Democratic Party

Berlin is slowly slipping into summer again — longer evenings, warmer air and the feeling that staying home might mean missing something. Join us for a Monday night full of conversations, new faces and a little bit of early summer energy before the city gets too busy to notice itself. ✨ Tiny optional challenge: Bring one small thing that feels like summer in Berlin to you. A photo, an object, a snack, sunglasses, a book, a strange souvenir — anything with a story behind it. Orga The location accepts only card payments. We will be sitting in the first room. Questions? Check our Meetup-FAQs: [https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/](https://socialbutterfly.berlin/meetup-faq/) Meet your host I’m Julia — a Berlin local who loves bringing people together. My path went from growing up in a dance school to studying philosophy to working in IT support, and somehow all of that led me here: hosting meetups and creating spaces where people can show up, relax, and connect. Insta [https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/](https://www.instagram.com/juwaberlin/) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-waehnert/) About The Social Butterfly Club 🦋 is a Berlin-based community that has been bringing people together for over three years. Each gathering is part of a larger framework designed to help friendships grow through shared experiences in the city — with a long-term vision of turning Berlin itself into a shared, playful experience. Love the vibe? There’s a whole community waiting for you. 🦋 Join the Social Butterfly Club and experience Berlin together [https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/](https://socialbutterflyradar.substack.com/)

Andere drücken die Schulbank, wir aber wollen in gemütlicher (und realer) Atmosphäre wieder aufeinandertreffen und einen Deutsch-Spanisch-Tandemkurs aufleben lassen. Beim einfachen Zusammenkommen und kennenlernen lässt es sich schließlich viel effektiver lernen. und Spaß haben. ...

🕢 Doors open at 18:30 and sessions start at 19:00. Freestyle vocal workout at and play session. €8-20 😌 Flow is a state of being… an experience when you allow yourself to be 100% fully engaged in the present moment in a feedback loop between clarity and satisfaction. It is an undeniable sensation where things seem to be more effortless, pleasurable, in sync, and you can easily sense a connection with something greater than yourself; this is what we will create…: • a connected and mindful meditation where it is possible to blissfully surf the cutting edge of the present moment together… • a game where it’s possible to feel excited and calm in the same moment, and everyone can win as much as they like… Scott Bolden, founder of Das Baumhaus Berlin will share some very easy, practical and effective methods developed during the last 12 years of facilitating the “Improvisational Groove Orchestra” (I.G.O.) improv vocal jam sessions. Within 20 minutes participants learn to use the common sound space to create resonance in the form of improvisational music where it is quite common to experience some real flow moments… It is very easy to participate, no musical talent or training is required so anyone is welcome to join. All of the session is done with eyes closed to avoid visual distractions and keep focus on the co-created sound space. During these sessions we will also have short breaks for feedback and refreshment. Important – Please be on time. It is very important to understand the methodology and warm up in the group before joining in! 🎤 @21:00 - Freestyle vocal workshop and practice session. €8-15 Have you ever wanted to learn how to do freestyle vocalizations? Maybe you are on your way and would like to just have a fun workout session with other vocal freestyle enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Links to sound samples - https://www.baumhausberlin.de/events/flow-a-guided-vocal-sound-bath-meditation/

Join us for a thrilling and empowering Martial Arts Training hosted by the **Juk Cheon Do** \- Self Defense and Martial Arts group\! Our monday training is focused on **Grappling.** This event is perfect for adults looking to enhance their self-defense techniques, improve fitness, and learn this unique Korean German Martial Art. Whether you are a newbie or have experience in MMA Mixed Martial Arts, BJJ, Judo, Wrestling or Sambo, this training will offer valuable insights and practical training exercises to bring your skills to another level. Get ready to boost your confidence, strength, and agility while embracing the physical and mental challenges of this martial arts training and enjoy this fantastic opportunity to make new friends within the community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for martial arts. We are not a huge group and like to train in a nice atmosphere with each other. Everybody is welcome weather you are a total beginner or experienced martial artist, weather your are top fit or you want to be it. Don’t be afraid and never forget, everybody starts at one point as a beginner. Important is the will to start. So no excuses! Start today! And of course we are also open to females, males and whatever. Here everybody is equal to share the same fun and pain. ;) Languages: German, English, Korean, Japanese. If the door is closed or you can’t find us, please call me: 01781830004 !

