Community Organizations

Dive into the world of swimming with our exciting meetup group! Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop as we cover essential skills and techniques to feel confident swimming. Our experienced instructors will provide tips on breathing, sighting, and navigation to help you conquer any body of water. Whether you're new to swimming or looking to brush up on your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to enhance your abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment. Don't miss out on this chance to explore the excitement of swimming with our welcoming community of swimmers. Admission includes a 1 hour swimming lesson, group or individual, depending on your comfort level and ability. All lessons will begin at the start of each hour (i.e. 6 pm, 7 pm). You are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get acquainted, as well as change & set up. This is a BYOE workshop (Bring Your Own Equipment), so bathing suits, bathing caps, goggles, and ear/nose plugs are your responsibility. All other equipment, such as floatation devices, are available on site. I will be on site to guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have, as well as collect admission fees. You are welcome to hang back after your lesson to observe (a viewing gallery is available, however please be respectful of participants & instructors that are in session). This is a public pool facility, so please follow all safety protocols (i.e. no running on deck) With that in mind, I look forward to seeing you all out there and ready to have a blast in the pool.

\*\*This is a paid event, please register via our Luma Page. You need to have a ticket in order to attend this event: https://luma.com/commerce-apr-21-2026 **Commerce Toronto is where Canada’s retail, e-commerce, CPG, and tech communities come together to connect, learn, and grow!** ​Commerce Toronto brings together 200+ attendees from across the retail, e-commerce, CPG, and tech sectors. From early-stage founders, operators, brand builders, and industry professionals, this event is designed to spark conversations, share insights, and foster connections across the commerce ecosystem. ​The evening features presentations and fireside chat with industry leaders who share their journeys, challenges, and strategies shaping the future of commerce. ​​Explore our on-site **Marketplace**, where a curated selection of CPG brands showcase their latest products-offering a hands-on experience and an opportunity to discover what’s next in consumer innovation.

St. Timothy's is excited to offer support to newcomers in Canada. Our goal is to provide conversational language practice through informal instruction and feedback in a welcoming and diverse community. We invite all new immigrants, English language students, visitors to Canada, parents of children temporarily attending schools in Toronto, foreign university students, and anyone looking to enhance their language skills. We aim to build community where friendships can flourish, in order to help participants establish meaningful connections, learn about life in Toronto, and access practical resources as you settle in to this new city and country. We begin every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. with a time to socialize and connect. Our formal program begins at 10:30 a.m., and each week we will have different activities and topics, including practicing English conversation, reading short articles, learning about common pronunciation and grammar mistakes made by ESL speakers, etc. Our volunteers would love to get to know you and offer gentle and constructive feedback to help you improve your English! We also offer Individual career mentoring, including job search, mock job interviews, and helping you improve your resumes and cover letters.

Practice and improve your English through conversation at St. Andrew Centre (73 Simcoe St, downtown Toronto), while making new friends! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- How to Get to the Event: By TTC, exit at St. Andrew Station. Walk west on King St. West to Simcoe St. Do not enter through the church building; the large church front doors will be closed. At the corner of Simcoe St. and King St. West, turn south and walk on Simcoe St. Enter through St. Andrew Centre, which will be behind the church building.

**.... Do you *dread* speaking in front of others? .... Need to *present* an important meeting? .... Is it time to *enhance* your communication skills?** **Meeting Theme: 'How to Use Vocal Variety'** Some voice coaches will say, **“it’s not what you say, but how you say it.”** In Toastmasters, we practice ‘vocal variety’ in order to bring life to speeches. It can help to convey emotional feelings. Key techniques include matching volume to emotion, adjusting speed for urgency, and using silence/pauses for emphasis. Join us to hear how speed, pitch and volume can affect the impact of your message. Gain new insights and benefit from the information provided by Toastmasters Speechcraft program. Join our meeting and experience the hands-on “how-to” instruction in public speaking. If you are an experienced Toastmaster or a guest exploring Toastmasters, you will acquire a new way of communicating your thoughts with increased clarity and impact. Each ‘discovery’ meeting will provide valuable tips to boost your confidence on stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from experienced speakers. **What is the Toastmasters Speechcraft Discovery meeting?** You will: * gain insights into principles and strategies from expert speakers, * hear speeches and learn from evaluations given by advanced Toastmasters, * experience what happens at a real Toastmasters meeting, * get familiar with the Toastmasters Speechcraft program and resources, * discover the benefits of Toastmasters Speechcraft for personal and club growth. **Register NOW for any FREE Discovery meeting.** **Discovery Meeting:** Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026 7:00PM to 8:30PM Doors open 6:45PM **Details:** [Speechcraft - Phoenix-Toronto Toastmasters](https://phoenixtoronto.toastmastersclubs.org/Speechcraft.html) **Have a question, contact organizer:** Phoenixtmvppr@gmail.com **Sponsor:** Phoenix-Toronto Toastmasters Club Phoenix-Toronto Toastmasters empowers individuals to master the communication skills that drive personal achievement and confidence. Through practice and peer feedback, you will rapidly develop presentation abilities, persuasive influence, and leadership presence. Accelerate your audience impact and transform your trajectory with skills that will help you grow your opportunities. **Speechcraft Discovery Series** **Week 1 – Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026** ‘How to Choose a Topic’ **Week 2 – Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026** ‘How to Organize a Speech’ **Week 3 – Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026** ‘Know Your Speech Purpose’ **Week 4 – Tuesday, Apr 7, 2026** ‘How to Impact with Body Language’ **Week 5 – Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026** ‘How to Use Vocal Variety’ **Week 6 – Tuesday, May5, 2026** ‘How to Create Images with Powerful Words’ **Week 7 – Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026** ‘Research Your Topic to Elevate Your Credibility’ **Week 8 – Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026** ‘Evaluate to Elevate’

