Assertive Communication

We meet typically from 12:15 to 1:15 PM on the second and fourth Fridays of the month in Conference Room 2E908 at the National Cancer Institute http://gene.toastmastersclubs.org/ For details on Directions and Security Check-in: http://gene.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html

***Please read all and make sure you agree before you sign up.*** **Court Type:** Outdoor Sand **Level:** adv beginners+/intermediate (BB/A) **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the sand courts, behind the courts, and there is garage parking close to the courts. Metro is the Blue and Yellow Lines. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball if you have one. **MAX:** 10 players per net. (1 Net) **Restroom:** Restrooms are across the street in the restaurants. **Host's Philosophy on This Event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. This is a space where you won’t be judged for making mistakes, ***but we do expect you to listen to the organizer if they make suggestions or adjustments***. We also expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this event isn’t intended for total beginners; an understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have issues with this ahead of the event. [https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > League Members > Smiley Attendance Ratio\* > Skills (BB>B) > New Members The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event. One no-show means you will be removed from the group. See the rules below. **\*The organizers can see the number of times you have attended events vs the times you have dropped out. If your drop rate is more than 50%, you may not be accepted to the going list.** [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** * Bringing your **dog** is welcome and encouraged. * *Can I come if I don't know how to play?* No, you may not. The host teaches a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays. * *Can I be late or leave early?* The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to arrive late or leave early, please let the host know in advance. * *Can I come even if I am not on the going list?* No, sorry * Why Max the players at 10 when you can do 6v6? This court is already for 2v2; getting 6 players on each side is overkill. * How can I become a regular if I don't ever get to attend? You can attend my other events on weekdays/weekends. Show me you have good skills and bring good vibes! **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit)

Are you a former conservative or MAGA supporter looking for a community of like-minded individuals? Join us for dinner! Whether you're just starting to question your beliefs or have already made the transition, this group is a judgement-free zone to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who left the right. All are welcome, regardless of where you are in your political evolution or what you were in the past. MTG is resigning, the Epstein files are coming, and I'm sure something else ridiculous is going to happen by the time we get to this date. You should join us for dinner, drinks, and a place to vent.

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

If your body don't bend that way and you want to join others in a gentle yoga class please join us on Fridays at 9:00am. **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 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Join us for a six mile circuit hike, with an elevation gain of about 450 feet, starting at Battery Kemble Park in Washington, DC. Battery Kemble was a fortification used for the defense of Washington during the Civil War. From the parking lot, we'll proceed south on Battery Kemble Trail. At the Wesley Heights Trail, we'll head east to intersect the Glover Archbold Trail. Heading south on Glover Archbold, we reach the C&O Canal towpath and then head west to Fletcher Cove. We'll stop briefly at the cove and then finish the hike by heading north along the Battery Kemble Ridge Trail. Map: [AllTrails: Battery Kemble - Glover Archbold - C&O Canal](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-04f1911--478) Length: 6 miles Estimated Time: Two and a Half (2.5) Hours Hike Pace: about 2.5 mph Trail Type: Dirt, stairs, grass, and gravel. Elevation Gain: \~ 450 feet. Hike Type: Circuit Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Facilities: There are no restrooms at Battery Kemble Park. Restroom facilities are available at Fletcher Cove, which is at mile 4.5 of this 6 mile hike. GPS coordinates: [38.929611, -77.094103](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NpeeS68LVbTpGbT8) Directions: From MacArthur Boulevard in Northwest DC, turn (left if inbound, right if outbound) onto Chain Bridge Rd. Go one-half mile to the park entrance on the right. Follow the winding park road to the parking area. Leader: Steve Wiley (571) 345-6441 Rating: C [Hike Rating System explained](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Meet: **Please arrive by 9:15 a.m**. so that we can check everyone in and start hiking on time at 9:30. Park Entry Fee: $0.00

