Financial Literacy

* **What We’re About** You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so join us — and be part of a community that rises above circumstances and creates opportunities. Inspire and be inspired by those who make things happen. It's a relaxed, organic space to connect with like-minded people and network—genuinely talking, learning from each other, and connecting over shared interests. * **What to Expect** Casual Meetups: We gather semi-regularly at a local café to chat about everything from stepping outside your comfort zone to business ideas, creative projects, and building a life aligned with your purpose. It’s relaxed, easy, and welcoming—no need to have anything “figured out.” An Easy-Going Space: We keep things simple and low-pressure. Once everyone arrives, we ease in with some light conversation and naturally break into smaller groups. Networking: Feel free to introduce yourself or let people know what you're working on if you feel like it. And if anyone wants to quickly shout out what they’re working on or looking for before we settle in, go for it—it’s a great way to spark new conversations. * **Host Support** If you’d like a one-on-one chat with me about your business, just tap me on the shoulder. I’ll be floating around and happy to make time for you. **Quick note for the day:** Depending on the weather, we might go for a walk too. Just remember to wear comfy shoes 🌞 👟 🥾:) ❗If you're running late, drop me a quick message as we might leave the cafe for a walk within the last 30-45 minutes. 🏃 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** EVERY SUNDAY AT 11AM Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You'll gain insights into: * The true definition of the subconscious * How it generates unwanted emotions * Its real purpose and function * What determines the pressure it exerts on you But this isn't just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It's interactive and engaging - you can ask questions at any time. FREE ADMISSION Reserve your spot today. Seats are limited, so don't wait too long to sign up.

**SUNDAY FIESTA LATINA!** **SALSA BACHATA LATIN PARTY & SOCIAL** ***with* LATIN BAND 'DIRTY LOPEZ' !** *on* **SUNDAY 17th MAY 2026** *Let the infectious Latin rhythms ignite your passion!* *Enjoy an unforgettable night of live Latin music and dancing!* at **INNER NORTH BREWING COMPANY** **10A RUSSELL STREET** **BRUNSWICK** *Experience the passion and flavour of live Latin music!* *Join us for a sizzling night of LATIN FEVER!* *featuring* **‘DIRTY LOPEZ’** \- live at **7.45PM**! *One of Melbourne’s favourite LATIN BANDS* *playing their signature energetic and exciting* *Latin rhythms to keep you dancing all night long.* Bring your family, friends and colleagues and put on your dancing shoes! Join us for an unforgettable night of live Latin music and Salsa, Bachata and the best Latin mix played throughout the night! **NEW TO SALSA & BACHATA?** **Never danced Salsa or Bachata before?** No problem! Join us and learn how to dance with our fun, relaxed classes. We will have you dancing in no time! Our experienced instructor will kick off the night with a complimentary all level Bachata and Salsa class to get you dancing! ***See you on the dancefloor!*** **INNER NORTH BREWING COMPANY & BAR** *is a micro-brewery, specialising in producing and making their own signature quality freshly made beers on site, infused with good vibes!* *Give the beers a try. Let’s support the art of beer craftmanship.* **5.15PM** **PRE-PARTY MEETUP!** Come early and try a freshly made beer with us! Practice your moves, meet and make new friends before classes start! \| **6.30PM** **BACHATA CLASS** (All levels) *\* 10 minute Bachata dance practice* \| **7.10PM** **CUBAN SALSA CLASS** (All levels) \* Join us on your own or come with friends \* Absolute beginners welcomed \* No dance experience required! \| **7.45PM** **‘DIRTY LOPEZ’** *Playing Live!* \| **DJ MC** *Playing the best mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha & more!* \| **– SOCIAL DANCING ’til 10.30PM –** **\*\*** **BEGINNER & IMPROVER DANCERS** *A special slower section will be added in soon after the first band set,* *especially for Beginner to Improver level dancers to get onto the floor* *to dance to a slower, more comfortable tempo!* **\*\* EVENTBRITE EARLYBIRD SPECIAL OFFER! \*\*** **BOOK EARLY & RECEIVE $5 OFF YOUR ENTRY!** **\*(Only $20 with Eventbrite + Eventbrite booking fee)** **See Eventbrite Earlybird Offer at:** [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fiesta-latina-sunday-latin-social-with-live-latin-band-sun-17th-may-26-tickets-1989094597486?](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fiesta-latina-sunday-latin-social-with-live-latin-band-sun-17th-may-26-tickets-1989094597486?) **\* Please note:** Eventbrite has a booking fee of $2.49 **\* This Earlybird offer expires on Friday 15th MAY 2026** \* **To avoid a booking fee**, payment can also be made by direct bank transfer or PAYID - please contact me through Meetup to arrange this. Or pay at the venue on the night. \* Please note: Venue room entry is at full price **PARTY ROOM ENTRY: $25** **\* Entry includes:** *Live Latin Band and complimentary* *free Bachata and Salsa Classes* Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to dance the night away! ***Look forward to seeing you on the dancefloor!***

