Agnostic

Details **Location:** Bus Boy and Poets (K st) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. **Topic: Party Politics and the Future of the Two-Party System** For more than 150 years, American politics has been dominated by two major parties. While third parties have occasionally influenced elections or introduced new ideas, the Democratic and Republican parties have remained remarkably resilient. In recent years, public frustration with the current system has become increasingly apparent. According to a 2025 [Gallup poll](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/05/01/americans-continue-to-view-both-the-republican-and-democratic-parties-negatively/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), **62% of Americans believe the Democratic and Republican parties are doing such a poor job that a third major party is needed.** This dissatisfaction has led the percentage of Americans identifying as political independents to increase from **33% in 1988 to a record 45% in 2025**, **Questions to Consider:** 1. Could a third party ever find success within the near future? 2. Will the main parties see an increase in factionalism? (Socialist faction in the Democratic Party MAGA in the Republican Party) 3. Would electoral reforms such as ranked-choice voting or proportional representation improve political representation? 4. Is today's political polarization primarily caused by the two-party system? 5. What do you think American politics will look like 20–30 years from now?

**🐺🤝🇺🇸💼 Vienna Ventures Network (VVN)** **Weekly Professional Networking** **1st Thursdays In\-Person \| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM** ### Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food 521 Maple Avenue East · Vienna, VA **Note:** All attendees are required to purchase breakfast. **Start your Tuesday morning with energy, opportunity, and the power of purposeful networking.** Each week the **Vienna Ventures Network (VVN)** holds a networking meeting designed to help serious professionals build relationships, exchange introductions, and grow their businesses. At Team Network, we believe that business grows through relationships built on Know-Like-Trust. Our meetings are structured, engaging, and focused on helping members become the answer when someone asks: “Do you know a great professional who can help with this?” **These meetings bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders who believe that:** • If you have time to breathe, you have time to network • Quantity has a quality of its own • Consistent weekly engagement creates powerful referral relationships **During the meeting you will experience:** ✅ Structured professional introductions ✅ Referral opportunities and relationship building ✅ Insight from high-level professionals across industries ✅ Accountability and business development momentum ✅ A welcoming but serious environment for professionals who want to grow Our format increases the energy and opportunities in the room by bringing together members and guests, creating more connections, more referrals, and more value for everyone involved. **☕ In-Person Meeting (First Thursday of Each Month)** On the first Thursday of every month **8:00 AM – 9:30 AM**, Vienna Ventures Network meets in person at: ### Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food 521 Maple Avenue East · Vienna, VA giving members and visitors the opportunity to strengthen relationships face-to-face in a professional and engaging environment. **👥 Visitors Welcome** Professionals who are not yet members of Team Network are invited to attend up to two meetings as a guest. After that, those interested in continuing with the group are encouraged to apply for membership and claim their professional seat. Team Network is designed for professionals seeking a long-term marketing and business development cornerstone for their business. **Make this the year you Join the Team and Run with a Pack! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** **1st Thursdays \| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM \| In\-Person** **All *OTHER* 8:00 am Thursday meetings take place on Zoom** Bring your energy, bring your introductions, and come ready to grow.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

**Welcome to Team Network MoCo Home Team** 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪🦀 **We meet every Thursday 8:00 - 9:30 am** * The 1st Thursday we meet in-person. ### Habitat For Humanity ReStore 1029 E. Gude Dr. · Rockville, MD * All other Thursday meetings are on Zoom We're a high-energy, in-person networking experience built for professionals, entrepreneurs, and Mainstreet business owners who believe that strong local relationships create outsized business results. Rooted in Montgomery County, the MoCo Home Team brings together community-focused leaders who want to grow together, collaborate intentionally, and win as a group. This is not random networking or surface-level conversation. MoCo Home Team meetings are intentional, structured, and process-driven, designed to connect you with your true Power Play Partners—the professionals in complementary industries who can drive referrals, open doors, and create long-term opportunity. Every meeting is engineered to turn introductions into momentum. At the center of the experience is Team Network’s proprietary Wolf Pack Connect speed-networking system. This fast-paced, highly engaging format ensures that every attendee meets multiple high-quality professionals in a single morning, with clarity around who they serve, how they add value, and where collaboration makes sense. It’s efficient, energizing, and built to respect your time while multiplying your reach. **Expect a room filled with prepared business owners, trusted advisors, and local leaders** We show up ready to contribute—not just collect cards. Expect meaningful conversations, warm introductions that actually happen, and relationships that extend well beyond the meeting room. **Make it the year you Join the Team and Run with a Pack.** At Team Network, we believe one thing without hesitation: we are all always one introduction away—from the right client, the right partner, a breakthrough idea, or a powerful collaboration that can change our business, our community, or even the world. Let’s Go! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪🦀 Thank you, Sabrina and Alena

**The concert has been cancelled due to the forecasted extreme heat** The band Bansy will be part of the Summer Concert Series I. Bethesda. Their set list spans genres and generations. They blend classic guitar anthems with today’s most popular pop hits. With multiple lead vocalists, instrument switching, and an energetic, interactive stage presence, they focus on keeping the crowd engaged, singing along, and having a great time from start to finish. Bring a chair. Try to get there early to help me grab some tables.

