Atheist Volunteers

Whether you're a Christian or not, this is the place for you! Every Friday night we get together for fun, games, free food and great discussions🙌 Messages for exact address! Come along to see what the Bible says about 'Dating, Friendship, Money, Fear and much more'. Most don't RSVP so we usually have about 10 - 15 attend. Contact for more details! Sean: 0490 696 844 Teigan: 0490 703 387

🏐 **Weekly Social Volleyball is Back!** 📍 **Footscray High School – Barkly Campus** We’re back with our weekly social volleyball games and bringing the energy 🔥 🕠 **Gates open:** 5:30 PM (warm-ups) ⏰ **Games:** 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM 🏟️ **3 courts available** * 2 × **Advanced** * 1 × **Intermediate** You’re welcome to come solo or bring a group of friends — everyone’s welcome! 🎟️ **Tickets required** Please purchase your ticket in advance at **vr1volley.org.au/tickets** ❌ No walk-ins accepted 🎒 **What to bring:** * Indoor volleyball shoes * Water bottle * Shorts & t-shirt (it can get hot!) Get ready for competitive games, good vibes, and quality volleyball all night 💙🏐

There will be a cap of 18 players, allowing 3 teams of 6. Games will be played to 15 points. These games are intended to be played at an intermediate to advanced level. $8 per person if you wouldn't mind! 😁🙏 Account name: Tam Nguyen BSB: 067873 Account number: 12770014 Or PayID: 0481463419 *Make sure to attach YOUR name!* RSVP opens each Friday at 10:00pm Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play.

Join Stephen Fiyalko, President of the Melbourne Theosophical Society for meditation, self attunement, study and discussion on the Laws of the Universe. We welcome all to join at 5:30pm for a 30 min Meditation and will begin the discussion group at 6:00pm. For those who prefer to just attend the discussion group you're welcome to arrive at 6pm. An understanding of and action within the Laws through our choices give practical tools for facing, managing and surmounting with confidence the many challenges we face in our daily lives, in society and the world itself. Ignorance of the Laws can leave us adrift to be buffeted and feel overwhelmed by stormy seas. Each week will look at one of the twelve Laws which are principles, not rules, seeking a deeper understanding of that Law, our and their inter-relationship with the other Laws. Discussion will involve sharing stories from our lives which contribute to a growing understanding and confidence in our lives. Each session is free, but donations are welcome.

Join us to see Melbourne Museum’s special exhibition ‘ROME: Empire, Power, People’ followed by lively discussion about the relevance of themes such as power and human dignity, over lunch in Lygon Street. Please scroll right through to end to see discussion points for lunch AND suggested prior reading link. Meet at museum: 11.45 am Exhibition: 12.00pm - 1.15pm Walk to restaurant: 10min Lunch: 1.30pm @ Il Gambero 166 Lygon Street Indicate in comments if you are coming to exhibition and / or lunch. ***New Members:*** New members are more than welcome, we are a good-natured bunch who value friendship and exploring the realm of next wave humanism. Interested? Come and join the conversation! ***Cost:*** $35 adult, $30 senior, $30 concession **PLEASE PURCHASE TICKET DIRECTLY ON MUSEUM WEBSITE FOR ROME: EMPIRE, POWER, PEOPLE FOR 12.00PM 19 APRIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT** [https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/tickets/](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/tickets/) $5 CONTRIBUTION (IF YOU CAN) TOWARDS ONGOING OPERATIONAL COSTS ***About the exhibition:*** From the fall of Julius Caesar to the power and ambition of an Empire, the exhibition showcases the luxury of Imperial Rome, the spectacle of the gladiator arena, the bustling marketplaces and the everyday experiences of Romans. Explore Ancient Rome’s political, social and spiritual worlds through over 180 objects dating from the Imperial period 1st Century CE to the 3rd Century CE, with all of the objects on display in Melbourne for the first time ever. The splendour, drama and humanity of Rome is brought to life in detail with scenography and multimedia, giving visitors an immersive experience and vivid portrait of a civilisation that continues to shape our world today. ***Link with modern humanism and points for discussion over lunch:*** **🏛 Power, Citizenship, and Human Responsibility** Rome’s political system—centralised under the emperor yet still tied to republican ideals—invites reflection on **human agency**, **leadership**, and **ethical governance**. * The emperor’s authority shows how power can stabilise or destabilise societies, prompting questions about **justice**, **accountability**, and **the common good**. * The expansion of citizenship, culminating in the *Constitutio Antoniniana* (212 CE), highlights evolving ideas about **belonging**, **rights**, and **inclusion**. * The Senate, magistrates, and local elites demonstrate how communities negotiate **shared responsibility** and **public service**. Humanist connection: Studying these structures encourages us in the 21st Century to consider what fair leadership looks like, how societies might distribute power, and how individuals contribute to civic life. **🎨 Culture, Creativity, and the Value of Expression** Roman cultural life—its literature, architecture, philosophy, and public entertainment—reveals a civilisation deeply invested in **human creativity** and **shared cultural identity**. * Writers like Seneca, Pliny, and Juvenal explored moral questions, emotions, and the human condition. * Monumental architecture expressed collective values: memory, pride, identity, and aspiration. * Religious and philosophical traditions (Stoicism, mystery cults, local deities) show humans searching for meaning and ethical frameworks. Humanist connection: These cultural expressions affirm the humanist belief that creativity, reflection, and intellectual inquiry enrich both individuals and communities. **🏺 Social Life, Dignity, and the Human Condition** Roman society was hierarchical, unequal, and often harsh—especially for enslaved people, women, and the poor. Yet it also reveals universal human experiences: family, work, belonging, resilience, and aspiration. * The *familia* structure shows how people sought stability, identity, and continuity. * Urban life—baths, markets, forums—demonstrates the importance of **community spaces** where people meet, talk, and coexist. * The presence of slavery and inequality invites ethical reflection on **human dignity**, **freedom**, and **justice**. Humanist connection: By examining both the achievements and injustices of Roman society, we can reflect on the importance of empathy, moral reasoning, and an understanding of how societies can uphold—or violate—human dignity. **🌍 Why This Link Matters for Learning** Connecting Rome to humanist values helps us: * see history as a lens for understanding ethical questions; * recognise the continuity of human concerns across time; * reflect on how societies shape and are shaped by human choices; * develop critical thinking about power, culture, and identity; * understand that studying the past is ultimately about understanding people. It turns the Roman Empire from a distant civilisation into a mirror for thinking about what kind of world we want to build today. ***Suggested prior reading:*** In preparation for the exhibition it is recommended to read about the events of Rome during this time period of 1st Century CE to the 3rd Century CE, and the philosopher Seneca. [https://www.britannica.com/place/ancient-Rome/The-transformation-of-Rome-and-Italy-during-the-Middle-Republic](https://www.britannica.com/place/ancient-Rome/The-transformation-of-Rome-and-Italy-during-the-Middle-Republic) [https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/seneca/](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/seneca/)

