Animal Rights & Welfare

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

Presentation of the first data visualisation published by the Clay-Gilmore Institute for Philosophy, Technology, and Counterinsurgency The works assembled in this talk emerge from the CG-IPTC's inquiry into the algorithmic management of racialized life — a condition in which the logic of counterinsurgency has migrated from the battlefield to the domestic sphere. Through predictive analytics, biometric surveillance, and spatial policing technologies, contemporary security practices now enact strategies once reserved for the governance of colonized populations. Our central concern is not simply that artificial intelligence and predictive policing reproduce racial bias, but that they embody the very strategic grammar of militarized population control. Miron J. Clay-Gilmore https://philosophy.utoronto.ca/directory/miron-j-clay-gilmore/ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Department of Philosophy University of Toronto About the Speaker: Miron J. Clay-Gilmore is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Centre for Ethics and the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society at the University of Toronto. Dr. Clay-Gilmore’s research explores how artificial intelligence, big data, and predictive policing operate within broader regimes of counterinsurgency and state violence. By situating contemporary AI systems within longer genealogies of Western militarism and colonial administration, his scholarship reveals how the management of life and death—what he terms the technologization of counterinsurgency—defines the moral and political boundaries of modern societies. His publications have appeared in *AI and Ethics, Res Philosophica, American Philosophical Quarterly,* and *The Journal of African American Studies.* Across these works, Dr. Clay-Gilmore bridges Africana philosophy, social and political thought, and the philosophy of technology to illuminate how power, race, and computation shape the contemporary human condition. Through the CG-IPTC, Dr. Clay-Gilmore leads a pioneering interdisciplinary initiative that integrates philosophical inquiry, data analysis, and public education to interrogate the ethical and political consequences of emerging technologies. The Institute develops research clusters, public-facing media, and digital infrastructures that expose the interconnections between technological innovation, governance, and racialized violence. **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat [here](https://youtube.com/live/s2okrHEoiZ0?feature=share). About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

**Tuesday Night Pick-up Soccer - 10:00pm to 12:00pm** Markham Soccer Dome 5300 14th Ave, Markham (McCowan and 14th) Indoor Turf Field. Game Play: 7 v 7 - 2 Fields Fee: $20 **ALL PLAYERS MUST RESPOND TO THE EVENT TO PLAY!!!!!** We have players coming from many different groups to play the 7 v 7 format on two fields but we can only accommodate 28 players. To control the amount of players we get we strongly suggest you create a profile on the following site to reserve a spot. Please go to [canadiansoccerclub.com](http://canadiansoccerclub.com/) Anytime you want to play, login to the site using your credentials. Games will begin at 10:00pm sharp. Players are requested to arrive by 9:45pm to pick teams and kick-off at 10:00pm sharp Players are responsible to bring the following: \- Cleats or Turf Shoes \- A white jersey AND a black/dark jersey \- Shin Guards \(Strongly Recommended\) If you're looking for a great run with some good guys ... this is the place to be!! Thank you and please contact me if you have any questions at [admin@canadiansoccerclub.com](http://admin@canadiansoccerclub.com/) Miguel (647) 404-7477

**Auberge du Pommier** Let’s indulge ourselves and have lunch at Auberge and enjoy the reserved, quiet elegance and charm of one of the finest French restaurants in Toronto. Wood-burning fireplaces enhance the celebration of food at it’s best. They have an impressive wine & tea selection. Please check out the prix fixe menu below. The fixed price for lunch is $55.00 plus tax & gratuity. There is complimentary parking underground in the YONGE CORPORATE CENTRE, which is normally $20 but since we are a large group, Frederick, a lovely gentleman, informs me it will be complimentary for our members. Please bring your tickets to the restaurant for validation. Kindly note, they are unable to validate above ground parking. Also, the amenities are wheel chair accessible. There is a dress code. Business casual is preferred. There will be a charge of **$25.00 with your RSVP** which will be returned to you upon attendance since that is what my credit card will be dinged if you don’t show. Please e-transfer with your rsvp by January 28th. **Auberge du Pommier** is fabulous and a must visit for Summer or Winterlicious. We have been here before and those that went thoroughly enjoyed. *To retain your seat and confirm your rsvp please e-transfer **$25.00** to me **at cindyiamcanadian@gmail.com by January 28th.** It will be returned upon attendance. If you can't go, please notify me a week before the event so that those on the waitlist may respond and participate. Thanks a bunch for your understanding.* LUNCH MENU IN PHOTO BELOW.

