Social Movements

On Wednesday 8th of April, public rallies and other events are taking place around the world in support of greater funding for research into longer healthy lifespans. [The Fund Longevity website](https://fundlongevity.org/en/why/) makes the case as follows: ***Aging Is a Problem***: Aging kills around 110,000 people every day. It is the primary risk factor behind nearly all major non-infectious diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia. Beyond statistics, aging causes decades of frailty, pain, and loss of independence. It is the greatest source of human suffering that is being accepted as "normal". ***This Is Personal***: Everyone you love will age, suffer, and die because of it. So will you. If we had the ability to prevent this, choosing not to would be deeply unethical. If we can stop aging, we should. ***Stopping Aging Is Possible***: Aging is not a mystery or a force of nature. It is a biological process — and biological processes can be studied, modified, and treated. Over the past decades, scientists have identified many of the core mechanisms that drive aging at the cellular and molecular level. While our understanding is incomplete, it is already sufficient to begin developing real therapies. ***What Do We Mean by "Stopping Aging"?*** We mean treating aging as a medical condition. The goal is to restore and maintain youthful biological function — roughly equivalent to being in your twenties — for as long as you choose. This would prevent or reverse age-related diseases instead of treating them one by one. ***Is This Really Realistic?*** Yes. Thousands of scientists have publicly stated that aging is a solvable problem in the [Dublin Longevity Declaration](https://dublinlongevitydeclaration.org/). Research already shows that aging can be slowed, paused, or reversed in laboratory organisms. Some animals exhibit negligible aging or extreme longevity. Nature has already demonstrated that aging is avoidable — humans simply haven't applied these solutions to ourselves yet. ***Is It Difficult?*** Extremely. Reversing aging in humans will likely be more difficult than landing on the Moon. It will require entirely new biotechnologies and breakthroughs that don't exist yet. We will need to remove senescent cells, repair or replace damaged tissues, and solve many other problems we don't fully understand. This is one of the most difficult challenges humanity has ever faced, but just because it is difficult does not mean it is impossible. Many scientists agree that there are no fundamental laws of physics that prohibits stopping aging. Nature has done it in several animals already, like the hydra. ***What's Missing?*** Scale. Today, fewer than a thousand people worldwide are seriously working on solving aging — researchers, biotech founders, and advocates combined. That number needs to grow by at least 1000×. There is no major government agency dedicated to ending aging. Funding is fragmented. Regulation is outdated. Public urgency is nearly nonexistent. This will not change on its own. ***Why We Act***: Aging is the largest cause of death and suffering on Earth. Solving it requires a society-wide effort — scientific, political, and cultural. That's why we organize. That's why we demonstrate. That's why we demand action. Join us — and help make aging optional for humans and animals.\* == London Futurists gathering on 8th April == The arguments for greater funding for longevity science are strong - but at least a dozen arguments are often raised in opposition to such funding. In our gathering in *Ye Olde Cock Tavern* in Fleet Street, we'll take the opportunity to review these arguments - debating their merits, taking them apart brick by brick, and exploring what really lies behind these arguments. *Anyone who wishes to make a short presentation on this topic during this gathering should contact the organisers in advance.* == Schedule == 5:30pm: The room is available, for early get-togethers 6pm-6:45pm: Food is served; informal conversations 6:45pm-8:30pm: A number of interactive conversations, interspersed with opportunities to visit the bar 8:30pm: Informal networking == RSVP please == Registrations are capped at 45 people. *First-time attendees are welcome.* There's no charge to register or attend, but the pub will expect everyone to order at least one drink, and a reasonable number of attendees to [order some food to eat](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern/menu?type=main+menu). Please order your food on your arrival, so that all plates can be set aside by 6:45pm to allow everyone to concentrate on the main discussion! == More about the venue == Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, Holborn, London, EC4Y 1AA See [https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/ye-olde-cock-tavern) We'll be meeting in the room at the top of the stairs, though drinks should be ordered from the bar on the ground floor. \*\* Note that this is an in-person meeting, and there will be no remote access, sorry \*\*

