Human Rights

We'll chat, eat, and maybe even play a few games. We'll be at the table with the green flag (unless I forget the flag!) Ni babilos, manĝos, kaj eĉ ludos kelkajn ludojn. Ni estos ĉe la tablo kun la verda flago (kondiĉe ke mi ne forgesos la flagon!). Hablaremos, comeremos, y quizás hasta juguemos algunos juegos. Estaremos en la mesa con la bandera verde (¡si no se me olvida la bandera!).

April 18 6 - 9:30 pm. [--> HYBRID EVENT. Attend in person, or click [here ](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5124418988?pwd=VlhFUTZDeExZemZ5NEhwRUVlODRyZz09)<--] ["Dog Gone" with Rob Lowe [TV-PG].] Most Saturday nights, you'll find us watching a popular movie here at the Center in a fun, informal atmosphere. Then we have a discussion. We don't discuss the movie, though; we discuss personal growth issues and themes that came up in the movie. So we're not doing a "Siskel and Ebert" type of review, but rather an in-depth personal growth process that helps us get to know ourselves and each other better. During the discussion we learn and practice essential communication skills like I-Statements and Open-Ended Questions, so that we can apply them more effectively in the rest of our lives. Each month there's a different general topic for the videos, ranging from Relationships to Overcoming Obstacles to Remarkable People. This month's topic is \*\* Remarkable People \*\*. Come join us! Ages 18 and up. Free.

Join us for a time to experience the presence of God, receive fresh and cutting edge teachings on the Kingdom of God, have the opportunity to ask questions, and enjoy fellowshipping with like-minded people.

**\*\*\*RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP\*\*\*** **[About the Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons)** If you're looking for a stunning outdoor adventure, Caprock Canyons State Park in the Texas Panhandle is an absolute gem! This sprawling 15,000-acre park showcases gorgeous, rugged canyons shaped over time by wind and water, creating some truly breathtaking scenery. One of the coolest features? It's home to the official Texas State Bison Herd – you will spot these majestic animals roaming the landscape! With over 90 miles of trails, there's plenty to explore whether you're into hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The park also features prairie dog towns, camping options ranging from primitive sites to convenient drive-up spots, and spectacular viewpoints like Holmes Creek Canyon. Don't miss the Folsom Historic Site, a beautiful natural bridge, and the intriguing Fern Cave – they all add to your visit! **About the Work** The park rangers would like us to do trailway bridge work along with brushing trails. **About Transportation** Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged; please contact other attendees on this trip to arrange your carpool. **About Lodging** We will be tent camping within the state park, at the South Prong area (no electrical or water). Participants are responsible for bringing their own camping equipment. **About Meals** Participants bring their own breakfasts and lunches. For evening meals, you and your cooking group (TBA) will feed the entire group one evening - this includes bringing and preparing the food, as well as dish patrol (washing pots/pans/etc.) **About Our Day Off** Sunday April 19 is our day to enjoy the park- participants can decide what they want to do during this day. There are usually hikes or other outings organized within the group. ***But wait - there’s more!*** On Saturday April 18, (after Palo Duro SP, and before Caprock Canyons SP) we get to check out a huge area nearby that is not open to the public, and won’t be for at least three years! The [Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area](https://friendsofcrossbarsrma.org) is big - 11,883 acres. It is the only BLM land in Texas. We have received special permission to have them guide us across private property to get to the preserve. They are meeting us at the gate at 10:30am on Saturday April 18. It is about an hour drive from Palo Duro. The gate’s address is 9610 Brickplant Road, Amarillo, TX. After exploring the Cross Bar, many of us will proceed to Caprock Canyons State Park (2 hour drive) for another week long service project. **TO SIGN UP FOR CAPROCK CANYONS SP SERVICE PROJECT:** 1. **RSVP on Meetup.** The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up. There is usually plenty of turnover. 2. **Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details.** Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure this trip is right for you. 3. **Contact information:** Send your name, cell number, and email address to **[stanpeyton@gmail.com](mailto:stanpeyton@gmail.com)** 4. **Complete the Medical Form [https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021](https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021).** Scan and email the form also to **[stanpeyton@gmail.com](mailto:stanpeyton@gmail.com)** (preferred) or to Stan Peyton’s mailing address below. 5. **Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1** **[https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020](https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020)** 6. **Mail the forms to:** **Stan Peyton** **8408 Hanbridge Lane** **Austin, TX 78736** **VERY IMPORTANT - IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.** ***Don’t sign up unless you are serious about attending.*** **YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:** **-Food and drink for all your breakfasts, snacks, and lunches.** **-6 gallons of potable water** (park water is high in nitrates and unpotable) **-Mess kit (plate/bowl, utensils, napkin)** **-Your cooking groups’ dinner ingredients & containers for leftovers** **-Tent and tent supplies (footprint, tent, fly, mallet, stakes)** **-Implements of sleeping (sleeping bag, pillow, earplugs)** **-Work gloves, eye protection, kneeling pad, trail tools, geologist hammer** **-Day pack to carry to work sites** **-Flashlight/headlamp** **-camp chair** **-Clothes for the weather, including long shirt, long pants, & boots for trail work, and rain gear** **-Personal prescriptions** **-Water bottle** **-Personal First Aid kit (include tweezers)** **-Sunscreen, bug spray** **ASCO group cooking equipment (large pots/pans, etc.) will be brought by Trip Leaders.**

