Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city β whether thatβs protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share your events and trainings with us at 51st.news/submit-events.
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
Street Sense Media pre-winter donation drive Our friends at D.C.'s street newspaper are collecting items to prepare their vendors and clients for the cold season. They're looking for clothing items like T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets; personal care items including soap/shampoo and toothpaste; and other daily essentials including hand warmers, blankets, towels, umbrellas, laundry detergent, and gift cards. You can mail your donation to 1317 G St. NW, or drop it off there yourself!
TUESDAY, SEPT. 29
Federal Unionists Support Session β° 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. π Virtual What's the FUSS? We're glad you asked: The Federal Unionists Network is hosting an open session for federal workers to talk about the challenges they've been facing recently and brainstorm collective solutions. You can RSVP here.
D.C. restaurant workers know-your-rights training β° 5 - 6:30 p.m. π The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW) With cold and flu season approaching, it's important to remember: It's your right to stay home if you're sick! The D.C. Restaurant Organizing Collective is hosting a know-your-rights training for the city's service and hospitality workers with a special focus on paid sick leave; stop in to prepare yourself for inevitable sniffles.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30
Canvassing Washington Highlands β° 5 - 7 p.m. π Harriet's House (RSVP for exact address) Harriet's Wildest Dreams will be knocking on doors in Ward 8's Washington Highlands neighborhood, spreading the word about their work and hearing neighbors' concerns. There will be a short training before heading out, so all canvassers are prepared with talking points. RSVP here.
Ward 2 listening session with Janeese Lewis George β° 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. π RSVP for exact address The Democratic nominee for mayor is continuing her pre-general tour of the city with another open forum, this time in Ward 2. The event is open to anyone β whether you want to ask a question, voice a concern, or share an idea. Food and child-friendly activities will be provided! RSVP here.
Free DC U Street Fall Social β° 6 - 8 p.m. π Spark Social (2009 14th St. NW) With summer officially over and a chill hitting the air, Free DC's Ward 1 team is regrouping for a low-key evening event. Stop by the 14th Street queer cafe and bar for a neighborly catch-up over snacks and drinks (including NA options). You do not have to be a Free DC member to attend! RSVP here or simply show up.
Greater Greater Washington fall mixer β° 5 - 9 p.m. π metrobar (640 Phode Island Avenue NE) Calling all fans of local news, housing advocates, and transit wonks: GGWash is throwing down with their sixth annual fall party! Connect with like-minded neighbors over a drink, and bring the whole family β metrobar is kid-friendly! RSVP here.
Immigration film festival β° Multiple times π The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd NW) KAMA DC, a volunteer-run nonprofit platforming immigrants in the D.C. area, is putting on their 13th annual Immigration Film Fest, with more than a dozen IRL and virtual screenings over the weekend. You can find the full line-up of showtimes and descriptions here. The weekend will kick off on Friday with a night dedicated to food and music β and, as a bonus, you can enjoy some locally made dinner with your ticket!
SATURDAY, OCT. 3
Swap Palooza β° 12:30 p.m. drop-off, 1:30 - 3 p.m. swap π Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW) It's swap city at the downtown library this weekend! Bring your gently-used clothing, books, and plants β and leave with a refreshed fall wardrobe, a holiday gift checked off your list, or a new friend for your desk. You can bring up to 10 items in each category (so, 30 total, if you're planning to swap 'til you drop). Registration isn't required, but it's encouraged here.
DC for Palestine Fall Festival β° 12 - 5 p.m. πLocation provided upon RSVP DC for Palestine is bringing neighbors together for an autumnal festival featuring live music, crafts, and a potluck. Guests will learn about DC for Palestine's work and how to plug into local-level organizing work. You're encouraged to bring a dish to share β and a picnic blanket to hang out on! RSVP here.
Kingsman Field Dog Park reopening β° 3 - 5 p.m. π 1300 block of D St NE Paws up! Kingsman Bark, a nonprofit supporting the Kingsman Field Dog Park, is welcoming neighbors (human and canine) back to the field with an afternoon of pup-friendly activities. There will be pup cups, a paint-with-your-pup station, a few words from local leaders like Councilmember Charles Allen, and more. Woof!
SUNDAY, OCT. 4
The Longest Table β° 3 - 5 p.m. π Franklin Park (1332 I St. NW) Take a seat to mingle with your neighbors at one very, very long table β 20 tables pushed together, to be exact. Organized by The DC Poor People's Campaign, the Longest Table is designed to bring residents together for delicious (free! potluck-style) food and compelling conversation. You can RSVP here.
Underground Resistance Night β° 4 p.m. π Dupont Underground (19 Dupont Cir. NW) The literally subterranean art space is hosting filmmaker CJ Crim and author Chris Pickett for a night celebrating grassroots community resistance. Crim will be showing her film, Resisterhood, followed by a post-screening talk with Pickett. There will also be poster-making and a community social, put on by community partner EmpowHERed. Tickets are $15. You can buy them here.
Know-your-rights session, tenants edition β° 3 p.m. π DC Liberation Center (337 H St. NE) The local chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation and The Woodner Tenants' Union are collaborating for an in-person lesson about the D.C. Tenant Bill of Rights. You'll also learn about how you can advocate for tenants' rights β including joining an existing tenants' union or starting your own.
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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