Children's Rights

**🚨 SPECIAL EVENT - PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY IN HIGH PARK! 🚨** **🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **​What will we talk about? What's the topic?** ​The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t). * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in over 25 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our Toronto [Whatsapp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B7LyJIeBlaH5VtXkMJTTph?mode=gi_t) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

✨ **Peace Starts With Me Afternoon – World Cup Edition** ✨ **Join us for a relaxed and meaningful afternoon with a World Cup–themed event!** 🗓️ **Date:** Saturday, June 20th, 2026 🕒 **Time:** 3:00 PM\~ 📍 **Location:** 215 Mavety St 💰 **Fee:** $5 **🌟 What’s included:** 🍽️**Finger Food & Snacks** A global-themed snack table to enjoy together! 🕊️ **Peace Sharing** A friendly time to share thoughts and connect in a cozy atmosphere. 🏆 **Fun Mini Games** World Cup–inspired team games with a small prize for the winners! Come hang out, get creative, eat good food, and start 2026 with good energy and good people ✨ Bring friends or come solo — everyone is welcome! **To confirm your spot and help us prepare materials, please fill out this short registration form:**[https://forms.gle/DpEw1WM3arZg5M6JA](https://forms.gle/s3KKCmvMmigbKTB38)

Practice French through real conversations, games, and shared experiences in a fun, supportive, and inclusive space ✨ ✨ **LaMova French Speaking Group** ✨ **Practice French. Meet People. Find Community** ☕💬 Looking to speak French more often in a relaxed, friendly environment? Welcome to the **LaMova French Speaking Club** \- a community\-first language company for real conversations\, good energy\, and meaningful connections\. This club is open to **all levels** and brings together **language learners and native speakers** who want to speak French more often, connect with others, and be part of a supportive, inclusive community. ### What to Expect * Casual, real-life conversations in French * Fun and interactive games * Prompts and helpful tips to keep conversations flowing * A supportive, judgment-free atmosphere * Good vibes and great people No pressure. No perfection. Just showing up and speaking. ### Who This Is For * French learners who want to practice **speaking regularly** * Native French speakers who want to **connect, share, and support** * Anyone who enjoys **language, culture, and community** * **All levels welcome** **Come for the language. Stay for the community 🌟** Questions? **info@lamova.net**

Join us for a friendly game of Volleyball in **Antibes Park**. All experience levels are welcome... Weather permitting! :) See you on the net!

* **Discover how to listen to the voice of God** * **Learn** **to attune to your true self and ignite your creativity to solve problems** (ONTARIO PROVINCIAL ECK Light & Sound Service - Hybrid event) [Eckankar Ontario Spiritual Events](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html) [Eckankar Free Books](https://www.eckankar.org/freebook/wisdom/) “The inner spiritual force, the ECK, is the God Force. It tries to direct us into better avenues of living, if we will allow It to. It will also show Itself through the humblest of Its creatures - if only we will be the humblest of Its creatures.” —Harold Klemp, *Eckopedia* p. 62 You are warmly invited to the Provincial ECK Light and Sound Service which you can attend **online** or **in person**. Date and time: **Sunday, June 21, 2026** **10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m** Please note: All the ECK Light and Sound Services in 2026 will be hybrid (In-person and on Zoom) with the in-person portion held at: **York University Glendon Campus, Centre of Excellence, York Hall A, Room YH A002, 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6.** Please stay for light refreshments afterward. To attend online by Zoom and see the upcoming events: [https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario/zoom/) It will take you directly to the Ontario ECKANKAR page where you will find the Zoom link and call-in numbers. The Zoom link allows for up to 300 attendees and will be active at 10:15 a.m. **ECK Light and Sound Services** are a wonderful way for anyone to experience: * **the Sound and Light of God** * **the [HU](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/) (a love song to God)** * **the inner guide known as the Mahanta** Come and hear about others' adventures of walking the spiritual path, on the road home to God, as well as original creative arts. You will have the opportunity to experience a simple spiritual exercise that can open your heart to live to your fullest potential. You are welcome to invite seekers, family and friends to attend. *If the region or country you live in forbids you from attending this spiritual event, please follow the laws of your home country.* These are free events; however, your donations are most gratefully received! You can leave your donation in the donation bowl on the table OR send your e-transfer donations, using online banking to: [provincialdonations8093@gmail.com](mailto:eckontdonations@gmail.com). Please stay for light refreshments afterwards. To learn more about spirituality, here are a few resources: · [Spiritual Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/eck-soul-adventure-magazine) Magazine · *[ECK Soul Adventure](https://www.eckankar.org/ebooklets) eBooklets* · [HU ](https://www.eckankar.org/experience/hu-the-sound-of-soul/#huapp)App · [Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast](https://www.eckankar.org/podcasts/) · [Discover Eckankar and Advanced Spiritual Living](https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001wdetsToXHUuR0qMb4Q6Jbn9NsVsjeGGv9-pv3zeN5OJIPvDhF1JBeIKusW1USqWw1Zp1ZaTnQ2RhVdFiFR40cVWLJP69hwDJ6gkdu5rdjrHK5ObZ_tis6cbANWZbNVk8wg0JtH1bJjx9dHaeOUj0-Q==&c=waEPfx7zdz0PenP4PzCIxF7D6_bctEUp7HtZ4PABLxdcfU32QqrKhA==&ch=9rbFp1H_WsWh30zsiD-UiviJOyeYlHNExu3S_FmLkW30Rt5s5OD87Q==) Video *Graphics courtesy of* [Eckankar](https://www.eckankar.org/)*, The Path of Spiritual Freedom* Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario

