Washington Gas hearing and RFK forum: 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

Share your thoughts on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway improvements
The National Park Service is currently developing a safety improvement plan for Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway — and they want your feedback. The plan would end rush hour reversible lanes along the parkway (!) and widen the multi-use trail between P Street and Virginia Avenue NW. It would also install a roadway barrier to improve safety between P Street and Virginia Avenue NW. You can submit your thoughts on the plan here until May 2.

Solidarity City
On Sunday, April 20, multiple D.C.-based organizations (Code Pink, D.C. for Palestine, FREE DC, and Metro DC DSA, among others) kicked off a month-long organizing effort in Columbus Circle. There will be skills-based sessions, political education trainings, resource exchanges for displaced workers, and mass assemblies. You can see a full schedule of events here. While daily programming will vary slightly, organizers are trying to maintain a basic structure for morning and evening activities. This weekend, you can attend a digital security training on Saturday or a session on accessing health care through Federally Qualified Health Centers on Sunday.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Mapping our role in crisis and beyond
Author and advocate Deepa Iyer will be leading a 2-hour workshop at MLK Library on the Social Change Ecosystem Framework — a tool that trains people to respond more efficiently to challenges and upheavals. The free event starts at 4 p.m. and is sponsored by the local worker-owned bookstore BOL.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

Policy Training Academy and Community Safety Fair
Every year, the advocacy group DC Justice Lab brings together directly impacted residents for a week of reimagining safety in D.C. This year's academy will culminate in a safety fair at MLK Library from 1 - 4 p.m. Academy participants will present their ideas to the public, stakeholders, and local officials. The event is free and open to the public — no RSVP required.

Free DC Campaign Orientation
Learn about the new FREE DC movement organization and how to tap into your ward group. The group will be meeting in Columbus Circle outside Union Station at 12 p.m., as a part of the Solidarity City.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29

No Billionaires Playground: RFK Talk
The group RFK for the Community is hosting a forum on the potential impacts of a new stadium at the RFK site. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and executive director of the Fair Budget Coalition Niciah Mujahid will be present, along with other advocates, experts, and residents. It'll be held from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital. Dinner will be provided.

Washington Gas rate hike hearing
Washington Gas has proposed a rate hike that would increase the average resident's monthly payment by about 18%. The Public Service Commission is holding a public hearing on the proposed rate hike at 6 p.m. at 1325 G St NW, Suite 800. If you want to testify, sign up at least three business days before the hearing, or you can submit written testimony over email. To get involved in advocacy efforts around Washington Gas, you can also reach out to Extinction Rebellion at extinctionrebelliondc@protonmail.com.

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.