Our families, or lack thereof, are one of the first things we become aware of. For better or worse, as children, most of us rely on family to meet our needs and help us learn how to exist in the world. Their presence or absence shapes our behaviours and affects how others treat us. We may be judged by what our parents do for work, how our children behave, whether we have strong or weak family values and ties, or our ability to fulfill familial obligations. ‘Family’ shapes how we come to learn about the world, how we relate to one another and to ourselves, and the goals we set. Through our lived experience, the stories we’re told, and the cultural values many of us have inherited, ‘family’ has become a relational category whose existence we assume is natural; that is, family units have always existed and always will. But could a world without families exist? Statistically, families are the epicentre for cases of violence and abuse, and perpetuating economic inequality. Given this, would we be *better off* in a world without family as we know it? Join co-moderators Fallon Taylor-Kanary and Sophia Whicher at our next Curiosity Café, where we’ll explore the following questions: * Who do you consider to be family? Why? * How do you feel when you think about family? * What function does family play in our lives? * Why are families sites of so much violence? * How is contemporary infrastructure (architecture, policies, institutions, etc) designed around families? * How would our relations be different if our material and economic conditions weren’t shaped or mediated by the family? * Would a world without families *necessarily* be a world with less love and care? **Space is limited!** **Please obtain a “Pay-What-You-Can” ticket from Curiosity Café at [this link (click here)](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/curiosity-cafe-ethics-of-the-family-tickets-1987289282741) to attend this event. You need a ticket to be admitted.** See the above link for more info about tickets and other options including a limited number of free tickets. Come and hang out with us, grab food, and read through our handout from 6-6:30pm. Our structured discussion will run from 6:30-8:30pm with a 10 minute break in the middle. Hope to see you there! ***__________________________________________________________________*** This event is brought to you by [Being and Becoming](https://beingnbecoming.org/), a Toronto based non-profit. We aim to create community around exploring everyday concepts and experiences so that we may live more intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful lives. We use philosophy as a tool with which we can come to a richer understanding of the world around us. By offering activities, spaces, and other opportunities for conversation and co-exploration, we hope to enable the meeting and fusion of individuals and their ideas. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background: indeed, we believe the journey is best undertaken alongside explorers from a variety of disciplines, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Find out more about Being and Becoming [here](https://beingnbecoming.org/). About the Curiosity Café Series: For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to join us at our Curiosity Cafés and are wondering what they’re all about: every two weeks, we invite members of our community to come out to the Madison Avenue Pub to engage in a collaborative exploration of our chosen topic. Through these events, we aim to build our community of people who like to think deeply about life’s big questions, and provide each other with some philosophical tools to dig deeper into whatever it is we are most curious about.

