Democratic Socialists

Let's drink to **Internet Money and the quiet revolution**! Come and meet like-minded people and learn about bitcoin. This night is for newbies and regulars alike (don't worry, we don't bite!). Note that this is a very informal event, so you may need to ask the bar staff to find where the group is. There are no speakers or activities, just a casual pub session. \*NOTE: The Fox Hotel accepts Bitcoin via the lightning network, so come with sats! An easy way to get started is to download a compatible wallet, for example Wallet of Satoshi. This is the regular monthly pub session for the Melbourne Bitcoin community. We recommend new comers check out https://bitcoin.rocks/ and https://bitcoin-intro.com Find out more by visiting our telegram chat channel: https://t.me/btcmelbourne *(yes, telegram is not our favourite solution, but it's stuck so far)*

Join party-people from around the globe and discover Melbourne's best bars, lounges, and clubs including a famous rooftop bar/club with amazing city views, a truly wild "underground" nightclub, and a premiere Melbourne ultra-club featuring top DJ’s from around the world -all with exclusive free VIP entry. Enjoy no entry fees, no queues, free shots and exclusive “pub crawl only” drink deals @ every bar! https://pubcrawlmelb.com.au https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melbourne-cbd-pub-crawl-tickets-45461115420

Hi Radiant Ladies, After our Saturday walk, join us at Windchimes Café for coffee, friendly vibes, and a relaxed catch-up. 🅿️ 2-hour parking out front. See you there! Lyn 😀

**🔥 MELBOURNE'S NO.1 BAR CRAWL! 🔥** Want an epic night out for just **$20**? Here’s what you need to do: 1\. Click "**Attending**" on the Meetup event 2\. Pre\-book your ticket at [ontherocksbarcrawl.com](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) – Use promo code “**MEETUP26**” on an '**Online Saver**' ticket for $10 off your ticket price! 3\. ARRIVE **BEFORE 18:30** (strict cutoff – no exceptions!) ⏳ Miss any of these steps? It’s **more expensive** on the door! If you're late, your discounted ticket won’t be valid. **WHATS INCLUDED?** 🍹 **3** **Free Shots** 🍸 **1 Free Drink at the last venue** 🚀 **VIP** fast-track entry to **4 top** **venues** 🕺 **Free** pass to the best **nightclubs** at the end of the night 👫 Fun games and friendly guides throughout the night We’re officially TripAdvisor’s #1 nightlife experience in Brighton (UK), Barcelona, and now Melbourne! **ARRIVAL INFORMATION:** 📍 Wax Music Lounge, 250 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia 🕢 Arrive BEFORE start time (18:30) **💡 IMPORTANT INFO:** 🔞 18+ only – bring a valid Driving Licence or Passport (other IDs may not be accepted) 💬 Contact +61 436 399 434 if you have any issues! 🚫 Due to previous negative experiences, we do not allow stag/hen dos or same-sex groups of 9+ on our public crawls. (Private bookings available – email enquiries to info@ontherocksbarcrawl.com) **🔥 DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK YOUR $20 TICKET [HERE](ontherocksbarcrawl.com/melbourne/book-now) NOW! 🎉**

