Drug Reform

Join the DC Crypto Meetup – Taco Tuesday\! Tuesday\, December 30 \| 5:30\-&;30 PM Mission Navy Yard 1221 Van St SE\, Washington\, DC\. We’ll be upstairs near the stairs \( as the host\, if you can spot us\)\. If it gets too loud\, we’ll shift downstairs\. RSVP: [https://www.meetup.com/dcblockchain/events/312720309/](https://www.meetup.com/dcblockchain/events/312720309/)

Had to shift this to a TUESDAY (instead of the usual Monday). Also, please note it is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY and RSVP's are open NOW. Hope you can make it! Maxwell Park is 4 blocks from the Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center. 🍷 RSVP Please: --Thee are a limited amount of spots and if you are on the "going" list it means we are holding a space for you. --**If your plans have changed, please edit your RSVP (even if you are on the waiting list),** so that someone else gets sufficient notice to attend in your place. --We track our attendees list, and a late drop or no show might affect your participation at future events. **Waitlisted Friends!** \*PLEASE\* keep an eye on this page and your messages, especially close to the day of the event. Thanks! *Note start time of 6:15 PM!* Please plan to arrive on time. 🍷 What is blind wine tasting? In a blind tasting you use your sense of smell, sight, and taste to try to deduce which variety(wine grape) is in your glass. 🍷 Do I need to be a wine professional? Definitely not - this group is experience diverse and we welcome both wine newbies and wine pros (and everyone else in between). 🍷 How does this work? --Please arrive slightly before 6:15pm to grab a seat. --Maxwell Park will serve us two wine flights: 3 white wines around 6:20 pm and 3 red wines around 7:30 pm. Each flight is $20. Food and other wines are also available for purchase. --We will discuss each flight as a group and try to reach somewhat of a consensus. Then comes the *big reveal* where we discover if our guesses were right. Full vaccination is required, masks are optional. Unfortunately, while we will try to be as careful as possible, we cannot promise that this will be 100% Covid risk free, please keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to attend. Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19. Please keep an eye on this event for possible changes. Hope to see you there ! \~ Linda Lists of possible wines: [White Wine Varieties](https://www.mastersommeliers.org/sites/default/files/ES%20Tast-CMS%20Probable%20List%20of%20Examinable%20White%20Grape%20Varieties-NEW_2015.pdf) [Red Wine Varieties](https://www.mastersommeliers.org/sites/default/files/ES%20Tast-CMS%20Probable%20List%20of%20Examinable%20Red%20Grape%20Varieties-NEW_2015.pdf)

Calling all Crew Members! 🚢 BBaddies On A Track! We will be meeting at 6am to hit the track. We will do a warm up and then a few drills and sprints on the track! We will also have fun and be in community!

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Empathy 101,”** a research-based examination of our ability to understand others and how to improve it, with Jamie Keaton Jones, instructor in the Child and Family Social Work Fellowship Program at Walter Reed Military Hospital, adjunct professor at Fordham University, and founder of The Psychotherapy Studio PLLC in Washington D.C. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-empathy-101](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-empathy-101) .] In these uncertain and divided times, empathy for others—and for ourselves—might be just what we need to reduce our anxiety and constructively work together. Yet many of us lack much of an understanding of our capacity for understanding and how we can nurture it. Take a deep dive into the subject of empathy with Dr. Jamie Keaton Jones, a therapist and university instructor who studies empathy and teaches empathetic skills to students. Drawing on insights from social psychology, neuroscience, and social work, she’ll discuss what exactly empathy is and why it’s necessary for survival. She’ll also dispel common empathy-related myths and review specific ways to practice empathic responses. She’ll talk about mirror neurons—which fire in both someone taking an action and another observing that action—and the important role they play in empathy. She’ll offer guidance on how to assess one’s own level of empathy, and she’ll discuss “empathy deficit disorder” and what it’s like to be excessively empathetic. We’ll discuss how we can best show empathy to a friend or family member in crisis and how can we use empathy to connect when we disagree. Among the questions Dr. Jones will tackle: Can empathy be taught? Can it be captured by Artificial Intelligence? What might the world look like if empathy suddenly ceased to exist? All Profs and Pints talks seek to make people smarter, but this one might help you become kinder as well. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

