Inaugaration Weekend Events

Inauguration is January 20th but why waste the weekend waiting? Get involved!

The Parade will certainly be our most visible activity during Inauguration Weekend (with millions of people watching worldwide) but it's not our only one. If you'll be in the DC area during the weekend leading up to January 20, please join us at any or all of the following events:

MONDAY, JANUARY 19

Community service activity to be announced in early January (watch the www.rpcv.org and www.rpcvw.org websites for updates).

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17th

The Grand Hyatt Hotel is the place to be.

The People's Inaugural Gala Weekend and Ball ("TPIGW") Host Committee is extending a 10% discount to any of their six inaugural events sponsored by TPIGW for RPCVs. Simply mention that you are a RPCV to receive the discount. The Chair of the Host Committee of TPIGW is Bill Davis, former director of the Africa Region of the Peace Corps during the Carter Administration.

• At 1 pm: in the Independence Ballroom: The People's Inaugural Women's Leadership Luncheon will honor women's contributions in politics, business, and public service. The luncheon will culminate with a tribute to the new First Lady, Michelle Obama.
• From 4 to 6 pm: The National Peace Corps Association is co-hosting with TPIGW a RPCV Networking Reception of RPCVs and their guests. Further information about this special Inaugural Event will be posted shortly to the TPIGW web site.
• At 7 pm, again in the Independence Ballroom: The People's Inaugural Gala Celebration is a semi-formal/after-five event featuring music/dancing, wine tasting, exhibits, casino, "live-auction" fashion show, great food and great fun.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18th

From 4 to 7 pm: Peace Corps Inauguration Happy Hour at THE HEIGHTS (3115 14th St NW), Columbia Heights Metro.

From 7 pm to midnight. The African Diaspora Inaugural Ball welcomes RPCVs at the discounted rate of $150 (limited time only) for their event at the HARMAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS. Their theme - "I AM THE CHANGE: Educating, Empowering and Engaging the Next Generation of Leaders," - highlights the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of the next generation. 100% of proceeds will go to: Angelique Kidjo's Batonga Foundation, ensuring that the organization is able to continue its outreach to children throughout Africa; and First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides new books to children in low income communities. Angelique Kidjo is one of the scheduled performers. NPCA is one of the sponsors of the event.

From 9pm to 2 am: All for Africa and Africare present An Inaugural Celebration of Unity at the Zanzibar on the Waterfront! There will be live performances by Lebo M., Francis Jocky, and surprise guests. An excerpt from the dance production "the Audacious One" by South African Warren Adams. Fashion Show, DJ Rich Medina and DJ Joe Spinning! and African Market silent auction. This is the celebration dance party event of the Inaugural Weekend! Proceeds are going toward the purchase of two Oil Palm Trust for Africare. These trust will generate almost $2 million to cover operational expenses for Africare programs. Special guests attending include Warren Adams, Brandon Victor Dixon, Francis Jocky, Jeff Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Lebo M., Jeffrey Wright, Declan Joyce. Please download your NPCA Discounted Tickets Invitation or order tickets by calling Diane Burstein at 212-351-0055.