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.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
Ayuda's spring event: Stand with immigrants Join community members, advocates, and policymakers for a night of fundraising with Ayuda, a group that provides legal, social, and translation services to immigrant families across the D.C. region. Held at the Mexican Culture Institute from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., the evening will feature multiple speakers, food, and drinks. You can purchase a ticket or make a donation. The dress code is "business festive."
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
Hear from Mahmoud Khalil's lawyer Amy Greer, an attorney representing Mahmoud Khalil — the Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate who was arrested by immigration officials last month and has been detained since — will be speaking at the Busboys and Poets on K Street. Greer, along with Abed A. Ayoub, the national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, will provide updates on Khalil's case and discuss its implications for the future of immigrant and activist rights. The free event will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Violence reduction webinar Eli McCarthy, the director of programs at DC Peace Team, will lead a webinar on nonviolent violence reduction and de-escalation. Participants will learn how to protect people using nonviolent methods, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and strategies for peacebuilding in various settings. Registration required; sliding scale fee. The event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Peace Day 2025 Join mutual aid groups representing various D.C. wards for a meet-up in Malcolm X Park. Stop by for music, family activities, and mingling with your neighbors. The event will start at 12 p.m.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Sunrise Movement open meeting Organizers with the local Sunrise Movement chapter will be gathering at Potter's House in Adams Morgan for their monthly Open Hub meeting — a time for new and old members alike to meet and mingle. This month, the event will be a swap: bring various sporting or outdoors equipment, arts and crafts materials, warm weather supplies, planters, seeds, and more. (But you can also show up empty-handed.) Head to Potter's House from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
TUESDAY, APRIL 15
Digital security workshop Free DC and No Tech for Apartheid will host a webinar on digital security in organizing spaces. You can register for the Zoom here. The workshop starts at 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
DC Emancipation Day speak out Several D.C. groups including Harriet's Wildest Dreams, the Washington Informer, FREE DC, and WPFW 89.3 will be presenting a panel discussion at Metropolitan AME Church. The event will focus on protecting Home Rule, saving federal jobs, and investing in D.C.'s local communities. Food will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by the panel and conversation from 6 p.m. to 9 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.
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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