Freedom of Information

**Event Summary** We are diving into how Everpure is redefining data - evolving beyond storage into a unified, intelligent platform. Expect real insights, practical demos, and a fresh take on how simple data management can be. **Talk 1: From Pure Storage to Everpure** **Speaker: [Paul Melmon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmelmon/) \- Prague Site Lead / VP\, Engineering** Paul will unpack why Pure Storage became Everpure, a shift that reflects our move from storage to full-scale data management. You will see what’s changing, what remains core to our DNA and how the 1touch acquisition expands our capabilities into data intelligence. Paul willl also spotlight our Prague R&D hub, where much of this innovation is being built. **Talk 2: The Intelligent Control Plane** **Speaker: [Adam Mazouz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammazouz/) \- Principal Product Manager** Managing data doesn’t have to be complex. This session shows how we bring everything into one intelligent control layer. With Fusion, Pure1, and Purity working together, you get unified visibility, AI-driven insights and automated workflows. Adam will walk through how this evolves from siloed management to a truly intelligent, self-optimizing system. **Talk 3: The Unified Data Plane** **Speaker: [Bogusia Frese](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogusia-frese-3780901b/) \- Consulting Field Solutions Architect** Say goodbye to silos - this is where block, file and object storage come together as one seamless data layer. Bogusia will show how a consistent platform spans on-prem, cloud and hybrid environments while supporting every workload from databases to AI. Built on Evergreen Architecture and designed for resilience, it keeps your data always available, protected, and ready to scale. **Time Agenda:** **17:30–18:00** – Doors open and registration with snacks and beer **18:00–18:20** – Talk 1 **18:25–18:45** – Talk 2 **18:50–19:10** – Talk 3 **19:10–20:00** – Networking time **20:30** – Doors close

An active guided dance journey for releasing restrictions around movement and deepening connection with yourself and others. This workshop is an invitation to move from intuition, breath, expression, and presence. Through dance, guided exploration, and consensual touch, participants are supported to soften control, free the body, and discover more authenticity in the way they move and relate. Part of the workshop includes clarifying personal and shared boundaries, and creating space for desires and intentions to be expressed with honesty and care. Participants are warmly welcome to attend with a partner, especially if they want to explore connection within an existing romantic bond, though the event is open to all genders and all levels of experience. Most of the workshop is body-oriented and shared through movement, breath, and different levels of consensual non-sexual touch. There will also be moments of group sharing. Who it’s for: Open to all genders, all levels of experience, couple-friendly, age 23+ Please bring comfortable clothes and a water bottle. There will be a shared altar in the centre of the room. If you feel called, you are welcome to bring a small offering or personal altar item in support of your process. Facilitated by Prabodh Prem, an experienced guide with over 16 years on a spiritual and healing path. His work draws from Rhythms of the Heart, Osho practices, Family Constellation, Holistic Counselling, and Shamanic Wisdom, with a focus on supporting people in becoming more deeply human and connected. 350 CZK, https://vev.co/atma-community-space-praha

Who can attend this meetup: The tour is an introduction to Prague and is mainly for expats and visitors to our city but everybody who would like to join is invited. ***Important***, please also fill in the booking form on our [website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) if you are planning to come (otherwise we will not expect you). Description: Meet us by the Powder Tower, the historical gate to the Old Town and starting point of the Royal Route. Then have an educative walk through the narrow and picturesque streets of the historical center of Prague. Enjoy the unique diversity of architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau. See some of the most interesting sites and get to know fascinating facts and legends of the 1000-year old capital of Bohemia. End the tour at the riverside 5 minutes away from the Charles Bridge, from which you can continue the tour on your own (or again with us) towards Malá Strana or Prague Castle. ====== Meeting point: We will be standing by the Powder Tower at the side of the Namestí Republiky square with a green umbrella in hand :) Map: https://goo.gl/maps/tzqKpZ2945S2 Price: there is no fixed price, you will be able to decide yourself how much you value the tour. If you don't know how much is best (and can afford it) we recommend 200Kč, but it really depends on you how much you contribute. Join us also on our [Facebook profile](https://www.facebook.com/freewalkingtoursprague/) :) and if you are travelling to other cities check out our friends at the [Free Tour Community website](https://freetourcommunity.com/). For any questions, please contact us at info@freewalkingtourprague.eu. Unfortunately, the meetup application does not always send us phone notifications. Reminder - only people who booked on our [official free walking tour website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) can join the tour and if the tour shows fully booked on the website it means there are no free spots. The meetup list doesn't count in this case. We look forward to meeting you, Michal, Amanda, Lana, Iva & Chris