**Welcome to UK Mafia!** We meet regularly at **The Hydrant (Monument)** on the **Second Floor** (see large function room). It is near **London Bridge**. 1 Monument St, London EC3R 8BG **Do I need to know anything beforehand?** This is a **beginner-friendly** event, and most of you will be playing with us for the first time. You will get to play many games. Most importantly, this is a social activity, so feel free to talk to anyone between the games and have fun! **♂️ What is Mafia?** Have you seen 'The Traitors'? Play the game that 'Traitors' is based upon! Mafia is a 10-player social game; it can get competitive, but it's easy to learn. We play at multiple tables. You get a secret role and work with your team to win. A game lasts about 45 minutes, so we play many during the day. The **Mafia team** tries to hide and eliminate the **Citizens**, while the **Citizens** try to find the Mafia through deduction and logic. While this is a **beginner-only** event, we also host tournaments and online events with more experienced players from around the world. Ask us about our online games and trips abroad!✈️ *** **[How to Play?](https://bit.ly/HowToPlayMafia)** We will teach you how to play when you arrive. You will quickly see that the game has two phases: **Night:** * The Mafia secretly targets a Citizen * The *Don* (Mafia) learns if a player is the *Sheriff* * The *Sheriff* (Citizen) learns if someone is Mafia ☀️ **Day:** * Each player says in their turn who they think the Mafia are * Then, everyone votes publicly to eliminate one player The game continues until the Mafia are eliminated or they outnumber (or equal) the Citizens. We will explain all the rules at the venue, and you’ll pick it up. Want to learn more about the game? See our wide range of resources, including brochures and videos: **[https://bit.ly/EMF-TIPS](https://bit.ly/EMF-TIPS)** *** \*\* Why Mafia?\*\* Mafia is a global game played by over 15,000 people in 50+ countries, with clubs, tournaments, websites, and federations, like the [English Mafia Federation](https://bit.ly/EML2025) and the [Mafia World Cup](https://www.youtube.com/@MafiaWorldCup/streams). --- **❓Questions -** Message any admin, anytime! --- \- Mafia Tips\, Rules\, Videos\, Resources: **[https://bit.ly/EMF-TIPS](https://bit.ly/EMF-TIPS)** \- Watch games and lessons here: **[https://www.youtube.com/@MafiaWorldCup/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@MafiaWorldCup/streams)** **Contact UK Mafia Club** \- UK Mafia Club Instagram **[https://www.instagram.com/uk_mafia_club/](https://www.instagram.com/uk_mafia_club/)** \- UK Mafia Club YouTube **[www.youtube.com/@UKMafiaClub](http://www.youtube.com/@UKMafiaClub)** \- UK Mafia Club Telegram Channel **[https://t.me/UK_MAFIA_CLUB](https://t.me/UK_MAFIA_CLUB)** \- UK Mafia Club Telegram Chat **[https://t.me/UK_MAFIA_CLUB_CHAT](https://t.me/UK_MAFIA_CLUB_CHAT)** \- UK Mafia Club Discord **[https://discord.gg/fQM7duV96D](https://discord.gg/fQM7duV96D)** \- UK Mafia Club Email **[ukmafiaclub@gmail.com](http://ukmafiaclub@gmail.com/)** \- UK Mafia Club Mafgame profile **[https://mafgame.org/clubs/79/view](https://mafgame.org/clubs/79/view)** **Contact the Mafia World Cup:** \- Mafia World Cup Instagram **[https://www.instagram.com/mafiaworldcup/](https://www.instagram.com/mafiaworldcup/)** \- Mafia World Cup Facebook **[https://www.facebook.com/mafworldcup/](https://www.facebook.com/mafworldcup/)** \- Mafia World Cup Telegram **[https://t.me/Mafia_World_Cup](https://t.me/Mafia_World_Cup)**

