Afghanistan Veterans

Join us for our monthly yoga session with the fine folks at Yoga Legion! This event is open to VFW & Auxiliary Members and Service Members and their dependents free of charge - accompanying guests of these individuals may attend for a $10 fee. Please bring your Membership card or CAC/Depentant ID for verification. Stick around after yoga to enjoy a beverage with other Yogis and Post members. Yoga participants will receive $1 off their first beer or soft drink in the Post's Canteen following yoga. All you need to bring is yourself, a yoga mat, and water - no yoga experience is necessary! All proceeds will benefit: Post Relief Fund - used to assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, widows, and orphans who are in need! Post Building Fund - used to improve our facilities so that we can continue to host events like these and many others that serve our community! Yoga Legion is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the awareness of the holistic benefits of yoga for veterans through the practice of yoga, outreach, and the facilitation of specialized yoga training for instructors who endeavor to serve veterans. http://www.yogalegion.com/ (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yogalegion.com%2F&h=ATO8Ig2Hvd9Px8x1glG6ly6KOtx1JHfbFPDQLd27HMSi7VoCs02r2ZhgYWSQdYCOzLPEkV8U8lotLjZakZodYkMRxTJrS54WpaW5lva4QO-eh4d1-U9jRRSSLz37L20_oFl4kbZr&enc=AZOGVnmGZDwIxQ_hN-WUTlnEp8JH1oI-0oYdYmx7Ila2hwuX6H976OTSzIqoiPar2rw&s=1) This is a monthly event that will take place the first Saturday of each month at 2pm!! Please be on time if you plan on joining us for yoga. Head over to our Facebook events page to find all the up to date information for this event, including the special event menu https://www.facebook.com/pg/VFWPost3150/events https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/c/c/7/600_463536039.jpeg

Think you aren't flexible enough for yoga? Afraid to get onto the floor? Living with physical aches or restricted range of motion? Then this is the perfect yoga class for you! Explore your body's strengths in a fun, supportive environment while maintaining and growing your range of motion, flexibility, balance, strength, and sense of peace. All are welcome in this therapeutic class. Come ready to try new things, laugh, ask questions, and support each other. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 3,5,7,9**. The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

This route takes us by many scenic landmarks in northern Maryland: Annapolis Rocks, Black Rock, Raven Rock, Cunningham Falls, Cat Rock, Chimney Rock, and Wolf Rock. The splits will be 13.75/19.75 We will meet at the Grovesnor-Strathmore kiss and ride at 7:30am, and carpool to the trailhead about an hour away, I will arrange to set up the shuttle either beforehand or on our way. We will start from the Annapolis Rocks trailhead and hike north on the AT to raven Rock shelter, stopping to see Annapolis, Black, and Raven Rocks on our way. We will settle in a Raven Rocks shelter for the night. The shelter is quite large, and there are campsites available. The next morning, we will retrace our steps back to the last road and roadwalk 2.5 miles to make the jump from the AT to the Catoctin Mountain Trail. Once there, we will hike several miles to route 77, where our cars will be, and pass them to hike the loop to Cunningham Falls, Cat Rock, Chimney Rock, Wolf Rock, and Thurmont Vista, before returning to our shuttle vehicle back near the falls. For any members who are looking to become veteran members, day two is long enough for you to graduate! Anyone looking for a shorter second day may stop at the cars when we pass on route 77, making it a less than 10 mile day. This is a W1 trip, so be prepared for winter conditions. We will monitor the weather as it gets closer. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)). COVID-19 policy: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/) Carpool: our policy is 10 cents per mile. Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/DCULKaran/15) ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.) caltopo: [https://caltopo.com/m/3BAR07K](https://caltopo.com/m/3BAR07K)