Čekání je u konce - jedeme dál! Po povedeném návratu se Research Tuesday vrací podruhé. Navazujeme přesně tam, kde jsme minule skončili: u sdílení zkušeností, otevřených diskusí a upřímného pohledu na naši práci bez příkras. **💡 Atmosféra: Bez kamer, jen diskuse** Jestli jsi tu poprvé, připomínáme naši „tajnou ingredienci“: meetupy nenahráváme ani nestreamujeme. Dává nám to svobodu mluvit otevřeně o tom, co fungovalo – i co ne. **🗺️ Téma měsíce: Když UX opustí obrazovku** Co když zákaznická cesta nezačíná ani nekončí v jednom rozhraní, ale vede přes digitální touchpointy do fyzického prostředí, a pak zase zpátky? Co když uživatel neřeší aplikaci, ale snaží se ve stresu a pod časovým tlakem najít správné dveře v nemocnici? **Michaela Holubec Birtusová** UX výzkumnice, facilitátorka a service designérka, která se pohybuje na pomezí digitálních a fyzických služeb. Dlouhodobě působí v organizaci Czechdesign, kde se věnuje především projektům ve veřejném sektoru, od municipalit po zdravotnictví. Kromě toho pracuje na volné noze pro další klienty, kterým pomáhá s výzkumem, facilitací a nastavováním služeb tak, aby odpovídaly reálným potřebám lidí. V posledních letech se intenzivně zaměřuje na výzkum orientace (wayfindingu) ve zdravotnických zařízeních. V rámci výzkumného projektu podpořeného TAČR se podílí na výzkumu, který kombinuje kvalitativní metody, testování v terénu, eye-tracking i VR, s cílem navrhovat navigační systémy, které skutečně fungují. Michaela nasdílí své zkušenosti z výzkumu orientace (wayfindingu) ve zdravotnických zařízeních. Otevře témata, která se v digitálu často neřeší – práci s fragmentovanou pozorností, kontextem, stresem nebo chybou. Probereme i to, jak důležitá je v tomto kontextu přístupnost a jak ji do výzkumu zahrnout co nejvíce. Michaela ukáže case study jako otevřený vhled do procesu: co fungovalo, kde si tým nebyl jistý a kde narážel. **Nové místo & káva:** Tentokrát se potkáme v útulném prostředí **kavárny Ruelto na Andělu**. Abychom podpořili majitele, kteří nám vyšli vstříc, nebudeme tentokrát zajišťovat externí catering. Na místě si ale můžete koupit jejich skvělou výběrovou kávu a lahodné koláčky. **🕒 Agenda:** * **09:00 AM** – Otevření dveří & ranní networking * **9:30 AM** – Úvodní blok: Když UX opustí obrazovku: Jak zkoumat orientaci ve fyzickém světě * **10:30 AM** – Otevřená diskuze * **11:30 PM** – Závěr & networking * **🧸 Hlídání dětí na vyžádání:** Research Tuesday stavíme na tom, že profesní rozvoj má být přístupný všem. Chceme podpořit i rodiče malých dětí, aby mohli zůstat v kontaktu s oborem a potkávat se bez zbytečných překážek. **Máte zájem o hlídání?** Rádi ho na místě zajistíme, ale potřebujeme vědět, jestli o něj bude zájem. Dejte nám vědět v komentářích nejpozději do pondělí do 8:00, jestli službu využijete a pro kolik dětí. Podle toho rozhodneme, jestli ji zajistíme. **🎟️ Důležité informace:** **Vstupenky:** Vstupné na Research Tuesday je dobrovolné. Kapacita je omezena na **35 míst**, abychom udrželi osobní a otevřenou atmosféru. **Rezervace:** Zarezervuj si místo včas. Pokud se ti plány změní, prosíme, uvolni místo ostatním. **Těšíme se na známé tváře i nové účastníky!** Ivana, Lucie, Martin

