Democracy for America

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

**Take a little time for yourself this Sunday and get creative ✨** Join us for a relaxed glass‑painting session where you’ll decorate a glass item of your choice. Paint your piece in your own style and take it home at the end of the session. From tea lights to vases, it’s a lovely way to add a warm, cozy accent to your home. All materials are provided; just bring your creativity and your smile 💖. This is a beginner‑friendly workshop, open to everyone. Each Sunday we explore a different craft, so there’s always something new to try. 📍 **Location:** MIR Concept Coffee Store 🗓 **Sunday, Feb 22nd — 10:00 am –12:00** 🎨 **Beginner‑friendly (no experience needed**) 💶 **€5 per person** (covers materials + Meetup page)

Common Ground Book Club
An in-person reading group exploring critical theory, from the Frankfurt School to contemporary thinkers. We’ll read books and essays, and our discussions will focus on society, power, and modern phenomena: from politics to media and social trends. 
Fourth Meeting
We will discuss the second and third parts of Marcuse’s “One-Dimensional Man”, Parts II and III (p. 127-261): https://files.libcom.org/files/Marcuse,%20H%20-%20One-Dimensional%20Man,%202nd%20edn.%20(Routledge,%202002).pdf 
Who is it for?
No prior philosophy or theory background is required, just curiosity and a willingness to engage. I (the organiser) am not an expert; I just seek other kind souls who want to exchange thoughts ✨ 
Format
• Readings may be short essays, selected chapters, or full books.
• Each meeting begins with a short recap/introduction of the text.
• Open, informal discussion.
• Everyone is encouraged to bring a passage or question they found interesting, confusing, or provocative.
• Language of discussion: English.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out on Meet-up or Instagram: @commongroundbe

This Weekend Morning Coffee Meeting - Sunday Edition - will take place at Addies Stories, an Ethiopian Café with traditional Ethiopian coffee. 🗓 **Sunday, 22 February** ⏰ **from 10:30** 👥 **limited to 22 people - registration is obligatory** **This is an extract from the BUZZ from January 2026:** "Ethiopia is the country most often associated with coffee. Arabica grows in the wild, coffee is roasted at home and the coffee ceremony determines the rhythm of social life. The fact that coffee is so deeply anchored gives an extra dimension to the opening of Addis Stories, a place where it is more about real coffee than about fashion trends and trendy specialties." **https://www.bruzz.be/select/resto-bar/bij-addis-stories-draait-alles-om-pure-ethiopische-koffie-en-traditie-2026-01-24** **https://www.addisstories.com/** **Address:** **Addis Stories** **Rue du Vieux Marché 48** **1000 Brussels** This is one of our Sunday editions, which are usually meant to test new places outside our usual coffee locations. These editions are smaller and more experimental, and focus as much on the place and the neighbourhood as on the group itself. ### ### IMPORTANT Please **do not register if you are unsure you can come**. If you register and later realise you can’t make it, **cancel as soon as possible, latest on Saturday afternoon.** There is often a **waiting list**, and it’s only fair to give people on it a real chance to join. Thank you for being fair and respectful. If you’re **on the waiting list**, please **check your status on Saturday evening at the latest**. See you on Sunday ☕

Join us this Sunday for a relaxed and creative Art & Craft workshop, a space to slow down, create, and connect with others in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This workshop is not about being “good at art” ,it’s about enjoying the process, expressing yourself, and sharing a moment of creativity together. You’ll be guided through a simple, beginner-friendly activity, so no previous experience is needed. Enjoy your favorite drink, meet lovely people, and take a mindful pause from the week. ✨ All materials are included in the price (€5), and at the end of the workshop you’ll leave with something you’ve created yourself. We look forward to creating together 🤍

Please [register yourself on the website ](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/7QLiiTnqLMxNg6Bdm5Bm)to receive the details of how to join. This powerful healing technique removes the negative energies and blockages to then nbe replaced by life energy or prana. Organized by Juliana Cruz, a Pranic Healing practitioner for over 10 years. These donation-based sessions are in a group session, done by different practitioners who have learned Pranic Healing. The sessions take from 20 to 30 minutes. * **Sunday** **From 11:30 to 12:50** 20 - 30 min session per person First-come, first-served. This practice comes after a meditation (from 10:30 to 11:30) to receive and share energies of loving-kindness to the entire Earth. You can join by [registering yourself here](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/j5YTbU6YaGLgGOXyvMNn). With love, Juliana

Hello, readers ! In February we are reading All Fours by Miranda July. We will meet at Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles. **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

