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, AUGUST 7
Ward 1 Mutual Aid 5th Birthday Party The grassroots community org is celebrating five years of hard work with a fundraiser at Lyman's Tavern. There will be games, new merch, and plenty of chatting from 6 - 9 p.m. All DC Brau sales that night will go straight to W1MA.
FREE DC Communications Working Group FREE DC will be meeting to work on the new org's outreach, social media, and communication strategies. This group meets every first Thursday of the month, and it's open to anyone who has attended a Campaign Orientation. (Click here for a list of upcoming orientations.) This meeting will take place virtually from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Housing Policy Recap Meeting Join Empower DC's Anti-Displacement Network for a debrief on all things housing. While the D.C. budget is waiting for its second vote, the RENTAL Act – a major piece of legislation that will impact the city's housing stock – is still up for debate. Tune in to learn about what's in the budget and how you can organize to prevent displacement. It'll take place on Zoom at 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
Rally to save the Anacostia Community Museum Trump's proposed cuts to the Smithsonian's budget would totally eliminate all financial support for the Anacostia Community Museum. So residents are fighting back. Neighbors, artists, and advocates will be rallying in front of the Anacostia Community Museum at 9 a.m. and marching to the Go Go Museum and Cafe. Per the organizers, Saturday is meant to be more than a march; it's a reminder that Southeast D.C.'s cultural landmarks matter and deserve to be protected and sustained.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10
FREE DC Crafternoon Head to Merry Pin to make zines and other local activism-themed crafts alongside FREE DC organizers. The point of the afternoon is to highlight the goals of FREE DC and build ties among your community members. It'll run from 2 - 4 p.m.; supplies provided!
MONDAY, AUGUST 11
Harriets Wildest Dreams x FREE DC Juror Information Project The two local organizing groups will be hosting a teach-in at MLK Library on how we can harness our power as jurors to protect our neighbors. Attendees will hear from legal experts, activists, and their fellow community members about how they can step up next time they get a summons in the mail. The event is free and open to all. It'll run from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12
Heat Watch Mapping Don your citizen scientist hat and help D.C.'s Department of Energy and the Environment collect data on the hottest and coolest parts of the city. Volunteers will be sent out in pairs on pre-determined routes over three one-hour periods, and collect the heat using a device attached to their vehicle. (If you don't have a license, you can sign up to be a navigator!) You can sign up for shifts 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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