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 DC As you've probably seen on your feed (and as Martin reported), D.C. residents are recording everything during this takeover. Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, Free DC, and Harriet's Wildest Dreams created a new hub where residents can submit information about sightings or interactions with police and ICE. Email photos, videos, and tips to report@filmthepolice.org. If you witness an ICE detention or raid, call the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid network at 202-335-1183.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
SpotlightDC celebration 📍 Sonny's Pizza (3120 Georgia Ave NW) ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. SpotlightDC provides grants to support investigative reporting at local newsrooms, including The 51st. Their team is hosting a casual hangout on the patio at Sonny's Pizza in Petworth focused on building more connections between D.C. residents who love local news. Come hungry for pizza, and bring your story ideas!
"Restraint" Opening Reception 📍 Duke Ellington School of the Arts (3500 R St. NW) ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. Cinematic Arts and Media Production students from Duke Ellington School of the Arts want you to see what it's really like living as a young person today. Their photography exhibition details the emotional and social challenges that kids are navigating, using a series of portraits, staged scenes, and documentary images. Attendance is free.
Everyday Kind of Love: A Poetry Party to Save Split This Rock 📍 Busboys and Poets (450 K St. NW) ⏰ 7 - 10 p.m. A D.C.-based nonprofit supporting poets focused on social change needs your help! To fill a funding gap, Split This Rock inviting all poetry fans out for local gathering featuring poet Clint Smith. There will be a DJ, a raffle, tarot readings, and more. Attendees are invited to share up to two minutes of writing or a testimonial about Split This Rock during an open mic portion; those interested can purchase a discounted $10 ticket. You can get your tickets here. (Spots will be available first-come, first-serve on the day of the event.)
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
Cocktails & Courtwatch 📍 Disclosed with registration ⏰ 5 - 7 p.m. Harriet's Wildest Dreams will be celebrating a year of organizing our neighbors to observe court proceedings with a relaxed evening of cocktails and conversation. If you've participated this year, you're very welcome — but the event is also open to anyone who is curious about getting involved. Refreshments and light bites provided! RSVP here.
Comedy Show to End Chronic Homelessness 📍 The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW) ⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m. Grassroots Comedy, a local troupe that cracks jokes for a cause, is hosting a show benefiting Miriam's Kitchen. Hosted by Chris Blackwood, the event will feature comics like Justo, Joey Friedman, Keith Correy, Matt Chrzanowski, and Patrice DeVeaux. Bring an article of warm winter clothing for donation and receive a free drink! Get your tickets here.
SUNDAY, DEC. 14
Drink Wine and Fund Abortion 📍 Pop Fizz Bar (2108 Vermont Ave. NW) ⏰ 1 - 3 p.m. If you missed the D.C. Abortion Fund's big 30th anniversary party last weekend, you've got one more opportunity to join the celebration. Head to Pop Fizz Bar to toast to DCAF's three decades of supporting abortion access in our city and beyond. RSVP here.
TUESDAY, DEC. 16
D.C. Office of Planning: Queer Futures Workshop 📍 Virtual ⏰ 1 - 2 p.m. You might have missed this with everything else going on this year, but D.C. is currently developing its next comprehensive plan. These documents are crucial in determining how the city will make budget and development decisions over the coming decades. The D.C. Office of Planning, with help from the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, wants to hear from LGBTQ+ residents on how the city can better support our queer communities, with a particular focus on housing and public spaces. RSVP for the virtual event here.
Free DC Campaign Orientation 📍 MLK Jr. Library (901 G St. NW) ⏰ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. If you're looking to get involved in the local movement to protect D.C. residents' autonomy, start here! After attending a Free DC orientation, where you'll learn the ins and outs of the organization, you can get involved with your local ward team. RSVP here.
Maryland and Virginia Free DC December Meeting 📍 Virtual ⏰ 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. If you're not in D.C., you can still help protect Home Rule. This meeting with Free DC focuses on how those living in neighboring states can join the Free DC movement. RSVP here.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Below, you'll find a list of public meeting calendars for various city agencies, important contact information, and more.
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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