Democracy for America
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Democracy for America Events Today
Join in-person Democracy for America events happening right now
Public Speaking Practice Saturday (FREE for first timers)
Come and get the chance to speak in a supportive and friendly environment. Public Speaking will boost your confidence and give you more power to speak and to be listened to in both your personal and professional life.
**What makes this public speaking session different from others you ask?**
There is a strong emphasis on self-expression, creativity, trial and error, and most importantly, speaking practice!
**What will you gain from this event?**
* Gain confidence by overcoming your fear of public speaking
* Learn to think on your feet with our Impromptu speaking format
* Get feedback and improve your public speaking with a real audience
* Tips and opportunities to practice: body language, voice, tone, pitch, uses of stories, use of pauses, humour, etc...
**Here's how it works:**
\*I may choose to change the format from time to time based on numbers, and to practice different aspects of public speaking in order to keep it challenging\*
You will put your name in a hat/bowl and when your name is chosen, you will be asked to perform.
You will speak for 2 minutes on a random topic given by the audience. This is called an impromptu speech.
We will do 2-3 rounds of speaking followed by a feedback session at the end of the workshop.
**Public Speaking suggestions:**
TIP: Give your impromptu speech the following 3 sections below.
1. Introduction ("Today, I'm going to talk about....")
2. Body ("Here is my personal experience....")
3. Conclusion ("So, my key message is ....")
Each speech is to be 2 minutes long. Audience size 10-15 people.
You're not obligated to speak, although I may strongly encourage you to do so.
**What to bring:** Yourself only- There are no mandatory necessities which you must bring.
**Dress Code:** There is no dress code. It is best practice however, that you wear the attire for the occasion which you are practicing for.
**Where to find us:**
**Closest underground stations:** Bank, Monument, Liverpool Street, Aldgate - All 5 minutes walk away
**Theatre Delicatessen**
**107 Leadenhall Street**
**EC3A 4AF**
Should you have any problems locating the venue, please feel free to contact me before the start of the event. The event is wheelchair accessible.
**\*Please note we start and end strictly on time\***
\*You will be refused entry beyond 7:10pm, so please reschedule if you should not make it\*
**EVENT DURATION:** 3:45pm - Registration :: 4:00pm - Event start - 6:00pm - End
**\*This event is FREE - for first timers only\* -**
**FIRST TIMERS PLEASE NOTE:** You MUST book a free "First timer" ticket through Eventbrite and present this on attendance. Failure to do so means that you will need to pay £15. This is a measure intended to keep control of the number of students attending the event.
**Cost: £15 per session**
**First-timers only discount: £35 for 5 sessions**. Please speak to the organiser for registration. (These can be used within 60 days and you can attend any of our public speaking practice sessions on any day.)
**Payment methods:** Cash in hand, Card reader, Pay on www.veespeak.co.uk
***Marketing and email subscription disclaimer:*** *We value your privacy, and would never we will never share or sell your details to a 3rd Party.*
***Email Subscription:*** *By signing up and attending our events you explicitly agree to be contacted by email from Veespeak's marketing team regarding our newest courses, discounts, and upcoming events. You can always opt-out if you feel the information shared is no longer relevant to you.*
We may take pictures or record sections of the workshops for training and quality purposes. We will never use this information without your prior consent.
**Website & Social Media:**
*Website: [www.veespeak.co.uk](http://www.veespeak.co.uk/)*
*Instagram: @veespeak - [https://www.instagram.com/veespeakps/](https://www.instagram.com/veespeak/)*
*Facebook: @veespeak - [https://www.facebook.com/veespeakps/](https://www.facebook.com/veespeak/)*
*Linkedin: @veespeak - [https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeakps](https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeak)*
*Meetup Group: [https://www.meetup.com/veespeak](https://www.meetup.com/veespeak)*
**Contact Information:**
Email: hello@veespeak.co.uk
Contact No: 07713 123321
Valentin Todorov - Organiser
Life Coaching Session- Free!
