Welcome to Friday, Greater Washington! We’re trying out a new format here on GoodWorks for our weekend event listings — sorting events by type, rather than by time of day, so that you can go straight to your main interests. Let us know what you think!

Looking to … Volunteer?

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11

ASHA for Women will be offering a training session from 9:30-4:30 in Rockville for those interesting in working directly with clients as an advocate; these sessions only come four times a year, so sign up quickly by calling (202) 683-2019. Plus Empowered Women International needs volunteers for their holiday gala, “Women of Courage: the Art and Stories of Entrepreneur Artists and Change Makers.” Call (301) 693-1346 to sign up today!

Looking to … Help the Planet?

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11

Take this special yoga class at 5:00 in Dupont; proceeds will benefit the the Bonobo Conservation Initiative’s great work in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

You can help the Potomac Conservancy clean up and beautify the land surrounding Lock 8 and along miles 8 and 9 of the C&O Canal towpath. All ages are welcome; call (301) 608-1188 ext 204 to learn more.

Looking for … Great Theater?

SATURDAY DECEMBER 11

Chicago’s famed Second City is back in DC with the all-new revue A Girl’s Guide to Washington Politics, created exclusively for DC and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Tickets are going super fast, even on two-show days, so call (202) 393-3939! If you’d like to celebrate the holidays in style, do not miss the Washington Revels’ annual Christmas Revels. Nab tickets for this festive celebration of the Solstice at their website. For a wholly different take on the festive season, stop by the District of Columbia Arts Center for Cherry Red’s wild Wifeswappers, the tale of the most swinging and scandalous holiday gathering in Orange County. Ticket info is right here.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 12

For a relaxing and moving afternoon, head to The Writer’s Center in Bethesda for a free Open Door reading with novelist Israel Heller and Kathryn Johnson. And if you did not have the chance to visit Woolly Mammoth or the Washington Revels, fear not! Both have shows today as well.

Looking for … Singing and Dancing?

SATURDAY DECEMBER 11

For a fun and free concert on the Hill, stop by the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop at 10:00 for The Singing Lizard’s live all-ages show. Today in Alexandria, the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras will offer great performances from both their String Ensemble (who also happen to be their youngest musicians) and their Concert Orchestra. Check out the full schedule here. For the dance-minded, Joy Of Motion will welcome DCypher Dance to the stage for a showcase of provocative pure hip-hop and fusion works; call (202) 333-6801 x12 for more information. And Dance Place is offering an exciting evening of new pieces from local and international choreographers; check out www.dancefestival-eureka.org to learn more.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 12

More performances coming your way from both Joy Of Motion and Dance Place.