**\*\*This event has been free for over three years, but only due to the support of anonymous donations behind the scenes. Please consider [donating via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/read-wedding-a-berlin-open-mic-for-poetry-storytelling-tickets-1975773081473?aff=oddtdtcreator) if you are able, to help this stay free for everyone else.** -- Whether you're poetry-curious or a seasoned performer, join us for our monthly open mic night at Hank Chinaski! This event is brought to you, for free\*\*, by the [Re(a)d VVedding Collective](https://www.instagram.com/readwedding/), who organize regular events for all phases of the writer's journey, all in the northern Kiez(es) of Berlin. Join us for our core event which has been going on in Wedding for over three years. You are most welcome to share your work (or that of writers you admire) & meet fellow enthusiasts through this event. All written works & languages are welcome, though bigotry, racism, transphobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism (which *is not Anti-Zionism*), and so on are not welcome in this space. **Format - 3 sections:** * Sections 1 & 2: ≈12 performers (≈6 per section, kicking off at 19:30) * Section 3: Around 21:30, we'll hold space for a writing session and optional sharing afterwards. This open mic is not only about already “finished“ work! For the readings, priority is first given to those who haven't read earlier in the evening & especially to first-time readers! **\*\*Donation​s:** * While our open mic will always be free, we do happily accept donations [via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/read-wedding-berlin-open-mic-for-poetry-storytelling-tickets-670852075617?aff=oddtdtcreator) or at the door. * Donations do not guarantee a reading slot, but help support us in putting in this event, others around Wedding, Pankow and Moabit, and our ongoing zine publications. We appreciate it deeply and as a small collective, will put it to good use! **RSVPs​ & Sign Up:** * RSVP via Meetup, Eventbrite, or just show up. Online RSVPs DO NOT save performance spots * Sign up at the door between 19:00-19:30 * 5-minute performance slots. Please respect this limit to avoid cutting off your work Experience the magic of live storytelling and poetry with us!

So hast du andere Leute in Berlin wahrscheinlich noch nie kennengelernt! Bis zu 10 Singles, die sich zuvor nicht kennen, treffen sich in einer Bar und lernen sich bei einem eigens für diese Veranstaltungsreihe entwickelten Spiel näher kennen. Das Spiel kombiniert eine gelungene Mischung aus Fragen, Aktionsaufgaben und lustiger Unterhaltung, die alleine oder als Team gemeistert werden. Durch verschiedene Aufgaben und Fragen kommen die Spieler in direkte Interaktion miteinander und lernen sich im Spielverlauf näher kennen. Im Vergleich zur klassischen Single Party lernst du bei Socialmatch wirklich nur Singles in deiner Altersgruppe kennen und kommst von ganz alleine ins Gespräch mit den anderen Teilnehmern. Ein Spielmoderator vor Ort informiert über den Ablauf und leitet durch den Abend. Sicher dir jetzt deinen Platz beim nächsten Event unter [[www.socialmatch.de](http://www.socialmatch.de/)] und lerne neue Leute in deiner Stadt kennen. Dieses Event ist für die Altersgruppe 20 - 35 Jahre. P.S. Socialmatch erhielt 2015 bereits einen Award für das Konzept, teste es selbst ;-) **Achtung: Nur mit Buchung über die Website ist eine Teilnahme möglich!**

