Community Service

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
– Coretta Scott King

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much!”
– Helen Keller

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
– Margaret Wheatley

Background:

Off the track, service to our city is at the core of what we do. Our team's consistent commitment and dedication to our under-served communities have made a tremendous difference and our efforts go far beyond what we had imagined. 

Intention is ingrained in everything we do. From small acts of kindness like seeking out small businesses to support during the pandemic (ending runs there for the group to get coffee, snacks), to donation drives and fundraisers. We then began cultivating relationships, building partnerships, and broadening our reach with local organizations to help amplify their mission, such as Ward 3 and Ward 6 Mutual Aid and DC Fridge Collective. We soon found a niche in connecting families in need with extra food available in DC. Our runners would deliver meals to the elderly and less mobile, and underprivileged families throughout DC.

Through our leadership and team engagement along with DC Fridge Collective, we created our own food funding initiative. Working with farmers markets on the weekends, we filled local fridges in the Collectives network with free, healthy options in communities that don’t historically have the means or the access to fresh produce. This initiative was our flagship for 2021. And as the Collective has removed fridges in the District, we have found new partners to continue to deliver our yields to, including the aforementioned Ward 3 Mutual Aid. 

Another initiative we believe in wholeheartedly is the health and wellness of pets in economically challenged environments. We’ve partnered with a local dog shelter, Rural Dog Rescue, to promote funding, facilities, and access for the adoption of dogs in high-risk areas to be placed in no-kill shelters and repopulated to the world. We hosted a 5K run and fundraiser where we were able to raise over $2K for their cause. 

We host an annual coat and food drive during the holidays, among other “drives” throughout the year. The generosity and outpouring from our community of runners is overwhelming and humbling. And giving begets giving. Many of our members have found their own passion projects, have paid it forward, and nothing makes us more proud.

We will continue to help amplify those doing the work while supporting our own ideas and efforts to make our community a little better every day. If we have the capacity to make a difference we will empower ourselves and our team to take on that challenge. It truly is what sets NETC apart.

New initiatives coming in 2022/2023:

  • A new partnership with Thrive DC. Thrive DC is one of the Capital area’s largest charity organizations whose mission is to end homelessness and provide some comforts to those experiencing unemployment, housing instability, and food insecurity. This partnership will provide numerous opportunities for our members to give back. Participation won’t be limited and should broaden our reach and abilities even more.

  • Another 5K fun run to raise money for Rural Dog Rescue to promote the adoption and saving of dogs from high-risk areas who are in need of loving homes.

  • A new relationship with So Kids Soar DC, working with the organization to host events for children in the city.

How to get involved: 

  • Submit your email in the form below to join the Northeast Track Club Community Service group: