Economic Justice

If an alien landed in Britain of 2026, it might well conclude that things have never been worse for women. That to be a woman in the neoliberal, post-sexual revolution West is just a vale of tears: bodily, emotionally, reproductively, and socially. Except, that's not at all the truth, is it? In Good Slut, Zoe Strimpel argues the exact opposite, that things have never been better for women, and the fact that this is a taboo shows how far off the right piste we're going. She takes aim at what she sees as a culture of female victimhood, arguing instead that women in the modern West enjoy unprecedented freedom—socially, sexually, and economically. The book is a forceful defence of the sexual revolution and a call to embrace agency, ambition, and desire without apology. It argues for a proud promiscuity: not just sexual, but in all other things too. This argument has sparked sharp disagreement. Critics have questioned whether Strimpel downplays the real costs of modern dating culture, from the effects of pornography and dating apps to the persistence of exploitation and dissatisfaction. Others argue that her dismissal of “victimhood” overlooks genuine problems—or that her vision of liberation risks collapsing into a defence of whatever currently exists.  Join us for a candid conversation on sex, freedom, and the deeper ideas at stake: what does genuine independence actually require—and is modern culture helping us achieve it, or standing in the way?

Meet up fee £7 to be paid at the beginning of the meet up. Cash or card payments. @Alfies Antique Market. Alfayez entrance, ground floor, ROOM B04. Please bring your favourite Tarot deck.

[Book here](https://p21.gallery/node/513) The evening will comprise a showing of Helena Aksentijevic’s film about Diana Neslen, "Israel, the Golem and the Mark of Cain". The film explores Diana Nelsons journey from Zionist youth, to actively campaigning against the apartheid state of Israel. Following the film there will be a discussion between the Diana Neslen, and two other South African Activists against apartheid and the Israeli state, Shereen Panditand Bahir Laattoe. This will be moderated by Luca Salice, Chair of Westminster PSC. This will be open to questions and comments from the audience. SPEAKERS **Diana Neslen** \- Panel Diana Neslen was born in South Africa in 1939. The formative influences in her early life were her special needs sister, the Holocaust and Apartheid. These public and private influences instilled in her a passion for justice and equality which never wavered. She bought this passion to her activism, first against South African and the against Israeli apartheid. One of her proudest achievements is her role in the departure of the firm G4S from Israel. A retired social worker, Diana states that she rejects both white privilege in South Africa and Jewish privilege in Israel. Diana is co-chair of Redbridge PSC. Dr. **Shereen Pandit** \- Panel Born in apartheid South Africa, Shereen became a Lawyer, Lecturer, political activist and trade unionist. Exiled in the UK she completed a PHD in Law, continued her activism and began writing. Much of Shereen's current political activity is centred on the Palestinian cause. She is a volunteer English teacher for young Palestinians and also for migrant workers. Her work has been widely published and been on stage and radio in the USA as well as being used as a resource in European schools. **Bahir Laattoe** \- Panel Bahir was born in South Africa where he became an anti-apartheid activist. He was a teacher and Trade Unionist who worked in one of the unions which formed the COSATU Trade Union Federation. He was also a youth, sport and community organiser in the townships in Cape Town. He moved to Britain in 1986. He began active in the National Education Union as an International Solidarity Officer. He visited and volunteered in Palestine in 2019. He continues to be a pro-Palestine activist in the union and in his Trades Council. **Luca Salice** \- Moderator Luca Salice is a translator and visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster. He has for many years been an activist with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. He is currently Chair of Westminster Palestine Solidarity Campaign. **Helena Aksentijevic** \- Film maker Helena Aksentijević is a filmmaker and photographer. “Israel, the Golem and the Mark of Cain" is one of a series of documentary films about people who support the Palestinian people’s right to a homeland, the right to return to their ancestral lands and live lives free from Occupation, oppression, apartheid and genocide.

Orpington BSL conversation group. Open to anyone wishing to brush up or practice their British Sign Language skills in a relaxed, unstructured setting with like minded people. We meet on the third Saturday of the month at The Second Home café, in Orpington High Street (BR6 0NB), from 11am to 1pm. Come join us for a cuppa and brunch whilst practicing your BSL. This is an unstructured group, so anyone is welcome. We only ask that you are respectful of each other, regardless of gender, religion, sexuality and beliefs. During our conversation meetings, we appreciate if we all adhere to a 'voice off' policy, to maximise our BSL use. If you don't know a particular sign, don't just say the word... Fingerspell it; gesture it; paraphrase what you mean with the signs that you know, write it down in paper... Anything is good, as long as you give it your best!

Weekly cycling club open to members of that club only. Membership enquiries to creativewellnesswon@outlook.com

Meet up fee £7 to be paid at the beginning of the meet up. Card or cash payments. Meeting at Mikis Paradise Cafe. Please bring your favourite Tarot deck.

RSVP here - https://www.meetup.com/TheFFM/events/ and look for the next "Fire your boss!" event. If you want to achieve Financial Freedom in a secure safe way and make sure it is quick and effective, Follow the link to Take Action and Make it happen for yourself! RSVP here - https://www.meetup.com/TheFFM/events/ and look for the next "Fire your boss!" event.

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet outside St Giles Cripplegate. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

**"Often in a debate it's the group that decides what the debate is about who win, not the group with the most to say" - Tony (Head Coach)** In this 4.5 hour Masterclass we will be exploring the strategy and framing behind individual arguments to have the largest impact with your audience. Additionally, we will build on developing individual arguments into creating broader cases that unify arguments with clear narratives to ensure that the key message of any position is reinforced throught your speeches. Key Skills we will be covering: * Framing * structuring arguments * Building a case vs just a collection of arguments (narrative building) * Working with teams / leadership - Thought leadership This workshop is for debaters and speakers of all skill ranges from first time attendees to to regular & experienced debaters. **What to expect over 4.5 Hours** 12:00 - : Grab a drink and get comfy :) 12:10 - Introduction to Proposition and structuring arguments 13:00 - Drinks break 13:15 - Active Learning and Debate Exercises 14:15 - Lunch 15:00 - Proposition Recap 15:15 - Practice Debates 16:00 - Coach Feedback & Final Q&A 16:30 - After Workshop Social **[Our Coaches](https://www.debate.london/coaches "https://www.debate.london/coaches")** Debate London's Coaching team brings together 6 of the greatest debaters from across the UK and the USA with a combined experience of over a century in debating. Wether that is leading on the debate competition circuit, judging debates across university & professional levels or running debate training organisiations to develop the next generation of debaters our team will give you the skills you need to debate with the best of them **Venue** Food and drink available at the venue and a lunchbreak is scheduled within the workshop. **Please do not bring external food or drink into the venue you WILL be asked to throw it away.**

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:00 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 6:30 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 7:30 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 8:30 PM–23:00 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £15 two classes 6:00 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

Vandome Cycles are providing drop in bike check/repair sessions: • Barking Riverside Bike Hub IG11 0FJ: Opening Times: Every Mon & Thu 3pm-7pm and Sat: 9am-5pm • The Fiddlers, Dagenham, RM8 3HH: Every Saturday 10am – 2pm

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!

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

**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**!