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, and for more to do around the city, don't miss our Weekend Events post.
ONGOING
Film DC As you've probably seen on your feed (and as Martin reported), D.C. residents are recording everything during this takeover. Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, Free DC, and Harriet's Wildest Dreams created a new hub where residents can submit information about sightings or interactions with police and ICE. Email photos, videos, and tips to report@filmthepolice.org. If you witness an ICE detention or raid, call the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid network at 202-335-1183.
THURSDAY, OCT. 30
Ward 1 Mutual Aid Halloween Bash 📍Lyman's Tavern ⏰ 6 - 9 p.m. Raise funds to share with your community while having fun at everyone's favorite Columbia Heights bar. There will be a costume contest (obviously), a gift card raffle for local businesses, tarot readings, and a pinball tournament. RSVP to the Partiful here.
Courtwatch training 📍Virtual ⏰ 7 - 9 p.m. Organized by Harriet's Wildest Dreams, DC Justice Lab, and D.C.'s Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, this virtual training will teach you how to spot miscarriages of justice during court proceedings. Register here.
How the Federal Megabill Harms D.C.: A closer look at health policy 📍Virtual ⏰ 7 - 8 p.m. The second part of a series breaking down the local impacts of Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," this panel from Free DC will discuss its bearings on local access to healthcare. From changes in Medicaid and DC Healthcare Alliance (ICYMI, here's our reporting) to premiums for Affordable Care Act exchange plans, they'll explain how specific groups of D.C. residents could be affected, and what you can do to get involved with Free DC's Congress Working Team. RSVP here.
The People's Pantry 📍USDA Building, National Mall ⏰ 3 - 5 p.m. Led by the Federal Unionists Network and supported by local groups like Free DC and the Capital Area Food Bank, this food distribution will support furloughed federal workers and their families. They're seeking donations of high-fiber, low-sugar, low-sodium foods like canned tuna, grains, peanut butter, hot and cold cereals, etc. (You can also donate money to the cause at this link.) There will be a short rally during the distribution around 3:30 p.m. No RSVP is necessary!
FRIDAY, OCT. 31
Sandwich Guy Costume Contest with Free DC 📍Outside Fat Pete's BBQ on Connecticut Ave. NW ⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m. Free DC's Ward 3 team wants to see your best sandwich guy recreations. Prizes will be awarded for fastest runner, most creative costume, best throw, and best overall costume.
SATURDAY, NOV. 1
Día de los Muertos celebration and fundraiser 📍Haydees ⏰ 1 - 4 p.m. Hosted by Maremoto and Tintas DC, this celebration will feature performances from local drag queens, DJs, and musical artists. There will also be a reading of a specially commissioned poem. Enjoy free pan de muerto, face paintings, and an ofrenda. The party will be raising funds for Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid. Admission is free, and no RSVP is required.
SUNDAY, NOV. 2
Ward 3 Zine Folding with Free DC 📍Circle Yoga, 3838 Northampton Street NW ⏰ 4 - 6 p.m. Ward 3 neighbors are invited to come and help fold some zines with Free DC. These are essential to spreading the word about the movement for our political autonomy, and are an important tool for sharing quick, bite-size information. No experience required — although bringing your own scissors is encouraged! The event will end with an short-but-optional relaxation practice. RSVP here.
Evergreen Organizing Skills with Sunrise DC 📍 Virtual ⏰ 2 - 3:45 p.m. Join youth-led organizing collective Sunrise DC for a workshop on navigating tough 1:1 conversation in organizing spaces, specifically focused on what works to bring someone over to your side. These workshops are held around once a month — so if you can't make it on Sunday, you can register for the December edition. RSVP here.
TUESDAY, NOV. 4
Slow taxes 101 📍 Virtual ⏰ 12 - 1 p.m. We should all be paying close attention to how we pay our federal taxes — whether you're a salaried worker, a federal worker, or a freelancer. Do you pay as much as you owe, or are you usually overpaying and getting your money back? "Slow taxes" describes strategically making our payments to the government less automatic (and thus, avoiding paying more than we owe). This webinar with Free DC and the National War Tax Coordinating Committee will describe exactly how you can change the way you pay your federal taxes. RSVP for the virtual teach-in here.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5
We Keep Us Safe: A discussion on mental health and community 📍 DC LGBTQ+ Community Center, 1827 Wiltberger St NW ⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m. If you've found yourself feeling lonely, angry, isolated, or fearful recently, this event offers a free space to grapple with these emotions in a communal setting. The conversation will be facilitated by Jocelyn Jacoby, a psychotherapist who is a program director at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. Register for the free event here.
Note: We're testing out a new format for the location and timing details this week. What do you think? Tell us here!
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.
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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