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, NOV. 13
Harriet's Wildest Dreams info session 📍 Virtual ⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m. If you're looking to get involved in D.C.'s local resistance movement, this Black-led abolitionist group is a place to start. Organizers will be walking attendees through the basics of their work, focusing on how residents can come together to ensure a safe and free D.C.
SATURDAY, NOV. 15
Bol Coop Bookstore Grand Opening 📍Bol Coop Bookstore (715 Monroe St NE Studio #11) ⏰ 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Let's go, worker-owned businesses! Bol is celebrating the launch of its brick-and-mortar location in the Brookland Arts Walk with a day full of programming. Stop by in the morning for story time, dip in for a "book tasting" at lunch, or support performers at the open mic at night. You can find a full agenda on Instagram. Attendance is free, but the team is raising funds to sustain their operations via GoFundMe.
Jiu jitsu fundraiser for immigrant rights 📍Estilo Jiu Jitsu (770 Park Road NW #T01) ⏰ 12 - 4 p.m. Try something new ... for a cause! This seminar is designed for people who have literally never tried jiu jitsu. You'll learn the basic movements and core principles of the martial art, and celebrate what makes it a community-driven practice. The event is free, but Estilo is asking for a suggested donation of $25 to Amica. They'll be matching every donation!
Free DC downtown canvass 📍MLK Jr. Memorial Library cafe (901 G St NW) ⏰ 2 - 4 p.m. As a part of Free DC's new local business campaign, which seeks to build support and organizing power amongst D.C.'s small businesses, members will be visiting downtown D.C. shops and restaurants to spread the word. You don't have to live in Ward 2 to attend! Canvassers will receive a brief training and be paired with a partner. RSVP here.
DC 2050 Explore Possible Futures workshop 📍D.C. Office of Planning (899 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 7100) ⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. It's certainly not the most glamorous part of local government, but D.C.'s comprehensive plan plays a crucial role in mapping out the city's development over the coming decades. Local officials are working on our next plan, and residents are invited to give feedback on the current proposals and approaches. This workshop is an open-house style session with opportunities to break up into smaller conversations.
DC YIMBYs Cleveland Park Walking Tour 📍Outside Buffalo & Bergen ⏰ 1 - 3 p.m. This winter, the D.C. Zoning Commission is considering upzoning parts of Ward 3, which would make way for more housing. Join this walking tour to see what that reform might mean along Connecticut Ave NW and Wisconsin Ave NW. The group will hang out at Nanny O'Briens after the tour. RSVP here.
SUNDAY, NOV. 16
Free DC Ward 7 campaign orientation and food drive 📍Capitol View Library (5001 Central Ave SE) ⏰ 3 - 4:30 p.m. Ward 7 residents are invited to come out and learn about how to get involved in Free DC. This campaign orientation will also be a food drive for the River Terrace Little Free Pantry. See this list of suggested nonperishable items for donation.
MONDAY, NOV. 17
East of the River Mutual Aid open house 📍Zoom ⏰ 7 p.m. East of the River Mutual Aid invites you to discuss the importance of mutual aid, its history in D.C., and what residents can contribute. This event is open to anyone — particularly new members or folks who have not been involved in this type of organizing before! There are volunteer roles to be filled. You can register 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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