Democratic Party

New to London or just looking for the best nightlife experience in the city? Join us for exclusive nights out at some of the top clubs in Mayfair including VIP guest lists, luxury venues, international crowds, and unforgettable parties. We organize: VIP nightclub events Guest list access Complimentary drinks offers Birthday & celebration nights International meetups Luxury table bookings Last-minute party plans Perfect for: Tourists visiting London International students Young professionals Solo travelers Groups looking for a fun night out Expect great music, stylish venues, and a social atmosphere in the heart of London nightlife. 📍 Central London & Mayfair clubs 🥂 VIP tables available 🎉 Weekly events & special parties 📲 Message organizers for guest list & reservations Dress smart and come ready for a great night.

Exciting event from comrades at Compass and the Progressive Economy Forum! [Tickets here.](https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/may_30_2026?source=cmpswebsite&) Last year, Compass brought together 450+ progressive pioneers at ‘Change:HOW? A Decade of Radical Renewal’ to re-orient the current Labour government’s promise of a ‘decade of national renewal’. This was an amazingly successful day and a springboard for our work in the Labour Party to get organised, energised and mobilised through Mainstream. But the past year has proven one thing above all else: the need for an organised progressive agenda **across** parties and movements, the **relationships** to make that agenda happen, and the **urgency** of making change. That’s why Compass is thrilled to be working with [Progressive Economic Forum](https://progressiveeconomyforum.com/) to host **‘Change:NOW! Mobilising the Progressive Majority’**, a day of debate, disagreement and deliberation between progressives of all parties (and none!) on **Saturday 30th May 2026.** The conference will feature speakers from across the progressive parties and movements, including keynote speeches from **Mayor Andy Burnham, Caroline Lucas,** and **Gary Stevenson.** Please find a full speaker list below. We’ll also be joined by partners including **Friends of the Earth, UCL Policy Lab, New Economics Foundation, Make Votes Matter, Unlock Democracy,** and **Migrant Democracy Project.** We are splitting the day between focusing on what policies we need to deliver the change to reset our economy, and the political and cultural changes we need to bring about those policies. Through establishing consensus on political strategy and economic direction - and highlighting the important differences in detail across progressive parties and the wider movement - this event will be the catalyst for the change our country so desperately needs. So whether you’re a Labourite, a Green, a Lib Dem, otherwise spoken for or unaligned, get your ticket today and join us for what promises to be an inspiring and imaginative day of ideas and political debate! The event will take place on **Saturday 30th May** at **Rich Mix**, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA. With our partners: Friends of the Earth \| UCL Policy Lab \| New Economics Foundation \| Mainstream \| Renewal \| Economic Change Unit \| Make Votes Matter \| Unlock Democracy \| Migrant Democracy Project *** Keynote speeches from Mayor of Greater Manchester **Andy Burnham**, economist, YouTuber, and author **Gary Stevenson,** and Former Leader of the Green Party **Caroline Lucas.** Speakers include: **Abubakr Nanabawa**\, Director\, The Muslim Vote \| **Allan Njanji**\, Regional Campaigns Manager\, Asylum Matters\, researcher and advocate for refugee rights \| **Alex Sobel**\, Labour MP for Leeds Central & Headingley\, Chair of APPG for Fair Elections \| **Alex Zur-Clark**\, Labour for a New Democracy \| **Andrea Egan**\, General Secretary\, UNISON \| **Ann Pettifor**, Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics; author of *The Case for the Green New Deal* and *The Global Casino* \| **Anthea Simmons**\, Founder of Common Ground Org\, co\-founder South Devon Primary and editor\-in\-chief of West Country Voice \| **Asad Rehman** Chief Executive\, Friends of the Earth\| **Beth Stratford**\, Honorary Research Fellow\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Bethany Gardiner-Smith**\, Senior Policy Associate\, the Future Governance Forum \| **Caitlin Prowle,** Assistant General Secretary\, Cooperative Party \| **Carolina Alves**\, Associate Professor in Economics\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Cecilia Rikap**\, Associate Professor in Economics\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose\| **Clare Short**\, Former Secretary of State for International Development \| **Clive Lewis MP**\, Labour MP\, Norwich South \| **Daniella Jenkins**\, Executive Director\, Women’s Budget Group \| **Daniel Kebede**\, General Secretary\, National Education Union \| **Danny Sriskandarajah**\, Cheif Executive\, New Economics Foundation \| **David Wilson**\, Deputy General Secretary\, National Education Union \| **Diane Elson**\, Emeritus Professor\, University of Essex; adviser to UN Women and the Women’s Budget Group \| **Emma Harrison**\, Chief Exec\, Make Votes Matter \| **Faiza Shaheen,** Executive Director of Tax Justice UK\, and Independent candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green in the 2024 General Election\| **Fatima Ibrahim**\, Co\-executive Director\, Green New Deal Rising \| **Francesca Klug**\, Human Rights expert and Visiting Professorial at the LSE \| **Geoff Mulgan**\, Professor of Collective Intelligence\, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London \(UCL\) \| **Guy Standing**, Professorial Research Associate, SOAS; author of *The Precariat*, *The Politics of Time* and *Human Capital* \| **Hannah Rich**\, Director\, Christians on the Left \| **Hannah Robathon**\, Take Back Big Tech \| **James Baggaley**\, Head of Politics and Partnerships\, UCL Policy Lab \| **James Meadway**\, Director\, Verdant \| **Jeremy Gilbert**\, Professor of Cultural and Political Theory\, University of East London \| **Jo Michell**\, Professor of Economics\, UWE Bristol \| **Jonathon Shafi**\, Activist\, Political Commentator\, ERS Scotland Campaigns Organiser \| **Josh Ryan-Collins**\, Professor of Economics and Finance\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Kate Pickett,** Professor of Epidemiology, University of York; author of *The Spirit Level* and *The Good Society* \| **Kerry Postlewhite**\, Chair\, Mainstream \| **Lara Parizotto**\, Director\, Migrant Democracy Project \| **Lexie KirkConnell-Kawana** CEO\, Impress \| **Marc Stears**\, Director\, UCL Policy Lab \| **Mark Drakeford**\, Former First Minister of Wales \| **Mat Lawrence** Director\, Common Wealth \| **Orla McBreen**\, Deputy Ambassador\, Ireland's Embassy in London \| **Patrick Allen**\, Founder and Chair\, Progressive Economy Forum \| **Paul Fleming**\, General Secretary of Equity \| **Paul Wragg**\, Director\, Hacked Off \| **Peter Holmes**\, Emeritus Reader\, University of Sussex \| **Roz Savage MP,** Lib Dem MP\, South Cotswolds \| **Stewart Lansley**, Author of *The Cost of Inequality, Breadline Britain*, and *The Richer, The Poorer* \| **Sue Goss**\, Political Scientist\, Author \| **Susan Himmelweit,** Emeritus Professor\, Open University; Economist and Chair of the Policy Advisory Group of the Women’s Budget Group \| **Thomas Barlow**\, Treasurer\, Independent Media Association \| **Tom Brake**\, Director\, Unlock Democracy \| **Tom Chivers**\, Vice Chair\, Media Reform Coalition \| **Tom de Grunwald**\, Founder and Director\, Forward Democracy \| **Vince Cable**\, Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats \| **Will Hutton**, President of the Academy of Social Sciences; author of *The State We’re In* and *This Time No Mistakes* \| **Will Stronge**\, Chief Executive\, The Autonomy Institute \| **Zoe Williams**, Guardian columnist