February is Black History Month, so we've curated a list of documentaries to choose from that celebrates and honors this moment. The votes are in and we are watching.... *Hale County This Morning This Evening* Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlOeSyl-zZk Available for FREE on Kanopy (with a library card!), and for a small rental fee on YouTube,Google Play, Fandango and Apple TV. ***Make sure to watch the film ahead of time*** and come prepared to discuss. We will not be screening the film at the meeting! What to expect the day of: * Please try to arrive on time * Meet new friends over some drinks & snacks (feel free to bring something to share!) * The host will lay some group rules and facilitate our discussion * Leave with some new insights and new friends! FYI - the free version of MeetUp limits me to 10 RSVPS, but if you're #1-5 on the waitlist please feel free to join us anyway.

Most people work hard on self-improvement, but communication is often treated as something you either “have” or you don’t. In reality, people skills improve when you understand what causes conversations to work (or quietly fall apart) and learn how to correct that in real time. This live, in-person workshop focuses on the *foundations* of people skills: presence, understanding and comfort in interaction rather than tricks or surface-level advice. ### **You’ll likely relate if:** * You replay conversations later and think, *“That’s not what I meant.”* * You hesitate or overthink when it’s time to speak up. * Conversations drift into tension even when everyone has good intentions. * You want to connect better—but don’t want scripts or fake confidence. If any of that sounds familiar, this session will feel immediately relevant. ### **What makes this worth showing up for** This is **not a lecture** and not a networking event. It’s a **guided, interactive workshop** where you’ll: * Learn why conversations break down in the first place * Experience what actually restores understanding * Practice being more present and composed in real time * Leave feeling more comfortable in conversations—without forcing anything Most people notice a difference **during the session itself**, not weeks later.Workshops like this are rare because they: * Stay small on purpose * Focus on fundamentals instead of trends * Require live participation to be effective If communication has ever felt like a bottleneck in your life— skipping this tends to feel obvious *after* the fact. ### **Who this is especially good for** * Thoughtful, introspective, or introverted people * Professionals who want clearer communication at work * Anyone navigating relationships, boundaries, or confidence * People tired of tips that don’t translate into real life You don’t need to be outgoing. You don’t need experience. You just need curiosity.

Join us for thr DC Crypto Meetup – Taco Tuesday! Tuesday\, December 30 \| 5:30\-&;30 PM Mission Navy Yard 1221 Van St SE, Washington, DC We’ll be upstairs near the stairs ( as the host, if you can spot us). If it gets too loud, we’ll shift downstairs. I will have a small LED candle so you can spot us. Mission is the largest bar in the city, so there’s plenty of room. No formal agenda, just good conversation. See you Tuesday! Happy hour is served daily from 4 - 6 pm, Hosted by NFTve – fine artist, NFT creator, and long-time blockchain & crypto enthusiast.

Please join the [Veg Society of DC](vsdc.org) Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group for another great discussion. The next event will be the third and final event in our series on Theories of Change in the Animal Rights movement. We will apply theory to practice and discuss the campaign to prohibit the sale of foie gras in DC through a ballot initiative. We are excited to welcome a speaker who is on the forefront of this effort and to hear from them firsthand how this initiative fits into their organization’s theory of change! Afterwards, we hope you’ll join us for dinner at DC Vegan. **What is the Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group?* If you’ve been looking for a way to educate yourself on animal rights and issues affecting animals in our world today with the support of a like-minded community, then this group is for you. The VSDC Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group will discuss thoughts, questions, concerns, and news related to animal rights. It seeks to provide a safe space for discussions around issues affecting captive animals, farmed animals, animals used in research, wild animals, companion animals, and more. All are welcome, from those well-versed in animal rights philosophy and issues to those who are just starting off on their journey and are curious to learn more. Please come with an open mind, an open heart, and a willingness to engage with diverse opinions with curiosity and respect. The plan is for the group to meet every month, alternating between Zoom and in person. The topic of each meeting and any accompanying materials will be planned in advance and posted in event announcements via this VSDC meetup group. Participants are encouraged to offer topic ideas and materials for discussion at subsequent meetings. **Date / Time:** Saturday, February 7th, at 4:15 pm. **Location:** Pea Street Yoga Studio (right above DC Vegan, where we will eat dinner afterwards!) *Email 'ARdiscuss@vsdc.org' for further information.* **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Get started! Whether you are experienced or a complete new thisdrum class offers fun for you. Learn the basics of popular Brazilian rhythms: samba, samba reggae, axé, ijexa and more. We provide the drums in a fun atmosphere to learn. Drop in:$10