### Humanity: Dignity, Compassion, and Responsibility Humanity is one of the most basic concepts of human life. It refers not only to being biologically human, but also to a moral ideal: the ability to recognize others as dignified, vulnerable, and morally important beings. To speak about humanity is therefore to speak about compassion, respect, justice, responsibility, and human dignity. Historically, the meaning of humanity has changed over time. In early civilizations, ideas related to humanity were often connected to divine order, justice, social harmony, and the protection of the weak. In ancient Greek and Roman thought, humanity became linked to reason, virtue, education, law, and civic life. The Roman idea of *humanitas* especially connected humanity with culture, moral refinement, and responsibility toward others. Religious traditions also shaped the meaning of humanity. Many religions emphasize mercy, compassion, charity, humility, and care for the poor, the weak, and the stranger. In this sense, humanity was understood not only as a personal virtue, but also as a duty toward others and toward a higher moral order. In modern philosophy and politics, humanity became increasingly connected to universal dignity and human rights. The idea that every person deserves respect and protection, regardless of origin, religion, gender, class, or nationality, became central to modern ethical and political thought. Humanity therefore developed from a limited social or religious duty into a universal moral principle. However, the history of humanity is also a history of dehumanization. Slavery, colonialism, racism, war, genocide, and social exclusion show how people have often denied humanity to others. Dehumanization happens when human beings are treated as objects, threats, numbers, or tools. For this reason, humanity must also be understood as a critical concept against violence, humiliation, and exclusion. From a psychological perspective, humanity depends on empathy, compassion, moral judgment, and the ability to understand the suffering of others. From a sociological perspective, humanity is shaped by institutions, laws, education, culture, and social norms. From a biological perspective, it is connected to cooperation, care, attachment, and social bonding. Yet humanity cannot be reduced to biology alone; it also requires moral reflection and social responsibility. Today, humanity is challenged by war, poverty, migration, racism, technological change, artificial intelligence, and global inequality. Modern societies often reduce people to data, consumers, workers, or political categories. Therefore, the question of humanity remains urgent: how can dignity, compassion, and responsibility be preserved in a world shaped by power, technology, and crisis? This discussion invites a critical exploration of humanity as a moral, social, political, psychological, religious, and biological reality. Humanity is not only what human beings are; it is also what they owe to one another. *** 📅 Event Details 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 31 May 2026 ⏰ Time: 10:00 📍 Location: Tiergarten - Cafe am Neuen See Lichtensteinallee 2, 10787 Berlin · Berlin, de 📱 WhatsApp: For prep materials and directions (Group Chat) [Group Chat Bio](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)

Hola chicos, Moin zusammen, lasst uns Deutsch und Spanisch sprechen und ein paar Bier zusammen trinken, die Idee ist einfach und gut :) Bitte bringt zumindest basis Deutsch oder Spanisch Kenntnisse mit! Vamos a hablar español y alemán y tomar unas cervezas, la idea es simple y buena jaja. ¡Por favor, ven por lo menos con un nivel básico de español o alemán! Danke, gracias!

