Join DC Trans Picnic on May 3rd for a BIPOC centered picnic in Malcolm X Party. This is a safe space for fellowship and community for our trans and Queer siblings.

The MLK Black Studies Book Club meets every first Saturday of the month to explore, engage, and discuss books from and relating to the Black radical tradition.

We will be reading classics from authors such as Martin Luther King JR., Malcolm X, WEB Dubois, James Baldwin, Audrey Lorde, as well as lesser known and contemporary works. Our scope will not be limited to the U.S. but will encompass an array of authors across the African diaspora and will challenge our conceptions of what Blackness is and what constitutes Black struggle as a whole. Please email MLK Library's Adult Services department at adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov to inquire about meetings and to be placed on the listserv. 

Celebrate International Workers' Day by joining Gen Union and organizers, labor allies and activists from the Washington, D.C. area for an evening of community building and fundraising for the Federal Workers Solidarity Fund.

When: 5:30 p.m. ET, Friday, May 2
Where: The Dew Drop Inn, 2801 8th St. NE
Who: The Washington Post Tech Guild, Federal Unionists Network & more speakers coming soon.

Whether you’re in a union or not, all workers are welcome. The labor movement thrives on solidarity, and we’d love for you to bring friends, family, and anyone passionate about workers' rights. No bosses, no scabs.

Across the district — from transit workers, to restaurant employees, to federal civil servants — the working people who keep our city running are rising up. We are demanding a country that puts our families over billionaires, public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, housing over slumlords.

Musk, Trump and their fellow oligarchs are creating a vicious race to the bottom. They want to erase our labor rights, bust our unions, steal our wages, slash our benefits, and take away our power.

But this May Day 2025 we are fighting back against their war on working people — and organized labor is the most powerful weapon we have. Workers across the DMV are rallying alongside UNITE HERE Local 25 restaurant workers in solidarity for their right to organize and our collective right to have a say in our workplaces.

Unionbusters like Stephen Starr and Elon Musk, think their wealth gives them all the power, but we know a working class united can never be defeated. We are organizing not just for one day, but to build labor power across the district: in every shop floor, school, restaurant, and federal building.

STOP THE BILLIONAIRE TAKEOVER.

WE ARE THE MANY. THEY ARE THE FEW.

THIS IS MAY DAY, JOIN US.

The Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, the National Education Association, Public School Strong, and other organizations are rallying on May 1 to “demand a country that puts our families over their fortunes — public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, prosperity over free market politics.” The D.C. area event is at the White House.

Join The Repro Justice campaign as we meet to discuss our upcoming events, actions, and more. We will be going over our campaign, how you can get involved! RSVP for the zoom link.

EmpowerEd, MLOV, and DC JWJ are co-hosting a virtual Know Your Rights training on Wednesday, April 30th, at 6pm for immigrant families and school communities. We know that many school communities, especially in DCPS, are still in need of clear and concrete rights training. We're really excited to offer this virtual training.

The training will be in English, Spanish, and Amharic.

Family Know Your Rights Online Training

Wednesday, April 30th at 6pm

Zoom: https://bit.ly/famkyr

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EmpowerEd, MLOV y DC JWJ están organizando conjuntamente una capacitación virtual "Conozca sus Derechos", el miércoles 30 de abril a las 6 pm, dirigida a familias inmigrantes y comunidades escolares. Sabemos que muchas comunidades escolares, especialmente en DCPS, aún necesitan una capacitación clara y concreta sobre sus derechos. Nos entusiasma mucho ofrecer esta capacitación virtual.

La capacitación se impartirá en inglés, español y amárico.

Capacitación en línea "Conozca sus Derechos"
El miércoles, 30 de abril a las 6 pm
Enlace de Zoom: https://bit.ly/famkyr

This administration has spent its first 100 days ignoring the rule of law, dismantling basic democratic institutions, creating an escalating humanitarian catastrophe, and consolidating power at dangerous speed.

We can't treat this moment like business as usual.

On Wednesday, April 30 join us and movement allies for Courage Not Compliance, a demonstration to take up space through downtown DC. Meet us at 7:15 AM at Samuel Gompers Memorial Park (Massachusetts Ave & 11th St NW). Free DC will have a delegation participating in this event. Bring your bucket drums, noisemakers, signs and banners to make it clear that DC communities reject the actions of this administration.

Say NO to Rate Hike: Testify April 21 and 29 against a 12% gas bill increase

Washington Gas is looking to increase gas rates by an average of 12%, or $15 per month for every customer. Meanwhile, 1 in 7 WGL residential customers are already behind on their bills. There's still time for you to weigh in - the Public Service Commission is hosting community hearings on April 21 and 29. Sign up to testify!