🥂 **DMV Professionals Singles Mixer** **Real People. Real Conversations. Real Connections.** **Ages 30–49** Looking to meet other successful, interesting, and relationship-minded singles in the DMV? **RSVP here for Confirmation** : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/singles-and-dating-meet-mix-mingle-with-singles-in-dc-ages-3049-tickets-1991872473187?aff=meetup Join us for an evening of great conversations, new connections, and a refreshing alternative to dating apps. Whether you're new to the area, recently single, focused on your career, or simply tired of endless swiping, this event is designed to help you meet local professionals in a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment. No pressure. No awkward pickup lines. No endless texting that never turns into a real date. Just authentic conversations with real people who are looking to connect. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📍 Location Astro Beer Hall 1306 G Street NW Washington, DC 20005 🚇 Metro Access Conveniently located just a short walk from: • Metro Center Station (Red, Orange, Blue, Silver Lines) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎟️ Reserve Early & Save ❤️ Early Bird Admission — $15 Limited quantity available. ❤️ General Admission — $20 Available after Early Bird tickets sell out. ❤️ Last Chance / Door Admission — $25 Available only if space remains. ⚠️ Most events sell out before the event date. Reserve early and save. **RSVP here for Confirmation** : [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/singles-and-dating-meet-mix-mingle-with-singles-in-dc-ages-3049-tickets-1991872473187?aff=meetup](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/singles-and-dating-meet-mix-mingle-with-singles-in-dc-ages-3049-tickets-1991872473187?aff=meetup) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ❤️ Why Attend? Let's be honest. Dating apps can be exhausting. You match. You message. You wait. Sometimes you meet. Most of the time, you don't. At Spark Vibe, we're bringing dating back to real life. This is your opportunity to step away from the screen and meet local singles face-to-face. Many attendees arrive on their own. Everyone is there to meet new people. You'll quickly discover that meeting people in person is far more enjoyable than spending another night scrolling through profiles. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ✨ What Makes This Event Different? Most singles events feel forced. This one doesn't. We've created a comfortable and social environment where conversations happen naturally. Meet local professionals from a variety of industries including: • Government • Healthcare • Technology • Education • Business • Finance • Consulting • Nonprofits • Entrepreneurship Whether you're looking for a relationship, friendship, dating opportunities, or simply want to expand your social circle, you'll be surrounded by people who are open to making genuine connections. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌟 What To Expect 🍸 Social Mixer Start the evening by mingling and meeting fellow attendees in a relaxed atmosphere. 💬 Easy Conversations Conversation starters and optional icebreakers help keep introductions natural and enjoyable. 🤝 Meet New People Connect with local singles from across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. 🎤 Friendly Host Our host will welcome guests, help facilitate introductions, and ensure everyone feels comfortable. ✨ Good Energy Expect a positive, welcoming crowd of professionals looking to connect and have a great evening. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ❤️ Perfect For Singles Who Are ✅ Tired of dating apps ✅ Looking for meaningful connections ✅ New to the DMV area ✅ Busy professionals ✅ Interested in meeting people face-to-face ✅ Open to friendship, dating, or a serious relationship ✅ Looking to expand their social circle ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌟 Why People Love Our Events Many attendees tell us they meet more quality people in one evening than they have in months online. The atmosphere is welcoming. The conversations are genuine. And the experience feels natural. Some attendees leave with a date. Others leave with new friends. Everyone leaves having made new connections. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⏰ Important Information • Please arrive 10–15 minutes early. • Check-in closes 15 minutes after the event start time. • Most attendees come solo. • Dress casually stylish or business casual. • Tickets are limited to maintain a comfortable experience. • Must be 21+ to attend. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ✨ About The Age Range This event is designed primarily for singles ages 30–49. The age range serves as a guideline rather than a strict requirement. If you feel you would connect well with this group, you're welcome to join us. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ❤️ Stop Swiping. Start Connecting. The best connections happen face-to-face. Reserve your spot today and join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and possibility. Spark Vibe Where Strangers Become Stories. **RSVP here for Confirmation** : [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/singles-and-dating-meet-mix-mingle-with-singles-in-dc-ages-3049-tickets-1991872473187?aff=meetup](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/singles-and-dating-meet-mix-mingle-with-singles-in-dc-ages-3049-tickets-1991872473187?aff=meetup)