Claim your free life coaching session by RSVPing to this event! And I will contact you directly.
We have amazing life coaches who can help you in different areas of your life!
No matter what is going on, we understand that sometimes it can all be very overwhelming and feel like you have no idea what to do!
Come and speak to one of us so get some help!
Saturday Pickup American Football
Newcomers are always welcome! We often go to the pub for pints afterwards.
Bring cleats if possible (no need to bring anything else) and just turn up in your sports kit. If you can’t make it anymore, please update your RSVP.
We set up at the south end of the park near the cricket nets and athletes track – the nearest tube stops are Canada water, Surrey Quays and South Bermondsey. See you on Sat!
Public Speaking Practice Saturdays (FREE for first timers)
Come and get the chance to speak in a supportive and friendly environment. Public Speaking will boost your confidence and give you more power to speak and to be listened to in both your personal and professional life.
**What makes this public speaking session different from others you ask?**
There is a strong emphasis on self-expression, creativity, trial and error, and most importantly, speaking practice!
**What will you gain from this event?**
* Gain confidence by overcoming your fear of public speaking
* Learn to think on your feet with our Impromptu speaking format
* Get feedback and improve your public speaking with a real audience
* Tips and opportunities to practice: body language, voice, tone, pitch, uses of stories, use of pauses, humour, etc...
**Here's how it works:**
\*I may choose to change the format from time to time based on numbers, and to practice different aspects of public speaking in order to keep it challenging\*
You will put your name in a hat/bowl and when your name is chosen, you will be asked to perform.
You will speak for 2 minutes on a random topic given by the audience. This is called an impromptu speech.
We will do 2-3 rounds of speaking followed by a feedback session at the end of the workshop.
**Public Speaking suggestions:**
TIP: Give your impromptu speech the following 3 sections below.
1. Introduction ("Today, I'm going to talk about....")
2. Body ("Here is my personal experience....")
3. Conclusion ("So, my key message is ....")
Each speech is to be 2 minutes long. Audience size 10-15 people.
You're not obligated to speak, although I may strongly encourage you to do so.
**What to bring:** Yourself only- There are no mandatory necessities which you must bring.
**Dress Code:** There is no dress code. It is best practice however, that you wear the attire for the occasion which you are practicing for.
**Where to find us:**
**Closest underground stations:** Bank, Monument, Liverpool Street, Aldgate - All 5 minutes walk away
**Theatre Delicatessen**
**107 Leadenhall Street**
**EC3A 4AF**
Should you have any problems locating the venue, please feel free to contact me before the start of the event. The event is wheelchair accessible.
**\*Please note we start and end strictly on time\***
\*You will be refused entry beyond 7:10pm, so please reschedule if you should not make it\*
**EVENT DURATION:** 3:45pm - Registration :: 4:00pm - Event start - 6:00pm - End
**\*This event is FREE - for first timers only\* -**
**FIRST TIMERS PLEASE NOTE:** You MUST book a free "First timer" ticket through Eventbrite and present this on attendance. Failure to do so means that you will need to pay £15. This is a measure intended to keep control of the number of students attending the event.
**Cost: £15 per session**
**First-timers only discount: £35 for 5 sessions**. Please speak to the organiser for registration. (These can be used within 60 days and you can attend any of our public speaking practice sessions on any day.)
**Payment methods:** Cash in hand, Card reader, Pay on www.veespeak.co.uk
***Marketing and email subscription disclaimer:*** *We value your privacy, and would never we will never share or sell your details to a 3rd Party.*
***Email Subscription:*** *By signing up and attending our events you explicitly agree to be contacted by email from Veespeak's marketing team regarding our newest courses, discounts, and upcoming events. You can always opt-out if you feel the information shared is no longer relevant to you.*
We may take pictures or record sections of the workshops for training and quality purposes. We will never use this information without your prior consent.