Join us with Pohoda at their benefit concert to help set up and clean up, whilst enjoying a cold beer and great music! Pohoda is a charity that supports quality of life for mental disabilities in adults, including providing health and social services. Their benefit concerts engage their community and provide fundraising for their mission. If you have any questions, contact Julia +420 737 890 656

We will discuss our reactions and interpretations of Flannery O'Connor's story about the post-segregationist South, readable online [here](https://jerrywbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Everything-that-rises-must-converge-OConner-Flannery.pdf). This is an unofficial continuation of our discussion of O'Connor's story we read last time, but if you weren't there you're still welcome to attend this one as there will be plenty to discuss regardless. I look forward to speaking about it with you!

**Python is often celebrated as the universal glue that can do anything, but what happens when your project scales, a trace breaks, or a lack of architecture becomes your biggest bottleneck?** Join us on **Tuesday, April 21,** for an evening focused on the realities of operating Python at scale. We're bringing together developers and engineering leads from Applifting, ROUVY, and DX Heroes to share hard-won lessons on everything from clean architecture to distributed systems Let's meet in the **Applifting meetup space**, both in person and online. **We’ll start at 18:00.** 👉 [Register here](https://applifting.io/events/python-crew-talk-it-scales-until-it-doesnt) 👈 **if you want to attend in person. Spaces are limited and our event planner Anetka would be sad if we had to turn you away at the door!** **Who’s speaking?** We will kick off with two lightning talks. First, **[Ondřej Doskočil](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ondrejdoskocil/)**, Python tech lead at Applifting, will challenge the mindset that clean architecture is "too Java" for Python and show how AI tools can help you adopt proper structure as your projects scale. **[Stanislav Gurník](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleygurnik/)**, backend chapter lead at ROUVY, will follow up with hard-won lessons from the trenches of distributed systems, exploring what it takes to move event-driven Python services from "it works" to "it scales". Then, they will be joined for the panel discussion by **[Jiří Maňák](https://www.linkedin.com/in/manakjiri/)**, software engineering team lead at DX Heroes, and **Martin Jiřík**, senior DevOps engineer at ROUVY. **We look forward to meeting you!** **Schedule:** **17:30 – Doors open** * Get your ticket ready, say hello to others, and have a drink with us. 🥂 **18:00 – Introduction by Filip Kirschner** * Our co-founder Filip will give you a short welcome and introduce our speakers. **18:15 – Architecture in Python: Breaking the 'too Java' taboo with Ondřej Doskočil** * *Why a lack of structure becomes the real problem as projects scale, and how to successfully adopt clean architecture in Python.* **18:35 – Lessons learned from operating Python services in event-driven architecture with Stanislav Gurník** * *Distilling hard-won lessons on the architectural pivots that move event-driven Python services from "it works" to "it scales."* **18:50 – Short break** * *Time to stretch, refill drinks, and chat a bit.* **19:00 – Panel discussion with Ondřej Doskočil, Stanislav Gurník, Jiří Maňák, and Martin Jiřík** * *An open discussion on scaling Python and adopting clean architecture, exploring the realities of distributed systems, operations, and team collaboration.* **20:00** — **Q&A session** * *Your turn. We’re open to any questions or comments you have.* **20:30 – Networking, food & drinks 🍻** * Snacks and drinks, including draft beer, will be available for you all evening. Get ready to network with Applifters! **22:00 – Time to say goodbye!** * Some of us may move on to a pub, but the doors of Applifting are closing, and we'll look forward to seeing you next time! For capacity reasons, **please let us know if you will** [attend in person](https://applifting.io/events/python-crew-talk-it-scales-until-it-doesnt) or participate online. The presentations will be streamed, but we would love to see you there. We look forward to meeting you!