Planning to go on parental leave while working in tech? You probably have a ton of questions, and we will do our best to get you answers. Whether you're expecting, currently on leave, planning ahead or wanting to support your teammates, navigating parental leave comes with a lot of new challenges. Technical careers require us to stay up to date and living in Germany adds another layer of bureaucratic hurdles to the mix. To help you feel more prepared, we have selected panelists who've been through it and will share their experiences openly: what worked, what surprised them, and what they wish they'd known. We'll cover the practical and bureaucratic side, the career side, and we'll reserve time for your questions. **🗓️ Agenda** 6:30 Arrival and networking 7:30 Welcome and Intro 7:40 Panel Discussion: Planning Parental Leave in Tech 9:00 Event ends **Panel: Planning Parental Leave in Tech** ● **Saranya Parvathi Ganesan**, Senior Software Engineer @Immoscout24 ● **Sinny Kumari**, Associate Engineering Manager @Red Hat ● **Vanessa Ating**, Senior Frontend Engineer ● Moderated by: **Vaishali Thakkar,** Confidential Computing Expert @SUSE **🍕 Food and Drinks** There will be vegetarian and vegan food and beverages sponsored by our host Bettermile. 🗣️ **About the Panelists** **Saranya** I’m a mother to a four-year-old daughter and currently work as a Senior Software Engineer at ImmoScout24. I have over 12 years of experience in software development, primarily in backend engineering with Java, Kotlin, AWS, Node.js, and serverless technologies. Prior to moving to Germany, I worked as a Software Engineer at PayPal and Ford in India. I’m passionate about mentoring, continuous learning, and staying hands-on with technology while building scalable and reliable systems. **Sinny** [Sinny](https://sinnykumari.wordpress.com/) is a mother to a four-year-old and an Engineering Manager at Red Hat. Prior to stepping into engineering leadership for the [DNF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNF_(software)) team, she spent over a decade as a Software Engineer developing core OpenShift [operators](https://github.com/openshift/machine-config-operator), performing ABI analysis, and more. She is also an Open Source enthusiast and has contributed to projects such as Fedora and KDE. **Vanessa** I’m a Software Engineer with over five years of experience building scalable, accessible web applications across the full stack. I specialize in frontend development with React, TypeScript, and Next.js while also bringing solid backend experience to deliver complete end-to-end solutions. I’m passionate about creating design-driven interfaces that deliver real value to users. 📍**About Bettermile** We’re Bettermile, and we’re essentially here to fix the parcel logistics. We’ve built an AI-powered SaaS suite that turns the chaos of dynamic routing and complex addresses into a smooth, efficient experience. Based in Berlin-Kreuzberg, we’re a 150-strong international crew (36 languages and counting!) that ditches the corporate ego for creative freedom and actual autonomy. With flexibility, a kid-and-pet-friendly office, and a culture that’s high on drive, we’re setting a new standard for last mile. **☂️ About the FLINTA label** This event is labeled as FLINTA (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender) as we make it a mission to empower women and other underrepresented minorities in the tech community. 💗 **Code of Conduct** We are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming experience for everyone who participates in our events. By attending our event, you agree to the Berlin Code of Conduct: https://berlincodeofconduct.org/en 📸 **Media Consent** We may be taking photos of this event for social media posts. If you do not want to be photographed, please let the organizers at the event know. We will make sure to respect your privacy. 👋 **About Empowered in Tech** We are a local community in Berlin dedicated to empowering FLINTA (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender) people to excel in their tech journey. Our events offer study groups, technical workshops, hackathons, networking events, panel discussions, lightning talks, and social events. Stay in touch with the community! Join our Slack: [https://bit.ly/EmpoweredInTechSlack](https://bit.ly/EmpoweredInTechSlack)

**Important:** \*\*This event is for Vegans only. If you do not identify as Vegan or 100% plant-based, please do not RSVP.\*\* \*\*This is **not** a dating event; it's just a casual, friendly space to mingle with other Vegan singles\*\* \*\*Veganism is an ethical philosophy that rejects the oppression and exploitation of other animals\*\* **Vegan Social Drinks - Singles Edition** We’re excited to host another social drinks evening, this time with a small twist: it’s exclusively for single Vegans. Join us for a relaxed night to meet, chat, and connect with like‑minded people in Berlin. **Where:** Birgit **When:** 27 May, from 19:00 onwards **Registration:** Your spot is confirmed only once you are on the *Going* list. When you arrive, please check in with one of the hosts (Cristina or Chetan or Fran) and grab a name sticker so others know you’re part of the group. Single definition: Anyone not in a monogamous relationship. Please note that we have a zero-tolerance policy for hate, discrimination, or disrespect of any kind. This space is meant to be safe, inclusive, and welcoming for vegans of all kinds.