Here's what you need to do to be ready to testify:

1. RSVP here to let us know you're coming:

   • 5:00-7:00pm on Monday, April 21

   • 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday, April 29

2. Register to testify by contacting the Commission Secretary by sending an email to PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov and letting them know the date you'd like to testify (April 21 or 29).

3. Write your testimony! You'll have up to three minutes to speak. Check out this testimony guide by our friends at CCAN for talking points: https://ccan.link/ratecasetestimonyguide

4. Submit your written testimony. Send a copy of what you plan to say over to PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov

5. Show up day of! We'll see you there.

House Speaker Mike Johnson had three weeks to bring the DC Local Funds Act to the floor for a vote. His failure to act is now causing financial chaos for DC.

After years of sterling finances, DC's bond rating just got downgraded. Our FY26 budget is delayed because of this chaos, and cuts to our schools, emergency first responders, and many more critical services are now imminent.

The House returns from recess on Tuesday and we want to make sure they know DC wants our money unfrozen. Join us on Tuesday April 29 starting at 8:30 AM in Spirit of Justice Park. We start with a training and practice session from 8:30-9:00 AM which everyone is encouraged to attend.

This is the bi-weekly meeting of Metro DC DSA's Trans/Queer Liberation Campaign. RSVP to receive the Zoom link and join us to discuss ongoing efforts such as Project Sanctuary, our Gender & Name Change Clinics, and more!

Join our comrades over at Reunion Hot Yoga for Yoga and Pilates. All proceeds from their 4PM class this Sunday, April 27 will help with our Black Mama Bailout.

ICE: Hands off our workplaces! An attack on undocumented workers is an attack on all workers. We are hosting a training organized by labor experts to help protect yourself from federal thugs on the job and to be an ally to undocumented coworkers & neighbors.

Un ataque en contra de los trabajadores indocumentados es un ataque en contra de todos los trabajadores. Acompáñenos durante un entrenamiento de derechos presentado por expertos laborales para saber protegerse en su trabajo y ser mejor aliado a nuestros vecinos y compañeros de trabajo indocumentados.

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This is part of a continuing series of “Know Your Labor Rights” workshops hosted by experienced labor lawyers and veteran organizers across the metro DC area.

Este programa es parte de una serie de entrenamientos llamado “Know Your Labor Rights”, organizado por abogados laboralistas y organizadores comunitarios a través del área DC metropolitano.

Please Join us to learn about why we should dismantle the Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB). This Israel business promotion entity has been embedded within the Virginia state government since 1996 and funded by the state’s taxpayers. VIAB funnels millions of dollars toward Israeli businesses and away from Virginia companies and communities!

Culmore Library
6101 Knollwood Dr, Falls Church, VA 22041
April 26 4-6PM

Mayor Muriel Bowser's RENTAL Act would further decimate the rights guaranteed to Washingtonians by the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), stripping these rights from huge swaths of tenants in both new developments and covenanted affordable housing throughout the District.

Stomp Out Slumloards is organizing to defeat this attack on tenants' rights and save TOPA. Join SOS for a canvass to talk to tenants about fighting back and organizing against these attacks on TOPA.

Location is still TBD, RSVP for updates.

Join us for Reboot & Rise: Tech Expo, the ultimate opportunity to put your newly acquired skills into action and take the next step toward a career in tech! This hands-on event is designed to connect Impacted Individuals with employers, career coaches, and industry experts who can provide the resources, mentorship, and job opportunities needed to succeed.

Whether you're looking for an entry-level role, an apprenticeship, or simply want to learn more about breaking into tech, this event is your launchpad. Come ready to learn, connect, and secure your future in the tech industry!

Reboot. Rise. Thrive.

Every year, DC Justice Lab brings together a cohort of directly impacted residents to reimagine what justice and safety can look like in our city. Through our Policy Training Academy, participants spend a week developing policy solutions grounded in lived experience and focused on effective change. This April, we’re excited to host our next Training Academy cohort. Over the course of five days, selected participants will gain hands-on training in local policy-making while developing ideas to shape the future of public safety in DC.

The week culminates in our Community Safety Fair—a free, public event where participants present their ideas to community members, advocates, and local decision-makers. This is where YOU come in!

The people of DC deserve dignity and respect — but that's not what Congress or this administration have given us.

Free DC is a new campaign setting out to build the power it will take to protect our communities and win lasting dignity for the people of DC.

If you want to learn more about this effort and how to get involved, Campaign Orientation is the place to start! Join us for this overview of what this effort is all about, our plan to win, and how you can be part of it.

Register to attend our April 26 2025 orientation at Solidarity City using the form below.

Are you looking to build better relationship with your fellow co-op members or increase co-op member engagement? Mi Casa, Inc. would like to invite you to this month's Co-op Academy training on April 26th at 10:30 AM. This training will provide a comprehensive overview of:

• Review the responsibilities of board members and the responsibilities of general members.

• Understand the importance of board member communication to general members.