In this session we will discuss the latest novel The Secret of Secrets by American author Dan Brown, a mystery thriller set in Prague. The book was released in September 2025, and follows the adventures of Robert Langdon. We will have a short introduction followed by a simple exercise and sharing of opinions. Before the session, please prepare answers to two tasks: - Please prepare one fact about the book/writing of the book or the author that surprised you. - Please bring one confusing moment from the book that you didn’t understand, or would like to clarify with others.

Who can attend this meetup: The tour is an introduction to Prague and is mainly for expats and visitors to our city but everybody who would like to join is invited. ***Important***, please also fill in the booking form on our [website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) if you are planning to come (otherwise we will not expect you). Description: Meet us by the Powder Tower, the historical gate to the Old Town and starting point of the Royal Route. Then have an educative walk through the narrow and picturesque streets of the historical center of Prague. Enjoy the unique diversity of architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau. See some of the most interesting sites and get to know fascinating facts and legends of the 1000-year old capital of Bohemia. End the tour at the riverside 5 minutes away from the Charles Bridge, from which you can continue the tour on your own (or again with us) towards Malá Strana or Prague Castle. ====== Meeting point: We will be standing by the Powder Tower at the side of the Namestí Republiky square with a green umbrella in hand :) Map: https://goo.gl/maps/tzqKpZ2945S2 Price: there is no fixed price, you will be able to decide yourself how much you value the tour. If you don't know how much is best (and can afford it) we recommend 200Kč, but it really depends on you how much you contribute. Join us also on our [Facebook profile](https://www.facebook.com/freewalkingtoursprague/) :) and if you are travelling to other cities check out our friends at the [Free Tour Community website](https://freetourcommunity.com/). For any questions, please contact us at info@freewalkingtourprague.eu. Unfortunately, the meetup application does not always send us phone notifications. Reminder - only people who booked on our [official free walking tour website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) can join the tour and if the tour shows fully booked on the website it means there are no free spots. The meetup list doesn't count in this case. We look forward to meeting you, Michal, Amanda, Lana, Iva & Chris

Sahaja meditation is spontaneous process based on inner energy which helps to look after physical, mental and emotional being. After self realisation , one can go into meditation effortlessly and attain peace, balance and joy. Program is available for every age group and no physical exercise. The program does help to calm yourself down after day stress and live a peaceful evening. What can you expect from the class: 1) A bit of theory about our suble system, chakras, chanels, meditation erltc. 2) Self realisation - a meditation during which Kundalini energy is awakened 3) Sharing expierence, explaining our perfeptions 4) Guided meditation 5) Q&A 6) Mental peace :) No registration is required. All Walk-IN are welcome and all classes are free of charge.

**Join us in Prague for a Snowflake User Group evening hosted by Everpure (formely Pure Storage).** This edition will bring together Snowflake product updates and practical lessons from teams using the platform in production. We’ll begin with a look at recent developments across the Snowflake ecosystem, including selected new features and broader trends shaping the data platform space. The evening will also include a customer session from Everpure's Metrics team, focused on large-scale data pipelines in Snowflake, including Snowpipe Streaming and experience from high-volume production environments. We’ll round things off with an informal fireside chat with a guest from Snowflake, followed by networking, community discussion, and the traditional Snowflake quiz. **EVENT DETAILS** * **What’s New in Snowflake** Kick off the evening with an overview of the latest developments in the Snowflake ecosystem. We’ll cover new features, emerging trends in the data platform space, and a few practical insights from real-world projects. * **Customer Story: Data Pipelines at Scale** Our host company Everpure's Metrics team will share how they use Snowflake in their data pipelines. The session will focus on large-scale ingestion using Snowpipe Streaming, handling around 10 TB of data per day, and lessons learned from operating high-volume pipelines in production. * **Fireside Chat with Snowflake** An informal conversation with a guest directly from Snowflake. We’ll discuss recent platform developments, what’s coming next, and interesting topics shaping the future of data platforms. The chat will be hosted and moderated live. * **The Snowflake Quiz** As always, we’ll close with the Snowflake quiz, a few goodies up for grabs, and time to connect with fellow data professionals over drinks. **RSVP** here [See Snowflake in Action: Prague User Group](https://usergroups.snowflake.com/events/details/snowflake-prague-presents-snowflake-in-action-prague-user-group-hosted-by-pure-storage-1/).