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections –** **Business Networking: Health Care, Wellness Industry** Join us for an extraordinary networking experience designed exclusively for passionate professionals in the **health care and wellness industry** ecosystem! This dynamic event is your gateway to connecting, collaborating, and catalysing transformative opportunities across cutting-edge industries. Socialite Connections connects the dots between industry experts, entrepreneurs, and organizations, fostering meaningful connections, collaborations, and insights that drive progress and improvement in the healthcare and wellness sector. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/rsrpr7qf/business-networking-health-care-wellness-industry-at-the-anthologist **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. We have hired the private room downstairs. **The Anthologist -** Located in the heart of the City, on Gresham Street by Bank station, The Anthologist is a gorgeous bar & restaurant with a cosy outside seating area. We are ready to welcome you with delicious travel inspired dishes, gorgeous spritzes & bubbly. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 21:00 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30pm \- 21:00 \| Network & chill: I**t will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Expand your network within the **health and wellness industry**. Gain insights, discover new opportunities, and connect with like-minded professionals. Foster meaningful relationships and drive personal and professional growth while making meaningful professional connections. Potential Partnership Opportunities, gain insights into Emerging Industry Trends. **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend?** This event brings together experts and enthusiasts from the healthcare, wellness industry to share knowledge, ideas, and opportunities in a supportive environment. **Health Care Professionals, Wellness Experts, Entrepreneurs & Investors, Health & Wellness Entrepreneurs, Wellness Technology Experts, Healthcare Practitioners, Nutrition Specialists, Wellness Coaches, Startups & Founders, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/rsrpr7qf/business-networking-health-care-wellness-industry-at-the-anthologist You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event..**

A friendly space to chat with other older LGBT+ people over a cup of tea or coffee (with biscuits!) This event happens on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month

Following Plant-Based Schools' fantastic [Easter egg hunt and picnic](https://www.meetup.com/lhcveg/photos/35902051), we're continuing the holiday fun with FREE board games and kid's treat (croissant or pain au chocolate; when adult buys a [main](https://www.soulbowl.cafe/menu/#cat_39)) at vegan **[Soul Bowl](https://www.happycow.net/reviews/soul-bowl-bistro-london-487469)** in Leyton ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7259623473078538957)). Please join us any time from 12:30pm, fancy dress is optional!

**Hello gang, I am sat right at the back of the cafe, Centre table with sofa.** This is a smallish-group, quiet-ish meetup for ADHD brains who want to connect with their tribe without their nervous system going, 'Aiiight, I'm outta here!' Everyone welcome. You don't need a diagnosis, you don't even need ADHD. We’re meeting at **Picturehouse Central - upstairs cafe** (Piccadilly) because it’s one of those places where you can actually hear yourself think. Mostly. This is more of a tea/coffee and cake kinda venue. Sorry, booze hounds! **The environment is**: relaxed, validating, welcoming It won't be like whispering to each other at the back of the class, more less sensory Armageddon. **What to expect** A small group (human-scale, not “who are all these people” scale). A quiet-ish venue where you don’t have to shout your personality into existence. Conversation that can be normal (well, probably far from normal 😅. There is no need to worry about trying to fit in, no need to mask. A soft landing. Come late, ease in, do a gentle hello, no one’s timing you. Low-pressure hanging out. If you want to chat, great. If you want to sit and decompress near other people, also great. **The unofficial theme** How to be social without being assaulted by: fluorescent lighting overlapping conversations surprise music that one table doing a full volume podcast recording next to you. **Important Note:** If you cannot make it, please put 'Can't go'. This ensures there's space for others who want to attend 🙂 ‐------------------------------------------------------ Boundaries (quick, clear, important) Yay!-DHD is a consent-led space. Some people are chatty, some are quiet, some are pacing themselves. Please don’t push for personal details, contact info, or continued connection if someone isn’t offering it. This isn’t a dating event. ‐------------------------------------------------------- For you robots out there: ADHD | Low sensory meetup | Inclusive | AUDHD |

