Current Events

Hey everyone! Let's try to get this group more active! Local events can be anything -- A walk in the park, movie, happy hour, camping, and so on! So if you want to host a local event, leave a comment below or message me and I'll contact you to help you get it up in the group!

We’ll sample the espresso at this Fairfax cafe next. There are some unique offerings on the menu, so let’s get together and compare notes. Enjoy your favorite drink or try something new. I love to start my weekends off this way. Come join us. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

\*\* Please go to [Ticket Leap](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/authentic) to complete your registration \*\*\* Authentic Relating is for those who want to get beyond small talk and connect more deeply with others in a substance-free, inclusive, and supportive environment. Most social events throw a bunch of strangers into a room to fend for themselves, which disadvantages people who have social anxiety and with marginalized identities. Authentic Relating intentionally disrupts this dynamic with strategies that facilitate equity and inclusion. In a world where we often wear a mask, presenting some aspects of ourselves and hiding others in order to be accepted, Authentic Relating invites us to show up as we are. All parts, dimensions, emotions, and aspects that make us human are welcome in this practice. When we share from our authentic selves, we create the opportunity for genuine connections and self-understanding. The result is often moving and therapeutic. ### **What Is Authentic Relating?** Authentic is being real, honest, revealed, and transparent, allowing others to see, hear, and know our inner world. Relating is welcoming the other person's authentic self and weaving their reality and experience with our own. Authenticity and vulnerability are possible in an environment absent of judgement where we are received with openness, empathy, and compassion. It is also a journey, one where we take the time to get to know each other and feel comfortable enough to reveal ourselves (no one is forced to be vulnerable or share anything they are uncomfortable sharing). Authentic Relating is about creating a space where that journey can happen in a spirit of delight and discovery. At a facilitated Authentic Relating gathering, one can have a meaningful interaction with every person, practice deep listening and sharing, and feel a sense of belonging. Guided activities encourage participants to be playful, curious, empathetic, thoughtful, and vulnerable. Facilitation and prepared questions help people practice active listening and self-reflection. Everyone has an equal amount of time to talk, listen, and be heard, and no one can dominate the conversation or be a wallflower. ### **Principles and Practices for Authentic Relating** **Mindfulness:** Slowing down, being present and aware of our inner state and surroundings. **Empathy:** Being aware of and releasing judgement, employing empathy, curiosity, openness, and recognition of multiple perspectives. **Authenticity:** Vulnerability, honesty, voicing our truth, self-awareness. **Centering the other:** No interrupting, giving advice, fixing, or telling your own story. Ask for permission to share your opinion, advice, your own story, and questions. **Validating:** acknowledging, appreciating, reflecting, empathizing, and presencing. **Structure:** Timed interactions where people take turns sharing, listening, and reflecting. Conversations range from 5 to 10 minutes. **Equity:** Conversation partners are assigned randomly in order to avoid choosing partners based on personal preference. Group conversations typically involve going in order around a circle rather than popcorn style. **Prepared questions:** Directs conversation towards meaningful topics and deeper reflection. ### **Sample Agenda** 5 min: Partnered conversation to land 5 min: Loving kindness meditation 10 min: Introduction to authentic relating 10 min: Opening shares 10 min: Movement activity 45 min: Facilitated conversations 10 min: Break 45 min: Facilitated conversations 15 min: Closing circle ### **Sample Conversation Prompts** What are you passionate about? What do you struggle with? What are you most anxious or fearful about? What gives you hope? What is a difficulty or challenge that you’re struggling with? What is something that you long for that you don’t have? What do you need? ### **Additional Info** Advanced registration required. No walk ins. NO REFUNDS unless the event is cancelled. Everyone who attends is invited to join a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and connect with others one-on-one. This event is not exclusively for singles! All ages, genders, sexualities, abilities, identities, etc. welcome! The event is capped at 20 and will be cancelled if there are fewer than 6. This helps us create an intimate atmosphere and get to know everyone in the group. If you would like to participate, please arrive early so we can start on time. Late arrivals jeopardize the emotional safety and flow of the event. ### **Videos to Learn More** [2 minute video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJG7R7Da5xA) [15 minute video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYdvLo8UMZU) ### **Testimonials** "I live in an intentional community where I am friends with all the residents and we never lock our doors, but even here, we don't reach the depth of connection that I experience at Authentic Relating in 3 hours. This is a heart filled, nourishing practice for everyone who desires genuine connection and community." "Thank you so much for organizing the event today. I was extremely apprehensive about the experience but you created a safe, joyful, and meaningful event. Your passionate, kind, and gentle spirit helped to create a beautiful and loving environment. I also gained skills that will help me deepen my relationships and connect with more people. I was really pleasantly surprised and moved by the experience." "I was very surprised with how much I both needed and enjoyed the workshop. As someone who is pretty good with people, I have found that finding friends has been difficult since moving to the DMV for school. I never thought of attending a workshop made specifically for helping people meet new friends would be something I needed, let alone something I would enjoy. The facilitator was kind yet direct, and led the time well, and the activities we fun and varied. Most importantly, real connection was generated, and while obviously follow up is our responsibility, being able to attend a space that helped get us past the meeting phase was worth its weight in gold. I would happily attend again." "This was amazing! I'm definitely coming back and inviting my friends next time!" “I will never experience social gatherings the same way again!” "Most social events are like fast food--stimulating but insubstantial. Authentic Relating feels more like a carefully crafted and nutritious meal, made with love for you." "I went to this event last month and enjoyed it so much ❤️ I formed a lot of bonds in a short amount of time. Time well spent. Highly recommend it!" "Authentic Relating is life changing!" "Clara is a warm and engaging facilitator who makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable to be their authentic selves." ## **About the Facilitator** Clara Fang, Ph.D. is the founder of [Green Tara Consulting](https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating), a consulting firm that specializes in diversity, equity, and belonging. She has been working at the intersection of climate advocacy and racial justice for twenty years. She is an experienced facilitator of authentic relating, meditation, and ecstatic dance. She lives in Germantown, MD. [bio.site/cfang](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/dating) To learn more about my approach to creating inclusive social gatherings, please read [Creating Equitable and Inclusive Social Gatherings](https://greentaraconsulting.com/blog/authentic-relating-update) [Subscribe](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCxVlNMAWTLRBI_e3OtwQdZLoZE9M7Dy8VUiFVQaMpg3tIKQ/viewform?usp=sf_link) to the email list to receive notification of future events and connect with other members.

