Community Organizations

Come finish the week with drinks, banter, and make some friends ☺️ **This event does not have a host.** If nobody shows up, check out the Kiwi bar next door ☺️ Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FzcNhtOUm5EAC41XQ7tJgO) group. Feel free to organise or advertise events, or ask for advice\. Please be respectful to everyone and avoid topics likely to lead to conflict \(e\.g\. politics\) 😊 **_We're always looking for proactive members and hosts. If you show initiative - we'll support the effort 🤗 Let's make Riga a better place to live! 🇱🇻_**

**The topic for January is toxic people, toxic relationships, and narcissism.** If you enjoy self-exploration and self-improvement, our welcoming community invites you to share your journey! During our sessions, we all share our views on the day’s topic, unpacking it in ways that may be helpful for our future selves. Everyone is welcome to contribute or simply listen. If time allows at the end, we may also touch on other subjects, such as key experiences from the past week or month. Basic information: * We meet at a cosy place in Riga’s city centre about once a month. * The language of the event is English. * Age limit: 18 and over. * Photos of participants may be taken at the event and shared publicly on social media, including but not limited to meetup.com. By joining the event, you accept this condition. * Prices: the event itself is free of charge, but please purchase a drink or a meal at the bar. Event-related announcements are made on meetup.com, so please check posts and messages regularly. If you have any questions, please contact me — I’ll be happy to help. *Background photo: [Renāte Šnore, Unsplash](https://x.gd/pLJwE) taken at Viesatas upesloku takas, Irlavas pagasts, Latvia.*

Come finish the week with drinks, banter, and make some friends ☺️ **This event does not have a host.** If nobody shows up, check out the Kiwi bar next door ☺️ Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FzcNhtOUm5EAC41XQ7tJgO) group. Feel free to organise or advertise events, or ask for advice\. Please be respectful to everyone and avoid topics likely to lead to conflict \(e\.g\. politics\) 😊 **_We're always looking for proactive members and hosts. If you show initiative - we'll support the effort 🤗 Let's make Riga a better place to live! 🇱🇻_**

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** http://foundersrc.com/chats **Stay updated**: Instagram http://instagram.com/foundersrc/ Podcast http://podcast.foundersrc.com/ LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/ Strava http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC Website http://foundersrc.com/

## Breakfast with Girls & Metaphorical Cards **A gentle start of the day through psychology & connection** Let’s begin the morning in a warm, supportive atmosphere — with breakfast, meaningful conversation, and **metaphorical associative cards**. This breakfast meeting is designed as a **soft psychological experience** where we slow down, tune into ourselves, and connect with each other in a natural and respectful way. ### What will happen at the meeting? * We will get to know each other and cards will help us * We will work with **metaphorical associative cards** — a **projective technique used in psychology** * We will use this process to **set the tone for the day**, clarify inner intentions, and create a feeling of grounding * Through images, symbols, and guided questions, you’ll gain gentle insights into your current state, intentions, and inner focus * The cards help bypass rational thinking and connect with intuition, emotions, and inner resources No prior experience with psychology or MAC cards is needed. ### Metaphorical cards are not about “prediction” or “fortune-telling.” They are a **projective psychological tool** that helps: * access inner meanings * express thoughts and feelings safely * gain clarity through personal associations * open deeper, more authentic dialogue Each interpretation is personal — there are no right or wrong answers. ### ✨ Atmosphere & Connection This is also a space to: * enjoy breakfast together * gently get to know each other * share (only if you want) * feel supported and relaxed Everything happens in a **safe, respectful, and kind environment**.

