Democratic Party

Join us for a **FLINTA-exclusive** vegan dinner at The Butterfly Lovers. Enjoy delicious food and a relaxed evening with other FLINTA members of the community in a safe and welcoming space. Where: **The Butterfly Lovers** – Veteranenstraße 10, 10119 Berlin, Germany When: Wednesday 3 June 2026, 19:00 What to do now: please read the fee note below before you RSVP €1 event fee (non-refundable) The €1 fee helps cover the Meetup app fee and other small expenses, and any excess will be donated to animal rights NGOs. Please send it via the PayPal details in the comments (only visible to people marked Going) within 48 hours of RSVPing. No PayPal? Message me for the IBAN. If the €1 fee isn’t received within 48 hours of RSVPing, your RSVP will be automatically cancelled. We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable. Please respect boundaries; harassment or disrespectful behaviour isn’t welcome and will mean removal from future events.

**Das fünfte Treffen** Wir lieben Romane! Wir diskutieren alle vier bis sechs Wochen im Prenzlauer Berg-Café en passant über ein Buch, das wir gelesen haben. Unseren Lesestoff wählen wir demokratisch aus. Bestseller, Geheimtipp oder Lieblingsbuch – wir entscheiden bei unseren Treffen gemeinsam, welchen Titel wir für den nächsten Monat auf die Agenda nehmen. Die Teilnahme ist auf 12 Personen begrenzt, weil sich in einem größeren Kreis leider nicht gut diskutieren lässt. Und hier das Buch für's nächste Treffen. **Annie Ernaux, DER PLATZ** Ihr Vater stirbt und Annie Ernaux schreibt über sein Leben: Um die Jahrhundertwende geboren, musste er früh von der Schule abgehen, war Bauer und dann bis zum Tod Besitzer eines kleinen Lebensmittelladens. Annie Ernaux erzählt in ihrem schmalen Buch von bescheidenem Wohlstand und der Angst vor dem Abstieg, ihrer eigenen Flucht aus dem Kleine-Leute-Milieu. Durch ihre Ehe mit einem Intellektuellen und ihrem Beruf als Lehrerin war sie im Mittelstand angekommen. Die Lebensumstände der Eltern befremdeten sie mehr und mehr. Genau das weckte ihre Skepsis. Sie wollte verstehen, woher sie kommt und beschreibt das elterliche Milieu und ihre Gefühle mit größter Klarheit, schonungslos und radikal offen.

Wissen verändert die Welt. Mach Mit! Wir treffen uns alle zwei Wochen zum lockeren Austausch und gemeinsamen Arbeiten. Im Wechsel am 1. Mittwoch des Monats in der Geschäftsstelle von Wikimedia Deutschland und am 3. Mittwoch des Monats in unserem Communityraum in der Köpenicker Straße in Berlin-Mitte. Interessierte Frauen\* sind herzlich eingeladen, uns zu besuchen und mehr über das Schreiben und die Regeln in Wikipedia herauszufinden. Erfahre bei unserer Veranstaltung, wie Wikipedia und ihre Schwesterprojekte funktionieren, lerne wie du selbst mitschreiben kannst und finde heraus, welche Artikel zu deinen Lieblingsthemen noch fehlen. Oder vielleicht interessierst Du Dich für Fotografie und würdest gerne mehr über die Commons-Lizenzen und die Mitarbeit an der Bilddatenbank Wikimedia Commons erfahren? Auch dann bist Du herzlich Willkommen! 🕖 Termine: jeden 1. und 3. Mittwoch des Monats ab 18.30 Uhr ℹ️ Aktuelle Termine: [https://w.wiki/tv](https://w.wiki/tv) Mehr Informationen: [WomenEdit-Seite](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WomenEdit/Treffen_(Berlin)) Die Teilnahme ist kostenfrei. Schreib uns eine PM, falls Du Rückfragen hast. P. S.: Wir bewerben das Event nicht nur hier. Im Schnitt sind wir 6-10 Teilnehmerinnen, also nicht wundern, wenn hier keine hohen Teilnahmezahlen stehen.

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!