There have been some requests in the group for an afternoon tea, so here’s a really unique one! Oxi Tea Room was awarded one Hat this year and delivers an incredible afternoon tea experience. Here’s an example video of one of their previous menus: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIA3AtEh4bf/?igsh=MW5lN3ZmaGxkeHFwag== The new menu titled ‘Hatched - The Loop’ has just been released (menu here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cO4e2-mPF2ZE_C6Pce3FTallVZGlP1nJ/view) and I have booked this for 6 Fine Diners to enjoy from 12pm on Sunday 17 May. The price is $128 per person and includes a tea and a welcome drink. You can purchase additional teas/drinks on the day if you wish. 

Join the waitlist to express interest. Once I have names in the waitlist, I’ll send you a ‘Meetup Message’ to confirm you have a spot and how to pay. You’ll need to send me the full cost of $128 to secure your place as this is charged for cancellations. Once paid I’ll move you from the waitlist to going. Please check that you don’t have your settings blocking messages; if I can’t contact you I’ll have to move on to the next person. Also if you don’t respond to my message within 3 days, I’ll let you know that I’m offering the seat to the next person on the waitlist. 

Thanks and I’m looking forward to trying this beautiful-looking afternoon tea with you!

# 🌟 *Breat Procrastination and Staring at The Crowd When at Social Events with Taking a Minimum Viable Step!* Do you want to feel confident stepping into group conversations, knowing exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to build momentum naturally? Do you want a clear structure that makes socialising feel *doable*, while still allowing real, organic, human connection? This session blends **structure with spontaneity**, so you can practise social confidence in a way that actually works for your brain. *** # 💬 **WHAT THIS SESSION IS ABOUT** This is a **guided practice lab** for group interaction. Instead of guessing what to say, you will work with: • specific topics chosen by the group on the day • simple, powerful questions to guide conversation • structured rounds that make it easier to start and continue interactions You are not performing or “being social” on command, you are learning a **repeatable process** that helps you enter conversations naturally and build depth from there. The structure gives you clarity. Your responses stay *real, personal, and fully your own.* *** # 🧠 **WHY THIS WORKS** ## *Minimum Viable Steps (MVS)* Starting conversations is often the hardest part. So instead of forcing yourself to “be social”, we focus on: ### ***Minimum Viable Steps (MVS)*** Small, achievable actions like: • approaching a group • listening for context • asking one simple question • sharing one small response These steps reduce overwhelm and help you build momentum naturally. You are not powering through, you are **following a chain of small wins** that lead into flow. *** # 🔄 **HOW THE SESSION RUNS** This session is structured into **timed rounds (approx. 8 minutes each)**. Each round gives you a clear, simple objective. ## 🔹 *Structured Group Rounds* • You will begin in small groups with a defined topic • Each round includes suggested questions to guide interaction • You are free to respond in your own way, nothing scripted ## 🔹 *Rotations* At the end of each round: • two people rotate out of each group • each joins a different group This creates: • clarity on where to go next • repeated practice starting new conversations • exposure to different dynamics and people *No guessing. No awkward hovering. Just clear next steps.* *** # 💡 **TOPICS & QUESTIONS** At the start of the session, we will: • gather topics participants are genuinely interested in • write them down and use them throughout the rounds Each round will include **simple, open questions** related to the topic, designed to: • spark conversation easily • create direction without rigidity • allow natural sharing and depth You follow the structure, but what you share is always your own. *** # 🌱 **WHAT YOU WILL PRACTISE** • starting conversations decisively (again and again) • entering groups with clarity instead of hesitation • listening before contributing • asking simple questions that open conversation • building flow through small, manageable steps • rotating between groups with confidence • staying present without overwhelm Over time, this becomes **automatic**. *** # 📝 **BEFORE & AFTER** At the beginning: • you will complete a short reflection on meaningful connection in your life At the end: • you will share what worked, what did not, and what could be improved This helps shape future sessions based on what actually supports you. *** # 👋 **A NOTE FROM THE FACILITATOR** This is not about being the most confident person in the room. It is about learning a structure that helps you: • take action • reduce overwhelm • build real connection step by step You do not need to get it perfect. ## ***You just need to take the next small step.***

