Community News
DC Cop Investigated for Possible Affiliation With White Supremacy Group:
A lieutenant for Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department is under investigation for his possible affiliation with a white supremacy group, sources familiar with the investigation told News4.
The officer is on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said in a news conference. He did not name the officer and said he could not give specifics about why the officer was under investigation, reiterating that it was an ongoing case. -NBC Washington
DC's proof of vaccination mandate ending, indoor mask mandates changing
Mayor Bowser announced relaxed mask rules for several indoor settings and ended her vaccine mandate. But masks are still required in some settings, like schools. -WUSA9 (CBS affiliate)
Local Organizations
This organization serves the large low income immigrant population in the D.C. area. Ayuda provides free legal service, therapy, interpreters, and much more. Since its opening in 1973, the non-profit has helped over 100,000 low income immigrants. With the rampant xenophobia and inequality throughout the justice system, Ayuda is essential in helping those most in need. You can volunteer pro-bono if you are a lawyer or donate on their website.
Free Minds Book Club
Free Minds Book Club works with incarcerated people that were tried as adults when they were minors. According to its website, approximately 60 D.C. youth are tried as adults each year and over 95% of them are Black. Their overall mission is to connect the literary arts with those that are inside D.C. jail or have just left through workshops, readings, and book clubs. There are several remote volunteer opportunities such as: writing letters, typing poems, and creating lockdown worksheets. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, you can purchase a poetry book.
Capital Area Food Bank
The pandemic greatly heightened the vast food insecurity issue facing the United States. That’s why food banks like the Capital Area Food Bank are key to closing the hunger gap. Each year this food bank distributes over 45 million meals and works on several initiatives about nutrition and food access. If you are looking to volunteer some of your time or donate any money, please visit its website here.
So Others Might Eat
SOME addresses the increasing homelessness, poverty, and hunger in the D.C. area. These issues are growing dramatically with the COVID-19 pandemic. SOME offers services such as: affordable housing, job training, addiction counseling, a food pantry, and much more. All basic needs are provided by the organization, no questions asked. To donate or volunteer please visit the website.
Miriam's Kitchen
Miriam’s Kitchen is another organization that works towards ending chronic homelessness in D.C.. Due to gentrification and the pandemic, homelessness rates have skyrocketed which is why places like Miriam’s Kitchen are vital to helping those most in need. Their programs include: lobbying, housing placement, free meals, and more. If you would like to donate your time or money to this incredible cause, please visit its website here.
Many Languages One Voice
The D.C. area has a very large immigrant population, therefore, empowering organizations like Many Languages One Voice is so important for those who need help navigating the US and the predominantly English spaces. This organization advocates for immigrants’ rights through different means: language access and interpretation, know your rights training, and direct cash assistance. If you are passionate about language diversity, access, and inclusion as well as immigrant rights, please consider donating your time or money on the website.
24/7 Shelter Hotline – when the temperature or Wind Chill is 32 or below, the District of Columbia issues a Hypothermia Alert. On Hypothermia Alert Day, the District is obligated by law to make shelter available. On those days, your call to the Shelter Hotline should result in the dispatch of a van to take the person from the street to an emergency shelter (or to a hospital if needed). The van is equipped with items such as water, blankets, gloves and jackets.
Movement Matters
Movement Matters (MM) ensures the development of greater infrastructure and capacity for movement-based community organizing. We work directly in partnership with organizations and individuals to provide training, technical assistance, accompaniment, and mentorship that strengthens their approach to creating change.
NeighborGood
NeighborGood is a free, online District of Columbia-specific volunteer opportunity database and search engine. NeighborGood connects residents with meaningful District-based volunteer opportunities and connects community-based organizations and others with the city’s cadre of dedicated, experienced volunteers.
Bread For The City
The mission of Bread for the City is to help Washington, DC residents living with low income to develop their power to determine the future of their own communities. We provide food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services to reduce the burden of poverty. We seek justice through community organizing and public advocacy. We work to uproot racism, a major cause of poverty. We are committed to treating our clients with the dignity and respect that all people deserve.
Recent Events
Join Derecka Purnell, author of "Becoming Abolitionists", and local community groups for a conversation that will be educational, interactive, and a time for imagination. This event will bring together local grassroots groups working on abolition, and individuals who want to get involved.
The mental health of the workforce has always been something of deep concern to business owners and executives. Now, because of the pandemic, this situation has become even more alarming and business leaders everywhere are looking for ways to help their employees.
Upcoming Events
In honor of NETWORK’s 50th Anniversary, we invite you to Washington, D.C. for three days of workshops, trainings, and community building. The NETWORK Advocates Training will equip justice-seekers from across the country with the tools and skills to educate, organize, and lobby for economic, racial, and social justice.
Project Alpha is a collaborative effort between Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation established to provide education, motivation, and skill-building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases to young males. Rates of sexual activity among teenagers have risen throughout the last thirty years. Many of these sexual encounters result in unplanned pregnancies, which can have numerous negative consequences and threatens to unravel the fabric of our community. We believe that Project Alpha, with its key goal of helping adolescents postpone sexual intercourse until they are ready for mature relationships, can be that model our children follow.
Local Hero Spotlight
Members can nominate a local hero for recognition on their local LoveJustice.com city page!
Anyone and everyone can make an impact, and at LoveJustice we believe that they deserve to be recognized for their good, necessary work!
Recommend A Local Hero
Volunteering Opportunities
D.C. in Action!
Featured Charities