**📅 When:** Sunday **22 February 2026**, **11:00–12:15** **📍 Where:** **Yantra Studio**, Rue de la Cuve 16, 1050 Bruxelles (Ixelles) **💶 Price:** €15 (cash on arrival) **👥 Capacity:** 10 participants (small group — beginners welcome) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- En francais plus bas \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- * *Limited to 10 participants — book early!”* ### **🦍 What’s this about?** Ready to move differently? Animal Flow is a fun, ground-based workout that blends **yoga, gymnastics, and functional movement** into fluid, powerful sequences. It improves **mobility, strength, balance, and coordination**—while feeling like play. This intro session is perfect for total beginners. You’ll learn how to: * 🐾 Warm up with **wrist prep** and joint activation * 🦍 Explore **foundational positions** — Ape, Beast & Crab * 🌊 Build a **simple beginner flow** to take home Low-impact, bodyweight-only, and open to everyone. ### **🧘‍♂️ What to bring** * Comfortable clothes * Water * Curiosity and good vibes Please arrive **10 minutes early**. If you have any injuries, just let me know before we start. ### **👋 About your coach** **Stephan — The Happy Body Brussels** Certified movement coach teaching Qigong, Animal Flow, and general fitness across Brussels. Learn more at [www.thehappybody.be](https://www.thehappybody.be/) Follow on Instagram → [@thehappybody.be](https://www.instagram.com/thehappybody.be) #Animal Flow, #Mobility, #Movement, #Bodyweight, #Fitness, #Brussels, #The Happy Body, #Beginners \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### **🦍 C’est quoi l’Animal Flow ?** Envie de bouger différemment ? L’Animal Flow est une pratique ludique au sol qui mélange **yoga, gymnastique et mouvements fonctionnels**. Elle développe **mobilité, force, équilibre et coordination**, tout en apportant une vraie sensation de fluidité et de liberté corporelle. Cette séance d’introduction est idéale pour les **grands débutants**. Tu apprendras à : * 🐾 Préparer ton corps avec un **échauffement articulaire et des poignets** * 🦍 Explorer les **postures de base** : Ape, Beast & Crab * 🌊 Composer un **petit flow débutant** à reproduire chez toi Accessible, sans impact et 100 % au poids du corps. *** ### **🧘‍♂️ À apporter** * Tenue confortable * Bouteille d’eau * Curiosité et bonne humeur ! Merci d’arriver **10 minutes en avance**. En cas de blessure ou de limitation, préviens simplement avant le cours. *** ### **👋 À propos du coach** **Stephan — The Happy Body Brussels** Coach certifié en mouvement, enseignant le Qigong, l’Animal Flow et le fitness sénior à Bruxelles. 👉 [www.thehappybody.be](https://www.thehappybody.be/) 📸 [instagram.com/thehappybody.be](https://www.instagram.com/thehappybody.be)

