Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city β whether thatβs 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.
ONGOING
Volunteer with Thrive DC Thrive DC, the local nonprofit supporting unhoused neighbors, needs extra volunteer help this week. You can lend a hand serving meals, organizing donations, or just filling in the gaps throughout the day. Shifts are available on Wednesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 9. You can sign up here.
THURSDAY, JULY 9
Harriet's Wildest Dreams information session β° 7 - 8:30 p.m. π Virtual Every month local organizers at Harriet's Wildest Dreams host an info session about their work. July's features a mini political education session on the status of Trump's "Summer Surge," how it's impacting D.C. young people, and whatever the hell else is going on with the "DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force." You'll also hear updates on other work Harriet's Wildest Dreams is currently involved with, and where you might lend your brain and people power.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
Author conversation with Be Steadwell β° 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. π TBD Free DC's Popular Education group is hosting local queer pop composer Be Steadwell to discuss their debut novel, Chocolate Chip City. A romance with elements of fantasy and family drama, the book follows three sisters as they navigate love, revolution, and growing up in the District. RSVP here.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
Georgia Avenue cleanup β° 10 - 11 a.m. π Lamont Ave. NW and Georgia Ave. NW Meet your neighbors, pick up trash, and eat free pastries at this event hosted by Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street and Qui Qui. Can't make it this time? They host it monthly, usually on a Saturday early in the month!
Meet Brush Hour, the bike lane sweeper β° 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. π 1300 North Carolina Ave NE Triangle Park Hill Family Biking is debuting its new sweeper, designed to keep bike lanes free of debris and safe for riders. You'll have a chance to test the sweeper yourself, learn how you can volunteer to protect bike infrastructure, and connect with your fellow cycling neighbors. RSVP here.
Free DC Chocolate City orientation β° 12 - 2 p.m. π Ward 5 Community Space (371 Morse St. NE) Free DC's Chocolate City contingent β by and for Black D.C. residents β is leading an orientation for new members looking to get involved in the movement. Learn what working with Free DC means and strategize with your neighbors about the fights ahead. RSVP here.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
Ward 3 Mutual Aid meeting β° 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. π Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW) Plug into a local network of support with Ward 3 Mutual Aid. No experience or RSVP required β just enthusiasm for community.
Street medic training β° 4 - 7 p.m. π George Gordon Meade Memorial (333 Constitution Ave. NW) Curious about how to be helpful if people are injured at protests? Star of Sophia and 50501DC are partnering on a special field medic training focused on instances where multiple patients will need help at the same time. If you have never attended a training before, come early for a 3 p.m. crash course so you're ready for the next-level info. Light snacks and refreshments provided. RSVP here.
MONDAY, JULY 13
Craft and sip for restaurant workers β° 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. π The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW) Bring your own crafting project to this event hosted by the Restaurant Organizing Collective, which supports local workers in the service industry. They'll also have supplies available for attendees to use along with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks β and a special demo on block printing starting at 6 p.m. RSVP here.
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Note: Purchasing books via the links in this story, or here, supports our nonprofit newsroom β and independent bookstores across the country β through Bookshop.orgβs affiliate program.
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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