**Join Friends of Accotink Creek, Fairfax County Restoration Project, and neighbors of Americana Drive to get trash out of this location plagued by illegal dumping.** **We can expect to encounter large quantities of trash of all kinds, from bottles and cans, to tires, to construction debris. Come prepared to get tired and dirty!**

Join us at the Chess Center offices (Suite 118, entrance on 2nd Avenue) on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00pm ET for open play. Players of all abilities and ages are welcome. * Non-Members: $5.00/player table fee for the day. * Chess Center [Members](https://chessctr.org/membership/) always play for FREE ($0.00). Check our social media ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/uschess) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/USChessCenter)) for closure announcements: The Chess Center is closed on major holidays. We also have chess sets, clocks, and [used chess books](https://chessctr.org/usedbooks/) for sale.

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

**Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=D035492F-D56E-44A0-AE3D-DD68D9F150EA](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=D035492F-D56E-44A0-AE3D-DD68D9F150EA) Join us in the heart of historic Georgetown for a lively swing dance soirée with dancing to the live music of Rock-A-Sonics, one of DC's most popular swing dance bands. A partner or prior dance experience are not needed to attend. We'll show you how to swing dance even if you've never danced before! Afterwards dance the night away to live music as you make new friends. Make your reservations soon, as space is limited. Don’t miss this lively evening of music, dance, and great company in Georgetown. Come on your own or with friends. Many guests attend by themselves, making this a wonderful opportunity to meet new and connect with other International Club of DC members while enjoying a lively and welcoming evening. **Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=D035492F-D56E-44A0-AE3D-DD68D9F150EA](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=D035492F-D56E-44A0-AE3D-DD68D9F150EA) Our live band will set the mood with swinging rhythms and timeless tunes, creating the perfect atmosphere to dance, socialize, and celebrate the glamour of a bygone era. Vintage-inspired or cocktail attire is encouraged so you can fully embrace the spirit of the evening. Wine, cocktails, and other drinks will be available for purchase throughout the night. When you arrive, please find us in the upstairs ballroom of Pinstripes. **Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=D035492F-D56E-44A0-AE3D-DD68D9F150EA](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=D035492F-D56E-44A0-AE3D-DD68D9F150EA)

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,”** on findings, debates and trends in the use of psychedelic substances to treat trauma and other conditions, with Whitney Marris, instructor at the University of Buffalo’s School of Social Work, certified psychedelic-assisted therapy facilitator, and consultant to clinical trials. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy) .] Psychedelics are rapidly moving from the margins into the mainstream, and questions abound as the sociocultural and legal landscapes surrounding them shift. President Trump’s recent executive order expanding access to psychedelic drugs for certain conditions and accelerating research on them has both heightened interest and added to confusion. Learn more about the so-called “Psychedelic Renaissance,” and get help separating the hope from the hype surrounding it, with Whitney Marris, a leading trainer and facilitator of psychedelic therapy who has used it to treat trauma survivors, military veterans, and people with cancer. She’ll present foundational information on what we know about how psychedelics work. You’ll learn how psychedelic-assisted therapy differs from “trip sitting” and about what we know about the effects of “microdosing” versus “macrodosing.” We’ll examine what has been demonstrated to be helpful versus harmful before, during, and after a dosing session intended to support significant, sustainable change. Marris also will discuss the historical and cultural context of the use of psychedelic medicines for healing, and she’ll describe the ethical challenges that arise as such practices move from counterculture to clinic. We’ll look at emerging and evolving findings in the field, as well as at the roles being played by various financial interests and ideologies in determining the direction of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research on its outcomes. Attendees will gain an awareness of the need for new professional standards and regulatory guardrails related to such work, and they’ll leave knowing key questions to ask potential providers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

