A housing advocacy town hall and dance party: Your weekly Civics Roundup
Plus, a trans monument unveiling, silent auction, and book talk.
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.
THURSDAY, MAY 15
Fair Budget Coalition Housing town hall
Join local service providers, advocates, organizers, and policymakers to discuss housing priorities before D.C.’s budget season. Hosted by D.C.’s Fair Budget Coalition, this is a chance to practice community accountability with our elected officials and advocate for protections of housing-related programs. Dinner, childcare, and Spanish interpretation are all provided. It’s happening at Sycamore and Oak from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. RSVP to receive up-to-date event info.
SATURDAY, MAY 17
GOGO FREE DC
Harriet’s Wildest Dreams and Free DC are hosting a celebration where District residents can dance to GoGo music, build community, and learn how to protect and defend Home Rule. You must register to attend the event, which takes place from 1 - 5 p.m. Location details will be shared upon registration.
Stomp Out Slumlords anti-eviction canvass
Stomp Out Slumlords is hosting a canvass to help save and defend the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), which has been threatened by the mayor’s RENTAL Act. Help them talk to tenants about the bill. They’re meeting at 1:30 p.m. at L’Enfant Metro station and encouraging people to drive if they have a car to help get canvassers to areas that aren’t accessible via Metro.
Freedom To Be Monument unveiling
To kick off World Pride, the ACLU will unveil the Freedom To Be Monument on the National Mall, dedicated to trans resilience and joy. The installation features 258 quilted panels crafted by trans artists and families from all over the country. It will be on view from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with a rally and celebration from 12:30 – 2 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 18
Silent Auction for Baldwin House
Looking for some new local art? Want to spend your money supporting a local mutual aid hub? This silent auction is the place for you. From 2:30 - 4 p.m., bid on art from over 30 local makers. Entrance to the auction is on a sliding scale, and you must RVSP for location details.
ACTIVATED CITIZENSHIP at Busboys and Poets
If you’re interested in deliberative democracy, this book talk at Busboys and Poets will dive into that and much more. From 6 - 8 p.m., learn about author Marjan H. Ehsassi’s framework for examining civic engagement, hear about case studies of citizens' assemblies in France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, and walk away with some practical solutions and hope for civic renewal.
