Environmental Issues
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Environmental Issues Events Today
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Deepfaking Sam Altman @ Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center (FREE)
# Stories That Matter Film Screening of "Deepfaking Sam Altman"
Film screening, panel discussion, and Q&A
**Register here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-that-matter-film-screening-of-deepfaking-sam-altman-tickets-1986940257798?aff=InviteSL#organizer-card
### Stories That Matter™ presents a special screening of the comedy documentary *Deepfaking Sam Altman,* followed by a Q&A and panel discussion with Emmy-nominated director Adam Bhala Lough and Emmy-winning producer Luke Kelly-Clyne, who is also a Johns Hopkins alumnus.
### This lighthearted documentary takes a mind-bending, thought-provoking turn when confronted with the unintended consequences of AI and the ensuing ethical and legal minefield that hilariously unfolds.
### **PANELISTS INCLUDE:**
• Adam Bhala Lough, director of *Deepfaking Sam Altman*
• Luke Kelly-Clyne, producer of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* and head of studio for Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat production company
• Noel King, co-host and editorial director of Vox's *Today, Explained*, former host of NPR's flagship program, *Morning Edition*, and the popular podcast, *Up First*
• Sig Libowitz, moderator and director of the Johns Hopkins Graduate Film and Media Program
### **WHEN:** Thursday, April 30
5:30 p.m. Check in
6:30 p.m. Program
8:20 p.m. Panel Discussion with Q&A
9:00 p.m. Event concludes
### **WHERE:** Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center
555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
### **CHECK IN:**
**•** A photo ID is required for entry.
**•** Each attendee must have a ticket registered in their own name. If you reserved a ticket for someone else, please ensure their name and information are correctly entered.
**•** A printed ticket is not needed.
**•** Theater seating is first-come, first-served. Guests are encouraged to arrive early; overflow seating may be available.
### **ABOUT THE FILM:**
The film follows Adam Bhala Lough, a father of two and a working Los Angeles filmmaker who represents the anxious everyman of the AI age. Adam has always believed in the promise of technology, until the arrival of AI threatens to upend his profession, his kids’ future, and possibly the fate of humanity itself.
Adam wants to interview Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and one of the most influential figures shaping the future of AI. But Altman doesn’t return his calls. Or emails. Or DMs. Then a headline-grabbing Hollywood controversy sparks a new idea. Adam travels to the other side of the world, where he teams up with an Indian deepfake artist to build Sam Bot, an Altman-inspired AI trained on the voice and public appearances of the real man. Sharp, glitchy, and unexpectedly charismatic, Sam Bot becomes a creative foil and sidekick, reshaping the direction of Adam’s film and his understanding of human connection.
A verité film with a sci-fi comedy twist, *Deepfaking Sam Altman* is a sharp, surprisingly moving exploration of how we navigate the chaotic new world of artificial intelligence.
MTG Pioneer Tournament
Weekly Pioneer tournaments on Thursday nights! $5 entry and with prize support based on record and entry.
Social: Happy Hour and Gear Swap
Join Capital Hiking Club for a happy hour and free outdoors gear swap! This event will be hosted at Right Proper Brewery's brand new Kitchen location in the heart of the Brookland Arts Walk ([716 Monroe NE, Washington, DC 20017](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VypMKVrTaPt8CrHg7)), right next to the Brookland-CUA Redline stop! Enjoy $5 beer and discounted food until 7PM!
Also, be sure to take advantage of this free opportunity to swap gear with other hikers and outdoors adventurers in the DMV (gear swap organized by [Climate Classes](https://climateclasses.org/)). Please bring quality, well-maintained items, with no or minimal stains. Heavily damaged items will not be accepted for swapping. Items brought to be swapped will be **capped at 20 items**.