Socrates Café meets twice a month. Though this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs à moitié prix. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez débutant ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from beginners to native fluency. ***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. 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 HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE 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. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. 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 HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING*** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vv1wxZAR1k](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vv1wxZAR1k)

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**###THIS JULY'S IN-PERSON MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED** **We encourage everyone to celebrate America's 250th Year!** **Team Network Alexandria Lead Xchange (ALX) 🐺🤝🇺🇸💼** **We meet the 1st Friday of the month in-person at Founding Farmers** **###THIS JULY'S IN-PERSON MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED** **We encourage everyone to celebrate America's 250th Year!** **Weekly Professional Networking – Fridays \| 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM** Start your Friday afternoons with energy, opportunity, and the power of purposeful networking. **Alexandria Lead Xchange (ALX)** provides a dynamic networking meeting designed to help serious professionals build relationships, exchange introductions, and grow their businesses. **At Team Network, we believe that business grows through relationships built on Know-Like-Trust.** Our meetings are structured, engaging, and focused on helping members become the answer when someone asks: “Do you know a great professional who can help with this?” **These meetings bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders who believe that:** • If you have time to breathe, you have time to network • Quantity has a quality of its own • Consistent weekly engagement creates powerful referral relationships **During the meeting you will experience:** ✅ Structured professional introductions ✅ Referral opportunities and relationship building ✅ Insight from high-level professionals across industries ✅ Accountability and business development momentum ✅ A welcoming but serious environment for professionals who want to grow Our team format increases the energy and opportunities in the room by bringing together members and guests, creating more connections, more referrals, and more value for everyone involved. **☕ In-Person Meeting (First Friday of Each Month)** On the first Friday of every month, Team Network Alexandria Lead Xchange (ALX) meets in person at the Founding Farmers, giving members and visitors the opportunity to strengthen relationships face-to-face in a professional and engaging environment. **👥 Visitors Welcome** Professionals who are not yet members of Team Network are invited to attend up to two meetings as a guest. After that, those interested in continuing with the group are encouraged to apply for membership and claim their professional seat. Team Network is designed for professionals seeking a long-term marketing and business development cornerstone for their business. **Make this the year you Join the Team and Run with a Pack! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** **All other Fridays of the Month \| 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM \| Join us on Zoom** [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3013705351?omn=86761907059](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3013705351?omn=86761907059) **Meeting ID:** 301 370 5351 **Passcode:** TmNetwork **Team Network Alexandria Lead Xchange (ALX)** Bring your energy, bring your introductions, and come ready to grow.

Trail Mix: Worship on the Move SATURDAYS\| 9 AM Meet @Vine Outdoor Picnic Tables (2501 Gallows Road) Trail Mix: Worship on the Move is a unique worship experience that invites us beyond the church walls and onto the W&OD Trail to encounter God in the beauty and freedom of the outdoors. We begin at Vine Church with a warm welcome, gentle stretching, scripture, and a centering thought before walking together to the trail. Like a pilgrimage, this time of walking or running becomes a space for fellowship, reflection, and openness to the gentle surprises of the Holy Spirit moving through creation. As we journey, worship happens in the quiet noticing: the rhythm of our steps, the sounds of nature, the beauty of the sky. Some may walk, others jog or run. Everyone moves at their own pace, yet we share the trail as one community of faith. When we return to Vine, we’ll share simple trail snacks (like trail mix or granola bars)—a small but meaningful meal that reminds us Christ nourishes us along the way, wherever our paths may lead. This is a great service for families (all ages welcome), singles (join a community), people who are neurodiverse, or who feel most connected when they can be alone together—sharing space with others while moving at their own pace, without pressure to talk or engage in traditional ways. The structure is open and spacious, allowing room for silence, prayer, or conversation—whatever feels right to you. Trail Mix is for everyone: those rooted in church life, those exploring faith for the first time, those who find God best in wide open spaces. Come expecting to move, breathe, pray, and experience the sacred in the world around you. Questions: Contact [abbytoler@thevineva.org](mailto:abbytoler@thevineva.org)

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Join us for a fun and relaxing brunch at Carfagna’s! Come enjoy delicious Italian food, great conversation, and a chance to connect with other amazing women in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re new to the group or a familiar face, we’d love to see you there. Please RSVP early so we can plan seating. Looking forward to a great brunch together!

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

This presentation will be by Ben Iten, humanist chaplain and HCCO Board Member. Speaking on expressing Humanism values in American democracy. This meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online. The formal presentation will start at noon. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. 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. 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)

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.