**Who We are..... 🤝** Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*. And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections. The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings. ✨ **Do you wish to....** * Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity * Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections * Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others * Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn) Or maybe you just want to... ☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.

## **Fact Finding Mission: Kirtan at Kindred** 📍 **Kindred Studios, Yarraville** 📅 **Sat, 18 Apr, 7pm – 9pm AEST** Curious about mantra meditation, kirtan, or Eastern spirituality—but not sure what to expect? A few of us are heading along to **Kirtan at Kindred** for a light-hearted **“fact finding mission”** 🕵️‍♂️🎶 Come join if you'd like to explore, observe, participate, and discuss afterwards. ### **What is Kirtan?** Kirtan is a form of meditative music from the Bhakti Yoga tradition involving: 🎵 Music 🪘 Mantra chanting 🧘 Meditation 🤝 Community No experience needed—whether you're: * Curious * Sceptical * Spiritual * Or just enjoy live music All welcome. ### **Plan** We’ll attend together, enjoy the event, and use it as an opportunity to: * experience kirtan firsthand * reflect on its meaning/practice * discuss impressions afterwards 🎟️ **Event Tickets / Details:** [https://events.humanitix.com/kirtan-at-kindred-april](https://events.humanitix.com/kirtan-at-kindred-april) 📍 **Venue Info:** Kindred Studios – creative arts space in Melbourne’s inner west.

