Conservation

Do you want to become a confident public speaker? To communicate better and connect? And have fun? Join **Dacia Toastmasters** for an inspiring evening of speeches, impromptu challenges and helpful feedback – all in a warm, international atmosphere. We are a supportive Toastmasters club where communication and leadership skills grow together – through practice, encouragement and community. Next meeting: 📅 First Monday of the month 🕗 19:00 – 21:00 (doors open at 18:45) 📍 Marriott Courtyard Brussels EU Rue Joseph II / Jozef-II straat, 1000 Brussels (Conveniently located near metro Arts-Loi / Kunst-Wet) Why join **Dacia Toastmasters**? ✔️ Practise public speaking with prepared speeches and quick-thinking exercises ✔️ Improve your communication and leadership skills ✔️ Receive constructive feedback in a positive setting ✔️ Meet a vibrant, multilingual community Our meetings are in English with a taste of Romanian and open to everyone. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find a place to grow. Guests are always welcome. Just bring your curiosity. 📩 RSVP now and join us for a memorable evening!

A late posting but for those who are still free on Monday let's go for a hike from **Testelt to Aarschot** (\~21km, 160m elevation). We will return to the wetlands in the north-east of Vlaams-Brabant, not too far from Brussels, and explore an area we didn't visit for some time. At the end, we will hopefully find somewhere for an (optional) drink in Aarschot before taking the train back to Brussels. **The weather forecast is sunny and 14C, but prepared for a shower just in case. The path may be muddy and slippery in places so wear good shoes, preferably walking boots.** **We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. This is quite fast.** We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this route before, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning. **You can find the GPX track here:** [https://mapy.com/s/relasemepa](https://mapy.com/s/relasemepa) (I may still update the route a bit) **Meeting point and train** We will meet outside Starbucks in **Brussels Central station at 09:00**. The train **T18022 (Bierges-Walibi & Ottignies)** leaves from **platform 3 at 9:12** (you can also join this train at Brussels Zuid at 9:07 or Brussels Noord at 9:18). We arrive in Leuven at **9:35** change on to the **IC 2608 (Aarschot & Genk),** leaving from platform 8 at 9:43. It arrives in Aarschot at 10:06. **Train tickets** \- Single Brussels to Testelt\, € 8 or € 4\.80 with Train\+ \- Single Aarschot to Brussels\, € 6\.90 or € 4\.20 with Train\+ You probably want to buy the Train+ card for the price of € 6 (1 month) or € 48 (12 months). It can be bought in the SNCB/NMBS app or at ticket machines. **Train back to Brussels** There are connections at xx:14 and xx:36 from Aarchot to Brussels, changing in Leuven and taking \~42 minutes to Central station. **Specifics** Distance: \~21 km Elevation gain: \~160 m Net walking time: \~5h Level: ***Easy*** **In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even a few hours before the event. If this happens, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out a message to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the [Meetup.com](http://Meetup.com) website and/or your email.** **What to bring** **\- lunch \- we will *not* stop at a cafe/restaurant for lunch** \- comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- water \(min 2l\) and enough food for the breaks \- sun protection oil\, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) \- mosquito/tick repellent \- some money for drinks/snacks/etc **Basic rules** The number of participants is limited, so make sure that you RSVP only if you really intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP asap. This is basic courtesy towards others. Last day cancellations, no-shows and Internet warriors are not appreciated. Only people whose name appears on the main list may come to the hike. **Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability** You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you choose to take part. As participation in this event is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

Rejoins-nous pour découvrir le Touch Rugby sous le signe du sport, du fun et de la convivialité ! 🏉 Que tu sois débutant·e curieux·se, joueur·se occasionnel·le ou habitué·e des terrains, ce rendez-vous est ouvert à toutes et tous. Le touch rugby est un sport en plein essor sans plaquage, accessible, dynamique mais aussi inclusif et fun sur et en dehors des terrains. 💙 ✨ Au programme : * Échauffement collectif * Exercices et jeux * Développement de la condition physique * Bonne humeur, esprit d’équipe et fair-play 🎯 Venez bouger, vous amuser et partager un bon moment ensemble ! 👉 Ramène ta tenue de sport, de l’eau, et surtout ta motivation. On s’occupe du reste 💪 À très vite sur le terrain !