**Accepted swap items include, but are not limited to**:
Clothing
* Shirts
* Pants
* Shorts
* Coats, Jackets, and rain ponchos
* Scarves/Bandanas
* Sweatshirts & Hoodies
* Jumpsuits, wet suits, and dry suits
* Gloves
* Activewear
* Boots, trail runners, snow shoes, climbing shoes, sandals
* Socks
* Gaiters
* Spikes and non-slip footwear
* Hats, beanies, and head bands
* Unused hair ties
* Sunglasses and goggles
Gear (Inclusive of, but not limited to):
* Tents and hammocks
* Backpacks/dufflebags (hiking, backpacking, fannypacks, etc.)
* Camping utensils and multi-tools (Please clean before swapping!)
* Water bottles/Travel mugs (only twist-top, unless the item is brand new)
* Sleeping bags and sleeping pads (Please clean before swapping!)
* Camping pillows
* Tarps
* Yoga mats
* Camping chairs
* Flashlights, headlamps, lanterns
* Portable chargers
* Helmets and pads
* Hiking poles
* Camping stoves/ Miniature camping stoves (without fuel)
* Climbing harnesses and accessories
* Bungee cords
* Rope
* Unused, unopened, and non-expired dehydrated camping meals
* Unused and unopened batteries
* Unused sun block and hand sanitizer
\*Please note that undergarments (including swimwear), camping fuel, used/ opened batteries, sun block, or hand sanitizer, and used, opened, and expired camping meals will not be accepted for swapping. Additionally, we will not\*\* accept large items at this swap, including bicycles, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, etc...
All items that are not swapped will be donated to charities.
We are excited to have you join us!
Happy Hour and Free Outdoors Gear Swap
Join Capital Hiking Club for a happy hour and free outdoors gear swap! This event will be hosted at Right Proper Brewery's brand new Kitchen location in the heart of the Brookland Arts Walk ([716 Monroe NE, Washington, DC 20017](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VypMKVrTaPt8CrHg7)), right next to the Brookland-CUA Redline stop! Enjoy $5 beer and discounted food until 7PM!
Also, be sure to take advantage of this free opportunity to swap gear with other hikers and outdoors adventurers in the DMV (gear swap organized by [Climate Classes](https://climateclasses.org/)). Please bring quality, well-maintained items, with no or minimal stains. Heavily damaged items will not be accepted for swapping. Items brought to be swapped will be **capped at 20 items**.
**Accepted swap items include, but are not limited to**:
Clothing
* Shirts
* Pants
* Shorts
* Coats, Jackets, and rain ponchos
* Scarves/Bandanas
* Sweatshirts & Hoodies
* Jumpsuits, wet suits, and dry suits
* Gloves
* Activewear
* Boots, trail runners, snow shoes, climbing shoes, sandals
* Socks
* Gaiters
* Spikes and non-slip footwear
* Hats, beanies, and head bands
* Unused hair ties
* Sunglasses and goggles
Gear (Inclusive of, but not limited to):
* Tents and hammocks
* Backpacks/dufflebags (hiking, backpacking, fannypacks, etc.)
* Camping utensils and multi-tools (Please clean before swapping!)
* Water bottles/Travel mugs (only twist-top, unless the item is brand new)
* Sleeping bags and sleeping pads (Please clean before swapping!)
* Camping pillows
* Tarps
* Yoga mats
* Camping chairs
* Flashlights, headlamps, lanterns
* Portable chargers
* Helmets and pads
* Hiking poles
* Camping stoves/ Miniature camping stoves (without fuel)
* Climbing harnesses and accessories
* Bungee cords
* Rope
* Unused, unopened, and non-expired dehydrated camping meals
* Unused and unopened batteries
* Unused sun block and hand sanitizer
\*Please note that undergarments (including swimwear), camping fuel, used/ opened batteries, sun block, or hand sanitizer, and used, opened, and expired camping meals will **not** be accepted for swapping. Additionally, we will **not** accept large items at this swap, including bicycles, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, etc...
All items that are not swapped will be donated to charities.
We are excited to have you join us!
Ivy League Singles Mixer on the Waterfront in Washington DC!
Join us for a fun singles mixer on the wharf waterfront in Washington DC! Where connection, energy, and intention come together in a beautifully curated setting. Our exclusive singles mixer is designed for those who are ready to meet like-minded individuals and experience a more meaningful, elevated approach to socializing.