**PLEASE READ THE ATTENDANCE POLICY (below) IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME** **SUNDAY COFFEE & JAPANESE CONVERSATION** 日曜日のコーヒー＆日本語会話 Our "Japanese/English Conversation Exchange" offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese culture and language, all while helping native Japanese members to learn their target language. 私たちの「日本語/英語会話交流」は、日本の文化と言語の世界に没頭しながら、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学ぶのを手助けするユニークな機会を提供します。 **Date: /** 日付：**(almost) every Sunday** **Time: /** 時間：**from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm** **Location: /** 場所：**Cafe Caberdouche - Place de la Liberté 8, 1000 Bruxelles** **Venue Note: /** 会場の注意：**The manager of the cafe kindly accepted us to book a table on a regular basis. To thank him for his kindness, please order AT LEAST ONE DRINK**. カフェのマネージャーが親切にも私たちに定期的にテーブルを予約することを承諾してくださいました。その親切に感謝の意を示すために、少なくとも1杯のドリンクを注文してください。 **Location Assistance: /** 場所の案内：**If you can't find us, ask one of the waiters. They know where we are :) You can also send us a message.** 私たちを見つけられない場合は、ウェイターの一人に尋ねてください。彼らは私たちがどこにいるか知っています :) メッセージも送っていただけます。 **Event Agenda: /** イベントのアジェンダ： * **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: JAPANESE CONVERSATION** \- Join us for the Japanese conversation and cultural exploration\. Beginners are welcome // 日本語会話 \- 最初の30分は日本語の会話と文化探求に充てられています。初心者も聞くだけでも歓迎です。30分後に参加しても構いません。多言語交換 \- ベルギーの多様性を体験し、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学びたいと熱心に待っています。さまざまな言語で異文化交流の会話に参加しましょう。私たちの日本の友人にベルギーの文化、伝統、生活を紹介しましょう。 * **6:00 PM: EVENT CONCLUSION** \- Please respect the event's start and end times to maximize your language exchange opportunities\. Your participation and enthusiasm are appreciated\! イベントの終了 \- イベントの開始時間と終了時間を尊重して、言語交換の機会を最大限に活用してください。参加と熱意に感謝します！ **Attendance Policy: --->** 以下の日本語 * We're excited to have you join our events and appreciate your commitment to learning and growing together. To ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants, please take note of our attendance policy: 1. **Punctuality:** Please arrive on time for scheduled events. Late arrivals can disrupt the flow of the event and may miss important information. 2. **Language Commitment:** If you sign up for language-specific sessions, such as Japanese conversation or language exchange, we kindly request your commitment to actively participate in that language for the designated duration. 3. **Respect:** Treat fellow participants, organizers, and cafe staff with respect and courtesy. Harassment or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. 4. **Removal Policy:** A participant who is not respectful towards other members will be removed from the group and blocked, with no warning. This point is not negotiable. 5. **Cancellation:** If you are unable to attend an event you've registered for, please let us know as soon as possible. This helps us plan accordingly and allows others to take your place if there's a waitlist. 6. **No-Show Policy:** Three no-shows (failing to attend without prior notice) may result in restrictions on event registration to ensure fairness to other participants. By attending our events, you agree to adhere to these guidelines. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and connect. Thank you for being part of our community! **出席ポリシー：** 私たちは、イベントに参加していただけることを楽しみにしており、皆さんが一緒に学び成長することに取り組んでいただけることを感謝しています。すべての参加者が生産的で楽しい経験をするために、出席ポリシーにご留意ください： 1. 時間厳守：予定されたイベントには時間通りにお越しください。遅刻はイベントの流れを乱し、重要な情報を見逃す可能性があります。日本語のみのセッションは午後4時、全言語のセッションは午後4時30分開始です。 2. 言語へのコミットメント：日本語会話や言語交換など、特定の言語のセッションに登録された場合は、その言語での積極的な参加をお願いします。 3. 尊重：他の参加者、主催者、カフェのスタッフには敬意と礼儀をもって接してください。嫌がらせや迷惑行為は許容されません。 4. 退場ポリシー：他のメンバーに対して敬意を持たない参加者は、警告なしにグループから削除され、ブロックされます。このポイントは交渉の余地がありません。 5. キャンセル：登録したイベントに参加できない場合は、できるだけ早くお知らせください。これにより、他の人があなたの代わりを取ることができます。 6. ノーショーポリシー：事前の通知なしに3回のノーショー（欠席）がある場合は、他の参加者に公平になるようイベントの登録に制限がかかる場合があります。 私たちのイベントに参加することで、これらのガイドラインに従うことに同意するものとします。私たちはみなさんが学び、つながることができるように歓迎される包括的な環境を作り出すことを目指しています。コミュニティの一部としてご参加いただき、ありがとうございます！ **Note: Please stay tuned to our event page for updates and schedule changes. We can't wait to see you there and exchange languages, cultures, and stories!** 備考：更新やスケジュールの変更については、イベントページをご覧ください。そこで皆さんにお会いして、言語や文化、物語を交換できるのを楽しみにしています！

TIME CHANGE: 11AM! the bus leaves at 11.15am. don't be late Hey all! Let's hike/go for a walk around La Hulpe. What to expect: around 10km walk. What to bring: -it can get muddy on the trail so make sure your SHOES are somewhat waterproof -bring enough water and LUNCH Where: we meet at Flagey to take a bus, if you are coming by car, we can meet directly in la Hulpe.

Let’s have our next meetup this coming Sunday at MIR Concept. This meeting is meant to be relaxed, human, and focused on real conversations ,no pressure, no expectations, just people meeting people. I created MIR as a space for genuine human connection, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a cozy and inspiring place designed for conversation, creativity, and positive impact. I warmly invite you to join us and enjoy a great cup of coffee, tea, or matcha, along with delicious pastries. We’ll chat, laugh, share opinions, and see how different languages and cultures connect us. I’m really looking forward to continuing this journey with you and meeting both familiar and new faces.

