Animal Rights & Welfare

**Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection** host by **Neo Seefried** guest: **Sarj Lynch** event for **LGBTQIA+** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/radical-empathy/w07-2026)** Conflict is everywhere: in our inner lives, relationships, workplaces, communities. Instead of seeing it as rupture or failure, Radical Empathy explores how exchange can transform conflict into queer creativity, resilience, and solidarity. This intimate closed group of 25–30 queer participants will explore how storytelling can hold, transform, and reimagine conflict – personal and collective. We will create a space where queer voices meet – not to erase differences, but to live them and to seek new forms of connection. **Calling in Care When Harm Happens** In this session, we’ll explore some of the ways that our bodies react in moments of rupture, as well as strategies for how we can activate our values to guide our responses when the going gets tough . We’ll learn a simple care protocol that can be applied when painful moments arise in our relationships — whether we are the one experiencing harm, perpetuating it, or witnessing it (or, as so often happens, some combination of the three). **Guest facilitator for this session is Sarj Lynch**, facilitator, community care organizer and co-initiator of aequa. **Sarj Lynch** (they) is a very curious facilitator and community care organizer based in Berlin. They are co-initiator of aequa (2017), aequa Workshops Collective (2020), and Berlin Collective Action e.V. (2020). Together with Bryony Beynon, they run Big Beef and Beyond — an ongoing series of trainings on transformative approaches to tending to harm in our communities, which focuses especially on conflict, harm and abuse in collective, cultural and social movement and organizing work. **General information** **Participant**: this workshop series is open to LGBTQIA+ people, with particular encouragement for those holding multiple marginalizations. **Language**: Depending on the group’s needs, sessions will be held in German and/or English. **Cost**: Free of charge, registration required. 🔵 Konflikte sind allgegenwärtig: in unserem Inneren, in Beziehungen, in der Arbeit, in Communities. Anstatt sie als Bruch oder Scheitern zu sehen, erforscht Radical Empathy, wie Austausch Konflikte in queere Kreativität, Resilienz und Solidarität verwandeln kann. Diese intime, geschlossene Gruppe von queeren Teilnehmenden wird untersuchen, wie Storytelling persönliche und kollektive Konflikte halten, verwandeln und neu imaginieren kann. Wir schaffen einen Raum, in dem queere Stimmen einander begegnen – nicht, um Unterschiede aufzulösen, sondern um sie zu leben und neue Formen der Verbindung zu suchen. In dieser Session werden wir einige der Weisen erkunden, wie unsere Körper in Momenten des Bruchs reagieren, sowie Strategien dafür, wie wir unsere Werte aktivieren können, um unser Handeln zu leiten, wenn es schwierig wird. Wir werden ein einfaches Fürsorge-Protokoll kennenlernen, das angewendet werden kann, wenn schmerzhafte Momente in unseren Beziehungen auftauchen — ganz gleich, ob wir diejenigen sind, die Verletzung erfahren, sie verursachen oder sie bezeugen (oder, wie so oft, eine Kombination aus allem). **Gast-Moderator\*in bei dieser Session ist Sarj Lynch**, Facilitator und Community-Care-Organisator\*in, Gründer\*in von aequa. **Sarj Lynch** (they) ist ein\*e sehr neugierige\*r Vermittler\*in und Organisator\*in für Community Care mit Sitz in Berlin. Sarj ist Mitinitiator\*in von aequa (2017), aequa Workshops Collective (2020) und Berlin Collective Action e.V. (2020). Zusammen mit Bryony Beynon leitet they Big Beef and Beyond – eine fortlaufende Reihe von Schulungen zu transformativen Ansätzen für den Umgang mit Verletzungen in unseren Communities, die sich insbesondere auf Konflikte, Gewalt und Missbrauch in kollektiven, kulturellen und sozialen Bewegungen und Organisationsarbeit konzentriert. **Hinweise** **Teilnehmende:** Die Reihe richtet sich an queere Menschen (LGBTQIA+). Wir empfehlen insbesondere die Teilnahme von Menschen mit mehrfachen Marginalisierungen. **Sprache:** Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe auf Deutsch und/oder Englisch\*\*.\*\* **Kosten:** kostenlos mit Anmeldung. **Mit Unterstützung der Senatsverwaltung für Inneres und Sport – Landeskommission Berlin gegen Gewalt**

## "Ich kann nicht malen! Du möchtest malen, aber traust dich nicht? Freude an Farben, an einer kreativen Auszeit, mehr braucht es nicht zum Malen. Es ist wie einzutauchen in die eigene Farbwelt, denn es ist alles da! Da bei mir nicht gegenständlich gemalt wird, fällt es super leicht zu starten und sich den Farben und dir anzuvertrauen. Es entstehen wunderbare, farbenfrohe Bilder. Intuarts Malkurse (fast) immer Freitags ab 17.30 bis 20.00 Uhr oder Samstags ab 10.30 bis 13.00 Uhr