All: This event is free but you will need to register on Eventbrite, but also RSVP on Meetup. Eventbrite link is below. **We** **will meet outside the Anderson House, the address is: 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW at 11:00 am Washington, DC 20008** and then meet back up at 3:30 pm at AndersonHouse and then we can get food/drinks after. I will post where end up for food/drinks. If you cant make it there right at 11:00, thats fine. Feel free to see the museums at your own pace and view things individually or as a group, and spending as much time at each musuem as you like. I will post where we will be going after for food/drinks. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/museum-walk-weekend-2026-tickets-1987940099351?aff=oddtdtcreator For the **Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium (DKMC)**, Most of the institutions are an easy walk from the **Dupont Circle Metro Station**. Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium Visit five cultural institutions in the Dupont Circle and Kalorama neighborhoods during the annual Walk Weekend! The following museums will be open for free on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 from 11 am-4 pm.\ *Bring your parents, kids, friends, and neighbors!*\* * **[Anderson House](https://www.americanrevolutioninstitute.org/ "https://www.americanrevolutioninstitute.org/")**, The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati and a National Historic Landmark * **[Dupont Underground](https://dupontunderground.org/ "https://dupontunderground.org/")**, Multidisciplinary platform for creative expression housed in an abandoned streetcar station * **[National Museum of American Jewish Military History](https://nmajmh.org/ "https://nmajmh.org/")**, Institution preserving the contributions of Jewish Americans to the peace and freedom of the US * **[The Phillips Collection](https://www.phillipscollection.org/ "https://www.phillipscollection.org/")**, America's first museum of modern art * **[The President Woodrow Wilson House](https://www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org/ "https://www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org/")**, Home of the 28th president and a National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Site [Learn more about the Dupont Kalorama Museums Consortium.](http://dupontkaloramamc.com/%20%22http://dupontkaloramamc.com/%22) \*To see the special exhibition\* Miró and the United States\* at The Phillips Collection, guests must [purchase a ticket.](https://www.phillipscollection.org/visit%20%22https://www.phillipscollection.org/visit%22) Read less

These are really nice concerts, outdoors when possible. They do a great job finding amazing talent. And it's free. **[Will Kimbrough](https://www.willkimbrough.com/)** is a renowned Nashville-based singer-songwriter, an uber versatile multi-instrumentalist, a musicians musician and was named the Americana Music Association’s Instrumentalist of the Year in 2004. **Sign up [here](https://www.hillcenterdc.org/event/american-roots-concert-series-will-kimbrough/).** Known for his fluid, expert guitar work, he is considered a staple in the Americana music scene and a frequent collaborator with artists like Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Shemeika Copeland, Todd Snider, Steve Forbert and more. He is recognized for his prolific work as a session musician, a Grammy winning producer, adorned with many more awards and accolades and often called the hardest working man in Nashville. Will is the longtime lead guitarist for Emmylou Harris and a member of her esteemed Red Dirt Boys. Kimbrough’s twenty year songwriting relationship with Jimmy Buffett culminated in Buffett’s swan song, “Bubbles Up” and Will still plays with Jimmy’s Coral Reefer Band. After the loss of two of his closest musical partnerships in the last year, Jimmy Buffett & Todd Snider, Will’s is on tour honoring these special relationships, with a delightful tribute sharing how music, stories and songs bring us together rather than tear us apart.

Come check out the DC Rocker's Summer Showcase at Tommy Joe's in Bethesda. Five fantastic bands playing a mix of originals and rock covers. Admission is free, parking is free, the food is free (OK, not the food). 3 pm Shee's Unhinged 4 pm Neil Petty & The Horsebreakers 5 pm The Skinner Principle 6 pm Southfield 7 pm Hard Raki

Hey Social Sips & Bites friends! 🎶🍹 One of our favorite bands is returning to Solace Outpost, and Social Sips & Bites is ready for another great night out! Join us for live music, cold drinks, good food, and the kind of fun atmosphere that makes these nights unforgettable. The Now and Then will bring amazing energy, great songs, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. Come meet new people, hang with friends, sing along, and enjoy a fantastic night with the Social Sips & Bites crew.

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. **New to electronics or curious about tinkering?** You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building. While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

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. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.