Surround yourself with a thoughtfully selected group of people who are open to new connections—whether romantic, social, or somewhere in between. The atmosphere is warm, engaging, and effortlessly fun, creating the perfect environment for genuine interaction and easy conversation.
This is not your typical night out. It’s a tailored experience where every detail is designed to encourage camaraderie, spark connection, and create moments that feel both natural and memorable. Expect a vibrant yet intimate vibe where introductions flow organically and the energy feels exciting from start to finish.
At Zooz, the lively ambiance sets the tone for an evening filled with laughter, curiosity, and meaningful conversation. It’s a space where you can be fully present, connect with intention, and enjoy the experience of meeting others who are equally open to something real.
Leave the apps behind and step into something more authentic. Join us for a night of connection, fun, and possibility—because the best relationships often begin with a simple conversation in the right setting.
**Can't make this event? Sign up for FREE on our website to get updates on future events:**
[www.Intelligent.Events](https://www.intelligent.events/ "https://www.Intelligent.Events")
On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ every Thursday at 6 pm
• What we'll do
On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....
Environmental Issues Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
May Book Club Meetup: Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara
Join us for a discussion of ***Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives* by Siddharth Kara**
Here's the summary:
An unflinching investigation reveals the human rights abuses behind the Congo’s cobalt mining operation―and the moral implications that affect us all.
Cobalt Red is the searing, first-ever exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining, as told through the testimonies of the Congolese people themselves. Activist and researcher Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living, working, and dying for cobalt. To uncover the truth about brutal mining practices, Kara investigated militia-controlled mining areas, traced the supply chain of child-mined cobalt from toxic pit to consumer-facing tech giants, and gathered shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering and even die mining cobalt.
Cobalt is an essential component to every lithium-ion rechargeable battery made today, the batteries that power our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles. Roughly 75 percent of the world’s supply of cobalt is mined in the Congo, often by peasants and children in sub-human conditions. Billions of people in the world cannot conduct their daily lives without participating in a human rights and environmental catastrophe in the Congo. In this stark and crucial book, Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo―because we are all implicated.
**Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**
Volunteers Needed for the One Day Hike
Volunteers are needed for the **[51th Annual One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/?isFirstPublish=true)** (ODH). The ODH is a fully supported event that requires about 100 volunteers to put on and pull off. Volunteers must be enthusiastic, dependable, and hardy — showing up to work on time, *regardless of weather*. First-time volunteers get a free ODH T-shirt as a token of appreciation.
Many volunteers are former ODH'ers paying back some of the help they received, and/or are family and friends of a hiker. If you are a veteran volunteer and want to reprise your role or would like to try something different, if you are an interested newbie, or if you just need more information about volunteering, email Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) — *Please do not instead RSVP, message, or comment.*
Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](https://bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**.
**1) SUPPORT-STATION VOLUNTEERS** are needed to man/woman stations that provide food, drink, and assistance to hikers. If you are interested, let us know your preference in terms of time of day and amount of time you are willing to help. The more flexible you are in terms of location and time, the better. Except for the first three stations (through Edwards Ferry), you do not have to stay for a station’s entire period of operation, although that is preferable, and — yes — many volunteers serve at more than one station.
The stations are:
* Old Anglers, 5 to 7:30 am
* Seneca Creek, 7 to 11 am
* Edwards Ferry, 9 am to 2 pm
* Whites Ferry, 10 am to 3:30 pm
* Monocacy, 11 am to 6 pm
* Point of Rocks, 1 pm to 8 pm
* Brunswick, 2:30 to 10 pm
* At Harpers Ferry and Bolivar (5 pm to midnight), where volunteers are also needed to guide hikers along the towns’ route.
If you are willing to take on especially challenging tasks, we need you! Let Mike know.
**2) BIKE PATROLLERS** are needed to ride their bikes to check on hikers all along the (mostly) unpaved route, providing assistance as needed. Patrollers are needed from about 6:30 am to midnight. If you are interested, or for more information, email Bike Patrol Coordinator, Jeff Comer (Comer.Jeffrey@Gmail.com), or Mike.
**3) FIRST AIDERS** that can administer first aid to hikers as needed at major support stations. If you have first-aid or medical training, we’d love your help. If you are interested, or for more information, email First-Aid Coordinator, Jason Hauf (LJHauf@Gmail.com), or Mike.
For official updates about the ODH, join our email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io . To learn more about the ODH, check out [onedayhike.org](https://www.onedayhike.org/).
***Year in and year out, volunteers are what make the ODH the great event that it is!***
Backgammon Tournament - Swiss Format, 4 Rounds of 5 points
Top level Backgammon Tournament play. Have fun and improve your game. Free lessons to new and inexperienced players. Club been active over 30 years, posting on Meetup is new.
Tregaron Park, May Concert
\#\#\# This is now a No-Host Event. People may attend as individuals, but there will be no event host. Aditya will be put of state during this event. \#\#\#
Free Tickets are available here: [https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/event/tregaron-meadow-concert-26/](https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/event/tregaron-meadow-concert-26/)
Below is the official event description You will need to bring chairs or mats to sit on, or comment that you need one since I have plenty of outdoor chairs.
You need to get a ticket from this website, the tickets are free, but are not available yet.
An afternoon jazz performances by Mars Arts D.C. artists. In the Meadow, the magic of live performances and the tranquility of nature come together for an unforgettable experience of sensory delights. Tregaron performances are free and great for all ages.
Artist details to be announced. Registration will be available in spring 2026.
Pro-Animal Meetup
Speaker: Colburn Clark: Stalking, Harrassment or Neither - Small Lawsuits Targeting Local Campaigns. Colburn will discuss how business owners attempt to manipulate the law to shut down effective pressure campaigns and what we can do to avoid these lawsuits, fight these lawsuits, and protect first amendment rights for all kinds of activists. Come to hear some inspiring stories and learn about your rights to freedom of speech.
Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness!
We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set.
Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :)
Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: The Twister Talk
[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Twister Talk,”** on tornadoes and advances in our understanding of them, with Jeffrey Halverson, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author of *An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather.*
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-twister-talk](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-twister-talk) .]
Springtime brings tornado outbreaks and devastation across the United States. The good news for those of us who anxiously eye the skies: Tornado science is rapidly evolving and improving, as are the means by which we detect funnel clouds and warn of their approach.
Get up to speed with what’s known about tornadoes with the help of Dr. Jeffery Halverson, a severe storm expert with the *Washington Post* Capital Weather Gang who previously has given excellent Profs and Pints talks on hurricanes and snowstorms.
He’ll describe how, with the help of research conducted by tornado hunters, meteorologists are using ever more sophisticated computer simulations and datasets to try to “crack the code” when it comes to how and where tornadoes form.
We’ll look at how science teams wielding Portable Doppler Radars on small trucks are learning that tornado wind speeds are much stronger than once presumed. We’ll consider how decades of data are changing how we think about “Tornado Alley,” and we’ll review what’s known about the relationship between tornadoes and climate change.
Professor Halverson will conclude by discussing the technological strides being made in terms of tornado warning and detection, and how tornado scientists are teaming up with social scientists to gain a better understanding of what leaves us vulnerable to natural hazards. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: An F5 tornado over Elie, Manitoba in June 2007 (Photo by Justin Hobson / Wikimedia Commons).
Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA
The[ Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern VA](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/blog/important-community-update-join-our-new-meetup-group-simplicity-living-circle-of-northern-va) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **This is a rain or shine outdoor event.**
This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Through participant-driven discussions and facilitated activities, our circle fosters connection, reflection, and mutual support.
Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA, we welcome those who are curious about simplicity, mindful living, and environmental care. Whether you are just beginning or deepening your journey, you are warmly invited into this inclusive and supportive space.
Logistics:
* Feel free to bring what’s part of your life: kids, dogs, food, and musical instruments are all welcome.
* Arriving at the start gives you the fullest experience, since the opening activities help create the group’s shared connection. If you arrive later, it may feel harder to fully step into that once the group has already begun bonding.