**Awesome first day of summer is here!** Potlucks are full of terrific food & lovely faces - a great opportunity to socialize over deliciousness. Let's celebrate our sunny memories with a Vegan Potluck at Christie Pits Park - located beside Christie subway station. This is your chance to meet other like-minded individuals and be part of a vibrant community! Make sure to bring a *vegan* dish to share, or to eat if you're not into the sharing thing. In order to limit waste, please bring your own reusable plates, water bottle, utensils and serving ware and all will be yum! Bring your picnic blanket(s) and water to stay hydrated if you'd like. Feel free to bring a project to chill with after eating - soccer ball, frisbee, volleyball, board games, cards, a guitar or speaker, your ping pong or crochet set or just your fabulousness! Some rules - *For the new vegans, first timers, or veg curious, please ensure that the food you bring to share be* all \*plant-based, so no honey or dairy/cheese/yogurt/butter/cream etc., and obviously no eggs/fish/poultry/meat or any animal-derived ingredients like food colours or additives. When in doubt, Google is your best friend! A reminder to please label the ingredients you used. Some vegans care about the fact that you may have fried meat in a certain fryer before frying their vegan food in the same oil. Mindfulness and minimalism goes a long way in creating a positive and meaningful experience for all. * All garbage and recyclable items must be thrown out by the end of the party. * The park must be left reasonably clean at the end of the party/event. This means no large spills, excessive garbage/debris, or personal belongings can be left after the event. * Guests don't have to be Vegan, but must respect this is a Vegan event and bring only Vegan foods * No alcohol - the venue doesn't allow for this * Bring your own reusable plates, utensils and serving ware * Help cleaning up after the event is over. Any mess or damage will jeopardize the ability to have events at this venue again **Allergy Alert** \*Please include an ingredient list, so people with allergies can make good life choices. Consider bringing a gluten-free or nut-free or sugar-free dish to share. Extending caring to more than just sharing! **Please note:** Food that contains animal and animal by-products are not allowed. Also, please bring your own utensils/containers to eliminate single-use waste. Please get in touch with one of the organizers directly on Meetup or use the Comments area if needed. As in the past, we'll hope to find a table in the main pavilion in the center of the park, however there are no guarantees as it is first-come, first-serve, on a busy summer afternoon. We will update the page with a specific map/coordinates on the day of. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

**Volleyball Foundations 3 — Connect Your Skills & Play with Confidence (15+)** Ready to move beyond isolated skills and start playing with flow and purpose? Volleyball Foundations 3 is designed for players who are ready to connect their techniques and develop real game awareness in a team setting. In this progressive clinic, you’ll focus on integrating your skills into live, rally-based play: • **Reading the Ball:** Anticipate trajectory and react earlier to stay one step ahead • **Defense:** Improve footwork, positioning, and overall court coverage • **Attacking:** Learn the 3-step approach and develop controlled, effective hits over the net You’ll also begin to understand the rhythm of the game through continuous play. Sessions emphasize “wash drills” and extended rallies, helping you stay engaged, make decisions under pressure, and build confidence during longer points. Players will be introduced to the **6-Up defensive system** and develop strong on-court communication skills to navigate fast-paced, unpredictable situations. *** **Who This Clinic Is For:** • Players who have completed Volleyball Foundations 2 or have a strong base in passing, setting, and serving • Players ready to develop game awareness, teamwork, and rally consistency • Athletes looking to feel more confident playing in game-speed environments *** **Location:** Miles Nadal JCC — 750 Spadina Ave. (enter through Spadina doors) **Format:** Group instruction led by an experienced, supportive coach **Registration Required in Advance** RSVP’ing on Meetup does not reserve your spot. [Register here](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=yQ90BGe) ☎️ Or call 416-924-6211 ext. 0 *** **Early Bird Discount:** Register by April 26 at 10 PM to receive **10% off** sessional registration. *** **Why Join?** • Learn to connect skills into fluid, game-like play • Improve decision-making, timing, and court awareness • Build confidence in rallies through continuous, high-energy gameplay • Develop communication and teamwork within a structured system Take the next step toward real gameplay—where skills come together, rallies get longer, and confidence truly starts to show.

annual Riverdale Park event

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.

Join the weight loss in Columbus group at the Scioto Audubon Park for an in person meeting. We'll meet to chat casually, talk about goals and enjoy one of Columbus's wonderful parks. We'll meet at one of the outdoor shelters, which is covered in case of rain, is close to some walking trails, and there's also a climbing gym that people can try out (my favorite past time) if people are interested. Let's meet and see where we can take things!

Join us Saturday June 20th after yoga for drinks and sweets at this delicious Vegan co-op bakery. Mingle with likeminded Columbus Vegans🤩 We will aim to sit outside after purchasing items and hopefully taking in lovely weather. Special note on parking: Please try to park along Acton, Richards and/or Chatham streets so as to free up the lot at the back of the building for pick-up orders. Thank you. 😊 Patty Cake offers everything from cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, whoopie pies, as well as gluten free goodies. They also have coffee, oat milk and cold brew. You can view them on their website [here](https://www.pattycakebakery.com/goodies)

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.