Every Thursday, 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 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 in Dupont, 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, Housing Counseling Service, a local nonprofit, 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. 5
Speak out for Langston Golf Course π Two Rivers Charter School β° 6:30 p.m. As Martin reported in January, Trump has terminated the National Links Trust's 50-year lease with Langston Golf Course β a historic site for D.C.'s Black golfers. Tonight, ANC Commissioner G. Campbell will be gathering residents for a community meeting about the future of the golf course and protecting the site's legacy in the face of a potential Trump takeover.
JVP community crafting night π Virtual β° 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. D.C.'s chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace is holding a low-key virtual hang for folks looking to build community over a craft. Show up to the Zoom with any of your hobbies on hand. RSVP here.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7
Cop watch training π Location provided with registration β° 1 - 3 p.m. This training from Free DC and Harriet's Wildest Dreams gives residents the skills they need to protect their neighbors in police encounters β from knowing how or when to record what the police do to letting community members know their rights. You can register here.
Labor leadership training π Shepherd Park Library, Room 2 β° 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. This training is designed for both union and non-union members who want to learn more about effective organizing skills in the workplace. It's hosted by Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America's labor working group. RSVP here.
Palentine's Day market fundraiser π Nabiha β° 12 - 5 p.m. Shop with purpose for the pals in your life while also raising funds for children in Palestine. Hosted by Palestinian restaurant Nabiha, they'll have bites to eat, wares from local vendors, Tatreez workshops, and more. Funds will be donated to Haya Washington, a nonprofit that supports displaced refugees.
Sunrise DC Open Hub meeting π Provided with RSVP β° 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. If you're looking for young folks tapped into the local climate movement, Sunrise DC is where to start! Their monthly open hub meetings offer a way to plug into current work and meet other young people who care about climate justice. If you're new, make sure to stay until 5:30 p.m. for the new member one-on-ones. RSVP here.
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
Community meal and tax prep clinic π 1353 H St NE β° 2 - 5 p.m. Hearthstone DC, a trans community kitchen and resource group, will be hosting a tax prep clinic during their weekly meal for trans community members. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the upcoming tax season, local volunteers will be on hand to help. Bring any documents (physical or digital) and a laptop if you have one.
MONDAY, FEB. 9
Juror Information Project π 1300 I St NW β° 6 - 8 p.m. This teach-in will help you understand the role that jurors can serve in our courts and how juries can help create an equitable legal process. It's hosted by Harriet's Wildest Dreams and Free DC. RSVP here.
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
Vintage sale with DCAF π Dew Drop Inn β° 6 - 9 p.m. The DC Abortion Fund is rallying the vintage vendors of the city for a night of shopping at Dew Drop Inn. Get your lover, friend, or comrade a V-day gift while supporting access to abortion in the D.C. region. There will also be plenty of DCAF merch for you to browse, too.
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.
Sam Delgado is a freelance multimedia journalist living in D.C. She was previously a Future Perfect fellow at Vox.com and a production manager at More Perfect Union.
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