Every Thursday, we list some ways to get engaged in the city — whether that’s protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share your events and trainings with us using this form. For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup, and for more to do around the city, don't miss our Weekend Events post.
ONGOING
Film The Police DC Since the federal takeover last August, D.C. residents are recordingeverything. Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, Free DC, and Harriet's Wildest Dreams created a hub where residents can submit sightings or interactions with police. Email photos, videos, and tips to report@filmthepolicedc.org. If you witness an ICE detention or raid, call the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid network at 202-335-1183.
Food Not Bombs call for funds Food Not Bombs, the local mutual aid group that runs weekly meal distributions, needs funds to help keep residents warm during this cold snap. Your donations will be used to provide blankets, thermal clothing, hand warmers, and other emergency winter gear. You can Venmo (@FNBDC) or purchase items directly from their wishlist.
Housing Counseling Services February trainings If you're looking for help in your housing search, the local nonprofit Housing Counseling Services is hosting a series of webinars throughout February. They'll cover topics like rent relief, foreclosure prevention, pre-purchase orientations, and inclusionary zoning. (All trainings are offered in multiple languages). You can view the full list of webinars here.
Black History Month Book Drive From Feb. 1-28, Ward 6 Mutual Aid/Serve Your City will be partnering with East City Book Shop to collect books by Black and brown authors for D.C. students. You can shop directly from the wishlist or purchase them in-store.
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
Free DC U Street Neighborhood Night ⏰ 5:30 p.m. 📍 Spark Social (2009 14th St NW) Join your neighbors for a laid-back hang. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase and some light snacks available. You don't have to be a member of Free DC to come and mingle. There will be a short breakout session at 7 p.m. for those interested in learning more about Free DC!
Know your rights training with Amica Center ⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m. 📍 MLK Jr. Memorial Library Join Free DC and the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights for a know-your-rights training; you'll learn how to protect yourself, your neighbors, and your community amid Trump's surge of federal police and immigration enforcement. Pizza and refreshments provided! RSVP here.
Courtwatch training ⏰ 7 - 9 p.m. 📍Virtual Join Harriet's Wildest Dreams, DC Justice Lab, and D.C. Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee to learn about observing and documenting court proceedings and holding our justice system accountable.
FRIDAY, FEB. 27
Testify at the Public Service Commission Oversight Hearing ⏰ 9:30 a.m. 📍 Wilson Building If you've got a bone to pick with Washington Gas, now is your chance. The Public Service Commission, the regulatory body that oversees D.C.'s utility companies, is up for its annual performance oversight hearing before the D.C. Council. Chesapeake Climate Action Network, along with local orgs like Green New Deal for D.C., We Power D.C., and more, are calling for lower bills and new leaders at the PSC. You can join them by testifying in-person at the Wilson Building. RSVP through this link, and they'll get you squared away with signing up.
SATURDAY, FEB. 28
Chocolate City Experience ⏰ 5 - 9 p.m. 📍 Shanklin Hall To celebrate the opening of photographer Dee Dwyer's exhibition "My People," Shanklin Hall is turning into a "living museum" paying homage to the Black experience. Dwyer's photos, which capture the small and large moments of D.C. life — from front porches to shared laughs — will be on display. There will be double dutch, dominoes, Pack World merch, food and drink, and more. Save your spot here.
Community zine workshop for Bridge Spot ⏰ 2 - 4 p.m. 📍 841 2nd St SE Capitol Riverfront Parks Foundation wants to hear your ideas for revitalizing Bridge Spot, or the 2nd Street Underpass. Part informal playground, part community art canvas, the park is getting a redesign, and officials are seeking input on how to ensure the space remains functional for skaters, athletes, artists, and residents. Explore the park's potential by making a zine — all supplies and prompts will be provided. If you're not into arts and crafts, there will be alternative ways to share your input. RSVP here.
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
Candidate transportation forum ⏰ Forum 2 - 4 p.m., social 4 - 6:30 p.m. 📍 Josephine Butler Parks Center (2437 15th St NW) D.C.'s transpo advocacy groups are bringing the candidates for mayor and D.C.'s at-large council seats together for a forum focused on transportation. (Exact lists of candidates participating aren't available.) Candidates will be asked about their vision for D.C.'s transportation networks and what actions they'd take if elected to improve the city's current infrastructure. Afterwards, there will be a community social at Franklin Hall. Space is limited, so RSVP here.
Foggy Bottom small business canvass with Free DC ⏰ 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 📍 West End Library Part of Free DC's campaign to protect D.C.'s autonomy requires getting local businesses on board, and encouraging residents to visit small businesses instead of major cooperations. You can help spread the word at one of their small business canvasses. Materials and a brief training will be provided before canvassers set out. If it's your first time canvassing, you'll be paired up with someone who has gone out before. It's not required that you attend a Free DC orientation to participate. RSVP here.
Spring cleaning community swap ⏰ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 📍 Shaw Howard Library The snow is melting and spring is coming: Time to reset! Bring your unwanted clothing, food, craft supplies, and household items to Shaw Howard Library and leave with a new trinket from a neighbor. Note that large furniture donations are not accepted.
Colleen is a 51st co-founder and a former DCist reporter. Her work has appeared in NPR, Street Sense Media, and The Washington Post. She currently lives in New York, where she's pursuing an MFA.
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