Alt Fourth of July Activities: 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, JULY 3

Le Diplomate picket's still going!
Workers at one of D.C.'s glitziest restaurants still don't have a union contract. Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America will be alongside workers, who are seeking to join UNITE HERE Local 23. You can RSVP for the picket here; it'll start at 5 p.m. outside the restaurant. (If you're interested in volunteering at these pickets and recruiting fellow demonstrators, click here.)

FRIDAY, JULY 4

FREE DC walk in the Palisades Fourth of July Parade
The FREE DC delegation will be walking in the Palisades Fourth of July Parade, a city tradition. Members will spread the word about protecting D.C.'s status as a sanctuary city. Members are encouraged to wear their pro-DC or pro-immigrant apparel, or orange and yellow colors. Kids, bikes, and scooters are welcome. They'll be meeting at Whitehaven Parkway and MacArthur Blvd NW at 10 a.m. The parade should wrap by 2 p.m.

DC Migrant Mutual Aid fundrasier
Not interested in a (let's be honest, pretty OK) firework display celebrating whatever the hell this whole country's deal is rn? As You Are bar is hosting a fundraiser party with DC Migrant Mutual Aid. You'll have four hours of dancing from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. with tunes from DJ Tropigal. Tickets are $20 with a sliding scale and guests can enter a $5 raffle. All proceeds will go to DC Migrant Mutual Aid.

SATURDAY, JULY 5

Liberation Imagined: A community art event
The local chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement will gather for a day of art vending, kids activities, performances, and open-mics all centered around the theme of liberation. Proceeds from the day will go toward the Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA). It'll run from 3 - 7 p.m. at 650 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast.

TUESDAY JULY 8

Undocumented workers rights training
Every week, Metro DC DSA's labor working group holds a virtual training about protecting undocumented workers amid ICE crackdowns. These trainings are intended for everyone. If you are a citizen, you may learn how to protect your neighbor or coworker. It's a public event, but those concerned about their privacy or safety can message organizers for a personalized presentation in English or Spanish. It'll run over Zoom from 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. More info and RSVP here.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

Office of the Attorney General community forum
Brian Schwalb wants to hear from you! The Office of the Attorney General will be visiting Petworth Neighborhood Library to tell residents a bit about what his office does and hear feedback from neighbors on topics like public safety, tenants' rights, and workers' rights. The meeting will take place from 6 - 7:30 p.m. You can register here. (If you can't make this one, there will be another on July 17 at Anacostia Neighborhood Library, same time.)

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