Civic Engagement

Start your day with calm, clarity, and connection. This is a **gentle walk** through Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens — ideal if you’ve been feeling stressed, disconnected, or just need a fresh start. We’ll move at a slow, mindful pace, take in nature, chat if we feel like it, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Route: https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/3847 This isn’t a workout or a photography tour — though you’re welcome to take photos. It’s simply a **reset** — a way to feel human again, without pressure. **☕ Optional:** Coffee after the walk **🎒 Bring:** Comfy shoes, water, optional camera or journal **🧠 Mood:** Gentle, quiet, open to connection but no pressure to talk

Welcome to Pachanga Nights – Melbourne’s Latin Party Spot! 🎉 If you love Latin music, good vibes, and meeting fun people — this is your group! Pachanga Bar is the heart of Melbourne’s Latin nightlife, bringing together locals and internationals every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for unforgettable nights of reggaeton, salsa, bachata, and Latin hits. Join us to dance, socialize, and enjoy delicious cocktails, mojitos, and Latin energy in the city center. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll always find a warm and friendly community waiting for you. 📍 Location: 95 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD 🎶 Music: Latin, Reggaeton, Salsa, Bachata & Global Beats 🍹 Drinks: Mojitos, Margaritas, Latin Cocktails & Signature Shots 🕺 Events: Weekly parties, themed nights & special celebrations Follow us on Instagram for updates: @pachangaau Come experience the true Latin vibe of Melbourne — every night is a Pachanga! 💃🔥

## Details 📍 \[DIESEL BAR\] \| 🕖 Every Friday \| 🎟 FREE ENTRY \| ⏰ From 7PM till LATE Get ready to unleash your inner superstar at our **new weekly Friday Night Karaoke Open Mic**! Whether you sing in English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Japanese, French, Portuguese—or all of the above—this stage is yours! 🌍 **INTERNATIONAL SONG COLLECTION** We’ve got tracks in *multiple languages*, so bring your voice and represent your culture! 🎤 **OPEN MIC VIBES** Solo, duet, or group performance? It’s all welcome. Sign up on the night and grab the mic when your name is called. 💃🏽 **ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE** Meet international friends, cheer for new voices, and vibe with our amazing multicultural community. 🍹 **Special drink deals** all night 📸 Photo & video moments to remember 🎉 Surprises and sing-along moments guaranteed! **Tag your crew, warm up those vocal cords, and see you every Friday from 7PM till late!** ✨ *FREE ENTRY – Everyone welcome* ✨

Looking to get outside, clear your head, and connect with good people? Join us for a relaxed walk around the beautiful streets and coastline of Port Melbourne. This is a casual meetup—no fitness goals, no pressure. Just a friendly stroll, good conversation, and a reason to step away from screens and into the fresh air. Whether you’re new in town, working from home, or just want a social reason to walk, you’re very welcome. Come as you are. Comfy shoes, water bottle, and curiosity are all you need. **Optional:** After the walk, some of us might grab a coffee nearby — feel free to join if you’re up for it!

オーストラリア人と英語を練習し、オーストラリアにいる他の日本人と友達になりましょう。このイベントでは、世界中の人々と出会うこともできます。イベントはバーで行われるため、食べ物やアルコールを注文できます。スペースに限りがあるため、参加するにはこのページで返信する必要があります。ゲストの人数を記入してください。会場が満員の場合は入場できませんので、時間通りにお越しください。instagram.com/eventsinmelb でフォローしてください。 最終入場は午後6.30時です。

MUST TAP “ATTEND” (PLEASE SPECIFY NUMBER OF GUESTS) AND REGISTER ON Friending-night.eventbrite.com FOR FREE. This is an extremely popular event so please RSVP EARLY to avoid disappointment as PLACES ARE LIMITED. Please arrive on time at 5.30pm as NO ADMISSION WILL GRANTED ONCE THE VENUE REACHES FULL CAPACITY. Please follow instagram.com/eventsinmelb for more FREE events! LAST ENTRY STRICTLY AT 6.30PM

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

Instagram: @findyourtribemelb Take a pause from the hustle and join us for **The Monthly Reset** \- a space for driven and ambitious people to reflect on the past month\, set fresh goals\, and connect with other growth\-minded individuals\. This month will be a special edition, focusing on reflecting on 2025! There’s something powerful about sharing your reflections and intentions with other growth-minded individuals. When you're surrounded by people who value progress, purpose, and self-awareness, it creates a natural sounding board for ideas, clarity, and encouragement. These kinds of conversations can help you see things differently, feel more supported, and stay aligned with the goals that truly matter to you. 🌿**MEETING POINT** Let's meet outside Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre at 10.00am. Anyone who would like to grab a coffee can do so, then at 10.15am, we'll take a walk around the Tan. 🤝**CONNECTION ACTIVITY** During the walk, you’ll be invited to participate in structured conversations with different partners as we rotate every 15ish minutes. We’ll provide reflection prompts to guide your discussions on: * What worked well this year * What challenged you or stretched your limits * What you'll be taking with you in 2026 * What success and balance look like for you This is a space to connect authentically, think intentionally, and feel supported by others who care about growth and alignment - both professionally and personally. 👋**NEW HERE?** Welcome! Find Your Tribe Melbourne is a community mostly around 25-40s who are passionate about connection, purpose, and personal development. We’re open-minded, respectful, and always excited to welcome new faces. Whether you come solo or with a friend, we’ll make sure you feel included and supported. Pushing outside your comfort zone can be tough—but it's where growth and friendship begin. 🌱 If you have any questions or just want to say hi before the event, feel free to message me! ⚠️**LIABILITY DISCLAIMER** By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the walk and any related activities. *Find Your Tribe Melbourne* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level. **PHOTO AND VIDEO DISCLAIMER** Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event. Instagram: @findyourtribemelb

