Community Voices Update 042, events, recurring events, boycotts, trainings, gatherings
Grassroots Alexandria
November 25-December 2, Mass Blackout
From: Tell The People
We're not asking. We're shutting it down.
The largest economic blackout in U.S. history begins November 25!
No work. No spending. No restaurants. No projects. No events.
(shop local, non-MAGA)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CnU4UIodFCU
November 28-December 5, Black Friday to Cyber Week Blackout
From: The People's Union
Further details & How to Boycott Guide
Alexandria, VA Resources (Need alternatives to chain stores? Check this list.)
More Events This Week!
Tuesday December 2, 3:30-4:30pm EST, HANDS OFF SOCIAL SECURITY
From: #DefendDemocracyIndivisible
Recently, Secretary of Treasury Bessent called Trump baby accounts 'backdoor for privatizing Social Security'
Social Security is the 20th century change that ensured retired workers a sustainable living. Its the backbone of a democratic society ... and it's under attack.
Please join #DefendDemocracyIndivisible for a rally in Reston at the Social Security building -in defense of Social Security. Wear a hat, bring signs supporting Social Security, and WATER!
Where: 10800 Parkridge Blvd Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/851660/
Thursday December 4, 9am-4pm EST, Pack the Council: Public Safety Hearing
From: Free DC
On Thursday, December 4, Free DC leaders and community members will speak to Council about the harms of the federal occupation on public safety. We need you to show up, pack the DC Council, and support speakers advocating for DC’s rights and safety.
We expect the hearing to go all day, so join us at any time. There’s no dress code, but wear your Free DC gear if you've got it!
Where: John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest Washington, DC, 20004
https://freedcproject.org/event-list/pack-the-council-public-safety-hearing-dec-4
Thursday December 4, 6-7:30pm EST, Holiday Caroling for the Future We Want
From: Indivisible
Come join us outside in Arlington as we sing well known holiday songs with updated lyrics about a positive future with health care for all, affordable education, dignity for all (and definitely no secret police!). We will provide printed music, you just provide the cheer. Can’t sing? That’s ok, come anyway and delight the shoppers as we start at one metro exit and walk down to others along Wilson Blvd.
Where: RSVP for location in Arlington
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/873276/
Friday, December 5, 11am-1pm EST, No ICE in My Cup!
From: Free DC
Our Free Spirits soccer fans had a great year in DC—the Spirit made it to the finals!
Now, Trump and FIFA will be at the Kennedy Center on Friday, December 5 for the World Cup Drawing and to give Trump a Peace Prize, all while his administration wants to let ICE and federal law enforcement harass soccer fans around the US. Trump and FIFA deserve a red card—don't let them ruin our beautiful sport!
Where: Kennedy Center (near Benito Juarez Monument) 2500 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20037
https://freedcproject.org/event-list/no-ice-in-my-cup
Saturday December 6, 9-10:30am EST, Stand With Immigrant Communities
From: Metro DC DSA
Join DSA and the Families Not Feds Coalition in taking action to defend our neighbors and keep our communities safe.
NOTE: The location of this action will be announced on December 5
Where: Washington, DC
https://actionnetwork.org/events/stand-with-immigrant-communities/
For more events, boycotts, and trainings, see our full list posted here:
https://grassrootsalexandria.org/events/
Events are organized by others and reported here as an expression of support for democracy.
Please send feedback, if any, to grassroots...@gmail.com.
Grassroots Alexandria
Wednesday December 10, 11am-12:30pm EST, DC Press Conference to Extend ACA Tax Credits
From: Committee to Protect Health Care
Senator Chris Murphy, the Committee to Protect Health Care, and Protect Our Care are hosting a press conference Wednesday, December 10th between 11am and 12:30pm in Washington, DC to call for an immediate extension of the ACA tax credits that millions rely on to afford their health care coverage. Local physicians and medical professionals: Join us in a white coat or scrubs to stand with Senator Murphy behind the podium to demonstrate that the medical community demands action, and stay after to record video testimonials that we will share online.
Where: Capitol Hill, Washington, DC 20004 (RSVP for exact location)
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/875183/
Wednesday December 10, 7-9:30pm EST, 13th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence
Newtown Action Alliance
Each year since 2013, the Newtown Action Alliance Foundation (NAAF), the charitable arm of the Newtown Action Alliance (NAA), and numerous partners in the gun violence prevention community have sponsored the National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence on or near the anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy. These multidenominational events, held in Washington, D.C., at the National Cathedral and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, bring together survivors of gun violence, victims’ family members, concerned citizens, faith leaders, lawmakers, leaders of gun violence prevention organizations, and activists from across the nation.