• Ensure general members know how to communicate with the board.

• Focus on how to build a sense of community within your co-op.

• Learn how opportunities to connect one on one with members strengthens the cooperative.

• Think through how your co-op can set up systems of support.

Courtwatch DC is a growing DC-based program that provides the space and training for the community to observe local court proceedings in the District of Columbia and document our city’s policies in action and to hold judicial actors accountable for injustice in the court system.

Courtwatch DC is powered by Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, with support from the ACLU-DC, DC Justice Lab, and DC IWOC and was founded and led by formerly incarcerated Black women.

Courtwatching is a form of mutual aid. Inspired by Courtwatch PG, we strive to ensure that our community of Courtwatchers is multigenerational, multiracial, anti-racist, and moving towards an abolitionist future.

With the risk of federally forced cuts looming and our local budget process delayed- come share your perspectives and priorities as DC leaders consider what to do next.

Join the Repro Justice campaign as we meet to discuss our upcoming events, actions, and more. We will be going over our campaign, how you can get involved! RSVP for the zoom link.

Reach out to bawg@mdcdsa.org with any questions.

The people of DC deserve dignity and respect — but that's not what Congress or this administration have given us.

Free DC is a new campaign setting out to build the power it will take to protect our communities and win lasting dignity for the people of DC.

If you want to learn more about this effort and how to get involved, Campaign Orientation is the place to start! Join us for this overview of what this effort is all about, our plan to win, and how you can be part of it.

Participants will hear from historian Hilary N. Green on her new book, Unforgettable Sacrifice How Black Communities Remembered the Civil War. The book offers a groundbreaking exploration into the heart of African American memory of the Civil War, challenging conventional narratives and revealing a rich history preserved through oral traditions and communal efforts. Through extensive archival research and stories shared on the porches of African American families, Green provides a detailed examination of how diverse Black communities across the United States have actively preserved and contested the memory of the Civil War, from the nineteenth century to the present. Hilary will be in discussion with educator Jessica Rucker.

The event is hosted by Teaching for Change and Busboys and Poets as part of the monthly Beyond Heroes and Holidays series.

From 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, join us for a virtual orientation and get plugged into various fundraising committees including grants, communications/outreach, and direct fundraising. You can register with this registration form.

Join the Coalition for Inclusive Schools & Communities and the Montgomery County Pride Family for a rally at the U.S. Supreme Court in support of inclusive education. As the Court hears a pivotal case on the right to inclusive education and representation, human rights advocates, educators, students, families, artists, and faith leaders will unite in a bold, joyful show of solidarity.

Let's be real: we're in danger, girl.

America's already fragile democracy is on the precipice. Unelected oligarchs are gutting our nation's infrastructure, leaving real people's lives at risk; politicians across party prioritize their wealthy donors over the needs of the people; and criticism and dissent is being punished in real time. That's the bad news. You already knew all of that.

Here's the good news: everyday people like you can turn this ship around, and Rising Organizers is here to teach you how. That's why we're hosting this introductory organizing training to learn about the role community organizing can play in building a robust democracy, and how you can get started as an organizer yourself. All you need is yourself, your strengths, and your hope for a better future.

On Monday, April 21st at 6:30 PM, we'll take a deep dive into the core principles of community organizing, talk about building people power, and brainstorm ways to ensure the majority of us—people who want a free and fair society, good schools, and clean air—can fight for the future we deserve.

We promise you'll have a good time, learn a lot, and get your hands on some hope.

This training is held in collaboration with Free DC. For questions and concerns, please reach out to info@risingorganizers.org

PS: This training was originally scheduled for Monday, April 14. Folks asked for an extra week to do some recruitment. So don't worry, you're in the right place!

Say NO to Rate Hike: Testify April 21 and 29 against a 12% gas bill increase

Washington Gas is looking to increase gas rates by an average of 12%, or $15 per month for every customer. Meanwhile, 1 in 7 WGL residential customers are already behind on their bills. There's still time for you to weigh in - the Public Service Commission is hosting community hearings on April 21 and 29. Sign up to testify!

Here's what you need to do to be ready to testify:

1. RSVP here to let us know you're coming:

   • 5:00-7:00pm on Monday, April 21

   • 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday, April 29

2. Register to testify by contacting the Commission Secretary by sending an email to PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov and letting them know the date you'd like to testify (April 21 or 29).

3. Write your testimony! You'll have up to three minutes to speak. Check out this testimony guide by our friends at CCAN for talking points: https://ccan.link/ratecasetestimonyguide

4. Submit your written testimony. Send a copy of what you plan to say over to PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov

5. Show up day of! We'll see you there.

Learn how to build your own stained glass art piece with artist and organizer Miriam Julianna (she/her). Half of all class fees will be donated to Baldwin House! All supplies will be provided, no experience necessary. Register for the class on April 20th, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. This will sell out!