Your weekly civics roundup

Welcome to our revamped Civics Roundup! We worried this was getting lost at the bottom of our Thursday newsletter, so we're giving it a new home that we hope will make it easier to share and use throughout the week. 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. For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

Defend Rock Creek Trees Picnic
Did you know that current plans to revamp the golf course at Rock Creek Park would remove 1,200 trees? Join Defend Rock Creek and Extinction Rebellion DC for an educational picnic in the park, where participants will learn about efforts to protect Rock Creek from planned development. The group will meet at 7 a.m. at Picnic Grove #6.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

Art build with FREE DC
FREE DC, a new movement organization dedicated to preserving the city's autonomy, is hosting a community art build. Supplies like paint, banners, posters, and buttons will be provided, along with snacks and pizza for lunch. Be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy, and bring any t-shirts, totes, or other forms of fabric that you want screen printed with the FREE DC logo. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Martin’s of Tours Church. RSVP here. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

Ward 4 Community Kick-Off
For those looking to get familiar with FREE DC’s work, organizers are hosting a Ward 4 Community Kickoff on Sunday, March 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Head to Rhizome for music, activities, and a chance to connect with your neighbors. You can register here. 

Trans Day of Vision Picnic & Rally
Metro DC DSA's Bodily Autonomy Working Group and Harriet's Wildest Dreams will be loudly and proudly declaring their visions for a liberated society in Malcolm X Park. Music, games, food, and more will be provided. The picnic will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; RSVP here.

MONDAY, MARCH 31

Council Climate Hearing
Did you know there’s currently a bill in the D.C. Council that would require the city’s Department of Energy and the Environment to identify locations for solar canopies across the city? If you have thoughts on the bill (read it here) you can make them known in a public hearing. (Virtual and IRL testimony is accepted.) Also at that hearing, the CMs will consider a bill to establish a youth advisory council on climate and environmental policy, giving kids a seat at the table during policy discussions. Sign up to testify online or IRL here; the hearing will be held from 1 p.m to 5 p.m.

The 101 on 1-on-1s
Get down to the brass tacks of movement building with an organizing skills session from FREE DC. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., interactive exercises will cover the art of one-on-one conversations, how to actively listen and ask thoughtful questions, and how to tap into people’s motivations. It'll take place at MLK Jr. Library. You can RSVP here. 

Solidarity Economy Webinar
The mutual aid hub and housing cooperative Baldwin House will hold a webinar about how residents can end economic displacement and exploitation in their neighborhoods. You can register for the Zoom event here. It'll take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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.