Children's Rights

Get your kids book written! This is an un-hosted meetup for anyone who wants to come and write for a couple of hours in the company of other kids writers. It's a great way to move your project forward in a lovely arty atmosphere. The only rules are to say hello to other writers and leave them to work until 8:30 when you are free to have a chat. If you're by yourself, don't worry. You'll get two hours of writing closer to your goal. Enjoy and Write Write Write!

**This event is supported by The Royal Institute of Philosophy’s [Local Partners Programme](https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/news/fund-your-event/).** **N.B. this meeting will be held in person in the Prince of Wales pub near Covent Garden. There is also an online session held on Thursday if you are not in London or are not able to attend in-person.** Our 'Quest' theme returns to the magical and otherworldly. Our second 'children's story' of the year that is also a collection of myths, fairy stories and a reflection on the immense power of stories - this one written at a particular pivotal point in the author's life. We will take a fantastical journey with Haroun and his father Rashid, who was once a great storyteller, as they try to recover his lost powers. The meeting starts at 7pm with drink breaks at 8 and 9. The discussion will end around 10pm, but leave whenever you need to. Here's the blurb from goodreads.com Set in an exotic Eastern landscape peopled by magicians and fantastic talking animals, Salman Rushdie's classic children's novel *Haroun and the Sea of Stories* inhabits the same imaginative space as *Gulliver's Travels, Alice in Wonderland,* and *The Wizard of Oz*. In this captivating novel, Haroun sets out on an adventure to restore the poisoned source of the sea of stories. On the way, he encounters many foes, all intent on draining the sea of all its storytelling powers. **Our confirmed 2026 books are:** * January - The Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula K. Le Guin * February - The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway * March - The Bell, Iris Murdoch * April - Haroun and Sea of Stories, Salman Rushdie * May - Journey to the West/Monkey - Weng Cheng-En * June - The Odyssey, Homer

Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children. Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting. During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics: 1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust. 2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect. 3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. 4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic. 5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence. 6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration. 7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs. By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.

**What does energy really mean for ordinary lives - for safety, dignity, education, and opportunity?** Few of us stop to ask why it matters so profoundly. In this thought-provoking talk, award-winning science communicator Zion Lights reveals the human story behind one of the most misunderstood forces in our world. Drawing from her new book Energy is Life, she explores how access to energy has lifted billions from hardship, empowered communities, and opened the door to human flourishing. Blending personal insight with scientific clarity, Zion challenges assumptions, demystifies modern technologies, and offers a hopeful, humane vision of our shared future. She examines why our intuitions about risk often mislead us, how cognitive biases shape public debates, and what we can do to think more clearly in an age of misinformation. Sharing her own journey from anti-technology activism to evidence-based advocacy, Zion makes a grounded case that science, reason, and abundant clean energy are essential to human progress and human flourishing. **Zion Lights** …is an award-winning Science Communicator and environmental advocate who makes complex science clear and compelling. She explores energy, climate, and technology through the lens of human challenges, showing how curiosity and evidence can shape a better future. Her work combines technical clarity with a sense of wonder, helping people see the big questions and the choices that define our civilisation. Zion is the author of the forthcoming book Energy is Life, which shows how science, technology, and the choices we make today can transform our energy systems and bring power to those who need it most. **To see more of Zion’s work visit her [website](https://www.zionlights.co.uk/). Zion blogs at [Everything is Light](https://zionlights.substack.com) and is active on [X](https://x.com/ziontree), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKy3KeTxmLKYtMnItja_ftg), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@zilovesscience), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/zion.lights/) and [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:whda7f6fim77kl26rnwga7lk).** **Pre-order her book [here](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Energy-Life-Environmentalism-Went-Nuclear/dp/1917458452/).** **Schedule** 6:30 PM: join for socialising and drinks 7 PM: presentation 7:45 PM: drinks break 8 PM: Q&A 8:30 PM: ends, moving on to postevent pub social **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [please click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

