Tree love: 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. 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. 

ONGOING

Film 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 new hub where residents can submit information about sightings or interactions with police and ICE. 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.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20

Langdon Park cleanup
Little hands can make a big difference! Bring the kids out to the Langdon Park Community Center for a morning of cleaning up outside. Fill out this form to let the organizers with Exploring Child Learning Center know you're attending. The cleanup will go from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Langdon Park Community Center.

Tree care with Casey Trees
Mulch, weed, plant, and play with Casey Trees at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. Following a brief training, volunteers will spend the morning beautifying and caring for particularly vulnerable trees. Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. Register and get more details here. Then, stay after the work ends for music, games, and giveaways at the Ward 5 Day celebration, which runs 12 - 5 p.m.

Love Island fundraiser with Sunrise DC
Say goodbye to summer with an evening of reality-TV-themed food, drinks, dancing, and team challenges for a cause. Sunrise DC is raising money to support its Principle 6 Program, which provides stipends to the organization's working-class climate organizers. A portion of the proceeds will also go towards El Colectivo de Familias Migrantes, which works to protect local migrant communities. The event will start at 5 p.m. in Columbia Heights. RSVP here to receive the specific location.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21

Write to a political prisoner
The Coalition for Civil Freedoms, the DC Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression, and the local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace are hosting an event focused on connecting with people who are currently incarcerated. There will be speakers from the organizations, a discussion about how to include political prisoners and incarcerated residents in resistance work, and focused time to try writing a letter. The event will take place in person at the MLK Jr. Library at 2 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 22

Town hall on the design of the 11th Street Bridge Park
A new park on the site of the old 11th Street SE bridge will connect Wards 6 and 8 across the Anacostia River. It's not due to open until at least 2027, but you can give feedback on the final design by architecture firm OMA+OLIN at this in-person meeting at DDOT headquarters from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 23

Andor x DC: Lessons in resistance
Don't discount the power of fiction! Bol Coop and the Ward 1 and Ward 2 mutual aid networks will be holding a chat about what the Star Wars series Andor can teach us about building a resistance movement in D.C. It'll take place at Creative Grounds from 7 - 8:30 p.m. RSVP here.

Free DC Campaign orientation
If you'd like to tap into the resistance against Trump's occupation in D.C., this is a good place to start. Free DC organizers will walk you through the basics of the campaign and movement. Once you've attended an orientation, you can start joining your local ward meetings. The meeting will take place over Zoom from 6 - 7:30 p.m. You can 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.