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. It also is being staged at Penn Social in DC on March 17th, and tickets remain available then.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Ireland’s Fight for Freedom,”** with Kevin Matthews, assistant professor of history at George Mason University and former London correspondent for Vatican Radio reporting on British and Irish news. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-ireland-freedom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-ireland-freedom) .] After centuries of struggle, Irish men and women won their freedom from Great Britain after waging a war that set the pattern for all other independence struggles of the 20th century. But there was a price—the partition of their country, a split setting the stage for the Northern Ireland “Troubles” that didn’t end until 1998. Gain a deeper understanding of Ireland and its history with Professor Kevin Matthews, a historian and frequent Smithsonian Associates speaker who had served as a journalist covering the last stages of the Troubles in Ireland in the early and mid 1990s. He’ll discuss in depth how the Irish won independence in a two-year war between 1919 and 1921, covering topics as the role women played in the conflict, the life and tactics of the revolutionary leader Michael Collins, and the Irish development of “urban guerilla warfare” using small, highly mobile armed units called “flying columns.” Most important, this talk will examine how the conflict between Irish nationalists and Irish unionists led to Ireland’s division and later conflict. From the Easter Rising to the Good Friday Agreement, from Bloody Sunday to Brexit, this conflict has never quite gone away. As the Irish poet, William Butler Yeats once wrote: Now and in time to be, Wherever green is worn, Are changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born. Professor Matthews will explore how the Irish fought to a standstill what was then the mightiest empire in the world and how, more than he could have known, Yeats’ prediction still rings true today. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Members of the Irish Republican Army’s West Connemara Flying Column in 1921. (Public Domain photo.)

Military and Terrorism Tour of the White House Neighborhood! With war erupting in the Middle East, and with spring weather arriving, now is an appropriate time to examine 250 years of U.S. military history. In this unique walking tour, around the environs of the home of America's Commanders-in-Chief. Our packed itinerary will draw from: o The terrorist attack on D.C. City Hall o The World War One memorial park o The locale where the most famous military anthem was written o The terror of Atlanta o The Broadway star who was a Revolutionary War hero o The humble woman who faced down an enemy general o The wartime start of "the Red Light District" o The official who brokered America's first Civil War--of 1794 o Civil War spies o Where Frederick Douglass worked after recruiting troops for the Union Army o The humanitarian of World War I o How Lafayette was saved by an American President o The Union sea captain who nearly lost the Civil War o Where Dolley Madison saved the National Archives o General Jackson's battles and duels o Secret tunnels and graveyards o The greatest of the early U.S. Navy heroes o The secret of George Washington's martinet o How the "Paul Revere of the South" saved the American Revolution o The scoundrel who saved the Battle of Gettysburg o Sites of presidential assassination attempts o How Civil War foes saved Mt. Vernon o The battle of Army generals vs. Army veterans o The greatest caregiver to America's soldiers. o The Indiana Jones of 1917 o The White House racetrack o Thrilling monuments to the military's most valiant units. And more! Preregister and Prepay via: Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/military-terrorism-history-tour-of-the-white-house-neighborhood-tickets-1984489734216?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/military-terrorism-history-tour-of-the-white-house-neighborhood-tickets-1984489734216?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or PayPal, sending $22 to [paypal.me/EMoser460](http://paypal.me/EMoser460) Or pay $22 in cash at the tour's start. Your guide is a former Presidential speechwriter, former Tonight Show writer, and author of a Second World War spy novel: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit)é-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5NPSKDS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 And of The White House's Unruly Neighborhood: [https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7](https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7) MEET outside City Hall, the John Wilson Building, northeast corner, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., D.C., 20004 Explore U.S. military history, at some of America's most historic locales.