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! Schedule: [Monday to Thursday](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! Horaire : [lundi à jeudi](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

**WHEN:** 6\. – 10\. April 2026 **FOR WHO:** for children between 5 and 16 years old! **LANGUAGE**: English / French / Spanish **CONTENT:** **DAILY PLANNING:** 8:45 – 9:00 Arrival 9:00 – 10:20 Drawing / Painting & Crafts Workshops & Activities 10:20 – 10:40 Morning break 10:40 – 12:00 Drawing / Painting & Crafts Workshops & Activities 12:00 – 13:00 Free play and extra child care (additional cost 5€) **FEE**: 175€ Non refundable **RESERVATION** fee: 30€ *(A non-refundable reservation fee of 30€ will be applied towards the participation fee.)* More info and registrations: https://www.culturalcreativecorner.com/workshops/#halloween

Do you want to become a confident public speaker? To connect and communicate better with others? And have fun? Come and join the Toastmasters of Brussels! You'll find a supportive learn-by-doing environment. It doesn't matter if you are an experienced speaker or if you are a beginner. We are there to support you, to make you feel good about yourself and to help you learn in a way that's fun. Every event we have lovely Table Topic sessions (impromptu speeches) and 3 to 4 prepared speeches. Through practice, peer evaluation and educational tools, we learn how to present our messages effectively, concisely and professionally. After the meeting, we usually sit together and socialise at the hotel bar.

Let's continue the tradition and play UNO, everybody is welcome :) If you're on the waitlist please check your messages, especially on Sunday. If people drop off last minute I tend to message people on the waitlist to see who can come. We'll be playing at the lobby of Radisson RED, Brussels. The address of the hotel is: Rue d'Idalie 35, 1050 Bruxelles My number is 0471 45 55 02. Feel free to call if you cannot solve a physics question, cannot find the place or simply need a hug. I have quickly written a set of rules on how we play. It is assumed that the reader has a basic concept of the game. *** Setup: * Each player starts with 6 or 7 cards each (depending on total number of players) * A card is shown in play in the middle of everyone, this is known as the top card. Goal: * The goal of the game for each player is to get rid of all cards in your hand Rules: * Whenever you go from two cards to one card, you have to say "UNO". * Each player takes his turn one by one, initially going in the clock-wise direction * A card may be played if it matches the same colour or same number or same type as the top card in play * The two black cards (Draw 4 and Wild) can be played regardless of the top card in play. * Interruption rule: You may interrupt the general flow of the game (clockwise or counter-clockwise) if you have the EXACT same card as the top card in play. If you manage to play the card prior to the person whose turn it's supposed to be, then the game continues on from you in the same direction it was previously. (Unless the reverse card was interrupted, then the direction changes). * Draw2 or Draw4 cards can be played in accordance to the interruption rule. The following person after the interrupt has to take the accumulated number of cards. If however, cards have already been drawn AND seen by the person who was supposed to take the cards, then only the remainder of cards has to be drawn. * Once someone has no cards remaining in his hand, play stops and we start counting points. Points: * Number cards have the face value as the number of points. i.e. number 6 is worth 6 points, number 0 is worth 0 points, number 4 is worth 4 points. * Skip, reverse and Draw2 are worth 20 points each * Wild and draw4 are worth 50 points each

