By: Aida Latorre

The Junior League of Washington’s (JLW) Done-in-a-Day (DIAD) Committee brings members opportunities to volunteer with different organizations throughout the DC metro area. DIAD members come from varying backgrounds, and the flexibility of the committee allows its members to balance their involvement with JLW and their personal and professional lives.

Volunteers work with groups like the Capital Area Food Bank, DC Design House, American Heart Association, and the Rosemont Center. During volunteer shifts, members provide tutoring assistance, support 5K walks, serve as tour guides for various event centers, and work hands-on with children and young adults with physical or developmental disabilities.

I came to the JLW as a transfer from the JL in Denver where I served on the DIAD committee as well. Last year, I began my membership in JLW on the Transfer Committee and loved the many avenues where JLW is involved in the community and the varying opportunities for members to get involved within the League. It was difficult to decide on a placement because I loved providing tutoring assistance and providing support to different events like 5K runs and fundraising events.

When the time came to decide on a committee for this year, I had just started a new job that requires extensive travel, and I knew that DIAD would give me the chance to get involved with various organizations within the DC area but also would have the flexibility I’d need to get my membership points completed with my new hectic schedule.

I have loved volunteering as a member of DIAD. I have volunteered on a few occasions with Washington School for Girls where I was paired up with a student (usually sixth or seventh grade) and assisted the student with their language arts and/or reading lessons. With the American Kidney Fund, I volunteered at the “Get Social” kiosk that promoted attendees get preventative kidney screening.

Recently I volunteered at the Rosemont Center’s Fall Fiesta where I provided logistical support for their event. During the event, I was able to meet some great leaders in the community and helped support a school that provides early childhood education and family support programs in a bilingual setting. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the DIAD Committee and continuing to make a difference within the DC community.