Facebook event page: [https://www.facebook.com/events/880280588046613](https://www.facebook.com/events/880280588046613) Ready to put AI to work for animals -- ethically, creatively, and with purpose -- and turn ideas into effective strategies you can actually use? Brains and heartlights on! Here's your spark-to-strategy way to go about it. Mike Wigmore of Equip AI, a long-time vegan and animal activist, brings a rare and powerful combination to the table: Deep AI and technical expertise paired with serious creative juice. Mike doesn’t just understand the tools -- he knows how to play with them, push them, and shape them into strategies that advocates can actually use. This workshop is designed like a Lab experiment: We’re taking an idea, testing it, refining it, and extracting real-world advocacy outputs -- all in real time. No abstract tech talk -- Mike will guide participants through the full lifecycle of an animal rights campaign, showing how AI can support each phase: • from initial hypothesis (campaign idea) • to research and context-building • to setting up a context-aware AI project • to rapidly generating usable, resonating campaign materials and strategies Together, we’ll build a comprehensive animal rights campaign within an hour or so, centred on a real issue…which shall be revealed on the day of! The resulting strategy will be something you can tweak, adapt, and build upon for other issues, long after the workshop ends. What’s on the Lab bench: Tool Tour \* a fast-paced run-through of several AI tools -- what they do, how they differ, and where they’re most useful for advocacy \* Mike will show how to prompt effectively -- not just what to ask, but how to guide AI toward sharper, more nuanced results Live Campaign Build \* using a real-world animal advocacy issue, Mike will demonstrate how AI can help design a multi-pronged campaign that speaks to different audiences and motivations -- logic, compassion, ethics, environmental impact, health, and more ✨ No advanced tech knowledge required! ✨ Ideal for activists, creatives, organizers, campaigners, and curious humans ✨ A more hands-on follow-up session is planned for a future date Animals need us to be nimble, strategic, and creative -- and AI can give advocates a powerful edge over their non-vegan counterparts. Used thoughtfully, these tools can help us move faster, test ideas sooner, and turn good intentions into coordinated action. Supercharge your animal advocacy -- without replacing your heart, values, voice...or brain! “Don’t panic -- the robots work for the animals.” \-\- Vish\, Chief Lab Assistant A pay-what-you-wish(bone) presentation! The Lab is a volunteer-run, largely self-funded initiative. Donations from kind people allow us to host more community-building events, develop more programming, conduct more workshops, create more content, purchase more equipment and literature, and cover our operating costs.

**IT'S THE BIG 5…..UH-OH! + Wishbone fundraiser (scroll down for details)** Alec Turns **50** (Send Help… and Vegan Birthday Cake!) **Friday the 13th \(eeek\!\) \| February 2026** **The Lab \-\- Vegutainment \| Business \| Events Centre** Wishbone & The Lab co-conspirator, Alec, is hitting the Big Five-Oh, and we’re going to help numb the pain with: ✨ cool (and dorky!) people ✨ yummy plant-based snacks and beverages ✨ compelling tunes (DJ + pay-to-play requests… maybe karaoke if we get a burst of brave) ✨ dancing, laughter…and questionable birthday decisions This is also a **Wishbone fundraiser** because, honestly, what better way to support animal rights work than by partying in a fully vegan space with excellent humans? **How it works:** This is a **pay-what-you-wish celebration**, with a **suggested minimum donation of $25** to help cover food and drinks, but most importantly to keep the doors open at Wishbone Animal Rights Lab and The Lab. If you can give more, you are officially an angel in pointy dancing shoes. If funds are tighter, come anyway -- community matters. Wanna bust a move to your favourite song? We can make that happen with paid requests -- all towards a very good cause. \* Vish MIGHT make an appearance \* Friday the 13th energy is welcomed \* Cringe-y dancing expected Let’s show Alec some love -- and help keep Wishbone doing the good work for our beloved animal friends.

It’s not just a challenge — it’s your 5-week transformation journey! Each Thursday we meet for two powerful hours designed to help you reset, recharge, and reach your goals 💪 Here’s what’s included: ✨ Weigh-In & Progress Tracking — see real results every week. 🧠 Nutrition Class (6:00–7:00 PM) — learn how to build balanced habits, improve metabolism, and eat smart in real life. 💚 Personalized Wellness Coaching — each participant gets their own coach for a full wellness evaluation and personal meal plan tailored to their goals. 🔥 Fitness Session (7:00–8:00 PM) — energizing group workout to tone, stretch, and feel amazing! And the best part? 🎉 Every week when you come, you’ll enjoy a refreshing Herbal Tea with Aloe to kick-start your energy before the workout, and a post-workout protein shake to repair muscle tissue and support toning — all designed to help you get the best results. 💸 Plus, you can actually win cash prizes! Part of the entry fee goes to the prize pool — so the more people join, the bigger the winnings! This challenge is for everyone who’s ready to take control of their health, feel stronger, look better, and stay motivated with an amazing community by your side.