**🚲 Eat Drink Dance Melbourne – Summer Social Cycle!** Saturday 3 January • 10.30 AM – approx. 2:00 PM Please be at the Ferris wheel at 10.15 AM. We will leave by 10.30 AM **Meet & finish at:** Love Café, South Wharf (next to the Skyline Ferris Wheel & Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre) Ready to roll into the new year with sunshine, good company, and Melbourne’s most iconic cycling loop? Join us for a 30 km social ride around the Capital City Trail—fun, flirty, relaxed, and absolutely not a race. Think of it as a moving summer hangout with wheels. **_### If you are considering coming on this event please ensure you read the group rules at the end_ ###** **🌞 What to Expect** - A chilled 3‑hour ride with rest breaks every 30–45 minutes - A friendly pace where conversation is encouraged and Lycra‑hero energy is optional - Plenty of time to snack, hydrate, laugh, and enjoy the long‑overdue warm weather (…it’s Melbourne, so fingers crossed) - A big scenic loop through the inner suburbs, leafy **riverside paths, and long stretches** along the Yarra - A gorgeous skyline moment on the return leg—one of the best views in the city **🚴 No Bike? No Problem** You can hire one just across the river at Blue Tongue Bikes in Batman Park. Easy. Feel free to bring an electric bike if you're lazy! ****🚲** What to bring****** Bike, water, bike lock, helmet, fun and smiley 👀 😉 **❤️ Start & Finish** We’ll meet at Love Café—because where better to kick off a flirty summer ride than a place literally called Love? After the loop, we’ll roll right back there to unwind, cool down, and enjoy a well‑earned drink together. **🎉 Vibe Check** This is relaxed exercise, not a time‑trial. It’s about sunshine, connection, movement, and a little playful summer energy. Come for the ride, stay for the people. **Group Rules and Event Etiquette** **Fitness Requirements**: This should be a moderate level of difficulty for most riders. Please ensure you can walk between 3 and 4km/hr and 200m vertically in an hour. If riding a consistent pace of around 10 to 15km/hr is great. We usually walk or ride at a relaxed pace but people have time constraints and it's not fair for people in the group to wait around for extended periods for you to catch up. Please go on easier events with the group if you are unsure. **People who walk/ride very fast and prefer being by themselves** This is a group activity and I can't manage the group if it splits up, please consider going by yourself or joining a faster group. **If people have time constraints** Best to give yourself some wiggle room, Things rarely go to time due to various factors especially in big groups. If you have very specific time goals and constraints it's best not to come. **+++VERY IMPORTANT+++** **People who do a No - Show**. This is unfortunately too common for the small group events, especially when we have people in a wait list wanting to come on the event. Remove yourself from the going list 24 hours before the event starts to give people on the waitlist an opportunity. **If you do a No Show you will be removed and blocked from the group**. If you remove yourself from the event an hour or two before the event you may also be blocked and removed from the group as this gives very little time and opportunity for people on the waitlist to prepare and is inherently unfair to people on the waitlist. Please communicate with me if you do not want to be blocked and removed from the group. **People who turn up without registering** This is a major security concern, **DO NOT DO THIS**.You will be asked to leave the event unless you have made arrangements with me **PRIOR** to the event. **People who are late** You will be left behind and or removed and blocked from the group as a No-Show. It is your responsibility to communicate with the organiser if you think you will be late, otherwise you will be blocked and removed from the group. It is up to you to catch up and or attempt to communicate with me.

**Join your local guides on the best pub crawl in Melbourne!** Meet at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, and explore the best, most well-known venues with people from all over the world. With **4 free 'welcome shots'** upon entry to each bar followed by exclusive drink deals at each, you'll see just why Melbourne is known as the nightlife capital of Australia! Experience a range of Melbourne's most famous bars & pubs throughout the night, with **free entry** for all, and reduced entry/recommendations at the end of the event to keep your night going strong! Play games, **win prizes** and mingle with locals, travelers & everything in between on the most sought-after event in Melbourne! * **4 FREE SHOTS** * **4 BARS ALL WITH FREE SKIP-THE-LINE ENTRY** * **PLENTY OF GAMES AND PRIZES TO BE WON** * **UNLIMITED MEMORIES & CHANCES TO MAKE FRIENDS IN THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA!** Starting at 5:30PM at WAX Music Lounge on 250 Flinders St, you will receive your skip-the-line wristband, free welcome shot and mingle with other attendees before we introduce our games and prizes to be won throughout the evening. We then mix it up weekly, visiting some of Melbourne's most iconic and well-known bars with your pub crawl crew who have lived and breathed the city for most of their lives. **Make sure to lock in your spot ASAP as tickets often sell out!**

Join us for a relaxed morning of community connection, light activity, and caring for the Maribyrnong River. **What to Expect:** We will walk along the riverbank and surrounds collecting litter, enjoying fresh air, gentle exercise, and friendly conversation. After the clean-up, we will head to Myrtle Café together for a coffee and chat. This is an optional part of the event, and all are welcome to join. **What to Bring:** * Drinking water * Sunscreen * Closed shoes * Gloves (optional – we also provide gloves if needed) We will supply rubbish bags, and have gloves, extra sunscreen, and hand sanitiser available. **Meeting Point:** We meet at Footscray Wharf, near Waterside Metal Art in Footscray. This location offers shelter and free parking on nearby streets. **Important Information:** Please check the exact meeting point before attending. If you need help finding us on the day, call 0418 184 457 or 0415 635 063. Our clean-ups take place once a month and continue in all weather, unless conditions are extreme. Please check the event page on the morning of the clean-up for any last-minute updates.