Hi everyone, Looking forward to the Bank Holiday? So are we! What better way to return to the workweek than a cheeky after-work networking event! This event will be relaxed and informal, with the chance to meet and connect with other Women in Product London members. Please join us on **Wednesday 8th April** for a quick drink and a chat at [The Jack Horner Pub ](https://www.jackhornerpub.co.uk/)on Tottenham Court Road (nearest station) from 6:00pm until around 8:00pm. Spaces are limited so please make sure you book now. As this event is not sponsored, any food or drinks you order will need to be paid for at the bar. See you soon The WIP London team x

All are welcome on this walk which is presented by Central London Humanists. Humanists believe we have just one life to be lived rationally and well with compassion for others. This event is a guided walk of +/-2 hours pointing out places of interest. We will be walking 3 Km / 1.8 miles. Maida Vale’s name is derived from Italy. However we will come across buildings relating to Wales, Indonesia, Spain and Portugal. Whilst Maida Vale is often overlooked, many famous people have made it their home because of its tree-lined avenues and attractive housing. Amongst other discoveries we’ll try to spot an eruv (no – I hadn’t heard this word before), a former roller skating palace visited by top music artists and a plaque to someone “who lived in a relatively modest way”. **Date:** Saturday 11th April 2026 **Time:** 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm. **Place:** Meet outside Maida Vale underground station (Bakerloo Line). It is strongly suggested you find us using: [https://what3words.com/afford.gold.tell](https://what3words.com/afford.gold.tell) \- or the What3Words app\. The nearest toilet is at Gail’s café opposite the underground station. **Finishes:** About 4.15 pm near Maida Vale underground station or join us for refreshments at The Elgin, 255 Elgin Avenue W9 1NJ. The walk is led by Robert – 07981963681. He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started. **The formal bit:** These walks are not suitable for dogs, sorry. CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk. You must be able to keep up with the walk leader at 4 Km/h (2.5 mph) for 5 Km (3 miles). It is participants' responsibility to safely cross roads. Where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely. When the group stops at a point of interest, please be mindful not to block pavements so members of the public can pass by safely. Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! The walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless conditions are dangerous so please bring clothing for all seasons. **A donation of £3 to Central London Humanists would be appreciated.** The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we welcome a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, or would prefer to pay online, please **[click here](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)**[.](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU) Anyone who is interested in Humanism and Central London Humanists may wish to consider becoming a member: * If you wish to register as a full member of CLH (no membership fee) please register on our website: [https://centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup](https://centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup) * If you wish to join Humanists UK and support its work to promote humanism in British life, please go to: [Humanists UK – Think for yourself, act for everyone](https://humanists.uk/) We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed (most definitely including the walk leader!) do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

Here is a recap of how the Club works: 1\. We meet every six weeks or so in or near the National Theatre\. 2\. We vote in advance and pick two articles from a short list to read before we meet\. Usually one relates to politics/current affairs and the other to history\, culture or science\. 3\. We talk about each one for around half an hour and the beauty of Article Club is that we can think more deeply about the broader themes of a topic\, and how well the article gets to grips with them\. 4\. We each give a score out of 10 for the articles that have been discussed\. 5\. We set the date for the next Article Club and sometimes adjourn to the pub\. I will post in the comments a Google form that you can use to vote for the articles you would like to read and discuss at this event. The point of Article Club is to challenge ourselves to read a diverse range of articles, share them with like-minded people and deal with our anxiety that we aren't reading books. Article Club was set up by Ross Bailey in 2015 who did a fantastic job at running it. Ross was followed by the equally fantastic Claire Ferraro and I (Alistair Baker) have been in the chair for the past seven years. OUR NEXT MEETUP: ARTICLE CLUB #75 Thursday 9th April 2026 - 7:30pm to around 9:15pm. We sit on the soft round seats in the Lyttelton Theatre bar on the first floor.