**This House Believes AI Will Be A NET POSITIVE for Society** **What We Do** 3v3 panel debate where our members explore the strongest arguments for a given topic. A debate should tell the audience what they need to know and not just what the speakers think. If you feel the same way, then we want to meet you. Debate London is the year-round series of free public debates held weekly at venues across the capital. The series is run by Debate London, a social enterprise that helps its members to advance their personal and professional development by teaching them how to debate. All of our speakers are [Debate London members](https://www.debate.london/plans "https://www.debate.london/plans") who have agreed to defend a particular perspective the audience need to hear, rather than just share their own personal opinion. After presenting the point of view assigned to them, the audience are then given the floor to cross-examine them and share their own position. The only time we hear what the speakers really think is at the end of the debate when they tell us where they really stand and whether this changed at all while learning how to defend the perspective assigned to them. **After Debate Social** After all of our debates we have a post debate hang-out. This is a chance for our community to get to know new people, explore new ideas and generally have more fun as a club! Come along and join us for a post-debate social! **Venue** Our venues serve drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks) as well as brilliant food. All can be ordered from the bar **Do not bring external food or drink into our venues you will be asked to throw it away or to finish it outside. - This is a venue rule which we need to follow.**

Join me for a special dining experience at Kricket Canary Wharf, where you can enjoy **50% off all food** Expect bold, modern Indian flavours in a vibrant setting. **Event Details:** * 📍 Location: Kricket, Canary Wharf * 💸 Offer: 50% off food only * 🎟️ RSVP Fee: £3 * 💳 Deposit: £15 (redeemable and deducted from your final bill) Non refundable. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot early. We look forward to seeing you there!

Reconnect with your inner child through gentle, playful exercises—no drawing skills needed. Please bring a pen and paper.

[Book here](https://p21.gallery/node/513) The evening will comprise a showing of Helena Aksentijevic’s film about Diana Neslen, "Israel, the Golem and the Mark of Cain". The film explores Diana Nelsons journey from Zionist youth, to actively campaigning against the apartheid state of Israel. Following the film there will be a discussion between the Diana Neslen, and two other South African Activists against apartheid and the Israeli state, Shereen Panditand Bahir Laattoe. This will be moderated by Luca Salice, Chair of Westminster PSC. This will be open to questions and comments from the audience. SPEAKERS **Diana Neslen** \- Panel Diana Neslen was born in South Africa in 1939. The formative influences in her early life were her special needs sister, the Holocaust and Apartheid. These public and private influences instilled in her a passion for justice and equality which never wavered. She bought this passion to her activism, first against South African and the against Israeli apartheid. One of her proudest achievements is her role in the departure of the firm G4S from Israel. A retired social worker, Diana states that she rejects both white privilege in South Africa and Jewish privilege in Israel. Diana is co-chair of Redbridge PSC. Dr. **Shereen Pandit** \- Panel Born in apartheid South Africa, Shereen became a Lawyer, Lecturer, political activist and trade unionist. Exiled in the UK she completed a PHD in Law, continued her activism and began writing. Much of Shereen's current political activity is centred on the Palestinian cause. She is a volunteer English teacher for young Palestinians and also for migrant workers. Her work has been widely published and been on stage and radio in the USA as well as being used as a resource in European schools. **Bahir Laattoe** \- Panel Bahir was born in South Africa where he became an anti-apartheid activist. He was a teacher and Trade Unionist who worked in one of the unions which formed the COSATU Trade Union Federation. He was also a youth, sport and community organiser in the townships in Cape Town. He moved to Britain in 1986. He began active in the National Education Union as an International Solidarity Officer. He visited and volunteered in Palestine in 2019. He continues to be a pro-Palestine activist in the union and in his Trades Council. **Luca Salice** \- Moderator Luca Salice is a translator and visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster. He has for many years been an activist with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. He is currently Chair of Westminster Palestine Solidarity Campaign. **Helena Aksentijevic** \- Film maker Helena Aksentijević is a filmmaker and photographer. “Israel, the Golem and the Mark of Cain" is one of a series of documentary films about people who support the Palestinian people’s right to a homeland, the right to return to their ancestral lands and live lives free from Occupation, oppression, apartheid and genocide.

