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. 22
SMYAL fundraiser 📍Shakiki (2014 9th St NW) ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. SMYAL, a local nonprofit that supports queer youth across D.C. with housing, education, and mental health resources, is toasting to the new year with a fundraiser. Light snacks will be provided! Tickets are $10 for students or recent graduates and $20 for everyone else, with other donation options available. You can RSVP here.
FRIDAY, JAN. 23
"No Other Land" free screening 📍All Souls Church (1500 Harvard St NW) ⏰ 6 p.m. Souls 4 Palestine is hosting a free screening of the film No Other Land, a documentary that captures the reality of Israeli occupation in the Masafer Yatta community. The screening is free, but donations are suggested for the Masafer Yatta community. Register here, and donate here.
SATURDAY, JAN. 24
Free DC Ward 7 coffee social 📍Gigis Coffee Roasters ⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. This is an informal hangout for Ward 7 residents to meet neighbors involved in Free DC. All are welcome! RSVP is not required, but you can let them know if you plan on attending here.
Free DC local business canvass: H Street NE 📍Northeast Neighborhood Library Mezzanine 2 ⏰ 1 - 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 avoid major corporations and shop locally instead. This "procott" is an ongoing effort, and this week they'll be visiting businesses along the H Street corridor to bring them into the fight. There will be a short interactive training for new canvassers and a zine-folding session for experienced folks before everyone sets out. You aren't required to attend a Free DC orientation to participate, although that's ideal. Register here.
Anti-eviction canvass 📍L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station D Street Exit ⏰ 1:30 p.m. Stomp Out Slumlords, Metro DC Democratic Socialists' tenant organizing arm, will be knocking on doors to help residents facing eviction. During the canvass, organizers inform tenants of their rights, how to get a lawyer, and how to organize their building. Any newbies will be paired with a veteran canvasser. If you have a car, it's asked that you bring it to the meeting spot; they're helpful for getting to non-Metro-accessible neighborhoods. RSVP here.
SUNDAY, JAN. 25
Know Your Rights training 📍 MLK Memorial Library auditorium ⏰ 1 - 2:30 p.m. Free DC and the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights will be explaining how you can protect yourself, your family, and your community from federal law enforcement. Space is limited, so register beforehand! The presentation will be offered in English and Spanish.
TUESDAY, JAN. 27
Socialist feminist reading group 📍 Virtual ⏰ 6:30 p.m. Metro D.C.'s Democratic Socialist's feminist section is kicking off its spring reading group, where they'll be working through Feminism for the 99%: A Manifesto. They'll meet every Tuesday over Zoom at 6:30 p.m., with a few IRL social meet-ups yet to be scheduled. You can sign up for the reading group here and learn more about MDCDSA's other reading groups here.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28
How to host a one-on-one conversation 📍 Virtual ⏰ 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Personal connections are the core of organizing, and this training will equip Free DC members with the skills necessary to have effective and productive conversations with people new to the movement. It'll be hosted by Ward 1 Free DC team member Chris Schwartz. Only folks who have attended a Free DC campaign orientation can join this training. RSVP here.
DC Punk Archive Processing Night 📍 MLK Memorial Library ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. Help the D.C. Public Library sort through its massive inventory of archival punk materials! (What's a better volunteer opportunity than that?) They have plenty of boxes that need to be sorted, alphabetized, and categorized. No experience is required. Space is limited, so register 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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