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 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 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.
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.
THURSDAY, JAN. 29
Narcan training 📍Northeast Neighborhood Library ⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m. The D.C. chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation is partnering with HIPS, the harm reduction organization, for a training about the opioid overdose reversal drug, Narcan (or naloxone). Led by certified trainers with D.C.'s Department of Behavorial Health, the training will cover how to spot an opioid overdose, how to administer Narcan safely, and proper follow-up care procedures. Everyone will leave with their own Narcan kit. You can RSVP here.
DC Courtwatch training 📍Virtual ⏰ 7 - 9 p.m. Led by Harriet's Wildest Dreams, DC Justice Lab, and the D.C. Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, this training equips residents with the knowledge they need to hold our court systems accountable and identify miscarriages of justice. You can register here.
Digital security workshop with No Tech for Apartheid 📍Virtual ⏰ 7 - 9 p.m. As a part of Free DC's Safety Series, this training will ensure local organizers are protecting their digital spaces as they build a movement. Led by No Tech for Apartheid, a worker-led campaign of Google and Amazon workers, the training will cover best practices for digital safety and how you can protect yourself while organizing. All Free DC members are encouraged to attend. You can RSVP here.
FRIDAY, JAN. 30
Student anti-ICE walkout 📍 Sankofa ⏰ 12:45 p.m. As a part of an anti-ICE week of action – including a vigil held on Wednesday for Alex Pretti (an ICU nurse murdered by ICE in Minneapolis) and a justice rally for Phillip Brown (a man who was shot at by Homeland Security agents in D.C.) — several local organizations are supporting a student walk-out at Howard University. The march will continue to Franklin Park before ending at the White House.
SUNDAY, FEB. 1
Ward 4 Free DC Social 📍 Mita Cafe ⏰ 1 - 3 p.m. This is a chance for Ward 4 neighbors to meet and connect to the Free DC movement in their ward. All are welcome! You can RSVP here.
Free DC campaign orientation 📍 Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library ⏰ 3 - 4:30 p.m. For those looking for ways to get involved in Free DC, attending a campaign orientation is the way to start. You'll learn about the movement, the structure of the Free DC campaign, and how you can help build people power. This event is open to all, but Ward 3 residents are particularly encouraged to attend. You can RSVP here.
MONDAY, FEB. 2
D.C. Council performance oversight hearings 📍 John A. Wilson Building / Virtual ⏰ Various times It's oversight season again! This is when the D.C. Council exercises one of its greatest muscles, which is holding oversight hearings for the various executive agencies to ensure they're functioning properly (and spending money appropriately). On Monday, the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health, WMATA, Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, and the D.C. Attorney General's juvenile justice branch will all be hosting public hearings. (This means members of the public, aka you, can testify.) You can watch virtually or attend IRL, and sign up to testify on the webpage for each hearing.
Harriet's Responders orientation 📍 Virtual ⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m. Harriet's Responders is a pilot response team from the mutual aid and community organizing group Harriet's Wildest Dreams, which acts as an alternative to calling the police. Responders provide community sport, perform rapid responses, lead civil disobedience, and strategize to decrease D.C.'s dependence on law enforcement and incarceration. RSVP for the information session 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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