Join party-people from around the globe and discover Melbourne's best bars, lounges, and clubs including a famous rooftop bar/club with amazing city views, a truly wild "underground" nightclub, and a premiere Melbourne ultra-club featuring top DJ’s from around the world -all with exclusive free VIP entry. Enjoy no entry fees, no queues, free shots and exclusive “pub crawl only” drink deals @ every bar! https://pubcrawlmelb.com.au https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melbourne-cbd-pub-crawl-tickets-45461115420

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** *** ### **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** *** ### **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.

Welcome to Melbourne Volleyball Academy! 🤗 **[[WHAT]]** This session is for social volleyball games where there will be 3 teams of 6. Please arrive on time as there will warm-up time provided for 15-20 minutes at 11 AM. **[[WHO]]** The session is intended for social volleyball players at the beginner/intermediate level. Players should: * Understand basic volleyball rules (3 touches, foot faults, etc.) * Call for the ball when playing and communicate well * Ready to learn (or already know) 5-1 system * Efficient in passing/hitting/setting/serving If you are uncomfortable with the base fundamentals, we recommend coming to our beginner training sessions on Friday 6-9PM or Saturday 2-5PM. **[[HOW MUCH]]** $21 card payment will be collected on the day via square (EFTPOS) payment. **[[WHEN]]** Saturday afternoon from 11 AM- 2 PM. However, feel free to come early and stretch as the Community Centre is open earlier. **Last minute dropouts and no-shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward.** All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[THINGS TO BRING]]** We ask that you bring * Water bottle * Appropriate footwear for indoor court shoes - netball shoes, volleyball shoes, or basketball shoes would be suitable. * Wear contacts or sports glasses **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted to play.

We are so back! After almost 1 full year of unimelb sport centre being under repair and renovation, we are so excited to announce that our Sunday 1-4PM open play is back on! **[[WHAT]]** This session is for social volleyball games where there will be 3 teams of 6 per court across 3 courts. Please arrive on time as there will warm-up time provided for 20-25 minutes at 1 PM while the hosts set up the nets. Games will be played to 15 points, teams will queue in and fill into the next game where possible after playing 2 games in a row. **[[WHO]]** The session is intended for social volleyball players at the intermediate level. Players should: * Understand basic volleyball rules (3 touches, foot faults, etc.) * Call for the ball when playing and communicate well * Ready to learn (or already know) 5-1 system * Efficient in passing/hitting/setting/serving * Have minimal unforced errors (missed serves, etc..) * Have control over their play around the net and centre line If you are uncomfortable with the base fundamentals, we recommend coming to our beginner training sessions on Friday 6-9PM or Saturday 2-5PM. **[[HOW MUCH]]** $21 card payment will be collected on the day via square (EFTPOS) payment. Payments will be collected prior to game play during warm up. **[[WHEN]]** Sunday afternoon from 1 PM- 4 PM. However, feel free to come early and stretch as Unimelb Sport is open earlier. **Last minute dropouts and no-shows will have a zero-tolerance policy going forward.** All players are expected to update their RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if they are unable to attend. This applies to players on the going list and the waitlist. **[[THINGS TO BRING]]** We ask that you bring * Water bottle * Appropriate footwear for indoor court shoes - netball shoes, volleyball shoes, or basketball shoes would be suitable. * Wear contacts or sports glasses **[[OTHER DETAILS]]** Only those on the “going” list are permitted to play. If you are on the waitlist, or not registered at all, you will not be permitted to play.

**The Progressive Atheists 16th Anniversary Celebration Lunch and Speaker** Topic: **Steven Pinker: The Prominent Atheist, Cognitive Psychologist and Author** Speaker: **John Perkins** \- Secular Party of Australia It is the Progressive Atheists Inc.'s 16th Anniversary. The PA Committee of Management has the pleasure to invite Atheists to join us and our hosts, the *Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Atheists*, to celebrate our sixteen years of working for the transformation of the community into a just society for all. This year we are having a pub lunch.. In our first 16 years, we have participated in many campaigns for equality and human rights and against religious privilege. Campaigns such as supporting the two chaplaincy challenges at the High Court; the right to same gender marriage; the campaign against religious instruction in public schools; the exposure of abuse by religion and many more. PA has also provided services to Atheists including assisting ex-Muslim asylum seekers. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **"Steven Pinker: The Prominent Atheist, Cognitive Psychologist and Author"** **Steven Pinker** will be the most prominent Atheist to tour Australia (when he tours in early February 2026) since **Richard Dawkins** toured two years ago. [https://au.thinkable.events/events/](https://au.thinkable.events/events/) **Steven Pinker** is a prominent scientist; specifically a highly influential cognitive psychologist, experimental psychologist, and linguist known for his research on language, mind, and human nature. The two books (of those authored by **Steven Pinker**) that are likely of most interest to Atheists are, '***The Better Angels of Our Nature***' and '***Enlightenment Now:*** *The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress*'. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Better_Angels_of_Our_Nature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Better_Angels_of_Our_Nature) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightenment_Now](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightenment_Now) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Our activism is all part of the long list of activities in which Progressive Atheists is involved. We are proud of the progress of the organisation. We have to shatter the power of religion which is based on the manipulation of governments with superstition, ignorance and associated control. You are invited. Come and join us. There will be great company and an open microphone. 2025's predictions will be opened and new predictions made. The predictions are of the world stage seen by Atheists Progressive Atheists Inc. came about after a series of workshops and discussions. The PA was founded on the 10th January 2010 by four Atheists to unite like-minded individuals (who wanted Atheists to contribute to a progressive society in Australia), into an organisation capable of carrying this agenda. [http://progressiveatheists.org/about-us/](http://progressiveatheists.org/about-us/) We hope to see you at The Coach hotel on the 10th January from 12 noon. **Please share and invite your Atheist friends in Melbourne.** https://www.facebook.com/events/ TBA [https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-atheists/events/312708287/](https://www.meetup.com/melbourne-atheists/events/312708287/)

**Calling all queer crochet enthusiasts;** I am a visual artist located in Columbus that is searching for people who may want to gather while also participating in creating a piece of artwork. My goal is to spend time enjoying one another’s company while making a work of art that will be displayed within our community. I plan to teach people to crochet (if unfamiliar) while also inviting current fiber artists to join us for some much-needed social interaction. There are no expectations from those who attend, materials will be included, and any amount of participation is welcome! If you have a favorite crochet hook or current project you are welcome to bring that along too! The primary goal is to foster a safe space for our community to chat, create and be. For further information please email [landerknits@outlook.com.](http://landerknits@outlook.com.) \*This will be our 2nd meeting, bring friends and make new ones. Come as you are and make along side other like-minded folks.

**Start the new year with a Braver Angels gathering focused on speaking openly and listening deeply.** **In small, structured groups, each person will have five minutes to share a political or social issue that matters to them and why- no debate, no interruption, just genuine curiosity.** **Participants will practice curiosity, reflecting back values and emotions they hear, asking thoughtful questions, and- only with permission- offering their perspective.** **It’s a simple and powerful way to connect with one another and begin the year with a respectful and courageous conversation.** **Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026** **Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm** **Place: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southeast Branch, 3980 Hamilton Rd, Groveport, Ohio** **All are welcome- bring a friend!** For additional information contact: Lee Evans at [LEvans@BraverAngels.org](mailto:LEvans@BraverAngels.org)

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!** Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Gutterfingers 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2b6s2c9j Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26 ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Optimistic Orators Toastmasters non-profit speech improvement group. No materials needed.

Volunteer with Westerville Queer Collective and the Neurospicy Meetup to build care packages for local unhoused folks, which will be distributed throughout local camps and neighborhoods via Heer2Serve (501c3). Will you donate any items? If so, comment what will you bring Please make sure clothing items are clean and if you’re donating food, ready to be eaten without a stove or microwave. We expect to assemble around 50-100 packages, so if you’ll purchase items, please consider that amount (ie bulk individually packaged candies etc.). Fun and interesting book or entertainment item donation also welcome! Package assembly will take place on January 17th from 10-12 am. Location TBA but will be in Westerville, Ohio.