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!
FRIDAY, JAN. 16
Benefit show for Ayuda 📍 DC9 ⏰ Doors 7 p.m., Show 7:30 p.m. Local bands Night Hawk, Makeup Girl, and Hotel Sewing Kit are taking the stage at DC9 to raise money for Ayuda, a group that provides legal, social, and language services to low-income immigrants across the region. Tickets are $23.28 in advance or $25.75 at the door.
SATURDAY, JAN. 17
Free DC local business canvass: Cleveland Park 📍Cleveland Park Library ⏰ 2 - 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 shop locally, rather than giving their money to large corporations. This "procott" is an ongoing effort; Free DC's local business canvases seek to bring even more shops on board by knocking on businesses' doors and inviting them to participate in the program. Attendees will receive a brief training and be sent out in pairs. If you're new to Free DC and haven't attended a campaign orientation yet, you'll be paired with someone who did. Register here.
SUNDAY, JAN. 18
Volunteer at The Radcliffe Room 📍 New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (1313 New York Ave. NW) ⏰ Arrive at 7:45 a.m. Every Sunday from 8:15 - 9:45 a.m., the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church serves food, distributes clothing, and builds community with people who need all three — usually, around 150 attendees, they say. You can also donate men's clothes, toiletries, bananas, oranges, coffee grounds, and/or lemonade powder anytime. No RSVP needed!
MONDAY, JAN. 19
MLK Peace Walk and Parade 📍 Firth Sterling Ave SE and Sumner Rd SE ⏰ Peace Rally at 9:30 a.m., walk at 10:30 a.m. The 21st Annual MLK Peace Walk — themed "The Struggle is Real, The Fight is Still" — is taking place on Monday. You can find the full route here. There will also be a Health and Wellness Fair afterward, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., with free groceries, merch, wellness information, and more.
MLK Day of Service in Pope Branch Park 📍 2800 Fairlawn Ave SE ⏰ 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Anacostia Riverkeeper is teaming up with the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance to work toward the city's goal of a swimmable and fishable Anacostia. All clean-up supplies will be provided; just make sure you wear closed-toe shoes and clothing you're okay getting a little dirty. The clean-up happens rain or shine! Registration starts at 9:30, followed by a safety talk at 10 a.m. You can reserve your spot here, and don't forget to fill out the waiver. (Kids can come, too!)
TUESDAY, JAN. 20
Walk Out On Fascism 📍 Hart Senate Office ⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. On Tuesday, allies from across the U.S. are joining local activists for a morning of lobbying at the Senate. Join your Free DC comrades to tell senators to advocate for a free D.C., as the Trump regime continues its attempts to take over our streets, laws, budget, and more. Later in the day, residents are encouraged to grab a friend or a coworker and leave work early for a 1 p.m. rally in Freedom Plaza.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21
Free DC orientation for college students 📍 George Washington University Student Center Room 404 ⏰ 5 - 6:30 p.m. Classes are back in session, and D.C.'s college students can play a huge role in building our local people power. Free DC is encouraging local students to join their movement; at the orientation, they'll learn the strategy and structure of the group, and how students can use their voices to help. All local college students are invited to attend. RSVP here.
National Museum of Women in the Arts Clothing Drive 📍 National Museum of Women in the Arts ⏰ 5:30 - 8 p.m. In partnership with Suited for Change, a nonprofit that collects professional attire for women entering the workforce, NMWA is collecting gently used suits, dresses, skirts, blouses, blazers, as well as accessories and toiletries. The night will be DJ'd by Les The DJ, and attendees will be given a guided tour of the "Ruth Orkin: Women on the Move" exhibit. You can get your tickets here. (General admission is $25, or $22 for students, seniors, and D.C. residents.)
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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