Před několika měsíci vyústila vyostřená debata o filtrech a Core vs Knots v kontroverzní návrh BIP-110, původně známý jako “BIP-444”, neboli Reduce Data Temporary Soft Fork, který má za cíl dočasně omezit časté způsoby vkládání netransakčních dat na bitcoin. Je tento návrh efektivní? Jaké kroky navrhuje? Co se musí stát pro jeho aktivaci a jaká je situace dnes? Lukáš, náš expert na Rust a bitcoin, vám podrobně přiblíží tento problém z každého hlediska. **🦀 PREZENTACE** Tato přednáška představuje BIP-110 v kontextu debaty Knots VS Core, tedy o spam filterech. BIP-110 se snaží se vypořádat se s domnělým i reálným spamem změnou pravidel Bitcoin konsensu, tím že zakáže použití určitých op-kódů a omezí maximální velikosti dat u jiných opcodes. Na BIP-110 se podíváme 1. Z pohledu technického: Co přesně se snaží změnit a proč, kterým metodám se snaží zamezit, a zda zabraňuje některým legitimním použitím bitcoinu 2. Z pohledu časové osy a komunity: Kdy a kým byl BIP-110 vytvořen, kdy se aktivuje a jaké podmínky pro aktivaci musí splnit, jak fungují User-Activated Soft Forky, co se může stát, pokud k jeho aktivaci dojde, a co se může stát, pokud ne 3. Z pohledu efektivity: Jak zapadá do existujících způsobů vkládání netransakčních dat na blockchain, kterým způsobům nezamezuje, a jak se to projeví na ceně vkládání dat **🦀 NETWORKING** Po přibližně 60minutové prezentaci a Q&A zůstáváme na networking u piva. Zůstáváme do 22:00. * Registrace je zdarma. * Bude pití i něco k jídlu. * Odměny za nejlepší otázky. * Knihy od Braiins zdarma. **🦀 PŘEDNÁŠEJÍCÍ** Lukáš Hozda je expert na Rust, autor knihy Building Bitcoin in Rust a lektor kurzů Rust a Advanced Rust na Univerzitě Karlově. Přes den pracuje v pražské bitcoinové softwarové společnosti Braiins, kde jeho oficiální pracovní titul zní Braiins Superman. * Stáhněte si jeho eBook Building Bitcoin in Rust zdarma. * Sledujte Lukáše na X: https://x.com/LukasHozda Pokud vás zajímá seriózní Rust engineering, přidejte se k nám. 🔗 https://braiins.com *** **ENGLISH** 🇺🇸 **Analysis of BIP-110: Timeline, Details and Impacts. Can it work?** A few months ago, a heated debate about filters and Core vs Knots culminated in the controversial proposal BIP-110, originally known as 'BIP-444', or Reduce Data Temporary Soft Fork, which aims to temporarily restrict common methods of inserting non-transactional data onto Bitcoin. Is this proposal effective? What steps does it propose? What needs to happen for it to be activated, and what is the situation today? **🦀 THE PRESENTATION** This lecture presents BIP-110 in the context of the Knots vs Core debate, specifically about spam filters. BIP-110 attempts to deal with both alleged and real spam by changing Bitcoin consensus rules, by banning the use of certain op-codes and restricting the maximum data sizes of other opcodes. We will look at BIP-110 from: 1. A technical perspective: What exactly it tries to change and why, which methods it tries to prevent, and whether it blocks some legitimate uses of Bitcoin 2. A timeline and community perspective: When and by whom BIP-110 was created, when it activates and what conditions it must meet for activation, how User-Activated Soft Forks work, what may happen if it is activated, and what may happen if it is not 3. An effectiveness perspective: How it fits into existing methods of inserting non-transactional data onto the blockchain, which methods it does not prevent, and how this will be reflected in the cost of inserting data **🦀 THE NETWORKING** After about a 60min presentation and Q&A we will stay to network over a beer, we stay until 22:00. * Register here for free entry. * Drinks and snacks provided. * Giveaways for the best Q&A questions. * Braiins Bitcoin books for free. **🦀 THE SPEAKER** Lukáš Hozda is a Rust expert, author of the book Building Bitcoin in Rust, and a lecturer of Rust and Advanced Rust at Charles University. By day, he works at the Prague-based Bitcoin software company Braiins, where his official job title is Braiins Superman. * Download his free eBook [Building Bitcoin in Rust](https://braiins.com/books/building-bitcoin-in-rust) * Follow Lukáš on X: [https://x.com/LukasHozda](https://x.com/LukasHozda) If you are interested in serious Rust engineering, join us. 🔗 [https://braiins.com](https://braiins.com/)