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $45 depending on which type of class you want to continue with.\* These French, Spanish, and English, classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a francophone, hispanophone, or anglophone country. *English in this class can only taught in French and Spanish unless you are an advanced learner* The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. **Program is also offered in private and online classes**. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other French nor Spanish classes are as oral as these ones. We guarantee it! Group classes are hosted at **600 Bay Street** (Wishbone Animal Rights Lab) every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Call (647)787-9953 upon arrival if no one is there to let you in, and someone will come down to let you in. Parking is available across from the Greyhound bus station on Elm Street and Bay Street.

We are celebrating Valentine's Day together, please wear pink/ red and bring a Vegan Valentine's Day dish to share. For inspiration there is [https://ohsheglows.com/.../holiday/valentines-day-recipes-2/](https://ohsheglows.com/categories/recipes-2/holiday/valentines-day-recipes-2/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSFl3VEwySmliM2xodDR1YXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR676LhTw4VLRF03CiezFEDMwjVpDhvWJYytJQ5SnIPf4uGbIS2ZI7UdKIgqag_aem_layb7DO1cogGIg6ZG766SA) You can google other recipes. We don't want all desserts though, so if you can write what you will bring in the comments that would be awesome! This potluck will start with an arrival time by 12:15 p.m. We will start eating at 1 PM SHARP followed by games. If you have a game please bring it! I will bring a few. PLEASE bring enough food for 4-6 people. Bring your own utensils, plates, bowls, and cup as the centre does not always have an adequate supply of these. You are responsible for your own clean-up and if you borrow the items at the centre please clean them. All are welcome veg-curious, vegetarian, and vegan as long as what you bring to the potluck is vegan! We hope that you will join us! NOTE: This is also posted in the Scarborough Vegans Facebook group, so people are signing up there as well.

Join us for an all plant-based meal at the always popular Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna, VA. We've made a reservation for 20 attendees, so don't delay in RSVPing as this will fill up. You can preview Sunflower's menu [here. ](https://www.crystalsunflower.com/menu) Parking is available in the restaurant's lot and the Vienna Metro station is 1.6 miles away. Rides may be available from attendees with cars so please communicate needs/availability in the comments below. Please note that there is no outdoor dining at this venue and that this is an indoor event. **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this limited-space event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Join the [Veg Society of DC (VSDC)](vsdc.org) for board games in person! We are capping the event at 16 people. **SNACKS**: light vegan snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided by the host. This is an all-vegan event. **WHO**: All VSDC and Meetup members are invited; space is limited to the 1st 16 to sign up. **Note: you must include your first and last name and a valid phone number / email when you RSVP - only the hosts can see this additional info.** **WHEN**: Saturday, Feb 28th, from 3 pm to 6 pm. **WHERE**: Derwood MD. For the exact location, text or call the host (Caroline) at least 24 hours in advance of the event: 240-261-3732. Note: Do not share the address with anyone else. **PARKING**: There is plenty of free parking in the residential neighborhood. Please read and follow all parking signs. **METRO:** This location is accessible by public transport. It is 1.5 miles from the Shady Grove Metro station (Red line). Once at Shady Grove, take Ride-On Bus 64 to Shady Grove Rd.& Briardale Rd; walk less than 0.5 miles. **WHAT TO BRING**: Your favorite game. The host has 3: Taboo; Chess; and Take 5 **REMEMBER: *You must include your first and last name and a valid phone number / email when you RSVP - only the hosts can see this additional info.*** **CONTACT THE HOST:** If you need to contact the organizer, call or text Caroline at 240-261-3732. ***Please plan in advance and understand that questions on the day itself may not receive a reply.*** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

HSLC has many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families! Come meet them at the Petco in Leesburg from Noon to 2:00pm on Saturday, February 14th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit [Humane Society of Loudoun County](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/) If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, [complete an application today](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/adoption-process/) to expedite the application process.

Join us for Fundraiser Bingo, where fun meets community impact! Whether you’re coming out to support HSLC or simply want to play a few rounds of bingo, everyone is welcome! 🎉 Free to Attend 🍽️ Lost Barrel Brewing donates 10% of all food sales during the event to HSLC 🏆 Prizes to be won & fun guaranteed 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages welcome ⏰ Sundays | 4:30–6:30 PM Come hungry and thirsty, enjoy great company, and help support at-risk animals in our community—one bingo card at a time! About this month’s non-profit: Humane Society of Loudoun County HSLC is a foster-based, all-volunteer rescue that saves and improves the lives of vulnerable animals by providing care and placing adoptable animals into loving forever homes.

Rockville Vegans will be picking up trash on the outside of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary as part of their adopt-a-highway program. Poplar will provide all the supplies - gloves, bags, and visibility vests. We will be parking just inside the gate as you enter the farm property.

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.