**Soirée débat — Cuba : l’échec du communisme ? Aux radical-chic européens ne reste-t-il que la Corée du Nord ?** Cette semaine, notre discussion porte sur Cuba. Depuis la révolution de 1959, l’île est gouvernée par une dictature communiste. Pendant des décennies, Cuba a survécu grâce au soutien économique de puissances alliées, d’abord l’Union soviétique, puis le Venezuela, l'Iran, la Chine. Aujourd’hui, l’économie cubaine traverse une crise profonde : pénuries alimentaires, coupures d’électricité, inflation, migration massive et dépendance énergétique. La fin du soutien pétrolier vénézuélien ont accentué une situation déjà dramatique. Dans le débat public occidental, Cuba est souvent présentée à travers des récits simplifiés : – soit comme un symbole romantique de résistance révolutionnaire – soit comme un exemple caricatural d’échec politique Notre objectif n’est pas de répéter ces récits. Notre objectif est de comprendre. *** ### **Topics We Cover** Nous analyserons la situation cubaine à travers plusieurs angles : **1\. Le système politique cubain** Comment un régime communiste à parti unique a-t-il maintenu le pouvoir pendant plus de six décennies ? **2\. L’économie cubaine et ses limites** Pourquoi l’économie planifiée cubaine produit-elle pénuries chroniques, dépendance énergétique et faible croissance ? **3\. Les sanctions américaines** Quel est l’impact réel de l’embargo américain ? Affaiblit-il le régime ou renforce-t-il sa légitimité politique ? **4\. La fin du soutien vénézuélien** Quel rôle le pétrole subventionné du Venezuela a-t-il joué dans la survie du modèle cubain — et que se passe-t-il lorsque ce soutien disparaît ? **5\. L’avenir de Cuba** Transition politique, réforme économique progressive ou stagnation durable ? *** ### **What Makes This Different** – Nous privilégions les témoignages de personnes originaires ou connaissant directement la région – Nous examinons ce que les médias simplifient ou ignorent – Nous encourageons les désaccords argumentés et les perspectives contradictoires – Nous analysons les intérêts, les rapports de force et les réalités économiques — pas les slogans Ce n’est pas un espace de propagande. C’est un espace de réflexion. *** ### **Why This Forum Exists** À Bruxelles, plusieurs initiatives proposent des débats structurés. Trop souvent, cependant, un petit cercle détermine les propositions et limite la diversité réelle des conclusions possibles. Il existe aussi des espaces où la géopolitique se réduit à des slogans anti-américains ou à des indignations partisanes. Ce forum n’est ni l’un ni l’autre. Nous accueillons une véritable diversité d’opinions et d’expériences. Personne ici ne sera exclu pour avoir remis en question un récit dominant. Les idées se confrontent librement. Les attaques personnelles ne sont pas tolérées. *** ### **Motions & Proposals Welcome** Nous encourageons les participants à proposer des motions de débat. Une motion doit être formulée avec sérieux : – une thèse claire – un minimum de contexte historique ou juridique – une compréhension des enjeux géopolitiques Les propositions destinées à stimuler la réflexion sont bienvenues. Les slogans et provocations faciles ne le sont pas. *** ### **Languages** La langue dépendra des participants présents. Les débats se déroulent généralement en anglais et en français, mais nous pouvons accueillir d’autres langues lorsque cela est possible. Langues actuellement possibles : – English – Français – Nederlands – Español – Italiano – Русский – Farsi L’objectif est la compréhension, pas la pureté linguistique. *** ### **What We Ask of Participants** – Venez pour comprendre, pas pour “gagner” un débat – Soyez ouverts à des perspectives qui contredisent les vôtres – Parlez avec des faits, du contexte et de l’histoire – Si vous proposez un sujet, venez préparé – Critiquez les idées, jamais les personnes – Pas de censure des opinions – Pas d’attaques personnelles – Pas de diffamation Le désaccord est normal. La paresse intellectuelle ne l’est pas. *** ### **This is not a dating meetup** Tous les espaces sociaux ne sont pas destinés à flirter ou à chercher des opportunités romantiques. Si vous considérez ce forum comme un terrain de drague ou que vous faites des avances non désirées, vous n’avez pas compris le but de ce groupe. La conversation vient d’abord. Les idées viennent d’abord. Le respect vient d’abord. *** ### **Location & RSVP** L’événement aura lieu à Ixelles, dans un bar public. Pour préserver la qualité et la sécurité de la discussion, le lieu exact est communiqué uniquement aux participants confirmés via notre groupe WhatsApp. 👉 Pour RSVP et recevoir le lieu : https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN L’objectif n’est pas l’exclusivité. L’objectif est une discussion sérieuse entre personnes capables de réfléchir librement. The goal is not exclusivity, but accountability and quality of discussion. If this format doesn’t suit you, this event may not be the right fit.

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

**Let us simply meet and spend some relaxed time together**. This is a very simple gathering: We meet, have a drink, visit the garden, chat, and get to know each other with other members of the **Happy Body community**.