**Gold Mine and Great Falls Overlook. A Moderate 6.5 Mile Hike** This hike features the remnants of a quirky gold mine and the classic overlook of Great Falls. The mine was established by a Union soldier who was stationed along the Maryland side of the Potomac River near Great Falls during the Civil War. He noticed a glint of gold and after the war, he returned to the area, bought some farmland, and started mining for gold. Eventually, 30 small mines were opened by various prospectors. One of the largest mines was the Maryland Mine. A total of 5,000 ounces of gold were produced by the mines in the area, worth about $10,000,000 in today's money. Today, little remain of these mines, but there is a loop trail that passes by one of them. The hike starts near Old Angler’s Inn, passes by the mine remains, then goes down to the classic overlook of Great Falls before returning to the woods and hiking back on trails with splendid views of the Potomac River. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy at one of the overlooks, **Please note**: You must sign up by 5:00 PM the evening before the hike. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00. **Directions to Trailhead**: The GPS Coordinates are 38.981913, -77.226457 The Street address is 10801 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: This address is for Old Angler's Inn. The parking lot for the hike is across the street from the Inn. DO NOT park in The Old Angler's Inn parking lot. They tow. **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa: 410-610-6254. Call or text as needed. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 590 ft Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Toilets can be found near the trailhead and half-way through the hike. Fees: No entrance fees **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/690036e3ff6946c13bced978e7393968725ea6a1ed2958c0052a973f390e4af3). **Notes**: -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Dogs are not allowed at the Great Falls Overlook -Please keep this a fragrance-free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).

Hike Turkey Run Park- Pho Lunch, VA Sunday March 8 With winter weather receding, this is a great way to fight cabin fever and head back outside with views of the Potomac. This is a 3 to 4 mile loop hike along the Potomac River just below the American Legion bridge off the GW parkway. The trail is mostly easy and flat, but there are some slightly rocky areas. Be aware that this time of year where segments along the river can be muddy and there are some rocky areas we must maneuver around. Bring a mascot! The park is dog-friendly, but must be on a leash. For more info and maps (see side links): [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/turkeyrun.htm) What to Bring: Good hiking shoes Water Meet: 9:00 am Where: Parking Lot C-1. (First parking lot when entering park. See map at link below for details) Park Trail Map: [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Corrected-Turkey_Run_Park_Trail_Map_11242023_508c.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Corrected-Turkey_Run_Park_Trail_Map_11242023_508c.pdf) Departure: 9:10 sharp. We should return to the parking lot no later than 11:15 am. For those interested, we can later head over to nearby Pho 75 (1721 Wilson Blvd) for a great hot pho - one of the best in the area. **Note: Cash Only!** **In the comments section please indicate if you need a ride. If you are coming by car and wouldn’t mind picking someone up at a convenient metro stop, please indicate how many people you can take. Hopefully we’ll have enough room for everyone. I can pick up three at the Braddock Road metro (yellow), located in Alexandria, VA. Or, I can pick up folks at Rosslyn metro (orange/blue). Carpoolers, please chip in generously for gas.** Note: This event is cross-posted with other Meetup groups.

This is an amazing support group and charity advocating for ostomates. I have learned a great deal from this group over the years. I wish I had known of them and connected before my surgery as well. Primary info hub: https://www.marylandostomy.org Email: [info@MarylandOstomy.org](mailto:info@marylandostomy.org) * Hybrid in-person and Zoom meeting. * Second Monday at noon every month except May and August. * Ignore any Meetup attendee limits - that's a Meetup account restriction, not an MMOA attendance limit. If Meetup says we are "full", feel free to email us or just show up. * Don't worry if Meetup doesn't show many attendees either. We usually have a dozen in person and more on Zoom with none actually using Meetup. We are experimenting with Meetup for community outreach. You won't be alone (<: **Typical Agenda** * Check-in * Welcome & new attendee introductions * Announcements * Featured speaker, if we have one * Medical experts, ostomy product updates, others * General discussion with members, nurses, guests, MMOA board * Occasional special focus topics * With enough present can split into Ostomy category subgroups * Most often open discussion with topics raised by attendees **Virtual info** See our website https://www.marylandostomy.org/copy-of-events for Zoom connection information. **In-person info** Bottom floor of hospital in meeting rooms toward the right after check-in. They will want your ID - just tell them that you are attending a meeting. Paid parking in hospital garage, free weekend parking in neighborhood a block towards Georgia Ave (not on street adjacent to hospital). Or park at Forest Glen Metro, also free on weekends, and walk 1/2 mile.