Women only community center dropin. 1. Please show up on time if you sign up. 2. Please don’t bring your friend to watch if they don’t play. Spectators are not allowed in the gym. 3. If you find out that you can’t make it after sign up, please edit your RSVP so that it can be freed to waitlist participants.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** The beloved CNE started out as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition in 1879 and has been an icon ever since. But the history of the CNE dates back to the mid 1800s when the Provincial Agricultural Association set up the first exhibition in 1846 here in Toronto. The "Fair" was an Upper Canada fair and moved from one place to another for the first 30 years until the permanent exhibition was established in Toronto. Seen as a mini world's fair the Industrial Exhibition changed the name in 1912 to the Canadian National Exhibition, as was known as the "People's University." The buildings were considered the most beautiful exhibition buildings on the continent. In 1906 the Crystal Palace burned to the ground and the current horticultural building built on the site. The architecture tells its own story of Toronto and what Torontonians thought about their city. Pride in Toronto, and all that it achieved was on display for all to see during the CNE days in late August. Learn about the history and the ups and downs of the "showplace of the nation." This walk is for all walkers and all skill levels. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Please meet on the south side of Springhurst and Dufferin Street, just north of the TTC loop. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Come on out and join us Friday at the Pint Public House. https://thepintto.com All are welcome 🤗 Whether you are new in town or just want to meet new friends, this is the meetup for you. Let’s have some dinner and drinks and afterwards, if the weather is nice, we can check out the area. Payment Options:
E-transfers should be sent to torontofriendsmeetup@gmail.com
Or
PayPal Link:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/torontofriendsmeetup Or you can pay cash in person.



 Hope to see you there! Jess

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–6 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

Get ready for a super fun, in-person workshop where you can create your own magic wand with healing crystals or a beautiful Mother’s Day vase. Perfect for adding a personal touch to your gift game or just unleashing your creativity. Bring your smiles and hands — we’ll supply the magic! Cost $47 each or $75 for Mom and daughter (or any couple) Tickets on Eventbrite. DM for link

✨ **The Social Circle – First Meetup!** ✨ Join us for the very first Social Circle gathering — a relaxed evening designed to bring people together for good food, easy conversation, and new connections. This is a casual social night in Mississauga where men, women, and couples are all welcome. Whether you’re coming on your own or with a partner, the goal is simple: meet new people and expand your social circle in a friendly, low-pressure environment. Expect a warm, welcoming table, great conversations, and an easygoing night out with like-minded people. No formal structure — just genuine connection and good company. We’re excited to kick off The Social Circle with you! ✨

Hi everyone, we will be having our Artists who create meetup group at the food court (Near the A & W) of Erin Mills Town Centre, and we look forward to seeing everyone who can make it this coming Saturday, April 20th at 3 pm. This will be a very casual and fun moment to create, connect and engage in conversation as we work on our own art projects. I also look to have a theme for this session to ignite our creativity and give us something to go off of if we're starting from scratch. The theme is "What makes life enjoyable", and the powerful thing it can be to be alive despite all the uncertainty and struggles we might face. I will be providing some art materials for those who need them, but of course, it's highly encouraged to bring your own. Here is the full address of the mall: [5100 Erin Mills Pkwy, Mississauga ON L5M 4Z5](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5d311852eda8388a98752d9e60a559294e636187efdb6acdad7ff1b4b53e5c93JmltdHM9MTc3MjMyMzIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=15c0c239-89a7-69ee-04c2-d4b288666820&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MH5-RW1iZWRkZWR-QWRkcmVzc19MaW5rJnR5PTE4JnE9RXJpbiUyME1pbGxzJTIwVG93biUyMENlbnRyZSZzcz15cGlkLllORERFRDhERjc4MTg0OUMxOSZwcG9pcz00My41NTg2NTA5NzA0NTg5ODRfLTc5LjcxMTU3ODM2OTE0MDYyX0VyaW4lMjBNaWxscyUyMFRvd24lMjBDZW50cmVfWU5EREVEOERGNzgxODQ5QzE5fiZjcD00My41NTg2NTF-LTc5LjcxMTU3OCZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA)

