Mario Kart for a cause: 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 17

Protests in honor of John Lewis
Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of civil rights activist John Lewis' death. Across D.C., multiple rallies and events will take place to keep his legacy of Good Trouble alive. There will be a rally at the Klingle Bridge in Woodley Park at 5 p.m., and a march from Franklin Park to Black Lives Matter Plaza at 5:30 p.m. You can use this map to find more actions in Maryland and Virginia.

Mario Kart for a cause
Dodge bananas and blue shells at Fantom Comics – while also helping your neighbors! The shop's Mario Kart Grand Prix will raise funds for Save Chinatown Solidarity Network DC, a group that works to prevent displacement and support longtime residents and businesses in Chinatown. All ages and skill levels are welcome. BYOSC (bring your own Switch controller), but extras will be available. It'll start at 6:30 p.m., and entry is $10.

Community forum with the attorney general
Brian Schwalb wants to hear from you! The Office of the Attorney General will be visiting the Anacostia Neighborhood Library to tell residents a bit about what his office does and receive 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.

FRIDAY, JULY 18

Bikes Not Bombs ride
Bikes Not Bombs is a local biking group that focuses on queer liberation, bike revolution, and community building. They'll be leading their monthly ride from Malcolm X Park and ending at a to-be-determined location for a movie. Head to the park at 7:30 p.m. and prepare to head out for the ride at 8 p.m. All bodies and levels of biking experience welcome.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

CopWatch training
Black Lives Matter DC, East of the River Mutual Aid, and other local organizing groups will lead an interactive training on cop-watching and community defense. Participants will learn how to sharpen their observation skills around law enforcement, reduce reliance on police, and strengthen safety networks in their communities. Food, childcare, and ASL provided! It'll run from 12 - 2 p.m. at the ONE DC Black Workers Center.

Federal Workers Rights Training
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that would make it easier for Trump to continue gutting the federal workforce – but there are still avenues to resist. Metro DSA's Labor Working Group, Federal Unionists Network, and People's Parity Project will be leading a workshop on fighting back against RIFs (reductions in force). The training will be run by labor lawyers and veteran organizers. It'll take place virtually from 12-2 p.m., and there will be an opportunity to ask questions anonymously. Register here.

TUESDAY JULY 22

Taking Action: A Starter Guide to Effective Tactics
FREE DC and Rising Organizers, a local group that trains young and new activists, will be leading a hands-on workshop to help residents design and lead strategic actions. Participants will learn what makes different events effective and how to deploy the right tactics for their goals. This event is open to anyone – seasoned organizers or new activists. It'll run from 6:15 - 8:00 p.m. at MLK Jr. Library. You can register here.

Community Pitch Night with Beloved Community Incubator
Beloved Community Incubator, a solidarity economy non-profit that supports cooperative businesses across the D.C. area, will be introducing 11 newly formed local cooperatives! (Transparency: The 51st is a member of the BCI network!) Guests will have a chance to hear the new groups' pitch to the community, network with lawyers and accountants, and learn more about our region's coop ecosystem. The event is free! It starts at 7 p.m. in the Festival Center.

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