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Escape the hustle of Berlin and step into the royal elegance of Potsdam — the former residence of Prussian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage city. On this half-day walking tour, discover the stunning Sanssouci Palace Gardens, grand architecture, and fascinating stories that shaped Europe’s royal past. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll stroll through Potsdam’s historic center, see Cecilienhof Palace, where the WWII Potsdam Conference took place, and admire the beautiful Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam. Then, explore the world-famous Sanssouci Park, with its terraced vineyards and ornate palaces built by Frederick the Great — the “Prussian Versailles.” This tour perfectly combines royal history, scenic beauty, and architectural splendor, making it one of the most enchanting day trips from Berlin. **🌟 Highlights** * Explore the royal city of Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site * Visit Sanssouci Palace Gardens, the jewel of Prussian architecture * See Cecilienhof Palace, site of the post-WWII Allied conference * Wander the charming Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate * Learn fascinating stories of Prussian kings and royal intrigue from your expert guide **✅ What’s Included** * Expert local guide * Half-day guided walking tour * Highlights of Potsdam’s palaces, parks, and historical landmarks * Small group for a more personal experience

Unser internationales Sprachcafé richtet sich an Alt- und Neu-Berliner\*innen, Reisende und Anwohner\*innen - alle sind willkommen! Bei heißem Tee und Kaffee und frischen Waffeln könnt ihr mit Menschen aus aller Welt ins Gespräch kommen. Um das Eis zu brechen, haben wir verschiedene Spieleinheiten vorbereitet - wie zum Beispiel ein Kennlern-Bingo, Impro-Theater-Übungen und ein kleines Berlin-Quiz. Selbstverständlich ist die Teilnahme an den Spielen freiwillig und ihr könnt euch gerne einfach gemütlich unterhalten. Wir möchten vor allem Sprachstudierende ermutigen teilzunehmen, und Berlin in diesem Rahmen aus verschiedenen Perspektiven kennenzulernen, persönliche Kontakte zu knüpfen und in das kulturelle Kiezleben der Stadt einzutauchen. Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

Get your creativity flowing with our Bento Cakes Workshop, where you'll learn how to create the cutest, trendiest mini cakes from scratch! Perfect for gifting or indulging in a personal treat, these Korean-inspired bento cakes are all about charm, color, and fun. In this hands-on class, you’ll: ✨ Learn the basics of mini cake layering and frosting 🧁 Practice piping and decorating techniques 🎨 Personalize your cake with messages, designs, and pastel colors No baking experience? No problem! All materials are provided, and our instructor will guide you every step of the way. Come solo or bring a friend—this workshop is sweet, creative, and oh-so-Instagrammable! 💖 **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

### The Question of Feminism: History, Politics, Society, and Psychology Feminism addresses the historical and ongoing disadvantage of women in society. It begins with the recognition that women were long denied legal rights, political participation, economic independence, and control over their own bodies. From this starting point, feminism examines how inequality has been created and maintained through laws, institutions, social norms, knowledge production, and cultural practices—and how these structures shape everyday life and women’s internal experiences. In this session, we will focus on the following topics: 1. **Historical exclusion of women from legal rights, education, political power, and economic independence** 2. **Political regulation of women’s work, income, citizenship, and bodily autonomy** 3. **Social expectations surrounding motherhood, care work, and emotional labor** 4. **Psychological effects of gender norms, including self-confidence, ambition, guilt, and mental health** 5. **Social, medical, and political control of women’s bodies and sexuality** 6. **Marginalization and underrepresentation of women in science, education, and cultural production** 7. **Differences in women’s experiences shaped by class, race, migration background, disability, and age** 8. **Contemporary forms of discrimination against women in workplaces, healthcare, relationships, and public space** This will be an open and focused conversation grounded in historical realities, political structures, social practices, psychological experience, and intersectional perspectives. Together, we’ll reflect on how feminism connects material conditions, power relations, and inner lives—and why addressing all of these dimensions is essential for understanding and challenging women’s inequality today. 📅 **Event Details** 🗓️ **Date:** Saturday, 14 February 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 14:00 📍 **Location:** Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 **WhatsApp (for prep materials and directions):** 👉 **[Join Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)**

Wir zelebrieren gemeinsam einen vielfältigen Samstagsbrunch. Es gibt köstliche Waffeln und Pfannkuchen mit leckeren Toppings. Alle Zutaten sind pflanzenbasiert und Bio/nachhaltig/gerettet. Wir laden Pianisten ein unser Klavier zu bespielen. *** Kommt einfach vorbei. Ihr braucht keine Anmeldung. *** Bitte bringt warme Socken mit. Teilname und Getränke auf Spendenbasis. *** Siehe auch auf: LebensMittelPunkte-Berlin

