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 As you've probably seen on your feed (and as Martin reported), D.C. residents are recording everything during this takeover. 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@filmthepolice.org. If you witness an ICE detention or raid, call the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid network at 202-335-1183.
New year, new compost drop-offs! D.C. Zero Waste is ringing in the new year with some brand-spanking new composting drop-off sites. You can see the expanded map of drop-off bins here to find one closest to you. These are accessible 24/7 via the metroKEY app or a passcode. You can find more info on the D.C. Zero Waste website. Also, staffed weekend food waste drop-off events are happening year-round!
THURSDAY, JAN. 8
Community vigil for Renee Nicole Good 📍 Sherman Circle Park ⏰ 5:30 p.m. Petworth neighbors have organized a memorial for the Minneapolis woman shot and killed by an ICE agent this week. Locally, we've reported on the lack of information and accountability that has followed shootings by federal agents. Free DC recommends joining a national rapid response call from Indivisible after the vigil to learn how you can take action with others in the days to come.
Free DC anti-racist organizing workshop 📍 MLK Library ⏰ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free DC is teaming up with Anti-racist DC for a training on incorporating anti-racist principles in organizing spaces. (To attend this training, you must have attended a Free DC campaign orientation first!) Participants in Free DC working groups or Ward Teams are highly encouraged to attend.
Harriet's Wildest Dreams information session 📍 Virtual ⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m. If you're looking to get involved in D.C.'s local resistance movement, this Black-led abolitionist group is a great place to start. Organizers will be walking attendees through the basics of their work and how residents can come together to ensure a safe and free D.C.
SATURDAY, JAN. 10
Free DC local business canvass: Kennedy Street/Brightwood Park 📍 La Coop Coffee Shop ⏰ 2 - 4 p.m. As we reported ahead of last year's holiday season, Free DC launched its "Local Businesses for Free DC" campaign, encouraging residents to shop locally, rather than giving their money to large corporations. This "procott" is an ongoing effort; Free DC's local business canvases seek to bring even more shops on board by knocking on (business') doors and inviting them to participate in the program. Attendees will receive a brief training and be sent out in pairs. If you're new to Free DC and haven't attended a campaign orientation yet, you'll be paired with someone who did.
SUNDAY, JAN. 11
Volunteer at The Radcliffe Room 📍 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (1313 New York Ave. NW) ⏰ Arrive at 7:45 a.m. Every Sunday from 8:15 - 9:45 a.m., the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church serves food, distributes clothing, and builds community with people who need all three — usually, around 150 attendees, they say. You can also donate men's clothes, toiletries, bananas, oranges, coffee grounds, and/or lemonade powder anytime. No RSVP needed!
Sunrise DC Open Hub meeting 📍 Provided upon RSVP ⏰ 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Sunrise DC, a local collective of young people dedicated to fighting the climate crisis, is inviting potential members see what their group is all about. These monthly meetings break down Sunrise's current work in the region and explain how you can tap in. (Bonus: This meeting is also an art build; they'll be making posters for upcoming actions.)
MONDAY, JAN. 12
Juror Information Project overview 📍 Provided upon RSVP ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. You might not smile when you receive a jury summons in the mail, but jury duty is an important way to protect your neighbors. Harriet's Wildest Dreams and Free DC will explain what it means to serve on a jury and how we can use the role to bring more public accountability to the justice system. You'll learn from legal experts, activists, and your neighbors.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14
Baldwin House orientation 📍 Zoom ⏰ 6 p.m. If "get involved in community organizing" is on your list of resolutions, here's a way to start! Baldwin House, the mutual aid hub and housing collective in Ward 1, is hosting an introductory meeting for folks interested in their work. You'll learn the basics of Baldwin House and what the group's current initiatives look like. RSVP 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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