**Talk 1 – ArgoTs: TypeScript-Powered GitOps with ArgoCD** By: Jiří Soukal - Senior Cloud Engineer, from PriceFX Kubernetes is the de facto standard for cloud-native infrastructure, but managing it often means drowning in YAML. Tools like Kustomize, Helm, and ArgoCD overlays ease the pain, yet feel like patchwork rather than a fix. TypeScript-native solutions such as Pulumi or Terraform exist, but they rely on external state to diff and apply changes—adding complexity for GitOps teams. This talk introduces a new approach: using TypeScript as the source of truth for Kubernetes infrastructure without external state. By extending ArgoCD to understand TypeScript, we can dynamically generate all resources, from workloads to ArgoCD Applications and even cloud provider resources via ConfigConnector or Crossplane. **Talk 2 –** **Securing AI Deployments: From Prompts to AIBOM** By: Marek Sottl, CEO of Hackihub Are you interested in the security of AI application deployments? This packed session will focus on protecting language models and the obstacles that can arise during their deployment from a security perspective. We will explore deployment strategies in AWS and Azure environments, input validation using NLP, prompt tracing, and above all, we will emphasize the importance of AIBOM and MLBOM. **Talk 3 - GitOps, IaTS, OpenRouter and OpenClaw come to a bar** By Martin Pohl GitOps, IaTS, OpenRouter and OpenClaw come to a bar. The bartender says, “Great… who actually has production access?” GitOps says, “Not me, I only sync what’s in git.” IaTS says, “I just generate the infrastructure.” OpenRouter says, “I only route the requests.” OpenClaw says, “Relax, I already decided for everyone.” The bartender slowly reaches for the incident button: “So… which one of you started the outage?” All four reply: “According to the logs, it was a collaborative effort.” Today’s infrastructure tooling is incredibly powerful platforms like ArgoCD, TypeScript-based GitOps, and modern cloud-native stacks allow us to build and manage systems with unprecedented flexibility. But at the same time, we are introducing entirely new layers of complexity and attack surface. This talk explores the intersection of GitOps, TypeScript-driven infrastructure, and emerging AI tooling such as OpenRouter and autonomous agent-style setups like OpenClaw. As infrastructure evolves from static, declarative definitions into dynamic, runtime-generated systems, we are no longer just managing code we are operating systems that can interpret inputs, generate logic, and in some cases act autonomously. With this shift comes a new set of security challenges: prompt injection, tool misuse, model supply chain risks, and limited observability into AI-driven decision-making. The session connects these emerging risks with concepts like AIBOM and modern AI deployment security practices. Ultimately, this talk asks a critical question: are we building the future of platform engineering or creating systems we no longer fully control? **More about Talk 1:** Combining GitOps with the expressiveness of TypeScript creates infrastructure that is both declarative and dynamic, reducing toil while enabling richer abstractions, safer collaboration, and more maintainable platform engineering practices across the CNCF ekosystem. Benefits to the ecosystem \- Clarity & Maintainability: Reduces YAML complexity and templating hacks by introducing a strongly typed\, programmatic way to define infrastructure\. \- GitOps Alignment: Preserves ArgoCD’s declarative\, state\-free model while unlocking the flexibility of TypeScript\. \- Scalability: Makes it easier to manage multi\-cluster and multi\-environment setups with reusable\, composable infrastructure definitions\. \- Innovation in Platform Engineering: Demonstrates how the Kubernetes ecosystem can evolve beyond YAML\-first thinking\, inspiring new tools and workflows that balance developer experience with operational reliability\. \- Community Value: Provides a concrete path for teams frustrated with YAML sprawl to adopt a more maintainable\, type\-safe\, and future\-proof approach—without abandoning the CNCF ecosystem’s GitOps best practices\.