Would you like to improve your language skills and networking in a casual atmosphere? This event is for you! All languages welcome! Everyone is welcome! The aim is to speak with native/fluent speakers of your target language(s). You'll be around all types of people throughout the whole event. We will be in a private area. A great atmosphere is guaranteed! You'll have to order a drink to attend the event 😀 Don't hesitate to contact us for any further information

Let’s enjoy a beautiful nature escape just outside Brussels at the stunning **Château de La Hulpe** 🌳✨ This walk is the perfect mix of fresh air, relaxed social vibes, and scenic landscapes, ideal to meet new people and enjoy a peaceful Saturday together. --- **📍 Meeting Point** Parking area near La Hulpe Station (3 min walk from the station) 📌 Exact Google Maps pin will be shared in the WhatsApp group --- **⏰ Timing** Meeting time: **11:40** (Start adapted to the train arriving at 11:28 from Brussels) --- **🚆 Getting There (from Brussels)** Train from **Brussel-Luxembourg → La Hulpe** Arrival: **11:28** (Other options available — carpooling possible 🚗) --- **🥾 The Walk** A relaxed and scenic walk around the Château grounds and surrounding nature 🌿 Expect beautiful views, forest paths, and a nice social atmosphere. Distance: ~8–10 km Pace: Easy / relaxed Duration: ~2.5–3 hours (including small breaks) --- **👥 Community Vibe** This is a **social walk**, not a guided tour , we walk together, meet new people, and enjoy the moment 😊 Everyone is welcome, especially newcomers! --- **💸 Participation** 👉 To join, you need a **Sunday Vacations membership**: • Explorer: €5/year • Voyager: €50/year • Ambassador: €150/year 👉 **This event is free (no organizing fee)** Membership 👉 [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- **📲 WhatsApp Group** After joining, you’ll get access to the WhatsApp group for: • Live updates • Exact meeting point • Coordination on the day --- **⚠️ Important** • Bring comfortable walking shoes • Check the weather & dress accordingly • Join only if you’re sure you can come (we keep groups reliable 🙏) --- **🌍 About Sunday Vacations** We are a community connecting international people in Brussels through shared experiences, hikes, trips & social events. --- Looking forward to a beautiful spring walk together 🌸🌿

# Deep Thought series > with Andreea Petre-Goncalves **Ideas / Conversations \| Sat 11th Apr \| 3\-5 pm** Join us for a hopeful conversation with Andreea \* Stay tuned, more details coming soon \* In the Deep Thought series, Andreea offers opportunities to interrogate our ideas of what is normal and desirable in society. Together we walk towards the mindset shifts that are needed to protect our planet, make the world safe and ensure lives and dignity and meaning for all. Deep Thought is a space for courage and authenticity, with no stone left unturned. We build trust, encourage each other and take action together. What happens to trust in a transactional world? What does a selfish society do for our happiness? What does meaningful work mean in an era of precarity, automation and uncertainty? What is society for? Join us for our monthly conversations. **Open to everyone**

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**Connected Westerville Night of Networking** *April Edition: The Introduction Economy* You've been to the networking events. You've done the small talk. Collected the cards. Forgotten the names. And walked out feeling like you just wasted two hours of your life. The problem isn't you. It's the format. Most networking events put you in a room and tell you to figure it out. So everyone defaults to elevator pitches and business talk, and nothing real gets built. Here's the truth about networking that most people miss: Your network isn't just who you know. It's who thinks of you when they're talking to someone else. *That's* The Introduction Economy. And it only works when relationships are real. There's a reason people who come once keep coming back. It starts with seven minutes that feel nothing like networking. Then we open it up. Free networking. More conversations. More momentum. This is a room full of corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and career builders in the Westerville and Columbus area. The mix is the magic. You might never do business with everyone you meet tonight. But someone in this room will think of *you.* **By name**. So, the next time someone needs exactly what you do, you get the recommendation. **April 14th. RSVP now.** **When:** Tuesday\, April 14th \| 6:15 PM \-\- 8:00 PM **Where:** Vineyard Community Center \| 6000 Cooper Rd\, Westerville\, OH 43081

Join us again this Saturday for drinks and sweets at this delicious Vegan co-op bakery. Mingle with likeminded Columbus Vegans. We will aim to sit outside after purchasing items and hopefully taking in cooperative weather. Special note on parking: Please try to park along Acton, Richards and/or Chatham streets so as to free up the lot at the back of the building for pick-up orders. Thank you. 😊 Patty Cake offers everything from cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, whoopie pies, as well as gluten free goodies. They also have coffee, oat milk and cold brew

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

5th annual Earth Day Celebration! This year (2026) the Celebration is scheduled for April 25th with activities running from 10am-2pm. This is a non-ticketed event. Everyone is welcome! We will have food trucks, Birds of Prey, kids crafts, live music, raspberry plants, apple trees, and of course NATIVE PLANTS! Where: Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Rd, Pataskala Ohio 43062 Time: Activities will be from 10am- 2pm. The Market will remain open until 5pm.