Climate Change

Location… fingers crossed it is beautiful!!! If the weather is terrible then we will head across the street to Junction. This April, we honor Earth Day and uplift our vibrant Queer community with joy, color, and a little rain‑kissed magic

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Join the Bitcoin District Book Club! We meet every month to explore new and exciting rabbit holes by reading books that are popular with bitcoiners. Join us for a deep dive into End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration by Peter Turchin. In this thought-provoking session, we’ll explore the structural forces that have historically led to societal instability—and why Turchin believes we are entering such a period today. Drawing on his work in “cliodynamics” (the quantitative study of history), Turchin examines cycles of rising inequality, elite overproduction, and political fragmentation. We’ll discuss how internal competition among elites and growing public discontent have repeatedly destabilized societies—from ancient Rome to modern America—and what this might mean for the decades ahead. For those interested in macro trends, power structures, and long-term societal patterns, this book offers a compelling framework for understanding today’s increasingly chaotic world. Buy the book on [Amazon](https://a.co/d/097mab73) **Event Notes:** * Discussion Starters: We’ll kick things off with a few key questions around elite dynamics and societal cycles, but feel free to bring your own perspectives. * Future Reads: Let us know if you have recommendations for future book club selections! We’ll add them to the list posted on our website. * Afterwards: Feel free to join us at Pubkey after the meeting to hang out, continue the conversation, and grab some food! **Getting There:** * 🔴🟢🟡 Gallery Place/Chinatown + 2 min walk * Parking: Street & garage parking available nearby

Location: Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen at the 1101 S Joyce St B33, Arlington, VA 22202. (Not sure why the default address in the map Is different). Low pressure way to connect over coffee and have real conversations, whether personal or professional. Everything is flexible. I'm new as a Meetup organizer. Just reach out and we can find a time and place that works better.

**Location:** Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. \*\*\* **Topic: The Future of DC** DC is set to undergo a lot of changes over the next 5 years. There are changes to the local political structure, massive real estate projects in the works, and the federal plans to "beautify the city." We want to hear your opinions on these and what direction you would want to DC move toward. **Local Politics** DC will be implementing ranked choice voting in it's upcoming primaries this June for the first time in it's history.[ (Ben from Ben's Chili Bowl Explains this)](https://www.opportunity-dc.org/post/rank-your-vote-dc-launches-first-ads-to-educate-voters-featuring-ben-ali-owner-of-ben-s-chili-bow). This includes elections for mayor, attorney general, and city council, which could have a huge impact on the city's future. **Beautifying the City** Trump issued an executive order in March 2025 titled "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful," and has since gone much further, announcing plans to spend $2 billion within a three-mile radius of the White House, repaving streets and replacing infrastructure he called emblematic of a ["hellhole.](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/aug/22/trump-says-hes-asking-congress-billions-beautify-dc-streets/)" His latest budget takes it even further, proposing a $10 billion ["Presidential Capital Stewardship Program](https://rollcall.com/2026/04/06/trumps-budget-proposal-for-interior-seeks-to-make-dc-beautiful-again/)" for construction and beautification projects in and around DC. **New Developments** It would be impossible to talk about the future of DC without talking about how the landscape has and is changing. Neighborhoods that were previously "Places where you only go to get drugs," like NOMA have become prime examples of gentrified neighborhoods with bustling restaurants and bars. With billions of dollars' worth of residential projects popping up all over the city, other neighborhoods are set to experience similar transformations, especially with developments like the new RFK Stadium.