An inspiring, high-energy meeting of public speaking, connection, and personal growth in the heart of Berlin. **Mercury Toastmasters Berlin** invites you to our weekly meeting at our new home at **Das Center, Potsdamer Platz**, in the stunning **Historic Imperial Breakfast Hall**. *Experience the **power of prepared speeches** loaded with bold ideas, participate in our **dynamic Impromptu Session**, and **gain valuable insights** during our feedback segment.* *Leave with practical tools, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration.* *Whether you want to speak up at work, boost your presence, or just meet inspiring people, you’ll feel at home at Mercury Toastmasters Berlin.* *** **[What to Expect:](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)** ✨ A supportive space to speak, grow, and connect 🎤 Engaging prepared speeches ⚡ Fun, fast-paced impromptu speaking challenges 💬 Feedback session you can actually use 🌍 A friendly, international crowd (around 25–30 people) **Schedule** (times may vary) ⏰ 19:15 - Doors open & networking 🎙️ 19:30 - Prepared Speeches 🏓 20:35 - Impromptu Session (Guest welcome to join) ↩️ 21:00 - Constructive feedback 💬 21:30 - Food, drinks & relaxed socializing **No experience needed.** ***Come curious. Leave energized.*** *** **🤙 [Hear it from our members:](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRtvR9DRNqU9WZQn7)** *“You can sharpen your public speaking skills and gain tons of confidence, while having fun and making new friends. Mercury is well-structured, fun, and affordable.”* — *Therese Pitt* *“Mercury gave me a safe place to speak, create, and grow. I love the multicultural vibe and supportive community. It’s the best place to learn and have fun.”* — *Krisztina Linka* *** **[Did You Know?](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/about-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)** Toastmasters is where people go to get better at speaking—and grow into confident communicators and leaders. Today [Toastmasters ](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/about-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)has 350,000+ members across 16,000 clubs in 143 countries. And [Mercury](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/) is one of the best places to experience it. So bring your curiosity, your energy—and just be yourself. Whether you’re just starting or ready to level up, there’s a place for you here. *** **[Wondering what you get as a member?](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/membership-mercury-toastmasters-berlin/)** Think expert feedback, real-world speaking practice, and a supportive crew that’s got your back. [See you Wednesday night! 🎉](https://mercurytoastmasters.de/find-toastmasters-meetings-in-berlin/)

Practice Spanish & German, meet new people, and have a great time! 📅 Twice a month – Wednesday 19:00 📍BrewDog Mitte Practica español y alemán, conoce gente nueva y pásalo bien. 📅 Dos veces al mes – Miercoles, 19:00 📍 BrewDog Mitte Join us for another exciting Tandem event where language enthusiasts, both Spanish and German speakers, come together for a fun and interactive language exchange. Whether you are looking to practice your German, improve your Spanish, or simply meet new like-minded individuals, this event is the perfect opportunity for you. Don't miss out on this chance to broaden your language skills, make new friends, and immerse yourself in a diverse and welcoming community.

This Wednesday, we exceptionally have a different program for the evening! **Schedule**: 19:00 - Absolute Beginners (For Free) 20:00 - until the end: Mini social practice. Dance freely and practice the moves you learnt. **Price:** The social is donations based **Why should you learn Salsa, and why with us?** - It's great fun! - You don't need any prior dancing experience. - You get to know loads of new people. - No registration, just swing by. - No fix starting date - you can start any week. - No dress code - come in whatever you feel comfortable in. Note:No outside shoes in the room: socks or a pair of clean shoes will be required - No partner needed - we change regularly during the classes (bring all your friends though!) - You can help us make a difference! **What is Salsa4Water**? Simple! We teach Salsa and donate all our profits to the NGO Welthungerhilfe, which uses these funds for their local projects in Malawi. Welthungerhilfe fights for equal access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in nearly 40 countries world wide. This gives you the chance to save lives while dancing!

Der politische Diskurs ist für alle diejenigen, die politische und gesellschaftliche Themen verfolgen und sich gerne darüber austauschen wollen. Wir alle wissen, dass der Vorteil einer Demokratie gegenüber autoritären Systemen darin besteht, dass Meinungen geäußert und Kritik geübt werden kann - so let's do this! Jedesmal steht ein neues, eher generelles Thema im Zentrum, über das wir uns respektvoll austauschen wollen. Im kommenden Abend geht es um die Fördermittelaffaire der Berliner CDU. Da es sich um ein komplexeres Thema handelt, werde ich ich die Thematik über eine Präsentation aufbereiten, so dass wir alle auf dem selben Wissensstand sind. Anschließend Diskussion mit Getränken und Snacks. Interessante Informationsquellen für: [Nationale_Politik](https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/podcast-106.html), [News_aus_Wirtschaft](https://open.spotify.com/show/0MqROiCw2Vl0aVqxWdPjRC?si=dioN4162TqytZm210rXpYw), [Internationale_Nachrichten](https://ground.news/) **WhatsApp Gruppenchat**: Regt dich ein Politiker / eine Argumentationslinie auf? Hast du einen Podcast gehört, den du unbedingt teilen und mit anderen besprechen willst? Möchtest du aktiv bei der Themenwahl unserer Diskussionsabende teilnehmen? Es gibt eine Whatsappgruppe. Sprich mich gerne auf einem Event an, dann füge ich dich hinzu. Wir freuen uns auf deine Ansichten! Foto: Maurizio Gambarini / Rotary International / IMAGO

***This is Heartcore:*** For fans of post‑hardcore, metalcore, and the emo‑soaked places in between. **A warm place for the heart shaped ones :)** We're meeting at least once a month to hang out, exchange new music, and make new friends. Join us for a beer and tell us all about your favourite bands and why they matter to you so much. 🥀This time we're meeting in the BRLO beer garden where you can bring your dogs as well if you like! They have bratwurst and fries and all sorts of good craft beer. We will meet in front of the grill stand inside the BRLO beergarden, it is right next to the entrance and easy to find. Can’t wait to see you there, heart-shaped friends! 🖤✨

Welcome to the Berlin Tech and Creative Industry Afterwork! ✨ Are you tired of stiff networking events, formal agendas, and endless slide decks? So are we. This group brings together Berlin's most exciting minds, from tech and corporate professionals to creative freelancers and artists, for a genuinely relaxed evening out. We meet in my favorite Cocktailbars to unwind, share ideas, and connect with great people over good drinks. What to expect: NO PowerPoints & Ads. Leave the hustle and the pitches at the door. Our focus is strictly on real, authentic exchanges, sparking inspiration, and having fantastic conversations. ONLY the Best Bars in Berlin: We hit up at my favorite spots in the city. From hidden gems to cool cocktail lounges and cozy pubs with great beer and wine. Bilingual and welcoming: Whether you're a native Berliner or an expat who just arrived, everyone is welcome! Conversations naturally flow in both English and German. A Brilliant Crowd: Mingle with startup founders, tech professionals, designers, corporate innovators, and creatives who just want to make new friends and enjoy a great evening. If you want to bounce an idea off someone, chat about industry trends, or simply enjoy a well-deserved after-work drink with a fantastic group of people, this is the place to be. See you!

