Debates about the city’s new graduation requirements only skim the surface of our students’ problems with college- and workforce-readiness, writes a member of the D.C. State Board of Education.
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.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Exhibit Opening: Museum of Unnatural Disasters ⏰ Weekdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; weekends 12 - 5 p.m. 📍 Constitution Gardens East End (Constitution Ave. NW & 17 St. NW) This pop-up exhibit from the Climate Action Campaign demonstrates how climate change is not only showing up in the form of extreme weather, but through everyday moments becoming stranger and stranger. Through photos, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, the installation confronts visitors with the realities of extreme weather and shows how you can use their voice to change the future. You can see it through June 14. RSVP here.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
Volunteer with Thrive DC ⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. 📍 1525 Newton St. NW If you're looking to make an impact but are short on time, Thrive DC is a way to start. They need help serving morning meals to our unhoused neighbors this Friday; even if you can only stop by for part of the shift, your help will go a long way. To view all shift options and sign up, click here.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
Black Georgetown Community Study Day ⏰ 2 - 4 p.m. 📍 Georgetown Neighborhood Library (3260 R St. NW) History buffs, this is for you: The Black Georgetown Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the memory and future of Mount Zion and Female Union Band Society Cemeteries in Georgetown, is seeking help expanding its archives. Bring a laptop, roll up your proverbial sleeves, and dive deep into the library's database. RSVP here.
First Annual MLK Library Flea Market ⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 📍 MLK Library (901 G St. NW) What doesn't the library do? At the downtown location's first flea market, browse goods from more than 30 local vendors, selling everything from vintage clothing and home decor to handmade crafts.
Juneteenth Parade Art Build ⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 📍 Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church (5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE) Join Ward 7 members of Free DC to create a banner for the upcoming Ward 7 Juneteenth parade. No experience required, and all supplies will be provided! RSVP here.
Mutual Aid Apothecary Plant Fest ⏰ 12 - 3 p.m. 📍 Lederer Gardens (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE) If you're looking to refresh your garden for summer but don't know where to start, D.C.'s Mutual Aid Apothecary will be giving away thousands of free plants, from medicinal herbs like chamomile to culinary ingredients like sage and parsley. There will also be live music, mingling, and a good time.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Ward 3 Mutual Aid Meeting ⏰ 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. 📍 Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW) Ward 3 Mutual Aid is meeting five times this month to coordinate their community work. Stop by one of the meetings this weekend — and, while we're telling you what to do with your Sunday, we recommend you extend the outing with a stop by Cleveland Park Day before or after!
Ward 1 Free DC meeting ⏰ 2 - 4 p.m. 📍 The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW) With D.C.'s June primaries fast approaching (catch up on the news here!), there's no better time to tap into local politics. If you're a Ward 1 resident, join this meeting to learn about engaging your network around the primary, how to advance Free DC's movement, and what's at stake for the city in this election. It's encouraged to attend a campaign orientation before you stop by a ward meeting; conveniently, an orientation is taking place on Sunday, June 7, from 2 - 3:30 p.m. over Zoom.
Ward 6 Voting Rights Board Game Night ⏰ 2 - 6 p.m. 📍 Labyrinth Games and Puzzles (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) Did you know there's a bounty of democracy-themed tabletop games? Ward 6 Free DC members will be stopping by the Capitol Hill board game hangout hub to play a few of them and hear from the creators of D.C. Statehood Now! A Game for More Democracy — created by the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia. Spots are available at $10 a person and are reserved for Free DC members.
MONDAY, JUNE 8
Juror Information Project Overview ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. 📍 Lutheran Church of the Reformation (212 East Capitol St. NE) What does it really mean to serve on a jury? This civic duty can be used to protect your neighbors and hold our justice system accountable — and Harriet's Wildest Dreams and Free DC will teach you how, with the guidance of legal experts, activists, and other community members.
DC Election Protection Training ⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m. 📍 Virtual The DC Election Protection Coalition's non-partisan field volunteers show up outside of polling places to help voters and resolve any issues that arise. If you have a legal background, consider becoming an Election Protection Field Attorney; if you don't have a legal background, you can show up as a Grassroots Poll Monitor. The coalition — made up of folks from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Advancement Project, Free DC, Harriet's Wildest Dreams, and more — will be leading two trainings that are open to anyone. RSVP for Monday's session here, or the same time on Tuesday, June 9, 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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