\*\*\*Aus organisatorischen Gründen wurde die Veranstaltung auf den 30.5. verschoben. Wir entschuldigen uns für die Unannehmlichkeiten und hoffen, Sie an diesem Termin zahlreich begrüßen zu dürfen. \*\*\*Per motivi organizzativi, l’evento è stato spostato al 30/5. Ci scusiamo per l’inconveniente e speriamo di vedervi numerosi in quella data. Buongiorno, Berlino! (Versione italiana in basso) **Sprichst du Italienisch** und möchtest **dein Deutsch verbessern**? Oder liebst du Italien und möchtest die Sprache üben? Dann komm zu unserer deutsch-italienischen Konversationsgruppe! * **45 Minuten auf Deutsch und 45 Minuten auf Italienisch**\* * Tische nach Sprachniveau aufgeteilt * Brettspiele, Gesprächsmaterialien und Arbeitsblätter zur Vertiefung von Themen und Wortschatz * Entspannte Atmosphäre * Lerne neue Leute kennen \* Die Veranstaltungsleitung behält sich vor, den Ablauf der Veranstaltung je nach Sprachen und Teilnehmerzahl anzupassen. Preis: Spende nach eigenem Ermessen (Die kleine Spende hilft, das Event auf Meetup zu organisieren und Materialien sowie Spiele bereitzustellen.) Die Italienisch-Werkstatt stellt Wasser und Süßigkeiten zur Verfügung. Für dich ist dies eine tolle Gelegenheit, dein Italienisch bzw. dein Deutsch außerhalb des Unterrichts zu üben und neue Leute kennenzulernen. Die **Italienisch-Werkstatt** ist eine Italienisch-Sprachschule in Berlin, die seit 18 Jahren professionell gestaltete Kurse für alle Niveaus anbietet. Alle unsere Dozentinnen und Dozenten sind italienische Muttersprachler mit langjähriger Berufserfahrung und soliden Deutschkenntnissen. Hier ist unsere Internetseite mit Kursen von A1 bis C1: [LINK](https://www.italienisch-werkstatt.de/)(Italienisch-Werkstatt) Wir können dir Hilfe und Tipps geben, um dein Italienisch — und auch dein Deutsch — zu verbessern! Unsere Lehrkräfte sind Italiener, die selbst Deutschlernende waren oder sind 🙂 Wir freuen uns auf dich! ✨ Bis zum Event! ✨ IN ITALIANO Halli Hallo! **Parli italiano** e vuoi **migliorare il tuo tedesco**? Oppure ami l’Italia e desideri praticare la lingua? Unisciti al nostro gruppo di conversazione italiano–tedesco! * 45 minuti in tedesco e 45 minuti in italiano\* * Tavoli suddivisi per livello * Giochi da tavolo, materiali per la conversazione e schede per approfondire temi e vocabolario * Atmosfera rilassata * Conosci nuove persone \* La direzione dell’evento si riserva la possibilità di modificare la struttura dell’evento in base alle lingue e al numero dei partecipanti. Prezzo: donazione libera (La piccola donazione aiuta a organizzare l’evento su Meetup e a fornire materiali didattici e giochi.) Italienisch-Werkstatt mette a disposizione acqua e caramelle. Per noi questa è un’occasione fantastica per praticare entrambe le lingue al di fuori del contesto della lezione e per conoscere nuove persone. **Italienisch-Werkstatt** è una scuola di italiano a Berlino che da oltre 18 anni offre corsi per tutti i livelli. Dal 2008 proponiamo lezioni di italiano per ogni livello. Tutti i nostri docenti sono madrelingua italiani con lunga esperienza professionale e solide conoscenze del tedesco. Ecco il link per la pagina internet con la nostra offerta di corsi dall’A1 al C1: [LINK](https://www.italienisch-werkstatt.de/)(Italienisch-Werkstatt) Possiamo offrirti aiuto e consigli per migliorare il tuo italiano… e anche il tuo tedesco! I docenti sono insegnanti di italiano e sono stati — o sono tuttora — studenti di tedesco 🙂 Ti aspettiamo! ✨Ci vediamo all'evento ✨