In recent months, South Africa has witnessed growing tensions around immigration, identity, economic inequality, and social belonging. Public debate has increasingly focused on questions of migration, citizenship, xenophobia, and the treatment of African migrants within African societies. **The Association of Black Humanists and Bolelang Rakeepile of the South African Atheists** invites members of the public, activists, scholars, students, and community leaders to a thoughtful and respectful discussion exploring these issues through a humanist lens. Together, we will examine: \* What drives hostility toward immigrants and foreign nationals? \* How do colonial history, inequality, and economic hardship shape current attitudes? \* What does humanism teach us about human dignity, solidarity, and shared humanity? \* Can borders coexist with compassion and justice? \* How do we challenge xenophobia while addressing legitimate social concerns? This conversation seeks to encourage critical thinking, empathy, and constructive dialogue at a time when division and fear threaten social cohesion across the continent. Bolelang will lead the discussion and he would also be happy to answer questions from the audience. **Date: 30 May 2026** **Time: 3pm (London time) please arrive by 2.45pm** **Venue: Pembury Community Centre,** **1 Atkins Square, Dalston Lane, E8 1HL** Admission is free and all are welcome. A voluntary donation of £3 would be much appreciated. **No human being is illegal. Our shared humanity must remain greater than our borders!!**

**7.30 - The Lincoln Arms, 52 York Way,** **N1 9AB** **8.45 - King Charles I, 55-57 Northdown Street, N1 9BL** **10.00 - The Scottish Stores, 2-4 Caledonian Road, N1 9DT** *Martin: Please note that Debbie has kindly offered to host this event as I am otherwise occupied that night.* We'll be meeting at The Lincoln Arms, 52 York Way, N1 9AB - [Lincoln Arms, London, Locally Listed Pub](https://camra.org.uk/pubs/lincoln-arms-london-124779). York Way runs along the eastern side of King's Cross station and you'll find the pub about 300 yards up from the front of the station on the right-hand side. The nearest underground station is King's Cross St. Pancras. The plan is to move on to the King Charles I, 55-57 Northdown Street, N1 9BL - https://kingcharles1st.co.uk - at around 8.45 and then The Scottish Stores, 2-4 Caledonian Road, N1 9DT - http://www.thescottishstores.co.uk - at around 10.00 As ever, we may need to do things differently on the night. Please take a note of Debbie's number - 07743-540866 - so that you can phone her if you can't find us **(but no texts or messaging please)**.