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

Join us for an afternoon of peace, relaxation, & healing. This FREE Spring Open House is a beautiful way to step into sacred community by enjoying nourishing food, heartfelt connection, and complimentary sessions. We will be offering FREE mini services: Wax Scryings, Intuitive Readings, Somatic Healing, Soul Embodiment Light Activations, Reiki & Multidimensional Energy Healing, Channeled Card Messages, Vibrational Sound Healing, Healing Infrared Dome Sauna, Chakra & Meridian Healing & Energy Body Clearing & Activation, Psychic Readings, Meditation, Wellness Coaching, & more! Time slots will be available first come, first serve. Optional RSVP to Caitlynn at: [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com] We will also be offering ongoing group talks and activities in our group room. Dr. Ryan Brown, Metaphysician & Transformational Trainer will be speaking at 3pm! This is a perfect opportunity to meet each practitioner & receive an introduction to the many different healing modalities we offer. Spiritual & Wholistic gifts and Gift Certificates & Packages will be available to purchase. They make a great gift for yourself or as a holiday gift of self-care for your friends and family. Mini Service Offerings: Ammatara: Wax Scryings, Intuitive Readings, Somatic Healing, & Soul Embodiment Light Activations Caitlynn: Energy Healing & Channeled Card Messages Ellen: Vibrational Sound Healing Team Member: Healing Infrared Dome Sauna Group Room Talks/Demos: Session 1 \| Intro to Center & Practitioners with Ammatara Session 2 \| Soulbits Circle with Caitlynn Session 3 \| Alternative Medicine with Dr\. Carlos Session 3 \| Group Sound Healing with Ellen Session 4 \| Somatic Healing\, Releasing & Return to Love with Ammatara Session 5 \| Frequency Shifting with Dr\. Ryan Brown Hosted by The Center for New Life Practitioners 6797 N. High Street Suite 333 Worthington Ohio 43085 \*Entrance up the orange ramp to right of building and to 3rd floor\*

Get ready for an unforgettable night of inspiration, energy, and soul-stirring performance with international speakers and artists Armand and Angelina. This is more than an event—it’s a live concert-style experience of music, message, and mirth that will uplift your spirit and move your heart. From the moment the evening begins, you’ll be immersed in a powerful atmosphere of love, laughter, and transformational sound. Featuring the angelic, heart-opening voice of Angelina—singing across multiple languages—and the dynamic presence of Armand, whose inspiring talks, original compositions, and powerful vocals ignite a passion for life, this is a performance you don’t want to miss. Come out and feel the energy, connect with the message, and experience a night that celebrates love, transformation, and the power of music to move us all. $20 Suggested Love Offering (None shall be turned away) **Bonus Morning Experience** Native Flute Playshop with A & A Thursday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. Come back in the morning for a deeper, hands-on musical experience.

Annual plant sale to support the Inniswood Volunteers Inc., giving back to the gardens. Offering mostly perennials, herbs and a few shrubs. Day 1: Saturday May 2, 2026 8am-4pm Day 2: Sunday May 3, 2026: 11a-3pm rain or shine. Bring a wagon if you have one!

Annual plant sale to support the Inniswood Volunteers Inc., giving back to the gardens. Offering mostly perennials, herbs and a few shrubs. Day 1: Saturday May 2, 2026 8am-4pm Day 2: Sunday May 3, 2026: 11a-3pm rain or shine. Bring a wagon if you have one!

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

Watch movie trailer here: https://www.seedsthefilm.com/ SEEDS Documentary and Community Conversation Friday, April 24 | 5-9pm Locatjon: Ohio Dominican University | Matesich Theater in Erskine Hall 1216 Sunbury Rd Room 108, Columbus, OH 43219 Through dialogue and film, spend an evening explore the lives of Black generational farmers, the unjust history of land ownership, and local Black farmers creating new legacies today. Seeds Documentary and Community Conversation is the second event in Shepherd’s Corner Land Justice Series, where we welcome BIPOC artists, filmmakers, writers, and growers to teach us, through intentional programming, what it means to be on and part of the land. This event is sponsored with Ohio Dominican University and Ohio Dominican University’s Black Student Union. Click here to access a flyer to help spread the word about SEEDS Documentary and Community Conversation **ABOUT Seeds** Seeds is Director Brittany Shyne’s Sundance-winning lyrical documentary of Black farmers, legacy, and land. “Interweaving the stories of three Black generational farmers to create a collective and intimate portrait of farming today, Seeds is a moving and powerful exploration of their lives, joys and struggles as well as the fragility of legacy and owning land.” Seedsthefilm.com **PANEL DISCUSSION: LOCAL BLACK FARMERS CREATING NEW LEGACIES** * Moderator Holly Moten Fidler, M.A. in Social Justice & Public Theology (MASJ/MAPT) student at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) and Seminary Hill Farm worker * Julialynne Walker, Food Sovereignty Advocate and Market Manager Bronzeville Growers Market * Minister Aaron Hopkins, Visionary Farmer Planner of South Side Family Farms and Executive Director of ICANDO Community Development * Jada Terry, Founder of Mizizi Farm and Fresh Roots 614 SCHEDULE * 5 pm: Doors Open + Refreshments served. Informal Meet and Greet with Panelists and Guests * 6 pm: Opening + Panel Discussion * 7 pm: SEEDS Screening Free Admission. Registration Required. Register for free here: https://shepherdscorner.org/seeds/