Catalyst Project

The D.C. Catalyst Project was launched in September 2003. Its goal is to support productive participation in local policymaking by community residents, and to promote equitable development in the District of Columbia through public education, training, leadership development, and technical policy support to grassroots organizing groups. The project provides technical assistance to community organizations working to produce and preserve safe, affordable housing in the city. It also staffs the Affordable Housing Alliance, a loose coalition of residents, grassroots groups, service providers, housing developers, and affordable housing advocates.

The Catalyst Project conducts education and advocacy training sessions for grassroots groups on issues relating to local government structure and operations in order to promote participation by low-income residents in the civic process. The Project also provides technical policy analysis to organizers and leaders by: analyzing existing laws and evaluating their implementation; researching and identifying promising policy initiatives; and, helping to develop campaign strategies and materials.

The D.C. Catalyst Project is staffed by Nina Dastur, an Equal Justice Works Fellow, who is housed at the Center for Community Change.

April 15, 2005
Click here to read recent testimony of Nina Dastur before the Washington D.C. City Council

Nina Dastur
Equal Justice Works Fellow
Email: catalyst@communitychange.org
Phone: 202 342-0519 ext. 335