Josh walks us through his experience being a juror in a murder trial. This time we're all jurors! Due to high interest in this event we need an accurate head count; if you sign up please be there promptly at 11:00! Optionally join us for lunch after the meeting. Follow us on Facebook (Austin Humanist Community) or at austinhumanist.org Typical attendance 10-15 humanists. Please note: Atheists, agnostics, skeptics, free-thinkers, questioning, and believers - whatever you like to call yourselves, you are welcome here. At AHC we call ourselves secular humanists because you will never hear anything supernatural promoted from the podium. AHC was founded on the principles of scientific naturalism and secular ethics, which commits us, on the one hand, to reason and evidence-based thinking, and, on the other, to compassion for our fellow human beings. These commitments motivate us to oppose magical and wishful thinking and all forms of dogma, as well as to stand firmly against all forms of oppression.

[Get Details and Register Here - $25.00](https://dailyreikiaustin.com/round-rock-reiki-share/) This event is turning into one of our favorite monthly community moments! Please join us in the peaceful space that is the Mind's Eye Plants Yoga Room for a deeply powerful afternoon of Reiki and connection. This Reiki Share is open to practitioners of all levels — whether you’ve just taken your first class or you’ve been practicing for years. Even if you got your attunement MANY years ago and haven't practiced since! This event is perfect to get you back into the flow! We’ll gather in community, take turns on the table, and each receive Reiki from the group. It’s a beautiful chance to both practice your healing art and soak up some much-needed, incredibly powerful Reiki yourself, all while meeting and connecting with other practitioners. If you've never had Reiki given by multiple practitioners at once, this is a must try experience. Space is limited, so be sure to save your spot! Tea will be served.

**Philosophers, religionists, thinkers and psychologists have long debated whether we are born good, evil or full of sin – or whether we’re all blank slates just waiting to be filled in but with no inherent potential one way or the other. But what if we are actually created to be noble? How might that change the way we look at ourselves? What about others? At children? And the world?** **The world around us often seems to be telling us that we are unworthy of love or of excellence, that we as human beings are somehow inherently bad – or at least selfish in our motivations – and that this needs to be controlled. But what if we viewed ourselves and others as being born with inherent nobility just waiting to be realized? Is it possible that much of the negativity we see in the world today isn’t because people are inherently bad but that our inherent “goodness” and nobility is not being recognized and nurtured? What role does spirituality potentially play in this? How can a more spiritual perspective enable us to find reasons for hope and inspire us to act, to channel our unique strengths towards creating a world that reflects and nurtures our best selves? Can seeing the nobility in ourselves cause us to recognize and uplift the nobility in others, help us overcome challenges and forge a path towards a brighter future?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspectives offered by the Bahá’í Teachings to deepen our understanding of human nature and the nobility within each of us. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role each of us can play in transforming our communities, in building a spiritually dignified world where each of us can thrive.** **“...Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.** **The event is held at the Austin Bahá’í Center**

***Free Yoga For Mental Wellbeing***. This session offers tools to bring balance to the body and mind for a holistic experience of inner wellbeing. The practices offered include: * **Nadi Shuddhi**: A yogic practice that cleanses the *nadis* – the pathways through which pranic energy flows – resulting in a balanced system and psychological wellbeing. * **Miracle of Mind Meditation**: A 7-minute guided meditation empowering you to take charge of your mental wellbeing. Daily practice brings health, dynamism, peace and well being. Benefits: * Enhances vitality, focus, memory and productivity * Stabilizes the body, mind and emotions * Reduces stress and anxiety Location:Desi District - 12301 W Parmer Ln, unit 801, Cedar Park, TX, US, 78613 Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM **-** 9:45 AM CDT Open to all ages 7 and above. Those 7-17 to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. RSVP:https://online.innerengineering.com/en/event-details/23281 Contact Details; Austin@ishausa.org 512-655-9589

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Get ready for a fun night with amazing food, great energy, and even better company! 🥰✨ 🍽️ Portia’s Café — 6:30PM 🛼 Skate Zone 71 — 8:30PM Come join us for delicious vegan food and/or roller skating — it’s totally up to you! Whether you come for the food, the skating, or both… you’re in for a great time 💗 📍 Portia’s Café 4424 Indianola Ave Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.