Weekly cycling club open to members of that club only. Membership enquiries to creativewellnesswon@outlook.com

Hi ladies and gentlemen! My name is Ken and I am the organizer of this group. My birthday party is coming up on the 30th May at 7 p.m in 100 Queens Gate Hilton Hotel in South Kensington. I would like to invite my dear friends from the book club to join my special day. Unlike the usual events I organize, there will be special rules and restrictions for this one. You will not be able to enter if you don't fulfill these requirements. 1. Since the venue is a 5 star hotel, an appropriate attire is required. Smart casual or smart is preferred. If you are underdressed, you won't be able to enter. 2. You have to be a person who knows me and came to my events before. If I dont recognize you, you will not be accepted. 3. This is an obvious thing but you will have to bring a birthday present no matter how small or big to be able to enter. I want to make sure that everyone who comes will have a great time including myself. I am very excited for it and want to share my joy with you.

**PLEASE NOTE:** The location is: **The People's Letters Bookshop** Address: **395 Cambridge Heath Rd, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9RA** ✨Hi all, Let's Get Crafty is back! ✨ Join us for an afternoon of arts and craft at The People's Letters Bookshop. We will provide yarn, needles, hooks, clay, colouring pencils and books, origami paper, etc, or you can buy a colouring book from the store. You're also welcome to bring your own projects along. The bookstore provides a separate and private space for us which is perfect for us auties and ND folk. The store also provides free hot drinks. Accessibility: the store has an accessible entrance and toilet. The People's Letters is a worker-led, cooperatively run bookstore and community event space in East London. Help support what they do: https://peoplesletters.org/support https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VyYX6pPn Support us: Please support us on Kofi so we can keep providing more free events in the future! https://ko-fi.com/neurodissidentcafe *Please only RSVP if you can make it.* If you cannot make it anymore, please be sure to update your RVSP so we can adapt accordingly. Please do not come if you have not RSVPed.

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A FREE EVENT. REGARDLESS OF RSVP A TICKET MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCED TO ATTEND. PLEASE PURCHSE TICKETS HERE:** [Singles Party london – Circe's Bar, Waterloo (Ages 21-35) – Sunday, 31st May 2026 | True Dating](https://truedating.co.uk/events/rooftop-singles-party-31-may-2026) **Tired of dating apps and conversations that go nowhere?** Join us for a relaxed **rooftop singles party** where meeting people happens naturally. No awkward speed dating, no pressure — just a great atmosphere full of singles open to making real connections. Set at **Circe’s Rooftop in Waterloo**, this event feels more like a fun night out with friends than a traditional dating event. **Age guidance:** This event is designed for guests aged **21–35**, with most attendees in their 20s and early 30s. ### What the event is like: Expect a stylish rooftop setting and a friendly crowd of London singles who are all there for the same reason — to meet someone new. Many people come on their own, and our hosts are there to make introductions and keep things comfortable. You’re free to chat, mingle, grab a drink, or just take in the atmosphere. No forced activities. No awkward moments. Just a social environment where conversations happen easily. ### Why people love our events: • A welcoming, respectful crowd • Balanced numbers of men and women • Friendly hosts helping everyone settle in • A relaxed setting that makes meeting people feel natural • Plenty of others attending solo It’s designed so you can simply enjoy the event and see who you connect with. ### First time at a singles event? You won’t be the only one. Many guests are trying something different from dating apps and are pleasantly surprised by how relaxed and fun the night feels. ### How it works: On the day of the event, you’ll receive login details for your **True Dating account.** You'll be able to to select your matches the following day. If they select you too – boom! You’ll be able to chat securely via our private messaging system and set up that all-important date #2. (Just be sure to make your matches by 4pm the next day!) ### “But what if I don’t click with anyone?” We’re so confident you’ll meet someone you'd want to see again that **if you don’t, your next event is FREE.** No strings, no stress. ### Event Info: 🕒 Doors open at **4:30pm** 📍 Ask for **True Dating** at the venue entrance and we’ll guide you to your reserved area 🎟️ **Tickets are limited** and most events sell out – don’t wait! **Additional Information** For full details about this event, visit our [official event page](https://truedating.co.uk/events/rooftop-singles-party-31-may-2026 "https://truedating.co.uk/events/rooftop-singles-party-31-may-2026"). You can also find more events hosted by **[True Dating](https://truedating.co.uk/ "https://truedating.co.uk/")** on our **website**.

