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, and for more to do around the city, don't miss our Weekend Events post.
ONGOING
Film The Police DC Since the federal takeover last August, D.C. residents are recordingeverything. Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, Free DC, and Harriet's Wildest Dreams created a hub where residents can submit sightings or interactions with police. Email photos, videos, and tips to report@filmthepolicedc.org. If you witness an ICE detention or raid, call the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid network at 202-335-1183.
Food Not Bombs call for funds Food Not Bombs, the local mutual aid group that runs weekly meal distributions, needs funds to help keep residents warm during this cold snap. Your donations will be used to provide blankets, thermal clothing, hand warmers, and other emergency winter gear. You can Venmo (@FNBDC) or purchase items directly from their wishlist.
Housing Counseling Services February trainings If you're looking for help in your housing search, the local nonprofit Housing Counseling Services is hosting a series of webinars throughout February. They'll cover topics like rent relief, foreclosure prevention, pre-purchase orientations, and inclusionary zoning. (All trainings are offered in multiple languages). You can view the full list of webinars here.
Black History Month Book Drive From Feb. 1-28, Ward 6 Mutual Aid/Serve Your City will be partnering with East City Book Shop to collect books by Black and brown authors for D.C. students. You can shop directly from the wishlist or purchase them in-store.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
ICE Out! and Abolition ⏰ 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. 📍 Virtual Metro DSA's Abolition Working Group and Political Education Working Group are hosting a virtual teach-in about immigration surveillance and its connection to the U.S.'s criminal legal system. The first half of the event will focus on concepts of abolition and what's currently happening across the country. The second half will be a panel discussion featuring speakers with experience fighting against immigration enforcement.
Ward 8 Free DC meeting ⏰ 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. 📍 Location TBD Ward 8 residents are encouraged to come out and meet other neighbors involved in the fight for D.C.'s autonomy and safety. Send the invitation to one of your friends, neighbors, or family members.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
Soul centered ⏰ 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 📍 DC Center (1827 Wiltberger St NW) The DC Center is bringing together local Black LGBTQ+ residents for an evening of care, joy, and conversation. Billed as a love letter to Blackness, queerness, tenderness, and resilience, the event will feature a panel with local figures including Silver Ware Sidora, Iran "Bang" Paylor, Jaz Pickens, Toya Messam, and Carlton Mays. Following the panel, there will be a round of speed “connections” (not to be confused with speed dating!), and the event will wrap with a cocktail hour.
Love is Trash Community Clean-up ⏰ 12 - 3 p.m. 📍 Malcolm X Park North Entrance (corner of 16th and Euclid) Love life in the dumps? Sick of wading through trash on Hinge? Well, you and fellow like-minded singles can put your misery to use at the third-annual Love is Trash cleanup. Hosted by the environmental nonprofit DC Surfrider and the local volunteer group District Cleanups, participants will be given name tags and encouraged to signal whether they're single and ready to mingle ( ✅ ), happily taken and just here for the fun (❌ ) or literally just here to pick up trash (🗑️). After the cleanup, head to Vagabond Bar for a happy hour with your fellow trash collectors.
Budget engagement forum ⏰ 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. 📍 Barry Farm Recreation Center Can you believe we're talking about Fiscal Year 2027 already? Mayor Muriel Bowser is kicking off the annual budget forums, giving residents an opportunity to weigh in on funding priorities and decisions. At the forum, you'll hear an overview of the current budget "environment," before splitting into small groups to discuss policy and priorities. If you can't make this one, there will be another on Thursday, Feb. 26. You can sign-up here.
Our History, Our Humanity ⏰ 2 - 5 p.m. 📍 Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ The Claudia Jones School for Political Education is partnering with several local groups for its annual Black History Month event. Alongside Faith Strategies, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Free DC, and Rising Organizers, the afternoon will focus on the effects of Trump 2.0, through panel discussions and cultural performances. Register here.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22
Speak Up: Social justice open mic and poetry slam ⏰ 6 p.m. 📍 Nabiha (1624 U Street NW) Nabiha, the Palestinian restaurant and community hub on U Street, is opening its doors (and stage) for a night of performance. Whether it's ICE harassment in Minnesota or the National Guard presence here in D.C., guests are encouraged to come and share what's keeping them up at night. There's no pressure for a piece to be "polished." The event is also a fundraiser for Nabiha, as it faces some financial challenges.
MONDAY, FEB. 23
Radical org fair ⏰ 5 - 7 p.m. 📍 Shaw Neighborhood Library, Meeting room 1 Revolutionary Youth Community is gathering several radical orgs from Howard University and the D.C. region for an organizing fair. Featured groups include Sunrise DC, Howard University Abolitionists, Howard University Get Free, Students for Justice in Palestine, and the Kwame Ture Society.
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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