“Appearance” is the only thing that comes to mind when standing in Civic Betterment. Civic Betterment is a small neighborhood in Southeast Washington D.C. It sits right on the border of Prince George’s County in Maryland.
Civic Betterment’s area is triangular. It is bounded by G and Fitch Streets SE to the north. Benning Road SE bounds it to the southwest. Southern Avenue defines its southeastern edge.
Civic Betterment is located in Ward 7. The current councilmember for Ward 7 is Wendell Felder. The D.C. Federation of Civic Associations started from an idea in June 1921. It was at a Georgetown Civic Association meeting. They wanted all city civic groups under one body. An October 1 1921 meeting was called to plan this.
The D.C. Federation of Civic Associations officially formed on November 10 1921. Its first meeting occurred at the Twelfth Street YMCA. Z.F. Ramsaur presided. Presidents from various associations attended. These included Barry Farms and Benning-Glendale-Oakland. Central North-East and Georgetown were present. Howard Park and Northeast Improvement also attended. Pleasant Plains and Potomac were there, along with Reno.
Dr. George H. Richardson was elected president. Elzie S. Hoffman became vice president. George E. Jackson was the recording secretary. W. Cohron served as corresponding secretary. E. J. Morton took on the role of treasurer. Dr. Richardson remained president until 1932. He also founded McGuire Funeral Home. It sponsors the George H. Richardson Civil Rights Award at the DCFCA’s Annual Awards Luncheon.
The Awards Luncheon began in 1930. It showcased the hard work of Federation delegates. It also raised funds for operations and scholarships. DCFCA supports high school graduates. They provide scholarships for college candidates. The Luncheon is festive and a major fundraiser.
Today, the D.C. Federation of Civic Associations comprises over 40 civic groups. Delegates are active in their communities. They voice fairness and equality. Accountability, choice, and citizen participation are key. They communicate these values to local and federal agencies.
The Federation educates its delegates. It offers learning on economic and political development. Nonviolent action and social services are covered. Ecological and faith-based development are also discussed. This happens through monthly meetings. The Federation aids local groups. It helps them identify problems and assets. They locate resources and analyze power structures. They investigate community concerns to pursue a common agenda. The Federation builds a base of concerned people. They mobilize members and develop leaders from within. This all works toward achieving common self-interest in neighborhoods like Civic Betterment.