Welcome back to *No, Really: What Is to be Done?*, our deep-dive series on Lenin, Leninism, and the theory of the revolutionary party. You may be wondering when and if we're ever actually going to read WITBD itself, the actual text. Rest assured we will. For now, we're going to keep on psyching ourselves up with another one of the foundational documents of Leninism, one which feels grimly relevant right now: *Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism.* Find the text here: [https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/) Feel free to read as much as you like, but we'll focus on the **Preface and Chapters 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8. These are:** [I. CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND MONOPOLIES](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch01.htm) [III. FINANCE CAPITAL AND THE FINANCIAL OLIGARCHY](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch03.htm) [VI. DIVISION OF THE WORLD AMONG THE GREAT POWERS](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch06.htm) [VII. IMPERIALISM AS A SPECIAL STAGE OF CAPITALISM](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch07.htm) [VIII. PARASITISM AND DECAY OF CAPITALISM](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch08.htm) It's often claimed that Lenin's identification of imperialism as capitalism's "highest stage" is a textbook example of Marxist hubris. How can capitalism have reached its highest stage in the year 1916, when Lenin was writing? Surely technofeudalism, or neocolonialism, or monopoly corporatism - take your pick - represents a higher stage? Without giving too much away, let's say this much, at least by way of starting a debate: the confronting truth is that capitalism did indeed reach its highest stage with the exact kind of monopolist, oligarchic, feudalistic (when *Imperialism* was published, literal crowned heads still ruled much of Europe by decree), militarised imperialism Lenin describes in this work. If that suggests that nothing has really changed in the 100+ years since, except perhaps to get worse, it's because nothing has. A century of "progress" and we haven't progressed at all. Still wage slaves, still debt peons, still cattle for a rapist ruling class. And it all still runs on the blood and oil of the Global South. So let's not kid ourselves: *Imperialism* is as relevant today as when it was written. Don't believe me? Join us and see for yourself! We'll discuss Lenin's framework of analysis, his concrete conclusions and strategic recommendations and break down whether we think these insights are applicable to our times in all their brutality. Take care and happy reading! \-\-\-\- A bit about the *NRWITBD* series: [Fade in] The year is 2026. Picture this: industrial-scale war on multiple continents. Cities in ruins, millions dead and millions more made refugees - starvation, disease, mutilations, deportations, pogroms, genocides, dispossessions. Across every land, a working class on its knees before an ever-shrinking class of oligarchs with an ever-growing pile of treasure, weapons and slaves - determined to pit brother against brother in endless wars for resources that can only end when the whole earth is a toxic wasteland. And what they call "peace" is not much better. This is the brutal present, a [Second Gilded Age,](https://fortune.com/article/gilded-age-coming-back-layoffs-pay-inequality-labor-unions-ceos-billionaires-worker-pay/) but we could travel back a hundred years and describe more or less the exact same scene. In the century since Lenin lived and walked the earth, less has changed than the eternal optimists - Panglossian techno-liberals like Steven Pinker and the other intellectuals of the Epstein class - would like us to think. Really, we're back where it all began in the *First* Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th century: on the outside looking in, asking the age-old question: what is to be done? Things are really getting quite bad. No, really - what is to be done!!? In our gatherings of late, we've been tinkering around the edges of a few answers. Prior Lenin readings as well as our exploration of the Yan'an Forum and our whistle-stop tour through the last twenty years of street protests with Vincent Bevins have given us some things to chew on. Now there's been a clamour from plenty of regulars, as well as a few newcomers, that we continue to pull at the vital thread that seems to be running through all our discussions and see where it might lead us: namely, the revolutionary theories of Lenin. This will be a series of readings running every other Thursday night in Whitechapel. With *No, Really: What is to be done?,* we'll be taking a deep dive into revolutionary Marxism with a read-through of texts like Lars Lih's *Lenin rediscovered: what is to be done? in Context,* non-standard biographies like Carter Ellwood's *Non-Geometric Lenin: Essays on the Development of the Bolshevik Party 1910-1914* as well as some articles, essays and discussion prompts which most readers likely won't have encountered before.

