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. 9
Harriet's Wildest Dreams info session If you're looking to get involved in local resistance movements, HWD is the place to start. This Black-led abolitionist group will be walking through the basics of their work, and how D.C. residents can come together to ensure a safe and free D.C. It'll take place over Zoom from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Free DC Ward 6 meeting For Ward 6 residents who've already attended a Free DC campaign orientation, convene with your ward team for updates, breakout discussions, and opportunities for deeper involvement in the wider movement. The meeting will run from 7 - 8:30 p.m. over Zoom.
FRIDAY, OCT. 10
Family meeting with D.C. education advocates With D.C. public schools out this Friday, a collection of local orgs like EmpowerEd, Free DC, CARE, and the Washington Teachers' Union will be holding a virtual meeting for families, students, and educators. They'll focus on joy and strategy — celebrating D.C.'s communities and figuring out how to protect our students in the face of federal law enforcement. It'll be held over Zoom from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. You can register here.
Know Your Rights training The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly the CAIR Coalition) is leading weekly seminars to teach residents how to advocate and protect themselves during interactions with federal law enforcement. Lawyers from local nonprofits will join to share their insights and answer questions. This one will be held on Zoom at 6 p.m.
Cracked Shells screening with ONE DC Filmmaker Ruth Tedla will be showing her new documentary Cracked Shells: A Bold Exploration of Gentrification, Culture, & Resilience. Through interviews with D.C.'s artists, community activists, and business owners, Tedla's work highlights the personal impacts of the city's rapid gentrification. (ICYMI: Read our conversation with Tedla about the film here!) The screening and panel discussion, co-hosted by ONE DC, will take place at the True Reformer Building (1200 U Street NW) from 5 - 8 p.m. It's free — just register here.
SATURDAY, OCT. 11
Pupusa party fundraiser (feat. bike ride!) Now that we have your attention... Guarina Lopez, founder of Native Women Ride and the Indigenous Cycling Collective, will be leading a one-hour fun ride around D.C. in the afternoon, making stops to educate cyclists on landmarks significant to local Native and Indigenous communities. Meet in Mount Pleasant's Lamont Plaza for the ride, or head directly to Dew Drop Inn for the party to follow. There will be pupusas for sale, an art auction, and live music, all benefiting Voices on the Border's educational programs in El Salvador. The ride will start at 2 p.m., while the party will be running from 5 - 11 p.m.
Free DC Campaign Orientation If you're new to Free DC, joining a campaign orientation is the first step to getting more involved. You'll learn what D.C. is up against, and how Free DC is organizing to counter it. The meeting will run from 1 - 2:30 p.m. over Zoom.
SUNDAY, OCT. 12
Sunrise DC Open Hub meeting Curious about organizing with other young people to fight climate change? This group's monthly open hub meetings are your way in — meeting members, catching up on their local work, and finding ways to get involved. The meeting will take place from 3 - 6 p.m. in Mount Pleasant. (Exact location provided upon RSVP.) The meeting will start promptly at 3 p.m., and move to second location for food and socializing at 5 p.m. RSVP here.
TUESDAY, OCT. 14
Barry Farm Open Mic In a first, Empower DC and the Anacostia Library are producing a "history open mic." Residents are encouraged to bring an artifact, a photo, or just their own story about the history of Barry Farm — which has been a hub of Black culture and politics for centuries. You can also just attend and listen to your neighbors. The event runs from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Register here.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15
Free DC Ward 8 Team meeting Ward 8 residents are invited to join Free DC's Ward 8 October meeting — and to bring a friend, neighbor, or family member. The meeting will take place from 6 - 8 p.m. at a to-be-determined location.
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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