NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Since January 20th, sudden and unexpected changes have dramatically impacted the development and humanitarian assistance community. Many in our community are feeling hurt, angry, sad, anxious, disoriented and in need of support. Many of us are trying to tell our stories of impact in more effective ways. But from this period has come a growing sense of stronger community among those who have dedicated their lives to improving humanity through global and community development efforts. This gathering is for those who want or need to:

Find and offer support: Share what you need right now, and what you are willing to help others with. It could be free career or life coaching, mentoring, grief counseling, yoga, meditation, care resources, job search techniques or even temporary places to stay for those coming back from the field.

Communicate our stories: If you feel passionate about the work you have done, and want to tell your story, especially with those outside of our development circles (including future employers), we will support you. You will be able to tell a great short story of your work in development, and if interested, record it professionally through our friends at Rana Labs Communications.

Find belonging: We need connection and community more than ever. We will share our sources of belonging and where needed support informal “development engagement circles” across the DMV, and for those planning to leave the DMV, we will form “informal regional or virtual circles” so you can connect with development people wherever you are going.

April 11, 2025, 8 AM – 1:30 PM

George Washington University, Elliott School, 1957 E Street, Washington DC

Opening Remarks by Carrie Hessler-Radlet, CEO, Global Communities.

Organizers: Amy Cohen, Kyle Dietrich, Rose Mary Garcia, Diana Haber-Daws, Mike McCabe, Miles Sedgewick, Brian Vogt, Wayan Vota, Kristine Wood, Blake Kent, and many more.

With generous contributions from: George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service, Ignite Collective Leadership LLC, Rana Labs, and Rotary Club of Washington Global.

Bring your water bottle as GWU has water dispensers and discourages single use plastic. Coffee, muffins and light snacks provided but you may want to bring your own lunch, if desired.

If you sign up but later can not attend, please update your RSVP as we have a waitlist.