Every Thursday, we list some ways to get engaged in the city โ whether thatโs 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. 27
Free Thanksgiving lunch from Busboys and Poets ๐ Busboys and Poets Anacostia โฐ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Busboys and Poets' Ward 8 location is opening its door on Thanksgiving to anyone who wants a free meal. The multi-course lunch will feature their signature fried chicken and include dessert. There is no need to register, but RSVPing here will give organizers a better sense of the headcount!
Volunteer with Food and Friends ๐ 219 Riggs Road NE โฐ Various times The local social services program Food and Friends needs help on Thanksgiving. You'll need a background check to volunteer, but those who are already in the Food and Friends system can sign-up for a Thanksgiving Day shift; food prep and delivery help is needed!
So Others Might Eat Annual Trot for Hunger ๐ Freedom Plaza โฐ 6:30 - 10:30 a.m. Even if you're not a Turkey Trot person ... this one's for a cause! Sign up for the timed 5k or the "Little Turkey" one-mile run to be home with plenty of time to start prepping your pie. Proceeds go towards So Others Might Eat, which provides meal, housing, and job support to D.C. residents. You can find the run of events and all of the information about registration and bibs here.
Thankstaking Potluck ๐ 4722 14th Street NW โฐ 5 - 9 p.m. An alternative to celebrating Thanksgiving: hanging out at a "Thankstaking." Put on by local artist-organizers 411 Collective, this potluck will have music, a panel on anti-imperialism, a film screening, a cash bar, and (of course!) food. D.C. artist Mas Paz, who we've written about before, is hosting. No RSVP needed, but bring a dish to share!
Boycott Target picket ๐ DC USA (3100 14th Street NW) โฐ 11 a.m. More than a dozen local organizations will be gathering outside the Columbia Heights Target for an informational picket on over the busy shopping weekend. For months, Black churches have been leading a boycott of the massive company. This week, groups like Free DC and Harriet's Wildest Dreams will be in attendance, along with public figures like Pastor Jamal Bryant and Nina Turner! Don't miss, relevant here, Free DC's "procott" in support of local businesses.
MONDAY, DEC. 1
Public oversight hearing: D.C. Medicaid and Alliance Programs ๐ John A. Wilson Building, Room 500, or Zoom โฐ 9:30 a.m. At this public hearing, the D.C. Council Committee on Health wants to hear residents' thoughts on recent changes to the city's Medicaid and Health Care Alliance programs. We've covered these changes, but here's the TLDR: Changes that began in October to the DC Health Care Alliance could cost some 26,000 residents their healthcare coverage. And on Jan. 1, changes to the income requirements for Medicaid eligibility could affect coverage for another roughly 2,500 people. You can sign up to testify online or IRL here.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3
Snow Team Heroes volunteer info session ๐ 2235 Shannon Place SE โฐ 6 p.m. If you are very strong, derive pleasure from shoveling snow, or are just generally a good neighbor, the city wants you to help with its municipal duties! ServeDC's Snow Team Hero volunteers get paired with neighbors who need help clearing snow from their walkways throughout the winter. Join this meeting to learn how it works and join the team โ a distinction that comes with a shovel, if you don't yet have one. (We thank you, in advance!)
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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