Please join us this Sunday to discuss discomfort, growth and personal development. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5-10 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs (food & drinks for table), etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Philosophy Circle group. Topic questions below, however please note these are open sessions not strict to the below: * What does it mean to “improve” oneself? Are we trying to become our true selves, or create better versions of ourselves? * Does growth require discomfort? * Can unnecessary suffering be mistaken for productive discomfort? * Can suffering produce wisdom when it is reflected on properly? * Is courage the willingness to remain present inside discomfort? * Can comfort become a prison and lead to a shallow life? * Is personal growth possible without some form of sacrifice? * Is there a danger in constantly treating oneself as a project? * Should personal development aim at happiness, virtue, freedom, usefulness, wholeness or holiness? * Make makes a strong family? * What duties do children owe their parents, and what duties do parents owe their children? * What have religions and spiritual traditions said on the above questions? Hope to see you there!

Please join us this Sunday to discuss discomfort, growth and personal development. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5-10 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs (food & drinks for table), etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Socrates Cafe group. Topic questions below, however please note these are open sessions not strict to the below: * What does it mean to “improve” oneself? Are we trying to become our true selves, or create better versions of ourselves? * Does growth require discomfort? * Can unnecessary suffering be mistaken for productive discomfort? * Can suffering produce wisdom when it is reflected on properly? * Is courage the willingness to remain present inside discomfort? * Can comfort become a prison and lead to a shallow life? * Is personal growth possible without some form of sacrifice? * Is there a danger in constantly treating oneself as a project? * Should personal development aim at happiness, virtue, freedom, usefulness, wholeness or holiness? * Make makes a strong family? * What duties do children owe their parents, and what duties do parents owe their children? * What have religions and spiritual traditions said on the above questions? Hope to see you there!

Join us for a transformative 4-week immersion workshop in Authentic Relating and practice of **deeper listening**, designed to enhance your experience of intimacy and aliveness within connection, and **cultivate the embodied skills** required to navigating deep connections. Each week, we will explore themes, including self-awareness, vulnerability, empathy, and **artful communication**. Through experiential learning, group discussions, in a supportive environment, you will learn be able to practice "active listening", express yourself authentically, and cultivate more meaningful exchanges. There will also be a deeper dive into the practice of artful reflecting and responding to others, and how to respond to someone's sharing in a way that makes them feel seen while expresses the core of what you wanted to share. This is an ongoing process of learning these skills, but we will be covering some of the core foundations of this skill, through discussion and practice. There will be a strong emphasis on slowing down, tuning into the body, and allowing the habitual communication patterns to relax, while organically giving space for the novelty of spontaneous truths to be spoken and revealed. Having a closed group of participant and journeying over **4 x 3 hour classes**, over 4 weeks, will allow for a new level of depth and practice to extend and expand your capacity for more aliveness and more realness. This is a workshop for people who seek for more depth in their relating, for those who have a curiosity that calls them forward into the mystery of life. The workshops will consist of core authentic relating practices, but with the continuation of participants and familiarity it will allow for greater depth, nervous system regulation and greater sense of safety. some other practices that usually won't be run in one-off events, will also be able to be explored due to the increased depth of the group. If this sounds like something you want to explore, I look forward to sharing the space with you and others. If you have any questions, please reach out. \*\* people in challenging financial situations are welcome to reach out and we work something out The pricing of the event is done in a way which hopefully makes it accessible to most people; however it is more expensive than the monthly AR nights per session. This for few reasons: -the level of space holding and depth that the deep dive facilitates requires more space holding -there is a cap on the group as to not make it too large -there is more actually teaching and coaching around the authentic relating practice compared with the Monthly. all bookings must be made through [https://events.humanitix.com/authentic-relating-deep-dive](https://events.humanitix.com/authentic-relating-deep-dive) If you need to talk to me, please email me at authenticcmelb@gmail.com or FB [Authentic Connection Melbourne ](https://www.facebook.com/authenticmelb/) Looking forward to journeying with you! Daniel - Authentic Connection Melbourne Details Cost $250 early bird. $300 General admin DATES 4 Sundays MAY 17th, 24th,31st, JUNE 7th 5:30PM-8:30PM \*\*Participants will need to arrive on time, and the door will be closed by 15 minutes after starting. This is done to set the energy and foundations of the evening as a group. \*\*If you miss one of the sessions, you will still be able to attend the other sessions.

