Charity

Volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles to help us get them back out in the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Enter through the gray door next to a roll-down garage door. If you drive to the location, be sure to park in the street, not in the alleys or parking lots surrounding the warehouse. And wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

The Power of a Peaceful Mind In situations of conflict, we easily become angry. However, anger limits us and leaves a trail of painful feelings. On the other hand, the creative mind of patience opens us to options. In this series, we learn to understand and meditate on patience. We will discover how meditation helps us to find peaceful solutions to everyday problems. **REGISTRATION** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/monday-evening-meditation/) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Join us for a writing workshop! Please submit your pieces to our Google Drive folder here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Fs6SX-XO5kRk6uPAJzvgDY3PpmvHPtyE?usp=drive_link When entering submissions, please consider the following guidelines: 1\. Keep submissions to approximately 2\,000 words\, maximum 2\. Consider adding a brief Author's Note to introduce your work and let us know what kind of feedback you are looking for 3\. Please ensure that your submission is appropriate for a general audience and include trigger warnings as necessary 4\. Try to post your submission by Saturday or Sunday at the latest so that people have time to read it before the event\. If you are coming to participate in Workshop, please read the submissions in the folder by Monday evening and prepare your feedback! We will aim to discuss each piece in the submission folder, although some pieces may be pushed to the following workshop if time runs short. Feel free to add your notes as comments on the document itself, write them up in a separate file, or jot them down so that you can provide them to the writer.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Join us for an exciting evening of Chinese Mahjong, where players of all skill levles are invited to come together for fun, laughter, and friendly competition! **Please bring $5 to play!** Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, this event is designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can learn, play and enjoy the timeless game of Mahjong. **Game plan** Each attendee needs to bring $5 cash to play. **$1 per game:** Each player will contribute a dollar for every game we play. Don't worry; the winner gets to keep their dollar! **$3 per game for Wright to Read:** The remaining $3 from each game will go into our collection jar. At the end of the year, we'll donate these funds to **Wright to Read** which has been providing services in the city of Alexandria for over 45 years. Wright to Read recruits, trains, and supports volunteer tutor-mentors who support elementary-aged children enrolled in ACPS who have been identified as needing additional support in reading. More info here: https://www.campagnacenter.org/program/wright-to-read/ We raised $535 in 2025 (Goal was $500) 2026 goal is $600 Let's make our mahjong nights not only fun, but also impactful! **Per usual book club nights,** **attendees are also asked to please bring one of the following:** 1. A wine or beverage of choice 2. A cheese & cracker or alternate nosh of choice Host will provide glasses, wine opener, plates & napkins. **What to Expect:** \- Friendly games with players of varying experience \- A brief introduction to the rules for beginners \- Opportunities to meet new people and connect with fellow enthusiasts \- Light snacks and refreshments to keep you energized Don't miss the chance to dive into the world of Mahjong. Bring your friends or come solo - everyone is welcome! We'll reconfirm RSVP's again before the event to avoid no-shows and allow those on the waitlist an opportunity to join. We look forward to a fantastic night filled with strategy, skill and socializing! **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with the Meet-Up platform ($360/yr) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate all participants. Meetup charges $0.51 and Paypal charges $0.53 on the $2 registration fee. Thanks in advance for your understanding!\*\*

There are still free tickets available for tonight's UK film called The Birds. There's a "**Bird-friendly coffee-tasting" starting at 6:30pm! Then the 40-minute film, then a talk moderated by [Dr. Elizabeth Gray](https://dceff.org/filmmaker/gray-elizabeth/) (CEO, National Audubon Society) and a public reception.** **Get [tickets here](https://dceff.eventive.org/schedule/6991e0a0afc3abbb6802f190).** The wonderful Environmental Film Festival goes through Saturday with [screenings](https://dceff.eventive.org/schedule) all week. ## The Birds A filmmaker, facing up to the twilight of his career, sets out to use his camera skills to decipher the relationship between a million seabirds and a single hunting falcon. Ultimately his cinematic portrait of this “cosmic event” provides crucial insights into the mechanisms of the natural world and the difficulties of coming to terms with the end of a life well-lived. **Panelists include:** * [Jared Lipworth](https://dceff.org/filmmaker/lipworth-jared/), Head of HHMI Tangled Bank Studios * Brian Evans, Migratory Bird Ecologist, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute * Sara Hallager, Curator of Birds, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute * Tara Snedgen, Bird Observatory Manager, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

