The officials who oversee Pepco donโt have control over a majority of the increases in your bill, writes Public Service Commission Chairman Emile C. Thompson.
Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city โ whether thatโs protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share your events and trainings with us at 51st.news/submit-events.
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.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Digital Security Workshop โฐ 7 - 9 p.m. ๐ Virtual As a part of its Safety Series, Free DC is teaming up with No Tech for Apartheid for a training on digital security. You'll learn practical strategies for protecting yourself online while organizing your community. All involved in Free DC are invited to attend. RSVP here.
Free DC Ward 7 campaign orientation โฐ 6 - 7:30 p.m. ๐ Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library (3935 Benning Rd. NE) Looking to learn more about the Free DC movement? This is where to start! All are invited to attend, but Ward 7 residents are particularly encouraged to attend. You'll learn the ins and outs of the organization, what they're currently working on, and how you can help. RSVP here.
Reproductive rights happy hour โฐ 6 - 8 p.m. ๐ The Dew Drop Inn (2801 8th St. NE) This happy hour (formally titled "Actually, I Did Come Here to Make Friends") is benefiting Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington. Come to make friends (duh), pick up some PP swag, and support access to abortion in the D.C. area. Cost of entry is $5. RSVP here.
DC YIMBYs happy hour โฐ 6 - 8 p.m. ๐ metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave. NE) All pro-housing folks are invited to come out and mingle with other like-minded, yes-in-my-backyard folks. You'll get a chance to deepen your understanding of local housing issues, and learn who the organization is endorsing in the upcoming elections.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
JVP-DC Metro Anti-Zionist potluck seder โฐ 5 - 7 p.m. ๐ Eastern Market, location shared post-RSVP D.C.'s chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace is hosting a liberation seder; come out for food, community, and "ritual that rejects nationalism." Attendees are requested to bring something to share; sign up here.
Crescent Moon Nights open mic โฐ 7:30 p.m. sign up begins, 8 p.m. show ๐ Sankofa Video Books & Cafรฉ (2714 Georgia Ave. NW) Crescent Moon Nights has been a site of artistic expression and community connection in D.C. for 20+ years โ one of D.C.'s longest running open mics! Musicians, poets, comedians, and writers alike are welcome to take the stage. Tickets cost $10.25; get yours here.
Serving Saturday volunteer day โฐ 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. ๐ The New Macedonia Baptist Church (4115 Alabama Ave. SE) To mark Easter weekend, this Ward 7 church is hosting a day of service, with a specific focus on neighborhood cleanups and ranked-choice voting education. The timing for various volunteer opportunities varies. See which one might fit your schedule here, and register here.
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
Solidarity Supper Club โฐ 7 p.m. ๐ NoMa, location shared post-RSVP A local community dinner series raising mutual aid funds is having a Sunday meal in support of families in southern Lebanon. There is a sliding scale cost of attendance. If you can't make it, you can still buy a plate for someone, or sign up to host a dinner yourself. More details and RSVP here.
MONDAY, APRIL 6
Harriet's Responders Orientation โฐ 7 - 9 p.m. ๐ Virtual Been thinking about getting more involved in activism against police violence? Local abolitionist organizers Harriet's Wildest Dreams are training volunteers to support with direct action, rapid response, and mutual aid. This orientation will walk through the work of Harriet's Responders and the DC Safety Squad โ and how community members can plug in to support alternatives to calling the police. RSVP here.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
Free DC U Street Neighborhood Night โฐ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. ๐ Spark Social (2009 14th St. NW) All are invited to a U Street Free DC hang; come by any time to learn about the organization's work, discuss the upcoming elections, or just mix and mingle with neighbors. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, and light bites will be provided.
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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