Your Chance to Shine — Cash, Casting, and Community Heroes!

Ruby N Lewis
Sep 16, 2025
4 min read

This is our PDDBM Afterschool Program Wishlist. We invite you to support our students by purchasing items from this list and sending them directly to PDDBM at 2700 Caples Avenue NUM 3278, Vancouver, WA 98661. If it’s easier, you may also call me at (360) 241-4479, and I will gladly arrange to pick up items from you. Because technology has an expiration date—especially when paired with software—we kindly ask that all technology donations be brand new and not used. To view our full wishlist, please visit: https://www.pddbm.org/wishlist.

Mastering Professional & Nonviolent Communication is a 12-session, in-person, hands-on training in Vancouver that teaches tone, active listening, de-escalation, assertiveness, and professionalism using real PDDBM scenarios. Choose the standard 12 Saturdays (3 hrs each) or the intensive option (two 6-hour sessions on Mar 7 & Mar 14, 2026). All books/workbooks are included. Pricing: $99.99 public; $49.99 for PDDBM & Ashby affiliates. Register here: https://www.pddbm.org/category/skill-building-classes

The PDDBM Teacher Certification Class (Adults Only) runs Oct 7–Jun 12 and trains future instructors in Fashion Design, Film, or PROUD Magazine Journalism. Adults complete the program as a student, then pass a short assessment and OJT to qualify to teach. Tuition is $69.99 per class session; attendance is required and no refunds are offered. A MacBook Pro with Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, and Final Cut Pro is required (limited PDDBM/MetroEast gear is available on-site only, not for take-home). Register here: https://www.pddbm.org/category/skill-building-classes

GET THE ASHBY UBUNTU MAGAZINE NOW!

Celebrate community, culture, and resilience with the official Ashby Ubuntu Magazine — a powerful collection honoring 24 BIPOC community heroes local to Clark County, WA. This special edition features inspiring stories, interviews, and photographs created in collaboration with our talented PDDBM journalism students. Every page highlights the voices, history, and achievements of local leaders and changemakers who are making a real difference.

All proceeds support Ashby Family LEAD & Engagement Services and help fund future youth journalism programs. Plus, you’ll have the chance to nominate your own community heroes to be featured in the 2026 edition. Don’t miss your chance to own this powerful publication — order your copy now and be part of the movement!

FALL AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM – ENROLL NOW!

PDDBM’s FREE afterschool program is kicking off in September, and spots are filling quickly. Middle and high school students can join one of three tracks:

Fashion Design – Create and print your own clothing
Film – Write, shoot, and edit a short film
Journalism – Write articles, take photos, and publish your work
Free meals, transportation, and equipment provided
Apply today at: www.pddbm.org/programs

Hey You! Want to Make Some Passive Income?

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, student, performer, or local business owner—PDDBM’s Event Incentive Program is your chance to earn real money while uplifting your community.

We know times are tough, and not everyone can volunteer for free. That’s why we created a program that lets you get paid for promoting our events—with no cap on how much you can earn.

Here’s how it works:

You Promote, You EarnOnce you join the program, you’ll receive a customized ticket link or promo code. Every time someone buys a ticket using your link or code, you earn a percentage of the proceeds.

No Limits, No CatchThe more people you bring in, the more money you make. Period. Whether you earn $50 or $500 is completely up to you.

For Individuals & Businesses AlikeIf you’re a model, performer, vendor, influencer, student—or just someone with a solid network—this is passive income waiting for you.

If you’re a business, you can earn extra exposure at our events, priority booth placement, and public shoutouts based on your performance.

Why We Do ItPDDBM is a nonprofit that believes in equity and opportunity. We may not always be able to pay upfront, but we make sure those who help us succeed have the opportunity to earn—and sometimes, that’s more than what a flat fee could offer.

Ready to get started? Visit www.pddbm.org/events get started and join the PDDBM Event Incentive Program today!

Let’s build together—and make sure you get rewarded while doing it.

CASTING CALL – JOIN OUR 2024 KWANZAA CELEBRATION!

PDDBM is looking for a talented actor or actress to take over the lead role formerly played by our founder, Ruby Lewis, in this year’s Kwanzaa Celebration production. You’ll be performing alongside Marianna, who will return to reprise her role.

📩 How to Sign Up:

If you are interested in being considered for one of the lead roles, please send us an email at CEOchair@pddbm.org. Once we receive your email, we will follow up to schedule an audition time.

💼 This is a volunteer position, but all participants can earn money through our PDDBM Event Incentive Program, which pays more than what our nonprofit can offer directly.

🎬 About the Script:

The Kwanzaa Celebration is written as a live stage production that blends narrative storytelling, cultural traditions, humor, and heartfelt tributes into one powerful community event. The lead role involves delivering monologues, interacting with other characters, and guiding the audience through the celebration of all 7 principles of Kwanzaa.

🎥 Watch Last Year’s Celebration:

To get a feel for the role and flow of the event, watch the 2023 Kwanzaa Celebration at: https://vimeo.com/1041891194?share=copy

ENTERTAINERS WANTED – 2025 KWANZAA HALFTIME SHOW

We are currently seeking performers for the 30-minute halftime show during the 2025 Kwanzaa Celebration, happening on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Whether you’re a singer, dancer, poet, or performer of any kind — we want to see your talent!

To Apply: Email us your performance links or reels at ceochair@pddbm.org.

ENTER TO WIN – MARIANNA’S SWEET 16 SWEEPSTAKES!