**Website & Social Media:**
*Website: [www.veespeak.co.uk](http://www.veespeak.co.uk/)*
*Instagram: @veespeak - [https://www.instagram.com/veespeakps/](https://www.instagram.com/veespeak/)*
*Facebook: @veespeak - [https://www.facebook.com/veespeakps/](https://www.facebook.com/veespeak/)*
*Linkedin: @veespeak - [https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeakps](https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeak)*
*Meetup Group: [https://www.meetup.com/veespeak](https://www.meetup.com/veespeak)*
**Contact Information:**
Email: hello@veespeak.co.uk
Contact No: 07713 123321
Valentin Todorov - Organiser
Philosophy in the Park 141
Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed.
**What it is**
Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think?
**What is Philosophy?**
Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth).
**How Philosophy in the Park Works**
* Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like.
* We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome.
* After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times.
**Where it is**
We meet at Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park.
Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want.
After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. There’s a local supermarket to get drinks and snacks, or bring your own. You are very welcome to join us.
**Guidelines**
In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines:
1. Keep it Philosophical
(No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc).
2. Think for Yourself
(No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read).
3. Tangents are Cool
(Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question).
4. Keep it Succinct
(Like this).
5. Be Excellent to Each Other
(But of course).
Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding.
**Community**
Follow us on instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/](https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/)
We have a WhatsApp group if you'd like to continue these conversations between meetings.
To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK)
In order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat.
**Say Thanks**
If you would like to help support Philosophy in the Park you can buy me a coffee here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel](https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel)
Democracy for America Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Sunday Afternoon Tea and a Film
SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE**
What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others?
What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life?
What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you
wanted to master?
Come and find out!
Flamenco Dance for Beginners
Flamenco Dance Classes for Beginners at Danceworks every Sunday!
We will work on the placement of the body, the perception of the rhythm, clapping, footwork, movements of arms and head.
Choreography depending on the level: Alegrías, Bulerías, Tangos, etc.
If you have dancing shoes and clothes, bring them. Otherwise, don't worry, just feel comfortable to dance!
When?
**Every Sunday**
Time: **12:00 - 13:00**
Where?
**Danceworks**
16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN
Studio 4
Nearest Tube stations:
**Bond St.**
Marble Arch
Cost?
£13 per class.
**Book here:**
https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/
Class bookings become available 7 days in advance.
Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time.
**Waiting lists are available.**
***About Maika:***
Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 19 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018.
Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance from the tender age of nine.
Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a certificate in Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez.
Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on the promotion of Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree.
Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.
Flamenco Dance for Improvers
Join our Sunday Improvers Flamenco Classes at Danceworks with Maika Jimenez Blanco — a welcoming and energetic space to continue developing your flamenco technique, artistry and confidence.
These classes are designed for students who already have some flamenco experience and would like to deepen their understanding of flamenco technique and choreography in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Each session includes:
* Footwork technique (zapateado)
* Arm and hand technique (braceos y floreos)
* Turns, coordination and posture
* Flamenco rhythm and musicality
* Choreography work
* Expression, confidence and performance skills
We work on traditional flamenco styles while also building strength, elegance and stage presence. The atmosphere is friendly, motivating and inclusive, with attention to both technique and enjoyment.
Current choreography work includes Tangos de Triana and other exciting flamenco repertoire throughout the year.
Whether you want to improve your dancing, reconnect with your creativity, or simply enjoy the passion and energy of flamenco every Sunday, you will be very welcome.
👠 Flamenco shoes recommended.
💃 Taught by internationally experienced flamenco teacher and founder of Flamenco with Maika, Maika Jimenez Blanco
“Flamenco for everybody” ✨
When?
**Every Sunday**
Time: **11:00 - 12:00**
Where?
**Danceworks**
16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN
Studio 4
Nearest Tube stations:
**Bond St.**
Marble Arch
Cost?