This is an opportunity for volunteers to support a professional mechanic as he guides customers working on their own bikes. If you know how to do some basic repairs, that's a plus, but even if you don't, you can greet customers and manage who gets helped next. Feel free to attend for only a portion of the time if you can't be there the whole three hours. Please note that this event is not usually an opportunity to learn about bicycle repair, since the mechanic tends to be very busy helping customers, especially during the warmer months. But it's a great way to contribute to Velocity, since almost all the funding for the volunteer program comes from the work done at the shops.

• What we'll do We plan on meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM on Saturday to assemble care packages and help people who have very little and help them survive. This would be a great time to bring a friend or your children to do something good for humanity. After we assemble the 120 backpack care packages, we plan to have coffee and snacks, socialize and then drive to DC to distribute the backpacks. If you choose to go with us, we'll return about 1:00 pm. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Meetup. • How can you help? \- You can contribute money\. Make checks out to Grace Presbyterian Church\, marked for Help the Homeless and mail to David Retherford\, Grace Presbyterian Church\, 7434 Bath Street\, Springfield\, VA 22150 or bring the money to the Meetup and put it in the basket there or give it to me\. \- Winter items: coats\, jackets\, sweaters\, gloves\, scarves\, thermal socks \- You can also donate clothes and personal care articles at the Meetup or during the week\. Just leave them on the stage\. \- Clothing \(New or gently used\) \- Men and Women socks \- Men and Women underwear \- Men and Women shirts \- Men and Women pants \- Anything to keep warm and dry\!\!\!\! Other Items: -Backpacks (new or gently used) -Roll of duct tape • What to bring A willing attitude and if it’s cold, some warm clothes. • Important to know \- All are welcome\! The Handicap entrance is through the Tower door \(Door 2\) in front\. \- All others can enter at the North parking lot\. \- If you are looking for something eventful to do on Sunday\, check out the services at Grace\. \- We’ll tell you about any other Grace volunteer opportunities at the Meetup [https://www.gracepresby.org/](https://www.gracepresby.org/)

Are you interested in learning more about our club? Why not attend a meeting or visit us at one of our upcoming community service projects? We’d love to meet you!

We are looking for volunteers to help support our community art workshops. Please sign up!

Sign up to help with customer service at our Arlington shop! **If this is your first time doing customer service at our shop**, **please direct message Elizabeth here via MeetUp** so she can ensure someone can be there to orient you. **What you'll do:** * greet customers * manage customer traffic * help customers find basic bike parts in our store * direct customers to the mechanics if they need a bike repair * help customers find a bike that fits them * set customers up to test ride bikes * work the register to conduct customer payments **Qualities of a good volunteer for this role:** * customer service oriented * willing to work outside most of the shift * able to work on their feet most of the shift * comfortable working in a faced-paced environment * open to a steep learning curve with a rewarding experience the more times you volunteer * excited to learn about Velocity Bicycle Cooperative and become part of our volunteer team that keeps our wheels turning! **What to Bring/Attire** * A water bottle & snack * Wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the day's weather * Sunscreen and a baseball hat if it is sunny **Age Requirements:** If you are under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian with you to the orientation to sign the waiver.

Come help us end force-feeding in DC! Join us for petitioning training for Initiative 86! Please be sure to RSVP here! https://stampede.proanimal.org/events Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

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.

