Coffee contest and copaganda: Your weekly Civics Roundup

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. 

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, OCT. 16

Pour for the People
📍The Coffee Bar
⏰ Sign-up 6:30 p.m., contest at 7 p.m.
The comeback edition of the once-regular Thursday Night Throwdown latte art contest, hosted by the local coffee community, will be raising funds for East of the River Mutual Aid and Poder del Pueblo DC. Brave baristas pay $10 to enter, and bystanders can buy merch! Proceeds will be split between the two mutual aid groups. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m., and the pour-off begins at 7 p.m. The top three finalists will get prizes!

FRIDAY, OCT. 17

Book talk: Copaganda: How Police and The Media Manipulate Our News
📍Sankofa DC
⏰ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
How are the headlines we scroll through on our phones put together? Who is considered an "expert" by news outlets? And why were there so many stories about shoplifting at CVS? Writer and civil rights lawyer Alec Karakatsanis will be visiting Sankofa to discuss his latest book, Copaganda, which dissects how the media influences — and sometimes distorts — our perceptions of crime and safety. He'll be in conversation with Kristen Bonner, an organizer with the DC Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression. You can reserve your spot here.

Free DC art hang and open mic
📍Black Workers Wellness Center
⏰ 4 - 8 p.m.
Let your creativity or constructive rage flow. For the first two hours of the event, Free DC members will be providing supplies for an art-build. (Think: protest poster, zine, etc.) Then, starting at 6 p.m., artists are invited to take to the mic, from rappers and poets to singers and other performers. You can RSVP here.

13 things to do around D.C. this weekend

The next few days are full of ways to celebrate local culture in the crisp air, including several fall festivals.

The 51stIndia Kea

SATURDAY, OCT. 18

No Kings Protest
📍Meet at Pennsylvania Ave NW and 3rd St NW
⏰ 12 p.m.
Yet another nationwide day of action is taking place this weekend in response to Trump's militarization of U.S. cities. The "D.C. Rising" faction, co-sponsored by local organizations like Free DC and Colectivo de Familias Migrantes, will be rallying and marching on the Mall through the afternoon. No need to RSVP, just show up!

Ghouls just want to have ... abortion access
📍As You Are
⏰ 8 - 10 p.m.
Head to everyone's favorite queer hangout for a fundraiser supporting the D.C. Abortion Fund organized by MDC DSA's Bodily Autonomy Working Group. Proceeds from the $7 tickets will go to the local organization working to keep abortion safe, affordable, and accessible for people in our region and beyond. There will be plenty of music and dancing, and guests are encouraged to wear a costume — KN-95 mask required, but provided if you need one!

MONDAY, OCT. 20

Know Your Rights (feat. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb)
📍Petworth Neighborhood Library
⏰ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
A slew of local democratic orgs — including the Capital Stonewall Democrats, D.C. LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition, and the D.C. Democratic Black Caucus — will be bringing in Schwalb for a conversation about what his office is doing to protect D.C.'s queer community, tenants, and workers. Come ready with your questions!

TUESDAY, OCT. 21

Small Business Outreach Training with Free DC
📍 Zoom
⏰ 6 p.m.
Ever heard of a procott? Free DC is starting an effort to bring our local businesses into the movement — and training members on how to engage with their favorite D.C. spots about the fight for our political autonomy. They'll be offering business decals to put in storefronts, so shoppers know their dollars are going to a business that supports their community, strengthening the case for in-person shopping over online orders.

Note: We're testing out a new format for the location and timing details this week. 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.