Progressibu Japanese English exchange Saturday 4pm-6pm Progressi部 日英言語文化交流 - Saturday 4pm-6pm Share your English and Japanese language and culture at this informal weekly exchange. It's a great chance to improve your English/Japanese, make new friends, and have a coffee Due to meetup website monthly charges, there's a fee of $3 CASH for non Japanese citizens. Please check with the organizer before participating. Please arrive 10-15 min early, due to limited seat Join Progressibu in Facebook / twitter [www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU9yB5_cPpRTKYc3XF8vD06VrLHEQq9YYp1j9Pipvbs2uKX3TXvzsyYNVxa9ZA9pqDHkbLv7yoB7kXwbh9s6e1FCg6-ycT8N1X9rgTgMcQZ6Q&__tn__=q) [twitter.com/progressibu](https://twitter.com/progressibu?fbclid=IwAR0-tRnPLLN7tM9T9RxLODXiRjb2uJecTzmz-3PWGKcaOQaZu_u8oI4kDIk) 本気で話せる、本気で学べる、 本気な人に出会える場を目指して。日本語の初心者でもネーティブスピーカーでも誰でも参加できます。 BYOPassion. メルボルン市内のカフェで日英言語文化交流会を主催しています Relaxed, easygoing environment for cultural, language exchange and make new friends Photos will be taken during the event **RULE: Any harassment will not be tolerate, ban permanently.** **Do not make the people you speak uncomfortable. Anyone from Progressibu Japanese English event is making you uncomfortable, please come and speak to the organiser Shin , David,** **Ray**

Make the most of your end of year! It’s not too late to get outside of your comfort zone and meet new people! This will be a casual walk from Port Melbourne to Middle Park and back. Our events are designed for people who have an interst in personal growrh, leadership and mindset, and want to connect with like-minded people over deeper conversation topics. If this sounds like you, we can’t wait to meet you!

To express gratitude for a year of connection and conversation, I thought it would be nice to have a meal together while the days are long and the sun is out. Still thinking of places and cuisines we haven't tried yet, so feel free to DM / WhatsApp me your suggestions! Tentative plan is for lunch somewhere in the CBD followed by a meander in nature (Yarra River and/or a park) and coffee after. We will meet under the clocks at Flinders St and start by exploring Flinders Lane and Degraves Street. There is a $10 organizer fee for this event. You can PayID me at 0403 413 056.

Welcome to Pachanga Nights – Melbourne’s Latin Party Spot! 🎉 If you love Latin music, good vibes, and meeting fun people — this is your group! Pachanga Bar is the heart of Melbourne’s Latin nightlife, bringing together locals and internationals every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for unforgettable nights of reggaeton, salsa, bachata, and Latin hits. Join us to dance, socialize, and enjoy delicious cocktails, mojitos, and Latin energy in the city center. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll always find a warm and friendly community waiting for you. 📍 Location: 95 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD 🎶 Music: Latin, Reggaeton, Salsa, Bachata & Global Beats 🍹 Drinks: Mojitos, Margaritas, Latin Cocktails & Signature Shots 🕺 Events: Weekly parties, themed nights & special celebrations Follow us on Instagram for updates: @pachangaau Come experience the true Latin vibe of Melbourne — every night is a Pachanga! 💃🔥

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Calling all queer crochet enthusiasts;** I am a visual artist located in Columbus that is searching for people who may want to gather while also participating in creating a piece of artwork. My goal is to spend time enjoying one another’s company while making a work of art that will be displayed within our community. I plan to teach people to crochet (if unfamiliar) while also inviting current fiber artists to join us for some much-needed social interaction. There are no expectations from those who attend, materials will be included, and any amount of participation is welcome! If you have a favorite crochet hook or current project you are welcome to bring that along too! The primary goal is to foster a safe space for our community to chat, create and be. For further information please email [landerknits@outlook.com.](http://landerknits@outlook.com.) \*This will be our first meeting, bring friends and make new ones. Come as you are and make along side other like-minded folks.

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.

❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!** Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Here for the Beer 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2559lb7t Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26 ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

[The Board Walks](www.theboardwalks.com) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** **and join us for a 5-mile walk** (10,000+ steps!). **What to expect:** We walk as a group and dive into topics that go beyond small talk. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **Come prepared:** We ask that you bring a thoughtful topic with you. At the start of the walk, everyone shares their topic with the group, and these become the launching points for conversations throughout our 5 miles together. Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. Be a good egg and bring a topic that'd make people go "Oooh, interesting." **Important notes:** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). We want everyone to have a great experience, and this format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. **FAQs:** * We have multiple first-timers on each walk! We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are very welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **Logistics:** * **Arrive on time.** If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we kindly suggest that you skip the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and one of our goals is to create a "phone-free" space — which means everyone (including the host!) will be fully present. We can't answer messages during the event. * **Read our [Ground Rules](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules)**. Our host gives an overview of what to expect at the beginning of the walk. * **Share the magic**. If you enjoy the event, send **[this](www.theboardwalks.com)** to a friend. We're currently in 7 cities with more on the way (Austin, SF, NYC, Denver, Columbus, Boone, London). 🤠👋 **If you want to go deeper...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. * We're currently building our waitlist. Apply [here.](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board)