It's April and it's time to get outside! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, April 19 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

📍 **Location:** Downtown DC/Georgetown (Location TBD) Come hang with us for Matcha & Blooms 🍓🌸 We’re getting together for a cozy spring evening filled with matcha, fresh florals, and a little picnic outdoors. We’ll start by grabbing drinks together, then walk over to our picnic spot to settle in and start arranging. Everyone attending MUST bring flowers and optionally greenery or filler stems — this is what makes the event work. We’ll mix, match, trade, and build bouquets together in the park. Make something for yourself, for a friend, or just enjoy the process — totally up to you. Let us know if you’re in! 🌸 [Spreadsheet of what everyone is bringing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lbZK81YusTWgJPcL2wocxH5KurPfz-lDgrfiM91n5xM/edit?usp=sharing) Your RSVP helps us plan a smooth and enjoyable day! I will be sending a Partiful invite closer to the event with more details, so keep an eye on your inbox! This event is public, so feel free to bring a friend (20s and 30s only). If they are not a member yet, no worries! We’ll share how to join Strawberry Matcha when you arrive. We’ll send updates by email, so watch for messages from **strawberrymatchadc@gmail.com**

This April, in celebration of Earth Day 🌍, join the **Save Soil Walkathon – Walk for Children** across cities in North America. Join us in supporting the Save Soil movement and help raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil for our future. Together, we can make a difference for our planet and generations to come. In Washington, DC, 1000s are expected to come together for a 3K walk 🛣️ on April 18th at the Washington Monument to raise awareness about soil health and protect our planet for future generations. Register: [savesoil.org/walkathon](savesoil.org/walkathon) Be part of this movement—let’s take a step for the Earth and our children. 🌱🚶‍♂️✨ If your organization would like to support this initiative or if you have any questions, please reach out to us at [washingtondc@ishausa.org](mailto:washingtondc@ishausa.org)

Every meal is a chance to care for the Earth. Come learn and taste with us! Celebrate Earth Day with a special edition of **Cooking for Peace** and discover how the food we choose can nurture both our inner world and the Earth we share. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore how plant-based cooking supports not only our physical health, but also our mental clarity, spiritual well-being, and the health of the planet. Together we’ll present and taste simple, delicious recipes while reflecting on the deeper impact of our food choices on animals, ecosystems, and future generations. You’ll also learn how conscious cooking and mindful eating can become everyday practices that help reduce our environmental footprint while bringing more peace, balance, and gratitude into our lives. Join us for an inspiring Earth Day experience that brings together **food, awareness, and care for the planet**, one meal at a time. This workshop includes a discussion and vegan food tasting. Saturday, April 18th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Held at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - Maryland, 9525 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. **Free Event - Donations Appreciated. Registration required at [https://shorturl.at/a7UT3](https://shorturl.at/a7UT3)**

Have you seen the movie “**The AI Doc**: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist” and are left with questions and thoughts that you're longing to express? A group of friends went to see this documentary and couldn’t stop thinking or discussing about it. Now we want to hear from more people who have seen the movie! Come share your thoughts about AI and the world. **NOT from a technological perspective but where our future lies ahead**. We will start from the key **questions** asked in the documentary, including but not limited to: \- Is it the worst or best time to be born now\, at the age of AI? \- Are you an apocaloptimist or pessimist? \- Did anything in the film challenge your previous beliefs about AI? \- Do you think AI will reduce or worsen inequality? \- What can we\, as the general public\, do to ensure AI safety? 💡Disclaimer: We aim to create a thoughtful, open, and respectful space for sharing ideas. You may encounter perspectives that differ from your own—and that’s part of what makes these conversations meaningful. Sometimes, it’s through contrasting viewpoints that the most interesting insights emerge. We encourage everyone to listen with curiosity and engage with respect. 📍We'll be meeting at a cafe near Dupont Circle. Location will be confirmed later this week, depending on the number of attendees.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

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!

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

5th annual Earth Day Celebration! This year (2026) the Celebration is scheduled for April 25th with activities running from 10am-2pm. This is a non-ticketed event. Everyone is welcome! We will have food trucks, Birds of Prey, kids crafts, live music, raspberry plants, apple trees, and of course NATIVE PLANTS! Where: Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Rd, Pataskala Ohio 43062 Time: Activities will be from 10am- 2pm. The Market will remain open until 5pm.