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.

A lawyer walks out of a plush Beverly Hills office and into a government agency tasked with everything between war and diplomacy. That pivot sets up a gripping journey through foreign aid’s hidden front lines: a month in Eritrea trying to give away 20 million and getting told no, audits that can overturn streetlights after floods, and market experiments that turn onions in Honduras into livelihoods for thousands. Rita and I sit down with **Clifford Brown** to unpack what USAID actually did—and why it mattered. From training judges and modernizing commercial codes after the Soviet collapse to stitching wildlife corridors across Central America, the work was practical, technical, and often invisible. Clifford explains how procurement rules, waivers, and sanctions shape action in the field, and why the right legal call still has to pass a skeptical auditor. He shares wins and limits: building export crops, coordinating regional energy grids, backing anti‑apartheid defenders in South Africa, and the stubborn math that made cacao no match for coca in Colombia’s high valleys. Not every story is easy. Clifford brings rare clarity to bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan and the brutal economics of human and organ trafficking moving along global shipping and charter flight routes. Through it all runs a constant theme: people are more alike than different, and languages open doors that policies alone can’t. He credits ethics work with helping Central American agencies adopt gift bans and asset disclosures, and mourns the career‑ending shockwaves from USAID’s dismantling that left dedicated partners worldwide adrift. Come for the field stories; stay for the hard truths about borders, power, and what USAID can and cannot do. If this conversation challenged how you think about foreign assistance, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review telling us the one rule you’d rewrite first. [https://youtu.be/Of6YUhJtEZE?si=lNsTpuho_5f28gz5](https://youtu.be/Of6YUhJtEZE?si=lNsTpuho_5f28gz5) (video) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1988087/episodes/18814347-try-to-give-away-20-million-dollars-it-s-harder-than-you-think.mp3?download=true](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1988087/episodes/18814347-try-to-give-away-20-million-dollars-it-s-harder-than-you-think.mp3?download=true) (audio) #blackpodcasts, [#podcast](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=podcast&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7149757776108425216), [#podcastshow](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=podcastshow&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7149757776108425216), [#podcastinterview](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=podcastinterview&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7149757776108425216), [#toronto](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=toronto&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7149757776108425216), #supportblackpodcasts, #newpodcast, #speakupinternational,

( EVENT is FULL/Sold-out ) We attend this event every year--learning more about *Poetry/Prose/Verse!* The venue changes each year. This time we'll be at Yonge/Davenport. **(Nancy and Ed Jackman Performance Centre)** Please **reserve your own FREE ticket** through Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mcclelland-stewart-poetry-night-2026-tickets-1983390212517?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Overview: Join us for McClelland & Stewart Poetry Night 2026, featuring Laurie D. Graham, Kaie Kellough, and Jake Skeets! **Curated by M&S Poetry Editor, Canisia Lubrin, who since 2021 has published groundbreaking collections by the brightest poets in the country.** Doors at 6:45 pm, event starts at 7:15 pm. Admission is free and tickets are general admission. Registering for a ticket does not guarantee admission and we recommend arriving early! **ABOUT THE BOOKS & POETS--** Two-time Trillium Book Award finalist Laurie D. Graham brings us **CALLING IT BACK TO ME**, a personal collection of familial history and memory. **LAURIE D. GRAHAM** grew up in Treaty 6 Territory, near amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta), and she has lived in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough, in the Territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg, since 2018, where she is a poet, an editor, and the publisher of *Brick* magazine, a journal of literary non-fiction based in Toronto. Her first book, *Rove*, was shortlisted for the Gerald Lampert Memorial Award for the best first book of poetry in Canada. Her second and third books, *Settler Education* and *Fast Commute*, were both nominated for Ontario’s Trillium Book Award for Poetry. From Griffin Prize winner Kaie Kellough, we have **INTERPOSITION**—a long poem that examines desire and technology. **KAIE KELLOUGH** is a poet, fiction writer, and sound performer living in Montreal. His previous collection, *Magnetic Equator*, won the 2020 Griffin Poetry Prize. He is a writer and vocalist for the group FYEAR and is pursuing graduate work in English at Queen’s University. **HORSES** is Navajo Nation Poet Laureate Jake Skeets' poignant collection tracking the impacts of climate change on the land and people of the Navajo Nation. **JAKE SKEETS** is the author of *Eyes Bottle Dark with a Mouthful of Flowers*, selected by the National Poetry Series and winner of the Kate Tufts Discovery Award and an American Book Award. A Whiting Award recipient, Skeets is from the Navajo Nation and was appointed the Nation’s third Poet Laureate. He is an assistant professor of English at the University of Oklahoma. See you there. A five minute walk north of the Canadian Tire at Yonge/Davenport.