Where: St Mark's Capitol Hill, 301 A St SE, Washington, DC 20003
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/847257/
Saturday December 13, 3:30-8pm EST, Non-Cooperation Theory + Practice
From: Free DC
Non-Cooperation Theory + Practice is Free DC's advanced training intensive on the key skills involved in effective non-cooperation. This half-day training will teach you what non-cooperation looks like on an individual level, a mass level, and how other movements have used these tactics effectively.
Where: Location will be shared upon registration
https://freedcproject.org/event-list/non-cooperation-theory-practice-dec13
Sunday December 14, 12-3pm EST, VRS Flyering at Alexandria City Hall
From: Metro DC DSA
Join NoVA DSA and the Internationalism Working Group on December 14 to flyer for the VRS: No Pensions for Genocide campaign!
Where: Alexandria Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
https://actionnetwork.org/events/vrs-flyering-at-alexandria
Sunday December 14, 2-3:30pm EST, #FreedomToLive Nationwide Vigils/Events to #EndGunViolence
From: Newtown Action Alliance
Join us on Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2:00-3:30pm for our 156th monthly outdoor vigil in front of the NRA Headquarters Building 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax VA. Safe for all ages & friendly dogs. Dress for the weather since we will be there rain, snow, or shine. Street parking is available on Waples Mill & Fairfax Ridge Roads. Please do not park in the NRA lot since you will be towed. Signs provided or bring your own.
Where: RSVP for location
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/875049/
Sunday December 14, 6-7:30pm EST, "Crimes of the Century": A Teach-in on the Situation in Sudan
From: Metro DC DSA
Join us for a teach-in exposing the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, the UAE’s direct role in causing the genocide and how U.S. actions have fueled the violence. We’ll break down what’s truly happening and discuss how we can stand with the people of Sudan in their fight for justice.
Where: Middle East Books, 1902 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Grassroots Alexandria
Tuesday December 16, 2-3pm EST, HANDS OFF SOCIAL SECURITY
From: indivisible
Recently, Secretary of Treasury Bessent called Trump baby accounts 'backdoor for privatizing Social Security'
Social Security is the 20th century progressive program that ensured retired workers a sustainable living. Its the backbone of a democratic society ... and its under attack.
Where: Social Security Administration Office, 10800 Parkridge Blvd Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/874971/
Wednesday December 17, 5-7pm EST, Sustainable Holiday Volunteer Celebration
From: Moms Clean Air Force
Join us for a healing art and poetry gathering where we make our own wrapping paper and holiday cards and look back on a year of artivism. Please join Storytelling with Saris, Moms Clean Air Force, and Thrift the District for this special holiday gathering. We'll discuss how to celebrate the holidays sustainably by creating our own holiday wrapping paper and learning about the harms of materials and clothing made by petrochemical products like polyester. We'll also hear from Thrift the District about how to make the best of the holidays by shopping second-hand! Light refreshments will be served.
Where: 555 12th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/876054/
Thursday, December 18, 5:30-6:30pm EST, Marlow Homes Apartments Tour of shame event
From: Progressive Maryland
Join Marlow Homes tenants, community members, and media outlets for a Tour of Shame to expose the unsafe and unacceptable living conditions families are facing. Management has continued to avoid meeting with tenants, so we are shining a public spotlight on the real issues inside these buildings. This on-the-ground walkthrough will uplift tenant voices, document the problems, and push for immediate accountability and repairs. All supporters are encouraged to attend and stand in solidarity.
Where: Marlow homes Apartments, 2900 St Clair Dr, Temple Hills, MD 20748
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/875824/
Saturday December 20, 11am-1pm EST, We Ain't Buying It: Whole Foods Picket in Navy Yard
From: Free DC
This holiday season, we're telling Trump's allies in the corporate world that we ain't buying it. We're rejecting complicit companies like Amazon, Whole Foods, Target, and Home Depot and supporting our DC small businesses instead.
On Saturday, Dec. 20 — a big pre-Christmas shopping day — join us in front of DC's Navy Yard Whole Foods to show that we will not be complicit. Hear how spending money at Amazon and Whole Foods is supporting the attacks on our communities and get a list of businesses you can patronize instead. Bring your own signs!
Where: Whole Foods Navy Yard 101 H Street Southeast Washington, DC, 20003
https://freedcproject.org/event-list/we-aint-buying-it-whole-foods-picket-december-20
December: Pledge not to shop at these retailers this holiday season
From: Ultraviolet
"As a feminist consumer, I pledge to boycott the following businesses this holiday season and to seek alternatives instead"
The list of bad actors is available on the UltraViolet community pledge page, along with suggestions for alternative companies or services. (No alternative is perfect.)
The list: Etsy, Spotify, SiriusXM, Sephora, Roblox, Target, Amazon, Home Depot, GoFundMe
https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/2025_Holiday_Pledge/