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics could range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**BreadBreakers is a community where people of all different belief systems and backgrounds can create community - and what better way to do that than reading together?** Join us as we combine the kind, curious, and welcoming atmosphere of a BreadBreakers dinner with the thought-provoking, fun format of a book club. Here's what to expect: * We'll be reading *Of Mice and Men*, by John Steinbeck. * This will be a one-meeting club, so if you've ever wanted to do a book club but couldn't commit to multiple meetings, here's your opportunity! * Snacks :) * BreadBreakers ground rules apply - we'll lead with curiosity, converse with kindness, and strive to dig beneath the surface level. * We'll be gathering in Meeting Room 1 at the Reston Regional Library. * Participants will be responsible for obtaining their own copies of the book. [Here's the Amazon link, if helpful.](https://www.amazon.com/Mice-Men-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140177396) * Our BreadBreakers table hosts will come ready with questions and facilitation skills - you come ready to discuss! **I've never attended a BreadBreakers event before - what is BreadBreakers?** BreadBreakers is a community where neighbors from all different beliefs and backgrounds can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** Most frequently, we do this through the ancient practice of breaking bread around a common dining table. But we're more than just a discussion group - we're a movement to heal our world's broken discourse and forge togetherness in a time of isolation and loneliness. **Through the sacred act of just "being" together, we're working to rebuild the town square, one table (or book club) at a time.** BreadBreakers is a religiously inclusive by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA. All faiths, beliefs, and stripes are welcomed, and our leadership and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**🪷 Cost:** There is no fee for this event. Donations of skin, hair, and dental care products are encouraged. RSVP to [LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org](mailto:LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org) ❄️**Description:** As winter settles in, the quiet of the natural world reminds us to pause, restore, and reconnect. We invite you to join Imagine Well Being at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in this spirit of reflection and care. We’ll begin indoors by assembling care kits for women in crisis, adding ribbon and a nature-inspired note of encouragement. Then we’ll gather around the fire to slow down and reconnect- sharing time in nature, listening inward, and building community. **👋🏼 Meeting Point:** Meet at the education building at 11:30. **🚙 Parking:** Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. 21085 The Woods Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175 Google Map link: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/rrSuedfGCxco6zz67](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rrSuedfGCxco6zz67) **🪷 Cost:** There is no fee for this event. Donations of skin, hair, and dental care products are encouraged. RSVP to [LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org](mailto:LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org) **🎒Preparation:** Bring a favorite skin care, hair care, or dental care item-something meaningful to you, chosen for a woman in crisis. Items should be new and unopened, and will be distributed through the local nonprofit Women Giving Back. If you cannot attend, but would like to donate, email Lauren at LaurenL@imaginebeingwell.org. **🌐 Newsletter:** [Sign up Today for Imagine Well Being's latest news, upcoming events, and retreats!](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/newsletter-form/sign-up-for-the-imagine-well-being-newsletter) **⭐️ Liability Release:** With my RSVP, I hereby confirm that I am physically able to participate in this event. I understand and agree that all classes, gatherings, and workshops are undertaken at my sole risk and that Imagine Well Being guides and instructors shall not be liable for injuries or damages to my person or property arising out of or connected to any of these activities. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and instructors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care, and I assume responsibility for all associated costs. I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine classes, gatherings, and workshops. I authorize Imagine Well Being guides and instructors to call 911 in the event that I appear to require emergency medical care, and I assume responsibility for all associated costs. **I have carefully read this agreement and understand its contents. I agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damage that I may sustain due to Imagine classes, gatherings, and workshops.**

**Sunday Afternoon Dancing Planet Contra Dance** Intro lesson at 2:30pm, dance from 3-6pm in the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, MD. Caller: **Janine Smith** Band: **Handspring** (Alex Mitchell on fiddle, mandolin, and tenor banjo, Owen Morrison on guitar, and Carrie Rose on flute and piccolo) Admission: $15 Cash or $17 Venmo (to cover fees) at the door, no cards. Covid info: masks and vaccinations are suggested but not required. For more info: [https://dancingplanetproductions.com/contra/](https://dancingplanetproductions.com/contra/)

Get to know your fellow writers! In this relaxed, easygoing environment, we'll have the space, snacks, and some interactive activities to meet your fellow writers. Led by a professional in the industry, we'll discuss upcoming events in Montgomery County, some upcoming conventions, and local open mics that are available for you to participate in. $5 donation asked to provide for food and supplies so we don't have to worry about going to a cafe or restaurant, but still have a great time. Expect coffee, pastries, and other cafe-like snacks, as well as writing supplies, goodies, and other things to do. Host will use all funds towards the group. Novices and seasoned writers welcome. Just come and make community.

⚡ **Reset your mindset. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with new clarity.** Join us for a free, small-group event held in our **Startup Garage** — a **spacious, comfortable living-room style space** inside a single-family home. Think couches, coffee, and real conversation — **not an actual garage 😊** 🔁 You’ll be **paired** with different attendees throughout the event for short, energizing rounds — each sparked by a simple **opening line** designed to make you laugh, reflect, and think bigger about what comes next. You won’t just talk about what’s behind you — You’ll begin to **picture what’s ahead** in a way that actually excites you. *** **☕ Coffee and snacks are on me.** Just show up with a curious mind — and a willingness to laugh. We’ll guide you through questions that blend **wisdom and humor** — the kind that help you see your story through a new lens. *** **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • One-on-one rounds to explore purpose, identity, and new possibilities • Light, energizing activities designed to shift your mindset in under 10 minutes • Fresh insights from people you’ve never met — but may never forget • A laid-back, thoughtful space to connect without pressure *** **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals figuring out what’s next • Entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives in a season of reinvention • Men and women who prefer **meaningful conversation** over surface level talk Whether you’re starting over, scaling up, or just ready for something more aligned — this space is for you. *** 📊 *Most attendees are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s — navigating life and growth with curiosity, clarity, and a sense of humor.* 🛋️ **Hosted in a spacious living-room setting** inside a single-family home (Ashburn). Full address shared after RSVP. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

**What Kind of World Do We Want to Live In? (Free Event)** **In times like these, we can see more clearly the potential for humanity when it works together in unison – as well as the challenges if we don’t and continue to operate as we have been before. If you could design the world of the future, what spiritual values would you want to see in it to help realize those potentialities?** **All of us hope for a better future for ourselves and for our children, but how do we get there? What sort of ideas and behaviors will we need to leave behind – and what values will we need to build the foundation of the future on? And how can we work together to build a future that works for all of us, where each of our fullest potentials as human beings can be realized?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on what a future society might look like and the role each of us can play in creating it. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role of spirituality in the unification, peace, and progress of all.** **“The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**