The Monument City Mutual Aid (MCMA) Fair is a modern-day mutual aid gathering grounded in the legacy of the Black Panther Party’s 1970s Survival Conferences. It is not just a resource fair, it is a call to action, a community stand for self-determination, solidarity, and collective care in the face of increasing state neglect and authoritarian overreach.
We are building this because the federal government is actively stripping away critical social programs, dismantling safety nets, defunding public health, limiting reproductive access, and criminalizing dissent. As they abandon our communities, we choose to rise together, not as passive victims, but as organizers, neighbors, and protectors of one another.
This fair exists to fill the gaps they’ve created, not through charity, but through community power, radical love, and mutual aid. It is an unapologetic expression of our right to survive, thrive, and support each other outside systems that were never built for us.
| 11am – 11:45am |
Tools for Self-Care in Stressful TimesRev. Dr. Stephany Rose and Dr. Dena Samuels, Movement 4 FreedomIn today’s fast-paced and often unpredictable world, stress can impact every aspect of our lives. This interactive workshop provides practical tools to manage stress and foster resilience. Learn to identify stressors, set boundaries, and integrate self-care into daily life. Create a personalized self-care toolkit for enhanced well-being. |
| 12pm – 12:45pm |
Navigating Health Insurance and Health LiteracyAlisa Tenet, Star of SophiaIn today’s world, health insurance is a fact of life. Find out how health insurance can work for you instead of working against you. This class can also teach you how to navigate being uninsured or underinsured. It will address common healthcare misconceptions and ways to keep your family safe. |
| 1pm – 1:45pm |
Remaining Emotionally Whole during Turbulent TimesNijama Smalls, The Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional WoundsDuring challenging times, you may find yourself dealing with emotions that can be overwhelming. Gain strategies on how to cope with the chaos and rise even better than before during this workshop. |
| 2pm – 2:45pm |
Introduction to ToolsDC Tool LibraryImprove your tool IQ with the Intro to Tools workshop. We will be covering safety, basic hand tools, and how to use them for projects around the home. |
| 3pm – 3:45pm |
Domestic Violence and TraumaAlia Mahmud, LCSW-CBetween 1/3 and 1/4 people have experienced some form of physical violence from an intimate partner, and nearly half of all people have experienced psychological aggression from a loved one. Domestic violence is a cycle that is hard to understand from the outside and even harder to break free from on the inside. Learn about statistics, warning signs, and other useful information in regards to domestic violence. After, learn how traumatic events can shape our lives, and learn how to take steps to manage traumatic stress. |
Join Preeti Simran Sethi, MSc, MBA, LHD for Breath Work in the Courtyard at 1pm.
Supervised Play Area
Gather here for mingling, refreshments, and tables from the following organizations:
DC Tool LibraryA nonprofit supported by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and entirely volunteer-run, the DC Tool Library rents out tools—from woodworking to gardening—for free to DC residents. They also offer giveaways like screws, nails, and paintbrushes. Table offerings: Flyers about free tool lending, display of available small items (nuts, bolts), and perhaps images or sample tools to spark interest. |
EC 4 DCA mutual aid project providing free emergency contraception (EC) to DC residents. Their service is “by the people, for the people,” and they also distribute educational zines explaining how to use EC and how to get involved. Table offerings: Free EC kits, zines in English and Spanish, and resources on how to access and safely use EC. |
Father Mckenna CenterAn independent nonprofit in the Ignatian Catholic tradition, located steps from the U.S. Capitol. Its mission is to offer men experiencing homelessness and families facing food insecurity a haven of hope and dignity. They operate a Day Program with case management, serve breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and host a food pantry. Table offerings: Flyers about daily meal and pantry services, program information, plus a slideshow or computer displaying images of the Center and the individuals it supports. |
LazarusA community-based organization in DC that builds long-term, kinship-based relationships with people experiencing homelessness. Their goal is to transform lives through genuine connection, empathy, and lasting hope. Table offerings: Job-prep help and info on how to volunteer for these relational, supportive services. |
League of Women Voters DCA nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to encouraging informed and active civic participation through education and advocacy on public policy and voting rights. Table offerings: Brochures on voter registration, civic engagement, and info on pressing issues like DC statehood and how to get involved locally. |
Legal Aid DCThe District’s oldest and largest civil legal services organization (since 1932). Legal Aid DC provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents and engages in policy advocacy and appellate work to address systemic issues. Table offerings: Flyers and materials detailing intake hours, public benefit assistance, legal services scope, plus how to apply or access aid. |
Mask Bloc DCPart of a mutual aid network that distributes high-quality masks, COVID-19 tests, and related resources for free to their communities. Table offerings: Free masks and rapid test kits for attendees to take home, along with information on safety practices and accessing community aid. |
People’s Parity ProjectA movement of law students and attorneys organizing for a legal system that serves working people over the powerful—advocating equity, accountability, and transforming the profession. Table offerings: Info, “Know Your Rights” training and handouts on legal empowerment. |
Star of SophiaStar of Sophia is an educational resource that will also provide free blood pressure tests and education on health literacy and navigating the healthcare system. |
Ward 4 Mutual AidW4MA offers grocery distribution and delivery, direct cash assistance, and services for the unhoused including meal services, as well as attempting to meet other needs that community members may have. Come find ways to join as a volunteer and get involved with the organization, and connect with services that others may need that we are not able to provide. |
Words Beats & LifeA DC-based hip-hop nonprofit that uses the culture’s elements (graffiti, DJing, emceeing, dance) to transform lives and communities. They run the Urban Arts Academy for youth (ages 5–23), offering mentorship and skill-building, and publish a peer-reviewed journal. Table offerings: Flyers about their arts programming, upcoming workshops, mentorship opportunities, and info on participating via Urban Arts Academy or events. |