The Seminar Experience

The Seminar program is about learning, experiencing, growing and engaging around issues that affect your community. Activities during a seminar include experiential exercises, small group discussions and opportunities to express what you've learned in various art forms.

Whether you are preparing a group for an upcoming seminar, just returning for a recent seminar or looking for ways to explore justice issues in your community, we want to make sure you have the tools to stay connected to the issues. The resources on this page can help you continue educating and engaging your group and the larger community.

• Prepare a Group - Explore seminar topics and study resources
• Find places to Eat, Sleep and Worship - A list of reccomended eateries, low-cost hotels and churches in the DC metro area.
• Transporation options - A list of local airports, bus and trains stations and local metro.
• Direct Service Opportunities - A list of volunteer organizations and tourism options.

Want to sign up for a seminar? Contact us to schedule a seminar. Once a date is confirmed, complete Online or Mail-in with a $100.

If you are preparing for an upcoming seminar: At least 6 weeks prior to your seminar, download and send in FORM II.pdf with specific information about your group.

Other General Resources

Free teaching materials, including classroom activities, a magazine, and entire curricula, are available at www.teachingtolerance.org, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The Media that Matters Film Festival showcases short social justice-oriented films created by independent filmmakers. The films are diverse in style and topic, ranging from documentaries about health advocacy to animations about environmental justice, music videos about immigration reform, and everything in between. The films, as well as a step-by-step guide to hosting screenings and discussions, and suggested “next steps” for action, are available at www.mediathatmattersfest.org.

How can I prepare my group for their experience?

The preparations you do with your group will vary depending on your individual needs and goals, but we have provided some resources to help shape discussions and meetings you might want to have before taking the trip. Using a resource such as a film, book, or Bible study is often an effective way to get everyone in your group thinking and discussing, as they respond to a shared experience.

Film List: Movies entertain and engage us in ways that other media do not. They capture our attention and encourage us to become part of the story – live the experience of those on screen. Seminar Program participants, GBCS staff and colleagues working with other justice organizations have recommended these social justice films. If you have movies or documentaries that you would like to share with others, please send them to us to add to this list.

Bible Studies are also a good way to encourage your group to intentionally explore their topic from a faith perspective. Explore our current issues:

• Domestic Poverty
• Education
• Environmental Justice
• Global Poverty
• Human Trafficking
• Immigration

Where to Eat, Sleep and Worship

• Where to Eat A list of suggested dining optionsfor your stay in Washington, D.C.
• Where to Sleep A list of recommended, low-cost Washington, D.C. area hotels and hostels. If desired, the seminar staff can provide a list of meeting planners who can help identify lower prices for market-rate hotels. Contact us for more information.
• Where to Worship Links to area churches, including congregations that house service ministries that your group might be able to join in while you’re here.

Transportation

There are three airports in the D.C. metro area, as well as an Amtrak and a bus station. View a contact list for the airports and stations, as well as shuttle services for your group.

Once you are in D.C., the Metro (subway and buses) is a low-cost and convenient way to transport your group to and from the Methodist Building and other sites you will be visiting. Visit www.wmata.com for a system map, station information, and fare information.

Use the map below to locate the United Methodist Building and nearby Metro stations.

View Larger Map

What can we do when we’re not in seminars?

Try new cultural experiences! From musical and theatrical performances of all genres to art exhibits, cultural celebrations, and festivals, Washington is alive and brimming with exciting opportunities.View our list of links to performance and events schedules at various venues.

For D.C. visitors’ information, including tour information and museum hours, visit the DC Tourism site atwww.washington.org.

How can we incorporate direct service into our trip?

While many non-profit organizations and direct service providers rely on long-term regular volunteers, some are able to accommodate groups on a one-time basis. Organizations post their contact information and announce any upcoming needs for volunteers on web sites, including www.volunteermatch.org and www.servenet.org.