Inviting all women and non-binary NSLondoners to a relaxed Sunday morning coffee social ☕️😌 Feel free to bring an app or code project to show and talk about, but no pressure if you’d rather just come along for a chat and to meet others in the community! Please RSVP on Meetup if you’re planning to come. Looking forward to seeing you there! All attendees are expected to follow our [code of conduct](https://nslondon.com/coc.html).

Join us for a deliciously fun time at our Cheese Club! Each meeting is all about discovering new cheeses, exploring creative pairings, and enjoying great conversations. Parents, take a break and unwind in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Our Cheese Club is designed for families or parents to connect, learn about the world of cheese, and bond with other families. Every Saturday, 11.00am-12.00pm Silas: +44 7719 733103

Join the Eco Around Community for a litter-pick walk in Downham, facilitated by Biljana. Downham Woodland Walk is a local nature reserve and a narrow strip of mostly ancient woodland. It's part of the Green Chain Walk and stretches for about a mile. Rich in flora and fauna, it’s home to old oak and ash trees and a variety of birds. The area is frequently enjoyed by Downham residents and their pets. While maintained by Lewisham Council, contributing to the nature reserve's additional clear-up would be much appreciated. **When:** Saturday, 30 May, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm **Where:** The litter pick will start at the Moorside Rd entrance to Downham Woodland Walk, and we’ll make our way through to the Oakridge Rd exit near Barnardo’s. Use the What3Words navigation below to see the exact meeting points. Start: what3words: [///flown.rounds.agents](https://w3w.co/flown.rounds.agents) Finish: what3words: [///famous.drag.tuned](https://w3w.co/famous.drag.tuned) We are planning to have some optional drinks/food afterwards, most likely at the Beckenham Place Park. **How to dress and what to bring:** Appropriate footwear, no open-toed shoes and we recommend some waterproofs (just in case). We have some gloves, bin bags and litter pickers but feel free to bring your own and a refillable water bottle in case you get thirsty. Hand Sanitiser is also useful. **Updates:** Unless there is a heavy rain forecast, we will stick to our plans. Please check the event for updates. **Photo Consent:** We plan to take general pictures and a group picture to document the activity and help us promote future online events. If you wish not to be in the pictures, let us know.

Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed. **What it is** Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think? **What is Philosophy?** Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth). **How Philosophy in the Park Works** * Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. * We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome. * After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times. **Where it is** We meet at Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want. After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. There’s a local supermarket to get drinks and snacks, or bring your own. You are very welcome to join us. **Guidelines** In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. **Community** We have a WhatsApp group if you'd like to continue these conversations between meetings. To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) In order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat. **Say Thanks** If you would like to help support Philosophy in the Park you can buy me a coffee here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel](https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel)

Our 44th Spiritual Creatives gathering - in person! Come and join us for a lovely walk and talk around Hampstead Heath. We are meeting just outside Hampstead Heath station (London Overground train) at 11.00 on Sunday the 31st of May. Please note: This is NOT Hampstead Station on the Northern Line! It is the Hampstead HEATH station. The Google link is here: [https://goo.gl/maps/AJCNoxkKNj6K9Gp77](https://goo.gl/maps/AJCNoxkKNj6K9Gp77) We will wait for people to arrive until 11.15am and then we will begin walking. If you arrive later, you will only be able to catch up with us at Kenwood House approximately between 12 and 12.30pm. You should be able to find us sitting around as a group having a drink. If the weather permits, you'll find us outside the main café, towards the back. Look for the guy with the multicoloured scarf... that's me! After a short break of 20-30 minutes, we then walk back through the Heath, taking the long way round to Parliament Hill, and conclude our stroll back to Hampstead Heath overground station around 2 to 2.30pm. (Please note that you may become so involved in your conversations that you end up losing sight of the main group! Unfortunately, there is no way for you to catch up with us once we have become separated (and we do NOT check our phones for texts or messages during our walk) so please be mindful and conscious to stay with the main group if you want to keep up. Also please bear in mind that Hampstead Heath can be muddy sometimes, so please wear the appropriate shoes). After returning to Hampstead Heath Overground station, many of our (usually hungry) members like to continue the camaraderie over lunch at one of the local cafés or restaurants. As our group has grown over the years, these gatherings can be quite large, so we usually have to split into smaller parties and explore different venues. Some of our favourite spots are Dominique’s Café (dominiquescafe.co.uk) and Silverberries (silverberry.net), both of which offer a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. It’s a great way to wind down the walk and continue our conversations. Spiritual Creatives is a warm-hearted and popular meetup group, as you can see from our ratings and comments! We hope to meet you then! :-) Best wishes Cliff **Find out more about us at [https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk](https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk/).**

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.

**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.**

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.