having some of the most affluent neighborhoods. Because Washington has had a significant black population since the city’s creation, it has also been a center for African American culture and the Civil Rights Movement.
Volunteer organizations are numerous in DC, from national organizations to local groups. This provides a diversity of people working on social justice issues in the city as well as on a national level. The Jesuits in the city work in many areas including at the Jesuit Conference, Georgetown, and Gonzaga College High School. Since one of the placements is connected with Gonzaga (right around the corner), there are strong ties to the Jesuit community including invitations to dinner and prayer.