## **What IdeaVerse is about** **We meet usually once a month to discuss some of the current challenges as well and perhaps come up with new ideas on how to overcome them. For those who came regularly, this next meetup would be slightly different. We will do a workshop on solving real world problems.** The problem we will attempt to solve is the dissolution of communities and spaces where people connect in person, and with it, our increased isolation and loneliness. There are many reasons why this is happening: \- replacement of religion with science as a beacon of meaning\, which seems to be much less great at inspiring connection; \- economic forces boosting our ego\, and make it easier to pay for random strangers for help then making lasting connections with people\. \- political polarization \- \(anti\)social media \(as I call it\) and now AI offering simulations of relationships\. \- climate change increasing our distrust in a better future and the importance of investing in life and people\. \- closing down of third spaces like churches\, malls and retail stores \(due to online shopping\)\, youth centers and increase in remote work\. These are all causes we'll explore, together with examples of how other people expressed they feel about this issue from research, reasons why this issue exists as well as examples of small victories against this tide. We'll work in small groups putting all this knowledge together with out imagination and attempt to find local solutions to similar problems here in Prague. This is is more than a discussion. It's an exploration of our ability to work together to effect change in ourselves and in our social circles. **Some suggested reading/watching:** 1. "Contrary to the perception that isolation and loneliness primarily affect older people in high-income countries, they impact the health and well-being of all age groups across the world. One in four older people experience social isolation and the rates are broadly similar in all regions. Among adolescents, between 5­­–15% experience loneliness, according to research findings." (3 minute read - [WHO launches commission to foster social connection](https://www.who.int/news/item/15-11-2023-who-launches-commission-to-foster-social-connection)) 2. "Many popular sitcoms center around what's known as a third place-- for example, Central Park in Friends or the Bull and Finch Pub from Cheers. Like the theme song goes, it's somewhere where everybody knows your name, where you can socialize in a place other than your home or work and build some community. But with the whole world accessible on your smartphone, it's kind of hard to resist the call of the couch. And it's hurting us more than we think." (10 minute Podcast [Third places’ may be the answer to America’s loneliness epidemic](https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/05/23/third-places-may-be-the-answer-to-americas-loneliness-epidemic)) 3. “These verdicts mark an unsurprising breaking point. Negative sentiment toward social media has been building for years, and now it’s finally boiled over,” said Mike Proulx, a director at Forrester, a market research company. (4 minute read - [How the landmark verdict against Meta and YouTube could hit their businesses](https://www.aol.com/finance/landmark-verdict-against-meta-youtube-100000070.html)) **The meeting is free to attend, but please buy a drink or two at our patron's place, to make them happy.**

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** 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 And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** 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. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

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.

**✨ Online Speed Dating – Real Fort Wayne Locals, Live on Zoom** We pair you by personality and age so every conversation feels natural. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Fort Wayne local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **Register under your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- 🎯 **Especially useful for:** - 🎉 People re-entering the dating scene after a break - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations 🗂 **Quick details** - **Format:** Live on Zoom – guided rounds from your home - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Register** – Select your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to pair you with compatible Fort Wayne singles. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 💡 **Tip:** Prepare a couple of questions — it keeps the conversation moving. --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. ❤️‍🔥 ✨ Compressed version with the essentials only. Fast to read, easy to act on.

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.