Domingo 22/02/2026 – encuentro en Yuca Latina Rue de l’enseignement 18 Brusselas 1000 **UN PUNTO DE ENCUENTRO PARA LATINOS GAYS Y BI Y SUS ADMIRADORES EN EL RESTAURANTE MÁS AMIGABLE DE BRUSELAS** Sunday 22/02/2026 – meeting at Yuca Latina Rue de l’enseignement 18 Brussels 1000 **A MEETING POINT FOR GAY AND BI LATINOS AND THEIR ADMIRERS IN THE MOST FRIENDLY RESTAURANT FROM BRUSSELS**

Forget the tourist crowds of Binche—this Sunday, we’re heading to Nivelles to experience one of Belgium’s oldest and most authentic folklore traditions! Join us as the "City of the Aclots" wakes up to the sound of wooden clogs and brass bands for its 122nd Carnival. We’ll witness the "Cavalcade," see the world-famous Gilles in their towering ostrich-feather hats, and dodge (or catch!) flying oranges. This is the perfect chance to tick off a major Belgian bucket-list item while meeting new people. 🕒 The Plan * 12:00 – Meet & Greet: We’ll meet at Gare du Midi for Brunch together at the Time Off buffet then take the bus to Nivelles from there. * 14:15 – The Grand Cavalcade: We’ll position ourselves to watch the parade depart from the station area. Expect colorful floats, giants, and plenty of music. * 15:15 – The Procession of the Gilles: The main event! Over 700 Gilles and folkloric groups will march toward the Grand-Place. * 16:30 – Tarte al D’jote Tasting: We’ll head to a local bakery or tavern to try the legendary Tarte al D’jote (a savory, cheesy chard tart). It’s been a local tradition since 1218—and it’s "costaud" (strong)! * 18:00 onwards: Drinks in the city center as the party continues. 💡 What to Bring * Old Clothes: Confetti is a given, and orange juice from "flying gifts" might happen. Wear something you don't mind getting a bit messy! * Comfortable Shoes: We’ll be walking and standing on cobblestones. * Cash: Some street stalls for food/drinks may not take cards. 🚆 Getting There * By Bus (no train that day) * By Car: Parking will be difficult in the center. Use the "Parking de délestage" (P+R) on the outskirts of the city and follow the carnival signs. ⚠️ Important Etiquette If a Gille throws an orange at you, it is a gift and a symbol of the coming spring. Do not throw it back—it is considered very disrespectful in Belgian culture! Just catch it, peel it, and enjoy. Ready to experience the real Belgium? RSVP now!

**Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the International Relations / Foreign Policy Group Columbus!** This group brings together students, professionals, academics, and anyone interested in global affairs, diplomacy, and geopolitics. Our first meetup will be an informal discussion focused on current international developments and global trends. This is a great opportunity to: • Meet others interested in international relations and foreign policy • Discuss current global events and geopolitical developments • Exchange perspectives and ideas in a respectful environment • Build a network of globally minded individuals in Central Ohio (Columbus and periphery) **Discussion topics may include:** * Strategic planning for the group and the way forward * US foreign policy priorities in 2026 * Major geopolitical developments (Europe, Asia, Middle East) * Global security and strategic competition * International economic and diplomatic trends No prior expertise is required—everyone is welcome, whether you're a student, professional, or simply interested in world affairs. **This will be a casual, friendly, and intellectually engaging conversation.** I look forward to meeting everyone and building a strong international relations / foreign policy community in Central Ohio.

The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area. Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the neighboring Mexican restaurant that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

**\*\*\*\* More details and sign up at: https://aifalliance.org/summit-2026/ \*\*\*\*** **What is AI Freedom Alliance?** AI Freedom Alliance promotes the responsible growth of AI guided by practical, commonsense ethics. Our nonprofit is built by professionals from a wide range of industries and is made up entirely of small- and mediumbusiness representatives—never large tech companies. We provide a counterbalance to big corporate influence, focusing instead on how AI can benefit businesses and the world at large. **What’s Happening?** ***The inaugural AI Freedom Alliance Summit.*** This full-day event will explore how we can ensure AI is adopted responsibly through shared ethical standards that empower humanity. The summit will feature interactive and educational sessions led by thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, and advocates who are passionate about making AI fair, transparent, and beneficial for everyone. **Why Attend?** Learn about the legal and technical challenges with implementing AI solutions within your organization. Build better solutions while protecting your organization from legal and compliance risks. And learn how to think strategically about AI as a differentiation tool for your business. This summit is highly recommended for C-Suite leaders to learn as well as interact with each other and our sponsors.

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.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.