Growing community: 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. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

Ward 8 D.C. Council debate
It's the last debate before the July 15 special election to fill Trayon White's seat. Three candidates – Salim Adofo, Sheila Bunn, and Mike Austin – are vying to replace White, who is hoping to regain the role he lost in a bribery scandal. The debate will start at 7 p.m. at the Anacostia Arts Center and will be moderated by Kymone Freeman. Our very own Martin Austermuhle will be following the debate. If you have questions, send them to martinaustermuhle@51st.news.

Movement Infrastructure Work Day
Movement Infrastructure Project, the grassroots group that collects resources for local organizers, needs some help cleaning up and organizing their spaces. You can pick up one (or multiple shifts): Thursday, June 25; 4 - 8 p.m., Sunday, June 29; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., or Tuesday, July 1; 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can RSVP here for location info.

Storytelling night for LGBTQ+ refugees and immigrants
To celebrate Pride, the Festival Center and KAMA DC, a nonprofit supporting immigrants and refugees in the D.C. region, are teaming up for an evening of storytelling. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and speakers will be on from 7 - 8:30 p.m. You can purchase a ticket here.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

Growing Community at the Anacostia Community Museum
As a part of its Saturday series, Growing Community, the museum will lead a community talk on the past, present, and future of plant life at the museum. Leaders will discuss what plants have been important to improving the lives of residents around the museum. The event will take place from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. You can reserve a free ticket here.

Remove invasive plants from Kingman Island
More plants! But this time, the bad ones. A team from D.C.'s Department of Energy and Environment will be stationed at the entrance of Kingman and Heritage Islands on the Anacostia River Trail to remove invasive plants. Volunteers will meet at the RFK Lot 6 entrance to Kingman and Heritage Islands. Make sure to wear closed-toed shoes! You'll be weeding from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sign up here.

FREE DC Art Build for Fourth of July actions
Join FREE DC to prep posters for July 4. They'll be marching in the Palisades, Takoma, and Capitol Hill parades to spread the word about protecting D.C.'s Sanctuary Values Act – a provision that prevented our local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE agents, but is currently on Bowser's chopping block. On Saturday, they'll be making banners and props for the parade at CityState Brewing. Stop by between 12 - 5 p.m. RSVP here.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Intro to anti-racist organizing
FREE DC is holding an interactive, open training to create a mobilized community that organizes across race and class differences. It'll be in-person, but location and time are TBD. Check this page for updated info.

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