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. 12
Economic Justice Film Series "Cracked Shells" screening ⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. 📍 ONE DC Black Workers & Wellness Center ONE DC, alongside Mothers Outreach Network, DC GI Coalition, and other local sponsors, is hosting a free screening of the documentary "Cracked Shells," a film that traces the human impact of gentrification in D.C. (FYI: Christina did a Q&A with the filmmaker, Ruth Tedla, last year!) Food will be provided, and attendees will have a chance to chat and connect after the film. RSVP here.
Harriet's Wildest Dreams information session ⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m. 📍 Virtual Harriet's Wildest Dreams, a Black-led abolitionist and community defense group, has been on the frontlines of the fight for D.C.'s autonomy. This information session will walk through the basics of the work they're currently involved in and show you ways to plug in. RSVP here.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
Decolonization Labs: Monroe Doctrine Teach-in ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. 📍 St. Stephen's Church (1525 Newton Street NW) All-African People's Revolutionary Party (AAPRP), African Medical & Political Solidarity (AMPS), and the Diaspora Pa'lante Collective (DPC) are collaborating for a series of educational events focused on raising consciousness around the impacts of imperialism at home and abroad. Their first session will examine the origins and contemporary applications of the Monroe Doctrine, centering U.S. imperialism and corporate and military control in the Americas. You can RSVP and see the full line-up of events here.
SATURDAY, FEB. 14
Free DC V-Day orientation and non-cooperation trainings 📍Location provided upon registration ⏰ 11 - 5:30 p.m. New and experienced organizers can spend their Valentine's Day building community. FREE DC is hosting an orientation for new members to learn about the structure and basics of the movement in the morning and an advanced training in the afternoon focused on effective non-cooperation tactics. You can RSVP here.
Yoga for Palestine 📍Yoga District Petworth ⏰ 3 - 4:15 p.m. Align and stretch in love with a fundraiser flow for Palestine. Registration is free, but participants are encouraged to donate to a trusted organization helping people in Palestine. You'll also learn about one of the families that will be receiving the aid during the class. Register here.
SUNDAY, FEB. 15
Solidarity Market 📍37th St NW & Reservoir Rd NW ⏰ 12 - 5 p.m. In the spirit of love, Disalignment DC is bringing together a group of local vendors for a fundraiser market in Georgetown. Proceeds will be donated to folks facing repression in D.C. and abroad.
Free DC Ward 7 team meeting 📍Capitol View Neighborhood Library ⏰ 3 - 4:30 p.m. This is a meeting for Ward 7 residents hoping to get involved in the local Free DC movement. It's ideal if you've attended a Free DC campaign orientation first (like the one on Saturday!)
MONDAY, FEB. 16
Prep session for MPD Oversight Hearing 📍Virtual ⏰ 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. As Martin reported in January, D.C. officials have refused to answer lawmakers' questions about D.C. police's cooperation with ICE; on Feb. 25, D.C. residents will have a chance to voice their concerns about local law enforcement operations directly. The D.C. Council will be holding its annual performance oversight hearing for the Metropolitan Police Department, and Harriet's Wildest Dreams is running a prep session to help residents workshop their testimony. RSVP here.
TUESDAY, FEB. 17
General Strike 101 📍Bol Co-op ⏰ 6:30 p.m. We've all seen the attempts at general strikes in recent months. But how can that effort move off Instagram stories and into the real world – and with real union power? Bol Co-op will answer your questions about a general strike and investigate what it would take to stage a successful one in the U.S.
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.
With your help, we pursue stories that hold leaders to account, demystify opaque city and civic processes, and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make us proud to call D.C. home. Put simply, our mission is to make it easier — and more fun — to live in the District. Our members help keep local news free and independent for all:
