No plans? We ain't buying it: Your weekly Civics Roundup

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.

Editors' note: This is our final Civics Roundup for 2025. We'll be back on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026!

ONGOING

Film The Police 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 sightings or interactions with police. 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.

Shepherd Park library coat drive
Friends of the Shepherd Park Library is collecting warm jackets and gloves for adults and children at the library (7420 Georgia Ave NW), through Monday, December 22. Drop off your new or gently used item in the donation box at the main desk. They're also looking for new socks and hats in all sizes!

THURSDAY, DEC. 18

Bol Coop book swap
📍 Bol Worker Owned Bookstore (716 Monroe St. NE)
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
We've said it before and we'll say it again: Winter reading beats summer reading any year. Get to know your neighbors who also love cooperative local businesses at Bol's annual book swap, where you can also donate used books for resell in the store's new space at the Brookland Arts Walk! No RSVP needed.

International Migrants Day March
📍 Embassy of El Salvador (1400 16th St. NW)
⏰ 3 p.m.
Bring a mask and noisemaker to join local organizers from 20+ groups at this march highlighting how international struggles against violence and oppression are interconnected and how the U.S. military plays a role. The route will make stops at the embassies of the Philippines, Peru, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago, before ending at Dupont Circle around 5:30 p.m. No RSVP needed.

Free DC Tabling working group meeting
📍 Virtual
⏰ 6:30 - 8 p.m.
If you've attended a Free DC campaign orientation already, you can learn more about tabling with the group at this monthly virtual meeting. Members attend community events to share how people can stand up for D.C.'s right to self-governance. RSVP here.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

Budget advocacy day
📍 Executive Office of the Mayor (1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW)
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
The People for Fairness Coalition, a group of housed and unhoused community members that meets weekly on Zoom, will be lobbying the D.C. government for housing justice. Show up to protect the housing rights of people in poverty.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

Some Like It Hot holiday market
📍 Rhizome (6950 Maple St. NW)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
"'Tis the season for solidarity" at this holiday market hosted by local organizers supporting migrant families — MoCo Immigrant Rights Collective and TPSS Community Safety Network. The event promises local vendors, a hot cocoa bar, s'mores, a bake sale, and live music. No RSVP needed.

We Ain't Buying It picket
📍 Whole Foods Navy Yard
⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Saturday before Christmas is a big shopping day. Bring a sign to Whole Foods, where Free DC is organizing neighbors to push back on spending at big corporations that are allied with President Trump. (We reported last month on Free DC's alternative, a "procott.") RSVP here.

Vigil for those who died without the dignity of a home
📍 Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave. NW)
⏰ 4 p.m.
For 13 years now, local advocates have hosted an annual memorial honoring the unhoused D.C. residents who died in the preceding months. Saturday afternoon marks the opening service and procession. There's also a Sunday service at 1 p.m. on Dec. 21. Donations can be made to the People for Fairness Coalition.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

Volunteer at The Radcliffe Room
📍 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (1313 New York Ave. NW)
⏰ Arrive at 7:45 a.m.
Every Sunday from 8:15 - 9:45 a.m., the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church serves food, distributes clothing, and builds community with people who need all three — usually, around 150 attendees, they say. You can also donate men's clothes, toiletries, bananas, oranges, coffee grounds, and/or lemonade powder anytime. No RSVP needed!

Free DC Ward 7 meeting
📍 Virtual
⏰ 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Live in Ward 7 and attended a Free DC campaign orientation? Join your neighbors at the monthly Ward 7 meeting, where you can hear about organizing efforts in your neighborhood and how you can fighting against attacks on D.C.'s autonomy. RSVP here!

THURSDAY, DEC. 25

"No plans" clothing swap and potluck
📍 Rhizome (6950 Maple St. NW)
⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 pm.
If you'll be solo on Christmas, find community at this party — co-hosted by Carolyn Becker of @petite_punk  — focused on building connections in a time that can be lonely for everyone. On the agenda: Swapping fun clothes, playing games, sharing food, and participating in Rhizome's can drive. Get your $6.63 ticket 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.