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.

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.

**Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking with Toastmasters!** Join the Ajax Outspoken Speakers for an empowering session designed to help you build confidence and enhance your public speaking skills. Whether you prefer to attend in-person or online, Toastmasters offers a supportive and friendly environment to tackle your fears and unlock your potential. **What to Expect:** * Practical exercises to improve communication skills. * Opportunities to speak in a no-pressure setting. * Encouragement from like-minded individuals. Meeting details can be found at https://1651924.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html. Take the first step toward becoming a more confident you—we can't wait to see you there!

*Unwind, get creative, and connect with cool people.* Looking for a calm space to do some art, have meaningful (or silly) convos, and meet new friends in the city? This is your spot. I’ll be bringing **colouring pages and markers** for anyone who just wants to show up and relax. You're also totally welcome to bring whatever creative activity helps *you* unwind — think **sketchpads, mini canvases and paint, journals, clay sculpting, wire bending, model building kits, and collage supplies**. We’ll hang out, make art, and enjoy chill conversations in a cozy, no-pressure environment. No experience or talent required — just bring yourself and whatever helps you feel creative and calm. **✦ What to Bring (optional):** * Any relaxing art or activity you enjoy **✦ I’ll provide:** * Colouring pages, markers, and good vibes **Where to Meet (MADO Cafe at the Food Hall inside The Well):** * The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. * Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. * Make a left and you should see the long tables and MADO cafe. * **We'll meet at the long tables in front of MADO Cafe** Come solo or bring a friend — this is all about slowing down, making connections, and enjoying a creative evening together ✨

**UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED** Hi everyone, just a quick note to share that we’ll be postponing the Toronto Joy Social this Saturday. Due to a personal matter, we won’t be meeting as planned this time. Cher, Jem, and I were really looking forward to connecting with you all, and we’ll share a new date once things are settled. Thank you for your understanding 🙏 Amar \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Hey everyone, We’re planning a **Toronto Joy social**, a space to come together, meet one another, and have some really nice conversation over something to eat or drink, or just come and be part of it. The intention is to get to know people in the group and see how everyone’s doing. **Even if you’ve just been curious** or interested in ways to serve the community, it would be really nice to have you there. We’ll be meeting at **Eataly Yorkville**, about a 2 minute walk from Yonge and Bloor subway station, near the main seating area in the centre where most of the tables are. Look for the Toronto Joy group. We’ll have name tags so it’s easy to find us and know who we’re speaking with. We’ll share a little about Toronto Joy and our intention, and also hear from you, what you’d like to be part of and how we can come together to make a difference. **It’s all very open and natural**. Looking forward to seeing you there.

All meetups of the "What is Right?" group are intended, as the name implies, to be exploratory sessions in which participants might freely exchange views, contest and debate positions and, it is hoped, might demonstrate for one another what a principled conservative position ought to be. Among the various traits that a conservative thinker should have is a desire to preserve what our civilization got right, and to make innovations only with an abundance of caution and humility. In order to get to the Bishop and the Belcher Pub, note that despite its Bloor Street address, it is actually located one block south of Bloor at the intersection of Church St. and Hayden St.