Neurodivergent brains come with their own operating manuals — but most of us were never handed ours. Some of us run hot on sensory input, others stall out on transitions, some need movement to think, others need silence to function. The tricky part is that our needs are often invisible, even to ourselves, until something tips us over. This month at Neurospicy Bayside, we're slowing down to look at two questions: * What support do I actually need to feel okay and do my best work? * What might the people around me need that I've never thought to ask about? We'll talk about the kinds of accommodations that exist (formal and informal — at work, at home, in social spaces), share what's worked and what hasn't, and gently map out where each of us tends to struggle. The goal isn't to fix anyone. It's to build a richer vocabulary for our own needs and a more compassionate lens for the people in our lives who might be quietly white-knuckling things we'd never guess. Bring yourself as you are. Stim, doodle, pace, listen, share as much or as little as feels right. Fidgets and ear defenders welcome. There's no expectation to disclose anything you don't want to. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

We will get-together at the KereKere cafe - at the community table just inside the cafe entrance. *This is a group for people with intermediate and advanced level French who are able to engage in a conversation en français. It is not suitable for beginners.* The cafe is close to the corner of Wellington Parade and Lansdowne St, East Melbourne in the Fitzroy Gardens. It takes about 5 minutes on Tram 75 from Flinders St Station, or 15 minute walk. Car parking around Fitzroy Gardens on Sundays now is $2 per hour with a 4 hour limit, Some parking is limited to 1 hour even on Sunday. And occasionally, if there is a game at the MCG for example there might not be much parking at all. Price: The event fee is $4.00 - cash necessary! . and please be sure you are a member of MyFrenchLife.org before attending reunion - merci https://www.MyFrenchLife.org. The event fees are transferred to MyFrenchLife contributing to the meetup platform - thank you. À bientôt ! Veronica and Daniel Réunion Hosts MyFrenchLife.org

**✅ Salsa Wednesdays with Todd Smith!** **👉 Beginner Salsa Class** **$15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm … Registration 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm … Beginner Class **👉 Intermediate Salsa Class** **= $15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Registration 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Intermediate Class **👉 If You Take Both Salsa Classes** **= $25 In Advance / $35 At the Door** **👉 Buy Advance Tickets Now at:** https://columbussalsadancing.com/salsa-wednesdays-dance-class-tickets/ **👉 Questions? Text Todd @ (614) 774-8146**

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

**✅ Bachata Mondays with Todd Smith!** **👉 Beginner Bachata Class** **$15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm … Registration 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm … Beginner Class **👉 Intermediate Bachata Class** **= $15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Registration 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Intermediate Class **👉 If You Take Both Bachata Classes** **= $25 In Advance / $35 At the Door** **👉 Buy Advance Tickets Now at:** https://columbussalsadancing.com/bachata-mondays-dance-class-tickets/

This month we’ll be reading Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. Feel free to come and chat even if you don’t finish the book!

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.