Danceintime runs Cuban Salsa Classes & Social Dancing Every Saturday, all year-long. Come at 1:15 pm to sign in. Stay till 4 pm. Some of us go out for coffee or a bite to eat afterwards and everyone is welcome! $15/person. Cash, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Card accepted. Chevy Chase Baptist Church; 5671 Western Ave. NW; Washington DC 20015. NOTE: Enter through back corner door of the church. Danceintime classes are great fun. The dance moves are beautiful, fun, and our class creates a bonded community... Check it out! Class will be held every Saturday in December....celebrate the holidays with dance! For more info: danceintime.com/classes Questions? Contact Barbbernsteintalks@gmail.com

# Meet in or near the visitor parking lot at the office, near the Veterans Memorial area. # Bring: 1) yourself 2) if you are so inclined, the Find a Grave app (Ancestry.com) on your phone 3) any desired protection from sun and other natural elements # Agenda: 1) Casually attempt to fulfill at least one open photo request on the Find a Grave app and discuss associated strategies. 2) Enjoy the ambience, weather, nature and any assembled company. 3) Discuss a potential "field trip" meetup at a DC cemetery (Glenwood and Congressional cemeteries have been suggested). Note: If weather is heavily inclement or unsafe (torrential downpour, storms, etc.), the event will be rescheduled. Summary of last event: Three attended, including a new group member (welcome Aileen!). One memorial was located/photographed for the app. Winter landscape and unique memorials were observed, and good company was enjoyed. The weather was not so pleasant; fingers crossed for better weather this time!

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Real Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet at the church (we are a secular group), break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. ***Rules:*** 1. Don't debate politics. 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group. 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first. \*\*If you show up late, please hop into a group and don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice, and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Community of Christ church: 3526 Massachusetts Ave. PS—If you want to support the group (Meetup organizer fees, new card games, misc. materials) then you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/dillantaylor ^^This is 100% optional, and can be done on a one-time or monthly basis. But the meetup will always be free. Thanks! 🙏

A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

**Caller: Dan Kappus** **Band: Trillium** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Please Join Us For The Winter Session Of Family-to-Family Winter session of F2F dates are Feb 12 – Apr 3 [https://namifranklincounty.org/family-to-family/](https://namifranklincounty.org/family-to-family/).

Polarity Reflexology (PR) Certificate Course: (2026) February 21-22 March 21-22 April 25-26 May 30-31 June 27-28 Students must attend all 5 weekends to receive Certificate Classes run from 8:30am-5:30pm each scheduled day Information & Registration Link can be found here: [Polarity Reflexology (PR) Certificate Course](https://www.gafee.org/#/polarity-reflexology-pr/) *[Global Academy for Energetic Education (GAFEE) is Registered with the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools and is authorized to teach Diploma and Certificate Programs. (Registration #2091)](https://oh.edvera.com/directory/institutions)*

Join us for an interactive Bombay Gin Cocktail Class at TownHall — a fun, social experience designed to bring people together over great drinks, great food, and great conversation. During the class, you’ll learn how to craft several different Bombay Gin cocktails, guided by a master mixologist in a relaxed, high-energy setting. This isn’t a lecture — it’s hands-on, engaging, and built to spark connection, laughter, and good vibes. Whether you come solo or with friends, this experience makes it easy to meet people, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and unwind mid-week. ✨ What’s Included (A Ton 😁) • Multiple Bombay Gin cocktails • Interactive cocktail instruction • Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall • A lively, social atmosphere 🍸 Sponsored by Bombay Gin 🍽 Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall Must be 21+ to attend $20 fee per person 

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.