**(Event in German) Bitte beachtet, dass wir auf verschiedenen Wegen einladen, es werden also mehr Menschen teilnehmen, als ihr hier seht.** In unserem neuen Format „Help me think about this“, reden wir mit Forscher\*innen, Autor\*innen und anderen Kreativen über das Werk, an dem sie gerade arbeiten. So bekommen wir spannende Einblicke in ihre Arbeit, und sie erhalten zusätzliche Perspektiven und Impulse aus unserer Diskussion. ***Worum geht’s?*** Linda Ngono ist Psychologin und Psychotherapeutin in Ausbildung und arbeitet gerade an zwei Buchprojekten: An einem belletristischen Buch (für das sie das Arbeitsstipendium deutschsprachige Literatur 2026 erhalten hat) und an einem Sachbuch, über das wir in diesem Event sprechen wollen. Darin schreibt sie über die Frage, wie wir mit Anteilen in uns umgehen, die wir selbst problematisch finden, insbesondere wenn wir uns bei menschenfeindlichen und rassistischen Gedanken erwischen. In unserer Diskussion tauchen wir in Lindas Thesen ein und denken gemeinsam über zentrale Fragen nach: * Wie gehen wir mit Gedanken um, die nicht in unser Selbstbild passen? * Ist es wichtig, problematische Gedanken öffentlich zu besprechen, oder gibt es gute Gründe, bestimmte Dinge nur mit uns selbst auszuhandeln? * Erlaubt uns ein anderer Umgang mit unseren eigenen unliebsamen Anteilen, einen anderen Umgang mit gesellschaftlichen Problemen? * und viele mehr … Die Diskussion wird wie immer mit unseren experimentellen Methoden moderiert, die uns erlauben, das Gespräch fokussierter, entspannter und inspirierender zu gestalten. **FAQs** ***Was kann ich von dem Event erwarten?*** Jede Veranstaltung ist ein Experiment, daher ist es schwierig, genau vorherzusagen, wie sie verlaufen oder sich anfühlen wird. Wir versuchen in jedem Event eine entspannte und anregende Atmosphäre zu schaffen, in der wir verschiedene Aspekte und Perspektiven des Themas gemeinsam erkunden. Zu Beginn der Diskussion werden wir spezielle Spielregeln einführen, die das Gespräch langsamer, aber auch fokussierter und klarer machen sollen. ***Für wen ist dieses Event gedacht?*** Diese Veranstaltung richtet sich an alle, die sich für das Thema und/oder das Konzept interessieren. Wir möchten einen Raum schaffen, in dem sich Menschen jeden Alters, jeder Identität und jeder Herkunft willkommen fühlen. Du musst nichts vorbereiten, keine starke Meinung haben und auch nicht extrovertiert sein, um teilzunehmen. ***Muss ich aktiv mitdiskutieren, oder kann ich auch nur zuhören?*** Es ist völlig in Ordnung, nur zuzuhören. Du kannst jederzeit selbst entscheiden, wie aktiv du sein möchtest, und wirst, abgesehen von einer kurzen Namensrunde, nicht aufgefordert, etwas zu sagen. Möglicherweise gibt es jedoch Kleingruppen-Phasen, d. h. kurze Abschnitte, in denen alle Teilnehmer\*innen in Gruppen von 2-3 Personen diskutieren. Du musst daran nicht teilnehmen, sondern kannst die Zeit stattdessen für eine Pause nutzen. ***Wie lange dauert die Veranstaltung?*** *Die Veranstaltung dauert zwischen 1,5 und 2 Stunden. Danach gibt es noch die Möglichkeit, sich bei Snacks auszutauschen.* ***Ist der Veranstaltungsort rollstuhlgerecht?*** Die Veranstaltung ist mit dem Rollstuhl zugänglich, aber es gibt leider keine rollstuhlgerechten Toiletten. ***Was ist das "Diskussions Experiment"?*** Das Diskussionsexperiment ist eine Veranstaltungsreihe, in deren Rahmen wir kontinuierlich Methoden testen, die sinnvolle und inspirierende Gruppengespräche ermöglichen. Unter anderem experimentieren wir mit Techniken, die Diskussionen verlangsamen, Klarheit fördern und die Teilnehmer dabei unterstützen, besser Gehör zu finden. Weitere Informationen findest du auf unserer Website. Dieses Projekt wird von Maria Scholze und Igor Don organisiert.

**Need a moment to slow down, breathe, and talk about what really matters?** You’re warmly invited to our **Soul Care Circle Picnic** – a relaxed gathering in the park where we create space for honest conversations, connection, and gentle inspiration. **🌿What to expect:** * A mindful sharing circle in small groups (max. 5–6 people) * Clear guidance and gentle moderation * Space for personal stories, thoughts, and emotions * A relaxed picnic afterwards – stay as long as you like **This circle is for you if you want to...** 🔍 Reflect on life’s deeper questions 🌱 Connect with others in a meaningful way 🌟 Feel inspired or supported during a challenging time 💖 Share from the heart and be truly heard 🌈 Explore holistic or spiritual ideas 💆‍♀️ Take care of your emotional well-being No experience needed – just come as you are. 🕒 **Schedule** * Arrival: 2:00 – 2:30 pm **(please do not come after 2.30 pm, as this disturbs the dynamics within the groups).** * Circle: 2:30 – 5:00 pm * Picnic & hangout: open end 📍 **Location:** [Click here for the exact spot on Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/hnLhUL4fNunPuRru7) 🎒 **Please bring:** * A blanket to sit on * Snacks & drinks to share * **A small contribution (4 €, 6 €, or 10 € – whatever feels right for you) for the organization & guidance** 💬 **Language:** English 📲 **Telegram group for updates & connection:**\*\* [Join here](https://t.me/+2SJdbZ4jcSVlZTVi) \-\-\-\-\-\- **About your host:** Hi, I’m Isabel – holistic life & mindfulness coach, and shamanic practitioner. I’ve been guiding healing circles and workshops for many years, and I’m passionate about creating spaces where people can slow down, connect, and come back to themselves. Looking forward to sharing this special time with you. 🌿 Warmly, *Isabel*