If you’re a dad over 35, you probably feel it: * Your energy isn’t what it used to be. * Work stress drains you before you even get home. * The weight has crept on around the middle. * Your kids still have endless energy, but keeping up with them feels harder every year. And deep down, you know your family looks to you as the example. If you’re running on empty, short on patience, and out of shape, that’s the standard you set at home. The **D.A.D.S. Program (Dads Achieving Discipline & Strength)** was built for men like you. Ordinary guys with jobs, families, and full schedules who want to: * **Reclaim strength** so you feel capable, athletic, and confident again. * **Boost energy** so you’re sharp at work and fully present with your family. * **Drop the aches, stiffness, and sluggishness** that make you feel older than you are. * **Find balance and accountability** by training alongside other dads in the same fight. * **Crush male loneliness** by connecting with men who “get it” and have your back. Here’s the best part: You don’t need to be a seasoned gym rat. This is designed for **beginner to intermediate exercisers**—dads who may have been out of the gym for years or have never had a structured program, but know it’s time to get serious. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, we’re hosting **Meet-Up Workouts from 6:00–6:45 AM.** No strings attached. Just one powerful hour that could be the turning point in your health, energy, and family life. There are only **8 spots available**, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Location: Revolutionary Fitness - 215 N. Payne St., Alexandria, Va 22314 Every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 6:00–6:45 AM To claim your spot, call/text 703-783-2316 or email sign up directly at [https://go.thefitrevolution.com/dads](https://go.thefitrevolution.com/dads) Stop putting yourself last. Take this hour, and give your family the stronger, sharper, healthier version of you.

We are a specialty Toastmasters club that is dedicated towards empowering members to become Advanced speakers and leaders. Hence the name TBA (Toastmasters Becoming Advanced). Guests are always welcome. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Eastern Time * 2nd Friday, we meet in a hybrid format where members can attend either online or in-person at: Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031 * 4th Friday, we meet online only If you would like to visit, email tba.toastmasters@gmail.com

Let's get together to play some competitive doubles volleyball. **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: BB+ (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is **NOT on a first come-first serve** basis and players with higher skill level and players who can bring a net/ball will get priority over others on the wait list. 2. Since skill levels are **self-reported**, some new attendees may not meet the expected level. For doubles, we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 3. Each person must help set up and take down one net, leaving some nets unset for latecomers. 4. Please answer all questions, so it's helpful for us to organize the event. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for lunch and a conversation on ***Discipline vs. Self-Compassion: What Actually Makes Growth Possible?*** Here’s how it works: For just two hours, a table of people set aside the need to "convince" or "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by an experienced table host, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. In a world of disconnection and surface-level interaction, we'll carve out some time just to be humans together and have a meaningful conversation. **As mentioned above, our topic for this lunch will be, "Discipline vs. Self-Compassion: What Actually Makes Growth Possible?"** At this universal time of taking stock and making resolutions, we'll explore how we can be our best selves in 2026. We hope you'll join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another. We'll be meeting in The Edmund, the condominium adjacent to Wegmans. You can park in the Wegmans lot and walk outside and then around the store to the front of The Edmund, or park in any of the many nearby surface lots. We’ll meet in the Lobby and walk to the conference room together. Look for your host, Heidi Clark! This will be a "bring your own lunch" gathering. If you need somewhere convenient to get food, the Wegmans has a great self-serve cafe. BreadBreakers, an initiative by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community where all beliefs, faiths, and stripes are welcomed. Our leadership and volunteer team includes people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

This event is for women only. We will meet for coffee and a bite to eat at a local cafe. Grounded Coffee Shop

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

Shilohites Toastmasters meets every 2nd and 4th Sundays. Meetings start at 4:00 pm, and last one hour. We are a community club open to all. Parking is free. We focus on personal goals for professional development.

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested 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? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Communication is everything in life! You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Come chat about Atlassian tools and best practices at the Upper Arlington Sunny Street Cafe and Breakfast is on Atlassian! Let's get the day started off with breakfast with your ACE Leaders! We're always excited to talk about Atlassian Products, share our knowledge and hand out swag! Come chat with us about new product news and anything you are working on within the Atlassian product stack. This is a great opportunity to come see what we are all about, hear new business news and share with other Atlassian users your questions and experiences. We'd love to see new and old friends come out to chat and learn about Atlassian! Agenda --- Moderators Kimberly Deal - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Greg Sprowls - Columbus Atlassian Community Leader Hosted By Kimberly Deal, Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley, Chief Everything Greg Sprowls, Agility Lead --- Global Partner Atlassian (http://atlassian.com) Millions of users globally rely on Atlassian products every day for improving software development, project management, collaboration, and code quality. Partner Atlassian --- For over a decade, Atlassian customers have come together to network, share ideas, solve problems, and find new ways to use Atlassian products. Today, more than 15,000 people take part in Atlassian community events in more than 30 countries. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://ace.atlassian.com/events/details/atlassian-columbus-presents-rise-and-shine-with-atlassian-upper-arlington-23/.

Join the [Columbus Vegan Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/columbusveganmeetup/) on **Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM** at **1043 W 3rd Avenue in Grandview**! Come hang out and enjoy delicious pastries from this **all-vegan, family-owned** local favorite. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious, it’s the perfect time to build your social circle and support a community business. See you there!

**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.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens around 6:45pm. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!