**Registration required at below link:** **Tickets: $50** https://events.humanitix.com/oot-and-aboot-community-camp-autumn-edition-or-western-victoria Oot & Aboot is a volunteer-run registered LGBTQIA+ charity creating inclusive outdoor and nature-based experiences that support mental wellbeing. The Community Camp is a relaxed, low-pressure overnight camping experience designed to bring LGBTQIA+ people and allies together in nature. This is our very first event, and we’re intentionally keeping it simple. There’s no packed schedule or expectations — just space to slow down, connect, and enjoy the outdoors in good company. Across one autumn night, you can look forward to: * A welcoming and inclusive camp environment * Lawn and board games * Casual group walks in nature * Plenty of unstructured community time to talk, laugh, and connect * A simple self-serve breakfast on Sunday morning This is an **adults-only (18+)** event with a maximum of **30 participants**, creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere. No prior camping experience is required. The campsite is located near Barrys Reef, VIC, approximately a one-hour drive from Melbourne CBD. For safety and privacy reasons, the exact location will be provided only to confirmed ticket holders and can be found on the ticket sent via email. Please remember to check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox. Know before you go: * Participants should bring their own camping gears (tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, etc.), warm clothes, food, and drinks (except breakfast) * Alcohol may be consumed responsibly * As a new, volunteer-run charity, we’re not yet able to cater for specific dietary or allergy requirements — please bring food that meets your needs * Some uneven ground and bush walking may be involved * Dogs and other pets are not permitted due to our insurance. Park Facilities (shared with other guests): * Powered and grassed sites * Camp Kitchen: Includes microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, electric hotplates and grill * Laundry: Washing machine, dryer (coin operated), clothesline * Free WIFI (only certain area) * BBQ (coin operated) * Available to purchase: washing powder, bagged firewood and bagged ice (subject to stock availability) Oot & Aboot events are grounded in respect, inclusion, and care. We aim to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ people and allies feel safe, welcome, and supported. If you’re looking for a gentle way to reconnect with nature and community, we’d love to have you join us. ## FAQs 1\. Who is this event for? This event is for LGBTQIA+ adults and allies (18+). It’s designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and low-pressure. 2\. Do I need camping experience? No. This is a relaxed community camp. If you can set up basic camping gear, you’ll be just fine. 3\. What does my ticket include? Your ticket covers campsite fees, access to facilities, lawn and board games, casual group walks, and a simple shared breakfast on Sunday morning. 4\. What food is provided? A simple self-serve breakfast (bread, spreads, fruit, tea & coffee) is included. Please bring your own food and drinks for all other meals. 5\. Can you cater for dietary requirements or allergies? As a new, volunteer-run charity, we’re not yet able to cater for specific dietary or allergy requirements. Please bring food that meets your needs. 6\. Can I bring alcohol? Yes — alcohol may be consumed responsibly in line with campsite rules and community expectations. 7\. Are pets allowed? No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted at this event. 8\. Will I get the exact location after booking? Yes. Exact campsite location will be shared with confirmed ticket holders for safety and privacy. 9\. What should I bring? Bring your own camping gear, food and drinks, a camp chair, warm layers, and a torch or headlamp. More details will be shared via email closer to the event.

**Food for Thought Videos and Questions** Watch curated YouTube videos on the topic at: * [2 Minutes Will Change the Way You Think About Consent](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laMtr-rUEmY) * [Tea Consent](youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kU) * [Consent for Kids](youtube.com/watch?v=h3nhM9UlJjc) * [Consent: It's Simple](youtube.com/watch?v=pZwvrxVavnQ) * [FRIES Consent model](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTSDIilyA2I) **Conversation starter questions** 1. The tea analogy is beloved — but where does it fall short? What does comparing consent to tea get right, and what complexities does it flatten or ignore? 2. "No means no" vs "yes means yes" — what's the real difference? Is the shift from one standard to the other purely semantic, or does it change how people think and behave? 3. Can consent be truly free when power imbalances exist? Think about boss/employee, teacher/student, or even significant age gaps. Is "consent" in those contexts always genuine? 4. Is silence ever consent? What role does body language, context, and prior relationship play — and where does interpretation become assumption? 5. Should consent be enthusiastic to be valid? Some argue a reluctant but unpressured "okay" is still real consent. Others say anything less than enthusiasm isn't enough. Where do you land? 6. How do we talk about consent in long-term relationships? Does familiarity change the rules — or does it just make it easier to skip conversations we should still be having? 7. What role does social conditioning play in our ability to say no? Many people — especially women — are socialised to prioritise others' comfort. Does that compromise the meaning of their "yes"? 8. Consent isn't just sexual — where else does it show up? Think about sharing someone's story, tagging them in photos, hugging a colleague, or making decisions on someone's behalf. Are we applying the same standards everywhere? 9. Can you ever fully "take back" consent you gave in the past? If someone consented to something years ago but no longer would — how should we think about accountability, forgiveness, and growth? 10. Do you want to ask the group any other questions \*\*\* Meaningful Discussions events take place in 11 countries and this will be our 153rd event in Melbourne! :) Please be sure to ARRIVE ON TIME since everyone will be divided into tables of 6 people at the start time. Also, please watch at least one of the Food For Thought videos before you arrive. This event will allow a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion with Food For Thought videos, discussion facilitators at each table and discussion questions provided. So if you're looking for open-minded, friendly and intelligent people, you've come to the right place! PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING DETAILS: 1. All members are asked to watch at least one of the Food For Thought videos before arrival to stimulate their thoughts and opinions on this subject. 2. Don't be afraid to sign up first for this event since I will cancel the event if less than 5 people sign up (which never happened in \~13 years). If the event is full, please add yourself to the waiting list for the event. 3. You don't need a PayPal account to pay online - look for the option to pay with a credit card when you RSVP. Meaningful Discussions is operated under the Meaningful Events Association which is a not-for-profit society registered in BC, Canada. RSVP fee is a nominal fee to ensure high attendance and as such non-refundable. 4. Your meal is not included in the price of this event but you are encouraged to arrive hungry for us to keep up a good relationship with the venue that hosts our events. For more information or to attend events online, please visit: https://www.buddytree.org/ You are required to follow COVID guidelines if any at the venue.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

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.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

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

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. We meet in the bar in the room on the right (the cigar shop). 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. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).

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.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!