Pepco has faced increasing scrutiny over expensive customer bills in recent months. A new ruling could have a lasting impact on how the utility calculates its rates.
Each week, 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 at 51st.news/submit-events.
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.
Film The Police DC Since the federal takeover last August, D.C. residents are recordingeverything. 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@filmthepolicedc.org. If you witness an ICE detention or raid, call the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid network at 202-335-1183.
Food Not Bombs call for funds Food Not Bombs, the local mutual aid group that runs weekly meal distributions, needs funds to help keep residents warm during the winter. Your donations will be used to provide blankets, thermal clothing, hand warmers, and other emergency winter gear. You can Venmo (@FNBDC) or purchase items directly from their wishlist.
What do you want from your park? The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation is updating the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. This is a blueprint, updated every five years, that shapes D.C.'s parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. What do you like about your park? What do you think is missing from D.C.'s outdoor and recreation spaces? You can fill out the DCPR survey here.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Harriet's Wildest Dreams info session ⏰ 7 p.m. 📍 Virtual Harriet's Wildest Dreams will host an introductory session for community members interested in local harm reduction and rapid response efforts. Attendees will learn how the group organizes direct actions, how rapid response networks coordinate during crisis, and how mutual aid can become an ongoing practice. RSVP to the virtual event here.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Black Cat Bookfair fundraiser ⏰ Doors 7 p.m., bands 8 p.m. 📍 Simple Underground Stage (5420 3rd St NW) The Black Cat Bookfair brings together publishers, writers, artists, and organizers focused on mutual aid and grassroots movements in the D.C. area. They're hosting a concert fundraiser this weekend, spotlighting local bands Trash Boat and the Ambush, D.M.V.,Capital Offender, and Tripping Corpse. There's a suggested donation of $20 at the door. All ages welcome!
Recess at the Capitol ⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 📍 Senate Hart Building With the kids home from school, educators, students and several local orgs — from the Washington Teachers' Union to Free DC and Empower DC — are headed to recess on the hill. They'll be rallying to let Congress know how their decisions are impacting the lives of D.C. students and families. Bring your kids, unsealed letters, homemade cards, and energy. (Students from 8th grade and up can receive community service hours for attending.) Register here.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Free DC Candidate Forum ⏰ 12 - 4 p.m. 📍 Matthew's Memorial Baptist Church Somehow it's already March. We're barreling towards the June primary! Free DC is convening mayoral candidates — as well as those running for D.C. delegate – for a forum. The event is free and open to the public. Food and childcare will be provided, as well as Spanish and ASL interpretation. You can register here.
Free DC local business canvass at Southwest Waterfront ⏰ 1 - 4 p.m. 📍 Southwest Library By canvassing businesses, Free DC wants to bring the city's small-businesses into the fight for Home Rule. (The canvasses are a part of a larger "procott" movement by Free DC that encourages residents to shop locally and avoid massive cooperations.) You'll be provided materials and given a brief training before hitting up businesses. If you're new to Free DC and haven't attended a campaign orientation yet, you'll be paired with someone who did. RSVP here.
Petworth cleanup ⏰ 11 a.m. 📍 Start at Sherman Circle and end at Brightwood Pizza and Bottle The snow has melted, the weather has turned, and it's time for D.C.'s most beautiful season! Help keep the city trash-free during this most blessed time by joining a community clean-up. Bonus: you'll end with pizza and beer! No need to RSVP.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Free DC orientation ⏰ 2:30 - 4 p.m. 📍 Zoom If you're wondering what Free DC is all about, or how you can get involved in their organizing efforts in D.C., this is where you start! You'll learn about what D.C. is up against, how Free DC is strategizing against it, and where you can step in. RSVP here.
MONDAY, MARCH 16
Know your rights training for D.C. restaurant workers ⏰ 6 p.m. 📍 1640 Columbia Rd NW Led by the D.C. Restaurant Organizing Collective, this training is designed for local hospitality workers looking to understand paid sick and family leave rights, and what steps they can take if their rights are violated. The training will be given in both English and Spanish. (If you can't attend Monday's session, there will be a second training on Wednesday, March 18, at the same location, from 1 -3 p.m.) You can register here.
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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