£13 per class.
**Book here:**
https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/
Class bookings become available 7 days in advance.
Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time.
**Waiting lists are available.**
***About Maika:***
Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 19 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada, and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018.
Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance at the tender age of nine.
Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at the Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance certificate and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez.
Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at the Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on promoting Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree.
Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.
BPRD Game 4 - Devil in the details.
Game 4 details TBA
We’re a friendly hobby group that always welcomes new players. You can find more information about who we are and what we do on our website:
[Furthest Frontiers - About - FURTHEST FRONTIERS](https://lotna-larp.co.uk/about.html)
If you RSVP, we’ll get in touch to guide you through character creation and explain what to expect on the day.
The site is accessible by car, and we can also arrange pickups from Longfield Station. A group meets at 8:45 at Victoria Mainline Station to catch a train together.
The cost for a one‑day game is **£20**, which helps us cover venue and equipment expenses.
FREE Men's Group in East London
**What are you doing** **next Saturday** late morning / early afternoon? Want to **come along and hang out**?
We're holding a FREE men's group in a venue that we've not yet checked out, though **it should be a buzz to hang out with some old friends and meet** some good new blokes.
Apparently, it's not the easiest place to find, so **leave early and come hang out early** if you like... I'll be there from 11am latest!
Please **check out the [Ground Rules](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC5rwT-ya6o&t=394s) before you attend the FREE men's group**.
**After our group** there will be [an option to attend this event](https://luma.com/8lxpgzc6) UNMASKED which is a paid for event, though because some of my MenSpeak friends / facilitators and I will be speaking you can get a **25% discount** using Voucher Code **SPECIAL**. *(So that's £26 instead of £35 unless you pay at the door.)*
[Nuradin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuradin-ali-98187387/), [Paul](https://www.paulharrild.com/sardinia), [Neil](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilhanchettstevens/), [David](https://softestbreath.com/about/) and I talk about **the moments that broke us, shaped us and ignited the fire in our bellies** to become who we truly are.
We'll explore **purpose, resilience, identity and the tools we discovered** along the way.
We'll open the space for honest conversations around **masculinity, authenticity,** breakdown, breakthrough, **healing boyhood pain**, passion and personal power.
There will be lots of speakers, panels, etc. **2pm-6.30pm, then we'll hang out** **some more!**
Enough about the event *(**no pressure to stay**, you can leave after the group and even come back after the event)* the following is a cut and paste about the men's groups:
Do you sometimes lack purpose, passion and sense of belonging?
Would you like to explore who you really are, beyond money, muscles and monkeying around- and trying to fill an emotional hole with egotistical exploits, rather than trying to be whole?
Many men sadly turn to self-abuse such as, drink, drugs and porn and unhealthy relationships as a way of coping. Johann Hari said, “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; the opposite of addiction is connection. Men's groups provide the social medicine men need."
In a nutshell a men’s group is men sitting together in their social community, workplace or online; talking and listening to one another\*,\* learning from each-other’s experiences.
It’s a place to explore who we are, who we no longer need to be, and how we can lead better, fuller lives. A place where we can grow in authenticity; a place without a pecking order, judgement, blame, or shame, where everybody knows your name.
**What The Media Are Saying**
"[MenSpeak Groups are… ] Press-ups for the mind and circuit training for the soul.” Tony Parsons from GQ Magazine
"He’s a gentle voice in the ears of the many men who come to him for help with life – he’s The Man Whisperer." Newsweek Magazine about MenSpeak Founder Kenny Marmmarella-D’Cruz
“[ Kenny Marmmarella-D’Cruz is the] .. Consultant, Coach and Guru of All Things Men,” Daily Express Magazine
13 JUN - GROUP TICKETS - Saxon Shore Way
*This event is closed and all tickets have been sold*
**Group Travel Ticket (Optional)**
Participation in group travel is optional. You are welcome to attend the hike using your own transport. The hike itself is free of charge.