**⭐ DOORS OPEN AT 19:30. PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 8PM! ⭐** The Creative Code Stammtisch is a casual show-and-tell for artists, makers, designers, coders, performers, learners and anyone interested in the use of computing skills for artistic expression. The event is free and open to all, regardless of age, origin, gender or experience. Beginners and first-timers should feel especially welcome! You don't have to be a coder yourself 😃 HOW TO FIND US? Find Prachtsaal Studio by crossing the courtyard next to Cafe Augusta on Jonasstr. 22, 12053 Berlin. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? We start with quick introductions, then open the floor to anyone who wants to present something. There are usually around six 10-minute slots available, plus time for questions from the audience. First-timers are encouraged to share their work. Topics range from net art to computational design and interactive installations all the way to wearable electronics or generative poetry. If you’re wondering whether your own project might fit, take a look at the [Stammtisch archive](https://creativecodeberlin.github.io/Stammtisch/) to see what others have shared in the past. This event is *not* just for coders! New-media artists and anyone working with technology in their art are very welcome to share. If you enjoy art and/or technology, you’ll likely have a great time, and maybe even learn something new! BEGINNERS WELCOME! If you’re new to creative coding, you can find beginner-friendly resources at [creativecode.berlin/learn](https://creativecode.berlin/learn). THIS IS YOUR SPACE We do our best to create a welcoming environment for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. People from group generally underrepresented in open-source, art, and technology fields are warmly encouraged to come by. And if you know someone who might enjoy this meetup but isn’t sure it’s for them, let them know they’ll be welcome! SAFE SPACE POLICY We support the Berlin Code of Conduct: [berlincodeofconduct.org](http://berlincodeofconduct.org/) Please read and make sure you agree with its content. ACCESSIBILITY Prachtsaal Studio is located on an easy to access ground floor. We're very sorry to say that the bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible yet. DO I NEED TO SPEAK GERMAN? We speak mostly English so international guests are more than welcome! Our team also speaks French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Finnish and German... though language availability may vary depending on which organizers are present :) CONTACT Raphaël de Courville team@creativecode.berlin +49 (0) 176 70070572 or get in touch via [creativecode.berlin](https://creativecode.berlin/) *** The featured artwork of the month is by [aBe](https://hamoid.com). We'd love to feature your work on the cover for the next Stammtisch! Please send an image at team@creativecode.berlin

**Welcome to Sober Berlin – Sober Dance Party, Ecstatic Movement & Soundhealing** Join our **Telegram** or **WhatsApp** group to stay updated on all artists: * Telegram: [https://t.me/+hd1BG5kuh1A4NDgy](https://t.me/+hd1BG5kuh1A4NDgy) * WhatsApp: [https://shorturl.at/YWnCr](https://shorturl.at/YWnCr) A **sober, heart-centered space** for movement, music, and genuine connection. Sober Berlin hosts **alcohol-free events** where you can dance, express yourself, and connect – fully present and substance-free. Perfect for the sober, sober-curious, in recovery, or anyone seeking mindful nightlife. ✨ **What We Offer:** * Ecstatic Dance sessions with live DJs * Cacao Ceremonies and or guided warm-ups * Safe, inclusive space – no alcohol, no drugs * Tea, snacks, and a cozy community corner No dance experience needed – just bring your body, breath, and presence. 💖 **Giving Back:** 10% of earnings go to women-centered and child-focused NGOs. 🕊️ Join **Sober Berlin** and rediscover connection – with yourself and others.

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." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! 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

**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.**

A time to make signs, pack swag bags, and have fun together in anticipation for the Pride festivities the week after.

**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!** 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 - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. 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** The RSVP count for this event 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. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

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.

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.

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