Organizer trainings and orientations: 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. For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup. 

ONGOING

Share your thoughts on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway improvements
The National Park Service is currently developing a safety improvement plan for Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway — and they want your feedback. The plan would end rush hour reversible lanes along the parkway (!) and widen the multi-use trail between P Street and Virginia Avenue NW. It would also install a roadway barrier to improve safety between P Street and Virginia Avenue NW. You can submit your thoughts on the plan here until May 2.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

Legal Aid DC listening session
Legal Aid DC is hosting a community listening session to update residents on numerous housing and rental assistance bills currently before the D.C. Council. Residents can listen, share their thoughts, and learn how to get involved in advocacy. The event will be held in person at MLK Jr. Memorial Library from 5 - 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

DC Superior Court info session at MLK Library
Court processes can be opaque and mystifying; stop by the library to hear from DC Superior Court officials, who handle a range of cases such as small claims, landlord-tenant relations, and family court. Representatives will be tabling and fielding questions from 3 - 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Non-cooperation theory training and workshop
FREE DC will lead a daylong intensive program, focused on how to stage strategically noncooperative protests and resistance actions. This event is invite-only, so those interested in attending should contact their FREE DC ward lead. It'll take place from 9 - 5 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 21

Ward 1 Mutual Aid organizer onboarding
Following its successful recruitment event, Ward 1 Mutual Aid will train new members on operations, values, and organizing asks. You can register for the virtual event, which runs from 6:30 - 8 p.m., here, and fill out an interest form here. Attendance is required to organize with Ward 1 Mutual Aid.

FREE DC x Rising Organizers intro to organizing
Learn the basics of community movement building with FREE DC and Rising Organizers. From 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., leaders will break down the core principles of organizing, brainstorm ways to build people power, and discuss the role of community organizing in democracy. The event will be in-person at MLK Library; childcare is provided upon request. Register here.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22

Baldwin House orientation
Baldwin House, an affordable housing cooperative and mutual aid group based in Ward 1, is hosting a virtual orientation for new members. The cooperative successfully purchased their apartment building near Howard University and is now raising funds to pay off their bank loan. Register for the Zoom here to learn more about the cooperative and how to get involved. The event will be held from 7 - 8 p.m.

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.