Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city β whether thatβs 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.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
Financial literacy webinar β° 1:30 p.m. π Virtual To mark Financial Literacy Month, local nonprofit Housing Counseling Services is hosting a free webinar covering topics like budgeting and building your credit, all with an eye toward eliminating obstacles to stable housing. Hear the information in Spanish at 11 a.m. or English at 1:30 p.m. RSVP here.
Extinction Rebellion DC intro call β° 7 - 8 p.m. π Virtual Extinction Rebellion is an international movement dedicated to shifting policy and action on climate change. If you're interested to see what's happening within the local chapter, this intro call will walk attendees through the organization's structure, demands, and actions, as well as explain how you can plug into their working groups. RSVP here.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
HumanitiesDC's community showcase β° 6 - 8:30 p.m. π THEARC (1901 Mississippi Ave. SE) D.C. is full of passionate, driven storytellers β and Humanities DC's grants support projects around the city to document our history and culture. Meet this year's grantees and hear about their work at the organization's celebration in Southeast. Tickets are free, but a $20 donation is suggested. Register here.
Harriet's Wildest Dreams information session β° 7 - 8:30 p.m. π Virtual This monthly call walks new members through how the abolitionist organization is structured, and provides a snapshot of the work they're currently engaged in. April's edition will also feature a special political education session on the history of surveillance in D.C. You can RSVP here.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Fantom Comics fundraiser for La ColectiVA β° 7 p.m. π Fantom Comics (2010 P St. NW) Catch some live music and a drag for a cause. Featuring an acoustic set from local musical artist Fictionals and drag performances from Hoang, Zaddie Cool, Marciano, and Ant Honey, the show benefits La Colectiva, an organization supporting Virginia families separated by ICE. Tickets are available on a sliding scale of $10-30. Get them here.
Free DC Ward 7 local business canvass β° 11 - 12:30 p.m. π Dorothy I. Height Library parking lot (3935 Benning Rd. NE) Part of Free DC's campaign to build solidarity for Home Rule across D.C.'s local businesses, this canvass will focus on bringing Ward 7 businesses into the fold. All materials and a brief training will be provided, along with a canvassing partner β who will have done this work before, if you're new to it. You do not have to have attended a Free DC orientation to join, although that's preferred. RSVP here.
Harriet's House community hub launch party β° 5 - 9 p.m. π Provided upon RSVP Celebrate five years of Harriet's Wildest Dreams with the launch of their new community hub. Meet partners in the movement, build community, dance, and eat. You must RSVP to attend.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Ward 1 Find Your Action Fair β° 2 - 4 p.m. πAll Souls Church, Unitarian (1500 Harvard St. NW) For this month's Ward 1 meeting, Free DC is bringing together leaders from each of the ward team's working group to share how you can get involved with the work. There will be chances for one-on-one conversation, as well as broader updates on the Free DC work happening across the city. RSVP here.
Craft fundraiser for Gaza at City State β° 1 - 5 p.m. π City-State Public House (705 Edgewood St. NE) Watermelon Wares and Friends of Friends Collective are hosting a craft market and workshop fair, where you can browse handmade goods, attend a beading workshop, or even make your own keychain. The event is free to enter, and/or you can pay $50 to attend up to two craft workshops. All funds will go to support families displaced from Gaza. Get your tickets here.
MONDAY, APRIL 13
Juror Information Project β° 6 - 8 p.m. π All Souls Church, Unitarian (1500 Harvard St. NW) Jury duty is more than just an inconvenience β it's a tool that can be used to enforce fairness and justice. Hosted by Free DC and Harriet's Wildest Dreams, this overview session will explore what it really means to serve on a jury, and how you can use the opportunity to safeguard the rights of our most vulnerable neighbors. RSVP here.
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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