🚨 **PLEASE PAY BY TUESDAY 09 JUNE 12:00**
Scroll down for payment details
**EVENT**
Saxon Shore Way: Hastings to Rye [**[HERE](https://www.meetup.com/freehiketogether/events/314872036)**]
**DATE**
Saturday 13 June 2026
**IMPORTANT**
Anyone who signs up for a group ticket but does not make payment may be removed to allow others to take their place.
**THIS OFFER IS FOR YOU IF**
* You want to pay £13 total travel cost for the day
* You are happy to travel in a group of four
* You understand that individual tickets are not issued
* You will travel London Victoria ⇄ Hastings
*Note: The hike will end in Rye, which means you will need to buy an additional single ticket from Rye to Hastings, as the Southern Rail ticket does not cover this part of the journey.*
\-\-\-
**HOW IT WORKS**
* You pay **£13 in advance**
* Once a group of four is confirmed, tickets are purchased
* If a group is not formed, you receive a full refund
\-\-\-
**REFUNDS**
A full refund will be issued if a group of four participants is not formed. Once National Rail tickets have been purchased, they are non-refundable. However, if another participant is willing to purchase your ticket from you, you may be able to recover the cost.
\-\-\-
**PAYMENT**
*This event is closed and all tickets have been sold*
\-\-\-
**CONTACT**
WhatsApp - AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663
\-\-\-
📍 **MEETING POINT**
**Walt** will be present as a focal point for group travel with group tickets.
07:20 Meet at London Victoria Station ticket office
07:40 Leave the meeting point and board the train
07:54 Train departs London Victoria
09:58 Arrive in Hastings
Journey time: 2 hours and 4 minutes
**For the return from Rye, buy a single ticket from Rye to Hastings for £5.55.**
\-\-\-
**JOINING EN ROUTE**
You may join at stations like Clapham Junction or East Croydon. You must have your own valid ticket to pass through barriers at those stations.
\-\-\-
**❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS**
**Can I leave the group and travel alone later?**
No. You must stay with your group of four for the entire journey.
**Will I get an individual ticket?**
No. This is a group ticket only.
**Will the group of four receive a ticket?**
Yes, as long as all four travel together.
**Who holds the tickets?**
The organiser will hold the tickets, and the group must pass through barriers together.
\-\-\-
**⚠️ FINAL NOTE**
If you are late and miss the group, the group will continue without you.
\-\-\-
**PAID:**
01 Claire
02 Denise
03 Emily
04 Roni
\-\-\-
05 Yaswi Agarwal
06 Jay
07 Lauren
08 Anne
\-\-\-
09 Fabian
10 James Angus
11 Ahmet
12 Walt
\-\-\-
13 Samer Aldardari
14 Marianne Thorndahl
15 Tiger
16 Navraj
\-\-\-
17 kirstybeatricerobinson
18 Angela
19 Niko
20 Stephen
\-\-\-
21 Benjamin (EmilyGuest1)
22 Elvira (EmilyGuest2)
23 Sorca
24 Moulay Idris
**NOT PAID:**
Emil - Removed
\-\-\-
**NOTE**
If you prefer to arrange your own travel, you can purchase tickets directly from National Rail **[HERE](https://ticket.southernrailway.com/daysave/2026-06-13/VIC/4/)**.
Do we work to live, or live to work?
Do we work to live, or live to work? What would work look like in a “free” society?
Hello friends!
Please join our discussion-led session on “work” through Pierre Clastres’ Society Against the State.