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Escape the hustle of Berlin and step into the royal elegance of Potsdam — the former residence of Prussian kings and a UNESCO World Heritage city. On this half-day walking tour, discover the stunning Sanssouci Palace Gardens, grand architecture, and fascinating stories that shaped Europe’s royal past. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll stroll through Potsdam’s historic center, see Cecilienhof Palace, where the WWII Potsdam Conference took place, and admire the beautiful Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam. Then, explore the world-famous Sanssouci Park, with its terraced vineyards and ornate palaces built by Frederick the Great — the “Prussian Versailles.” This tour perfectly combines royal history, scenic beauty, and architectural splendor, making it one of the most enchanting day trips from Berlin. **🌟 Highlights** * Explore the royal city of Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site * Visit Sanssouci Palace Gardens, the jewel of Prussian architecture * See Cecilienhof Palace, site of the post-WWII Allied conference * Wander the charming Dutch Quarter and Brandenburg Gate * Learn fascinating stories of Prussian kings and royal intrigue from your expert guide **✅ What’s Included** * Expert local guide * Half-day guided walking tour * Highlights of Potsdam’s palaces, parks, and historical landmarks * Small group for a more personal experience

Liebe Musizierende und Tanzende: Die "Folkwiese" aus dem Mauerpark findet nun im dritten Jahr ihr Winterquartier im Offenen Wohnzimmer. Wir laden alle Menschen mit akustischem Musikinstrument ein mit uns leichte Stücke vom Balkan, Skandinavien, Irland oder Israel zu spielen. Wir spielen nach Noten, aber im Sessionstyle, also ohne zu "üben". Die Wiederholung machts ! Dazu gibt's leicht zu erlernende Kreistänze mit Tanzanleitung. Bringt gern saubere Tanzschuhe oder warme Socken/Hausschuhe mit.

EVERY 2. and 3. saturday of the month A community project offering creative sessions for children and families—music, movement, yoga, and arts—all designed to spark joy, expression, and connection. Please sign up through whatsapp or email to join the fun. Ein Gemeinschaftsprojekt, das kreative Sitzungen für Kinder und Familien anbietet – Musik, Bewegung, Yoga und Kunst –, die alle darauf ausgelegt sind, Freude, Ausdruck und Verbundenheit zu wecken. Die Stunde findet auf englisch statt Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis Bitte melden Sie sich per WhatsApp oder E-Mail an, um am Spaß teilzunehmen. [+49 1512 9693732](http://wa.me/4915129693732) / [hello@littlehumansarts.de](mailto:hello@littlehumansarts.de)

**URGENT ACTION SUMMIT 2** \- “What is happening in Amerika?” Sat 14 Feb 15-21:00 @Baumhaus Berlin **This is an event for those who feel a sense of urgency or desperation to get society to act in solidarity faster to address critical issues like climate change and the rise of fascism.** 15:00 doors open and open networking 16:00 interactive talk 16:30 Q & A 17:00 break and open networking 18:00 workshop - developing viral interventions 19:00 group feedback 19:30 quick pitches 20:00 open networking 22:00 end The first Summit took place in June of 2024 and resulted in 2 teams of people who developed a short video prototype that describes the nature of these wicked problems and an online curated platform to connect a trusted network of local change makers in Berlin and beyond. • video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ml3AEzZhE • platform - https://ourworld.solutions/ During this interactive talk, discussion and workshop Scott Bolden, founder of Baumhaus Berlin will build on the work from Urgent Action Summit 1 and address the questions: 1 - “**What is happening in Amerika?**” & 2 - “**What kinds of meaningful and practical responses can we come up with in Berlin that can make a positive difference?"** The story of America is a complex one but can be broken down into a few simple fundamental concepts that explain why the state of things are the way they are today. We will explore why it makes sense that Trump and his kind have risen to power and how we can contribute to his fall by doing the things we already love to do. We will also make the connection to the common roots of authoritarianism and climate change as well as sharing strategies to address both. Making a difference in the world doesn’t have to be lonely hard work that one has to sacrifice everything for. The objective of this summit is to identify some common ground that can form the basis for a movement of authentic and resonant solidarity right here in Berlin; one that has the potential to spread. **How can we collectively have fun getting good things done?** The ideas, connections and synergies that are shared during this event will provide a basis for developing program and interventions for the next Emergent Berlin festival happening in Fall 2026 (check out Emergent Berlin 2025). Participants are encouraged to share their findings on the Emergent Berlin instagram page use it as a living working document to help realized some of the ideas that get developed. https://www.emergentberlin2025.de/ Entrance: open donation **support Baumhaus crowdfunding campaign** ( https://www.goodcrowd.org/saving-das-baumhaus ) feel free to bring drinks and snacks to share, there will also be some food and drinks on a donation basis Baumhaus Berlin Gerichtstr 23 VH Eg 13347 Berlin \* Bonus - improv theme song for this event https://soundcloud.com/user-164945673/urgent-action-summit-2-call-to

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.**

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link [https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/) The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and VSDC! Stick around at the end for a group photo behind the barn. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward. We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. Rosie's Farm Sanctuary is always in need of volunteers. If you want to volunteer with them outside of VSDC's volunteer days, make sure to visit [Rosies Farm Sanctuary ](https://rosiesfarmsanctuary.org/volunteer/) to sign up. By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **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.**

This event is designed for individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on global issues related to human rights. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, learn about successful advocacy campaigns, and network with like-minded individuals. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable world where freedom is truly universal. Let's stand up for human rights and be the change we wish to see in the world.

**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.