The city's streatery guidelines are punishing small businesses and vibrant neighborhoods. We need a permanent solution to keep these staples of the city’s dining scene.
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.
FRIDAY, NOV. 7
D.C. Council hearing on academic achievement 📍John A. Wilson Building Room 412 ⏰ 9:30 a.m. This public hearing from the Committee of the Whole will invite members of the public, as well as representatives from D.C. agencies, to discuss how D.C. Public School and D.C. Public Charter School are serving students. You can submit testimony here, and attend the hearing either in-person or online.
SATURDAY, NOV. 8
Anti-racist Organizing: An Interactive Workshop 📍Southwest Neighborhood Library ⏰ 2 - 4 p.m. Free DC is partnering with Anti-Racist DC for a training on building partnerships across race and class in organizing spaces, for anyone who is actively working with their Free DC ward team or other working group. (Note: You must have completed a Free DC campaign orientation to join the workshop!)
Crafting Against Cops: Safety Beyond Policing 📍Rhizome DC ⏰ 3 p.m. Head to Rhizome for afternoon crafting and community. Led by organizers with SURJ DC's Policing and Abolition team, the event will provide art supplies, snacks, and conversation around the meaning of public safety. If you already have a craft project you're working on, feel free to bring it! RSVP here.
Benefit show and record release for Food Not Bombs 📍Smash Records, 2314 18th Street NW ⏰ Doors 5 p.m., show 6 p.m. Support local bands and local mutual aid! D.C.-based punk band The Goons will be celebrating the release of their latest EP, with performances from other homegrown bands like DMV and Wet Vag. All proceeds will go to Food Not Bombs, which provides meals and groceries to D.C. residents. Tickets will be only available at the door on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Clothing swap and tailoring workshop 📍 1353 H Street NE ⏰ 2 - 5 p.m. Join Hearthstone DC, a local trans community kitchen and resource group, for a free mending workshop and winter clothing swap. Bring any items you might need adjusted or patched up and a few items to donate. (Remember: Quality over quantity.) Hats, scarves, and warm winter coats are especially needed! Any leftover items will be donated to HIPS. A free meal with vegan and gluten-free options will be provided. RSVP here.
MONDAY, NOV. 10
Juror Information Project 📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Conference Room 401-F ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. Sure, you may groan when you get a summons in the mail — but jury duty is a powerful tool, especially for D.C. residents. Free DC and Harriet's Wildest Dreams will be holding a teach-in on how we can, through our civic duty, hold the justice system accountable. Attendees will hear from legal experts, activists, and fellow community members. RSVP here.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12
Ward 7 Transportation Town Hall 📍 5131 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue Northeast ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder is inviting D.C.'s Department of Transportation Director Sharon Kershbaum to update residents on the status of the East Capitol Street Safety and Mobility Project and other infrastructure projects across Ward 7. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions of Kershbaum and share their concerns about this ongoing work. You can reserve a spot here.
Note: We're testing out a new format for the location and timing details. What do you think? Tell us 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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