**Radical Empathy – Navigating conflicts as a trans, non-binary, and inter person** with ***Neo Seefried*** & ***Béla Belissima*** for **LGBTQIA+** Free event with[ ](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/radical-empathy/w16-2026)**[registration](https://wearevillage.org/shop/radical-empathy/w22-2026)** In this workshop, activist and artist **Béla Belissima** invites participants into an empowering exploration of conflict dynamics. Together, we will examine how trans-feminine and queer lived experiences shape our navigation of resistance, confrontation, and self-assertion. Drawing from her background in political education and community communications, Béla offers insights into remaining agentic during conflicts without making our identities invisible. This session provides a dedicated space for reflection and the exchange of strategies that help us set boundaries while staying connected to ourselves and our communities. **About Radical Empathy** **Radical Empathy – Tools for Togetherness** builds on Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection (2025) and further develops the format: from collective storytelling to collective practice. The workshop series strengthens queer solidarity in all its diversity and asks: How can we stay connected, especially when things get tough? Hosted by **Neo Seefried**, the series combines collective storytelling with somatic, communicative, and creative tools to remain capable of acting in queer contexts when faced with conflicts, emotions, and differences—without avoiding or escalating them, but rather with greater clarity, care, and relational competence. Each session has its own thematic focus (including grief & death, relationships, migration, HIV/AIDS, club culture & substances, trans/inter/non-binary) and is complemented by a guest who explores the respective topic in depth. At the center is the Resonance Circle: a space for shared stories, mindful listening, and resonance—empathy as a practice that we train together and carry into our daily lives. 🔵 #### **Radikale Empathie – Konfliktbewältigung als trans, nichtbinäre und inter Person** mit ***Neo Seefried*** und ***Béla Belissima*** fur **LGBTAIQ+** In diesem Workshop lädt die Aktivistin und Künstlerin **Béla Belissima** zu einer empowernden Auseinandersetzung mit Konfliktdynamiken ein. Gemeinsam werfen wir einen Blick darauf, wie trans-weibliche und queere Lebensrealitäten unsere Erfahrungen mit Widerstand, Konfrontation und Selbstbehauptung prägen. Béla verbindet Impulse aus der politischen Bildungsarbeit mit ihrer Expertise in der Community-Kommunikation, um Wege aufzuzeigen, wie wir in Konflikten handlungsfähig bleiben, ohne unsere Identität unsichtbar zu machen. Der Workshop bietet Raum für Reflexion und den Austausch über Strategien, die uns helfen, Grenzen zu setzen und gleichzeitig in Verbindung mit uns selbst und unserer Community zu bleiben. **Über Radical Empathy** **Radical Empathy – Tools for Togetherness** knüpft an **Radical Empathy – Queer Storytelling for Connection** (2025) an und entwickelt das Format weiter: vom gemeinsamen Erzählen hin zum gemeinsamen Üben. Die Workshop-Reihe stärkt queeres Miteinander in seiner Vielfalt und fragt: Wie können wir verbunden bleiben, gerade wenn es schwierig wird? Gehostet von **Neo Seefried**, verbindet die Reihe kollektives Storytelling mit somatischen, kommunikativen und kreativen Tools, um in queeren Kontexten mit Konflikten, Emotionen und Differenzen handlungsfähig zu bleiben – ohne zu vermeiden oder zu eskalieren, sondern mit mehr Klarheit, Fürsorge und Beziehungskompetenz. Jede Session hat einen eigenen thematischen Fokus (u.a. Trauer & Tod, Beziehungen, Migration, HIV/Aids, Clubkultur & Substanzen, trans/inter/nicht-binär) und wird durch einen Gast ergänzt, der das jeweilige Thema vertieft. Im Zentrum steht der Resonance Circle: ein Raum für geteilte Geschichten, bewusstes Zuhören und Resonanz – Empathie als Praxis, die wir gemeinsam trainieren und in den Alltag mitnehmen.

**Build for Everyone — Accessibility for Mobile** Flutter Berlin is hosting a joint meetup with Kotlin User Group Berlin and CocoaHeads Berlin, focused on building accessible mobile apps. **Location:** Hedwig-Dohm-Haus, Berlin We’ll cover both strategy and hands-on implementation — from understanding platform differences (Android, iOS, cross-platform) to real-world accessibility pitfalls and live testing. With: **Important:** Registration is via Luma, not Meetup. Please register here: https://luma.com/xo7d3vb4

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.