As a reminder, Freedom Plaza is currently closed for construction, so we are shifting the starting line. We will meet at the corner of E St and 14th Street NW, right outside the WWI Pershing Memorial, across from the Willard Hotel. We'll take Pennsylvania Ave to the Capitol then move up to D Street. We'll take D Street al the way until the RFK Grounds/Fields. From there, we'll cross the Whitney Young Bridge and then take Anacostia Avenue up to Benning Road. Then, we'll get on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail all the way up to Bladensburg Waterfront Park where we'll take a little break. After that, we'll go back the way we came, but continue on the Riverwalk Trail all the way to the Frederick Douglass Bridge. After we cross the bridge, we'll then cut around Audi Field using R Street SW, 2nd Street SW, and P Street SW. From there, we'll continue onto 4th Street and take that until we get to the Eisenhower Memorial. Then, we'll take Independence Avenue to the 12th Street tunnel. After a fun ride through the tunnel, we'll continue until Pennsylvania Ave and then take a short ride on Penn Ave and we'll be back where we started. The Details • Meeting Point: Corner of E St and 14th St NW • Meetup Time: 11:00 am • Roll-out Time: 11:15 am • Distance: 22Miles • Level: Intermediate / Advanced The route: https://onthegomap.com/?route=019c82fb-066b-79fa-8366-2e24847b7196&context=share This skate will be led by Ian!

Speaker: Mattia Trottola, Abolish Fur Worldwide and the International Council for Anima Welfare Leading organizer of the animal rights movement in Europe, Mattia, will share insights from grassroots organizing across the region for fur and cage-free campaigns. He will discuss the ongoing work to get Milan Fashion week to go fur-feee and building growth and power in local communities across Europe. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desirere to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and all members are treated with compassion and respect. All backgrounds are welcome.

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. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. 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

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/

Join us as we get together to see SIRAT, an Oscar-nominated Best International Film from Spain that follows a father, accompanied by his son, goes looking for his missing daughter in North Africa. Here’s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A father, accompanied by his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco while searching for his daughter who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. As their search continues, the journey forces them to confront their own limits. The film is directed by Oliver Laxe and stars Sergi Lopez, Bruno Nunez Arjona and Richard Bellamy. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-IXHXvS70 BUZZ & ACCLAIM: SIRAT has already won numerous awards, including 4 at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, along with the Chicago, Montclair and Toronto International Film Festivals! It also earned a whopping 11 nominations at the 40th Goya Awards, including Best Film and Director, and was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is earning a stellar 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes which calls it “an unforgettable exercise in tension” and “a brutal reminder that the journey can be more important than the destination.” PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and we’ll meet inside the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm. Super Tuesday ticket price is just $6.50 (including online fee)! Advance ticket purchase is advised (via Gateway website preferred). Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! This one will be a “movie only” event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to overcome your feelings of anger so that you not only control them, but you no longer have the urge to lose your temper in the first place? And how about being able to shake off resentments, persistent annoyance, or even feelings of vengeance? We’d like to invite you to an event on how to overcome anger and resentment. We will show you why people have trouble controlling their temper and where resentment comes from. Flaring anger can ruin a meeting, a relationship, an opportunity, or just about any aspect of life. Worst of all, outbursts towards our family can create hurt that lingers throughout a lifetime. You want to have a civil conversation, and you’ve vowed that you wouldn’t lose your temper, but a few minutes later, the anger flares up. Maybe you’ve realized that being angry doesn’t get you what you want so you internalize it. Or maybe you avoid the knockdown, drag-out fights, but stewing in resentment is exhausting and takes an emotional toll. In this event we show you how to get to the root of your anger so that it stops being an issue to you. You’ll also learn why people harbor resentments and how to move on. Don't continue to struggle, make a difference in your life, and join us for this local event. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This Meetup is sponsored by your local Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

**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.

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