**Men of Unity** is a safe, welcoming space for men to connect, share, and grow together. In this circle, we explore what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and spiritual awareness in today’s world. Through open dialogue, reflection, and mutual support, we learn to balance strength with compassion, confidence with humility, and action with mindfulness. Whether you’re seeking deeper spiritual connection, personal clarity, or simply a supportive brotherhood, this group invites you to bring your authentic self and grow in community. Each gathering may include: * Open discussion on real-life challenges and victories * Guided reflection, prayer, or meditation * Encouragement for living from truth, not fear * Tools for emotional and spiritual growth No preaching. No pressure. Just real men, real conversations, and real transformation.

**Complex Trauma Support Group** Our group is intended for survivors of complex trauma. If you are here, it’s likely that so much of who you are and what you have experienced in this life is actually invisible to most people––to family, society, coworkers, and the people who are around you. We are a peer-led group of survivors creating opportunities for ourselves and others to share our experiences, share support, and build relationships in kind community together. Survivor experiences might include: child sexual abuse, incest, child trafficking, and other experiences of people living with traumatic dissociation and complex PTSD. **What to expect at your first meeting:** Currently, we are offering a bi-monthly in person group at 2:00pm on the first and third Sunday of the month. The only criterion for joining the group is that you are a survivor of trauma wishing to have more kindness in your own life and share kindness with others, and that you agree to practice to group’s relational agreements available for view here: https://www.kindgroups.com/agreements. Joining the group is free of charge. We ask that new people connect with us for 30 minutes on the phone or on zoom before coming to their first group, so that we can determine together that we are a good fit. Our meetings last approximately 90 minutes. Participants are never required to share. You’re also welcome to choose a pseudonym and you will never be asked for private information. You are welcome to leave at any time. The kindness that survivors can share when among others who have survived similar childhood experiences is something we rarely get to experience. Time spent with others who understand even a little bit more about us is a relief. Our hope is to help ourselves and others experience that we are not alone. We wish for our efforts to be a cause of kindness in our own lives and the lives of each other. You can read more about the groups at www.kindgroups.com.

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Columbus Code & Coffee is excited to partner with GiveBackHack to put on the Healthtech Impact Sprint from 3/28-3/29 at Rev1 at The Peninsula! RSVP here using promo code CODEANDCOFFEE: https://luma.com/tk2jdrxk This is a health-specific version of GBH’s traditional weekend event. Participants pitch, research, and prototype health-focused projects for a chance to earn to $5K in funding from The Columbus Foundation and IGS Energy. On Saturday, folks will pitch their idea, form teams, and build. On Sunday, they’ll finalize their pitches before showcasing their work to the community and judges. # ​Schedule ​**Sat, Mar 28** * ​​9a: Doors open & breakfast * ​9:30a: Kickoff and intros * ​​10a: Ideation session * ​​11a: Pitches & team formation * ​​12p: Working lunch * ​​2p: Mentor visits * ​​5p: Free work (optional) * ​​9p: Doors close ​​**Sun, Mar 29** * ​9a: Doors open * ​10a: Mentor visits * ​​12p: Showcase * ​​1p: Final pitches & awards * ​​2p: Wrap *** # ​ FAQs ​**Do all ideas have a chance at getting funded?** ​​Not all ideas will move forward after initial pitches on Saturday. Once pitches are complete, we’ll vote for top ideas and form teams around the 4 – 7 ideas with the most votes. You must recruit **at least four total team members** (including the founder) to move forward and have a chance at getting funded on Sunday. If your idea doesn’t move forward, you can join another team! ​​**Do I have to submit my idea online prior to the event?** ​​Unlike previous years, we don’t have the option to submit your idea online prior to the event. Instead, everyone will be going through a brainstorming exercise on Saturday that’ll help you prepare for your initial pitch. ​​**Will we be working for 24 hours straight?** ​​Nope. The event is split over two days. You’ll be building on Saturday and pitching on Sunday. ​​**Do I have to pitch an idea?** ​​Nope. You can also simply join a team. ​​**What types of entrepreneurs does GBH support?** ​​While GBH most often works with technology startups, we support *any* organization (for- or non-profit) that makes an impact on health in the US or across the world.

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.