Join me for this 2 day, in-person training in London Bridge, where we will dive into the foundational principles and practices of Non Violent Communication (NVC). Whether your interest is to influence your professional, interpersonal, parental or personal communication style, we will explore together the transformational potential of NVC to support you to see and hear yourself and others from a fresh perspective. Armed this fresh perspective you will be equipped to find new ways through and around challenging situations that may previously have seemed unimaginable. **During our 2 days together we will begin to:** * Get curious about why our current strategies might not be supporting connection * Discover compassion and understanding for ourselves and others where there was previously blame and criticism * Find ways to communicate our intentions that are more likely to be heard * Tune our ears to hear what is really being said * Get creative about finding solutions to dilemmas that honour everyone’s needs * Learn and practice in a non judgemental space where you will be seen and heard for your needs The training will have an experiential focus drawing on small and large group activities and discussions to integrate the learning as a lived experience. **TO REGISTER GO TO:** https://tinyurl.com/5y4bpve4

Get ready to turn up the heat… **FEVER FRIDAY** is the ultimate Friday night social for 20–30s ready to start the weekend right. Whether you’re coming with friends or solo, it’s the perfect place to meet new people, spark new connections, and make it a night to remember. **Cocktail Offers** Unmissable drink deals all night long. **Open Room Karaoke** Grab the mic and own the stage. **Live DJ** Party anthems and throwbacks to keep you dancing. Dress up. Show up. Catch the FEVER.

Hello path-beaters and foot-padders! Once again it's that time again: Spring is in the air, or at least it will be (have been?) by the time we touch down in east London for another big step down **The Greenway on April 12th, 2026.** It was with this hidden gem of an urban nature trail that we kicked off last year's smash-hit nature walking series. Longtime LCC-ers will remember that we didn't actually get very far down the Greenway, thanks to the torturous interference of some no-good developers who put a big fence and a "GREENWAY CLOSED" sign in our way. We diverted and had a lovely hike anyway, but this time we'll be ready. The Greenway was once known as the Northern Outfall Sewer, a raised sewer line designed to whisk away the industrial filth of London during the height of the Industrial Revolution. At the start of the 20th century, it was sealed up and turned into a linear park for the enjoyment of working-class east London, over which it passes today - from Fish Island all the way over East Ham and on down to Silvertown and the end of the Woolwich Peninsula. We'll try to cover the whole distance, for a walk of about 3-3.5 hours. The weather should be alright - who can say - but do bring a wind layer and possibly some protection from light rains. Good walking shoes and boots are handy, but this trail shouldn't have much or any mud, since it's paved in quite a few places. A snack or lunch is worth bringing too, but we'll aim for a pub at the end somewhere. There are bathroom facilities at Hackney Wick, our starting point, as well as at a couple cafes at situated on the eastern end of the route. Along the way we'll see gorgeous views of the River Lea with its branches, canal sections and forests as well as the Olympic parklands of Hackney and Stratford. To top that off, we'll have a near birds-eye view of the changing human landscape with all the big fuck-off construction sites of Bow Goods Yard, Sweetwater, Pudding Mill etc - a veritable tour of the gentrification process as it rolls on in east London! Natural beauty and political-economic field research - a winning combination, so do join us. Take care and see you on the trail!

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

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

In the midst of life’s storms—whether in relationships, work, or within ourselves—it can be difficult to find clarity and calm. The “I” Of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace, based on the work of Dr. Gary Simmons, invites you to discover the steady center within—the part of you that remains grounded even when everything around you is in motion. Led by Brian Drafton-Griffin, this engaging workshop offers practical tools and meaningful insights to help you navigate conflict with greater awareness, compassion, and confidence. Through guided discussion and reflection, you’ll learn how to shift from reaction to response and transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831