\*\*\* The more parents and kids, the cheaper it gets for all of us! \*\*\* \*\*\* Do you know a Location? \*\*\* **Action Steps Needed:** **1,** RSVP to the Waitlist to show your interest. **2,** Post your location idea in the discussion! **3,** Fill in our basic info form at https://form.typeform.com/to/z37tCjtL. **Interested in East London are:** Jonathan, Anna Butterworth, Victoria474389760, **Interested in North West London are:** Soba **Possible location Ideas are:** Your home, an Adventure Playground, free play coffee shop, Soft play location, your garden or summer house, task-based play like clay modelling, Wall or rock climbing, splash pad, forest play time with hut, River Picnic... What would work well for you?

Come for a chat over a bevvie upstairs at Compton's. LGDM is mainly gay guys who have kids, chatting over a drink. We know the particular struggles of being gay and a father. We make it work, for us it is normal. LGDMs are relaxing, fun, positive, encouraging meets. First-timers specially looked out for and warmly welcomed. People come along as singles and couples, younger, older, out, not out, still married to a woman, divorced, trans and everything in between. 'Wannabe-Dads' and women are welcome too. Every racial group and faith/no faith background has come and been warmly included. Basically everyone from every imaginable background is welcome. The only condition is that you have an interest in gay dads being the best and happiest dads they can be. If you RSVP "Yes" one of the leaders will know to be on the lookout for you but you're fine to just turn up too, we understand and respect some people’s need for confidentiality. Plenty of blokes go for non-alcoholic drinks. No pressure, no judgements and no charge for this meetup. Guys who've already been to at least one meetup can ping Glyn ([https://www.meetup.com/london-gay-dads-meetup/members/246662999/profile/](https://www.meetup.com/london-gay-dads-meetup/members/246662999/profile/)) to be added to the "LGDM Chat" WhatsApp group which we use mainly for social chat between meets (only house-rule is "no smut, no politics, no religion"), an invite should be sent with the "nice to see you!" that you get after attending.

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

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 us for a night of board gaming with FANG (Fem All Night Gaming). **We are an all fem board game group** in Columbus, Ohio. No cis-men, please! We play modern hobby board games! If you're unsure what that is, we can teach you! We'll be meeting at Round Table Games in Dublin! They have snacks and drink. They allow outside food if you want more than a snack. We will be playing in the store on the right when you walk in!

**\*\*\* We've Moved! Bold Penguin - 6555 Longshore St, Dublin, OH 43017 \*\*\*** Talk by Guy Royse [You've Probably Never Heard of the Reticulum Network](https://sessionize.com/s/guyroyse/youve-probably-never-heard-of-the-reticulum-networ/146919) **AGENDA:** * See updates to parking below * Doors open at 5:30, feel free to come and hang out before! * Official start of the meeting is at 6:30pm * After the meeting is done, we will go hang out at a nearby space in Bridge Park! If you can, please sign up via meetup by noon the day of the meeting so we can have an estimate headcount for food :) We always order extra, so feel free to join us even if you don't get signed up! Thank you to Bold Penguin for providing the food and location! **Parking & Arrival:** **Parking:** Parking in Bridge Park is free. The closest lots are the Mooney Garage and the Hotel/Endres Garage. **Entry:** The doors to the office are to the right of PINS. The street level door and elevators lock at 6pm. If you arrive after that, someone should be there to let you in, else call the number posted. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Once you exit the elevator, turn right. \*\*\* We are a bunch of professionals, students, and geeks who are excited about Ruby programming language ([http://ruby-lang.org/](http://ruby-lang.org/)) and Rails framework ([http://rubyonrails.com/](http://rubyonrails.com/)) and the joy they have brought back to web development. Our main goal is to share the love of the Ruby and Rails ecosystems with anyone that is interested. We cater to everyone, whether a non-programmer through advanced Rubyists. * We give lectures on programming topics * We freely provide decades worth of experience * For full details of this month's meeting please visit [http://columbusrb.com](http://columbusrb.com)