Hello everyone, **\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\*** Please join me and my other groups for a relaxing and fun Sunday afternoon leisure nature walk through the Don Valley Trail along the Don River followed by an enjoyable dinner at a local pub near our meeting location. **Meeting Location with free Parking:** We will meet conveniently out front the **Tim Hortons directly across the street from the Davisville Subway (Yonge Line)** This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small adventure through quieter and more natural parts of the city we don't usually get to see. More details below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) **Event Details:** **Spring has Sprung Leisure Nature and Neighbourhood Walk! (with Dinner Party after)** -A great day planned as we explore parts of the city we don't see every day (great nature trails and old beautiful neighbourhoods) -Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning of the walk as well to help us get to know one another -During the walk we will stop and rest at different spots, bathroom breaks, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together -Followed by food and beverages at a nearby Irish Pub \*This event is a great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air and (re) connect with some wonderful people **Bonus after our Leisure Nature Walk: (Optional)** \*Stick around after the walk for a fun Saturday social gathering at a local Irish Pub for beverages and food right after the walk \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Time and Location: Where to meet us?** We will meet at out front of the **Tim Horton (1910 Yonge Street)** \*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at 4:00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:30 p.m.) **Drivers & Free Parking:** Plenty of parking on Yonge and residential too :) Free parking on Duplex, one street west of Yonge :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

. 🎬 Movie Night You, Me & Tuscany Join us for a cinematic escape to the sun-drenched vineyards and romantic landscapes of Italy as we gather to watch You, Me & Tuscany, the new feel-good romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page. Set against the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany, the film follows a spirited young woman whose impulsive decision to stay in a Tuscan villa leads to unexpected adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance she never saw coming. Expect an evening filled with: 🍿 A beautiful cinematic escape to Italy 🍷 Relaxed social vibes and great conversation ✨ A feel-good romantic story perfect for movie lovers Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, stunning travel settings, or simply enjoy experiencing great films with great people, this will be a perfect night to unwind and connect. Come ready to relax, laugh, and be transported to Tuscany for the evening. Follow Black Love & Friends on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/17oXQtZz36/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/blackloveandfriends?igsh=djVrYnhqeG5nMjBx) to stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming dimnets, social gatherings, and other exciting member-only events.

You are warmly invited to a beautiful **Ladies' Tea Party**. Join us for an elegant afternoon of fellowship, laughter, and meaningful connection as we gather in a peaceful and welcoming space. This special event is an opportunity to relax, enjoy delightful tea and treats, and celebrate the joy of community with other women, your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and friends. This tea party is a wonderful way to build friendships, share conversation, and enjoy a refreshing time together. - Formal Attire

**Confidence & Connection: Using Your Authentic Truth to Find Your People** Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s about knowing where you belong and who you can grow alongside. In this April Confidence Lab Happy Hour, we’ll explore how living in your authentic truth helps you find your people, build meaningful collaborations, and create spaces where vulnerability is met with respect rather than risk. Together, we’ll reflect on what it looks like to advocate for yourself with clarity and care, and how confidence deepens when it’s rooted in connection rather than comparison. Featured speaker **Lachandra Baker**, founder of **[LBB Edutainment](https://www.lbbedutainment.com/)** and author of *Your Own Biggest Cheerleader*, will share reflections on authenticity, psychological safety, and the power of community over individual achievement. Drawing from personal stories—including the significance of turning 53—Lachandra will invite us into a conversation about showing up fully, being seen, and choosing relationships that support who you truly are. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with space for reflection, shared insight, and intentional connection—plus drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not meant to do this alone. Come as you are. Leave feeling clearer about your voice, your people, and the confidence that grows when both are aligned. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

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/

Community Seed and Plant Swap Do you love gardening? Want to expand your collection of plants and seeds without breaking the bank? Join MOFB for their free community-based event. Sunday, April 19th 4-6 pm at Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop 116 N Wheatland Ave Columbus OH, 43223 To RSVP for free in-person attendance: https://forms.gle/t6Ppoc5WnRFPTJMZ

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

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!