We’ll use Clastres’ argument to question the idea that human societies naturally move towards more work, more production, more accumulation, and finally the State. Clastres argues that some stateless societies were not simply poor, backward, or unable to produce more. Instead, they often limited work to what was needed, refused unnecessary surplus, and organised themselves in ways that prevented coercive political power from emerging. In short, the text invites us to ask whether work is always a neutral or positive activity. Is work simply what people do to meet their needs? Or does work become something different when it is imposed by bosses, rulers, markets, or institutions? Clastres helps us distinguish between work as necessary cooperation and work as domination. But the question is not simple. If a society refuses accumulation, how does it prepare for years of scarcity? Can a community store food, tools, or resources for collective security without allowing those reserves to become a source of power over others?
Here are some questions to consider: Do we work in order to live, or are our lives organised around work? What is the difference between necessary work and imposed work? Is refusing unnecessary work a political act? Can a free society organise necessary labour without creating rulers? How much surplus or storage does a community need to protect itself from scarcity? When does storing goods for collective security become accumulation for power? Is modern wage labour mainly productive, or also disciplinary? What is the difference between community labour, voluntary cooperation, and wage labour? Let’s come together for an insightful and engaging session—we look forward to exploring the politics of work, the limits of accumulation, and whether we can imagine forms of collective labour without domination. Further reading: Pierre Clastres, Society Against the State
[https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/pierre-clastres-society-against-the-state](https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/pierre-clastres-society-against-the-state)
Democracy for America Events Near You
Connect with your local Democracy for America community
Columbus, OH Open Men’s Group / Intro to Men’s Work
Interested? Contact Preston Moore
k.preston.moore@gmail.com
614-300-5989
————————————
Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work.
Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback.
We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet.
Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/
Board games at The Forge
The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~20 per person. Soft drink refills are 1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group!
The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play.
Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes.
We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area.
Parking can sometimes fill esrly. There is additional parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.
Sunday Brunch
Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!
American Sign Language Beginners Meetup Group
We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able!
Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!
HCCO at the Pride Parade
We will be marching again this summer at Pride. Come ready to show your Pride and stand-up for every human's right to love, respect, and family!
* **Step-off:** 10:30AM
* **Route:** High Street from the Capital to Goodale Park
Update: We are meeting at Bob Leonhard's house. You can park your car there and we will carpool to the parade. This will eliminate you finding parking in the city and excessive walking.
You SHOULD BE AT BOB'S HOUSE BY 8:45 a.m.! We will leave for the parade at 9:15 am sharp!
Bob's address: 2858 Thorndale Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207
If you have questions, his number is 614-301-7436
June Crafternoon: Art & Craft Day
**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!**
Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you.
🧵 **What to Bring**
Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think:
* **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending.
* **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling.
* **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design.
* *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!*
**📍 Where to Find Us**
* We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.**
**⏱️ Timeline**
* **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on.
* **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas.
**⚠️ A Note on RSVPs**
The RSVP count for this event is strictly limited to 10 spots.
If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule.
***
**We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**
Smart Search + AI: An Outcome-Driven Journey from IDP to a Suite of AI
Over a billion documents processed. Millions of Veterans impacted. Hundreds of thousands of employee hours saved. Faster decisions. Greater accuracy. More benefits in the hands of our disabled Veterans.
We created Smart Search, the world’s largest consumer of Amazon Textract, right when GenAI began reshaping what’s possible. Since then, we’ve built a suite of AI‑driven solutions that transform this data into real, measurable outcomes—accelerating benefits decisions for our Nation’s Veterans.
Join us for a focused conversation on how an outcome‑driven approach to AI is helping us boost accuracy, streamline workflows, and deliver faster results for those who have served.
This is a follow up to the AWS re:Invent 2023 "Intelligent Document Processing with Gen AI for Public Sector" presentation.
About Speaker: Cameron Williams is a Senior Technical Project Manager and cross-functional technical leader at Booz Allen Hamilton with 15+ years of experience architecting and evolving scalable, cloud-native systems, from greenfield development to complex enterprise modernization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronw711/
**THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/
**DIRECTIONS**
Franklin University
Fisher Hall
300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8
Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map.
NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com




