*Note: Our official Meetup group changed due to administrative complications. This new group is now our verified and active community hub, which you can confirm at our in-person events.*
Environmental Issues Events Near You
Connect with your local Environmental Issues community
Kind Exchange: Vegan Book & Plant Swap
[The Kind Exchange](https://www.facebook.com/events/3087825058070662/)
A gathering to share, swap, and connect with like-minded people who care about plant-based living, sustainability, and mindful choices.
This is more than a swap — it’s a space to circulate what we already have and meet others in the community.
Bring any of the following to share:
* **Vegan-related books** (cookbooks, sustainability, mindful living, etc.)
* **Plants or cuttings** (optional)
Swap for something new-to-you from others. *The more you bring, the more there is to exchange!*
Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly- [https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073](https://form.jotform.com/260975490897073?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVGxJeFRub0FQNmhUcmF3VnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4u9YhVWcSkITKfEn_NajeEUIyxFrXbcaG0HjFHoQn-MCxKlhGlUpFAnsMIzw_aem_vo9QISntFpTtGskmWaVEkQ)
Unclaimed books/plants at the end of the event will be donated.
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish
A very unusual choice for his group... Unknown Number: High School Catfish is an American [true crime](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_crime "True crime") documentary film directed by [Skye Borgman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skye_Borgman "Skye Borgman") and released to [streaming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streaming_media "Streaming media") on [Netflix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netflix "Netflix") on August 29, 2025.
The documentary explores the events and investigation into an unknown person [cyberbully](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberbullying "Cyberbullying") and [harassing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harassment "Harassment") teenagers in [Beal City, Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beal_City,_Michigan "Beal City, Michigan") using an unknown number via insults and sexual claims. It also explores the increasingly great impact of the harassment on the community, the eventual reveal of the culprit, and the trial that followed.
IMPORTANT INFO: I strongly suggest not reading anything about it online before seeing it. It's best viewed with no previous knowledge. This documentary contains crude terminology and deals with cyberbullying, which may be a trigger for some folks.
PLEASE NOTE - WE ARE STARTING AT 6:30, WHICH IS THIRTY MINUTES EARLIER THAN USUAL.
Unfortunately, it is only available on Netflix. If you would like to attend but do not have Netflix, say so and maybe we can figure something out.
2026 OSU Chadwick Arboretum
Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser - Columbus
Open to public:
Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hosted by OSU
The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum
Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser
Location:
Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center
2201 Fred Taylor Dr,
Columbus, OH 43210
Spring Plant Sale
Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb!
Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike.
Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together.
Credit/debit cards only.
In Person Event: The Secrets to Mental Health
Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it?
How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself.
Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went?
Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence?
Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.
This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.
Yoga + Picnic for Krishna’s bday! 🧘🏻♀️🌿☀️
**Join us for a relaxing and fun outdoor celebration for Krishna’s birthday! 🌿☀️**
**We’ll start with 1 hour of yoga to stretch, unwind, and connect, followed by a picnic + frisbee to keep the good vibes going.**
**Bring your own yoga mat or blanket, and feel free to bring something to share like hummus, fruit, or your favorite snack. 🥙🍓**
**Come enjoy fresh air, movement, and great company at the Scioto Mile.**
**All levels welcome ✨**
**📍Bicentennial Park (next to water fountain)**
**233 Civic Center Dr**
**Columbus, OH 43215**
**Donations for our wonderful yoga instructor, Victoria Lawler, are greatly appreciated. A link is provided below, and she’ll also share her Venmo in person. 🧘🏻♀️💗**
[Victoria Lawler’s Venmo](https://account.venmo.com/u/lynneleviathan)
Recruiting Virtual Mental Health Group Leaders!
We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country.
Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply.
### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?**
Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment.
## **Why Join?**
* **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance.
* **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space.
* **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection.
## **The Ideal Group Leader**
The ideal group leader
* Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community.
* Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us.
* Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind.
* An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection.
* An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms.
* Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus.
## **Our Impact**

Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported:
* A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being.
* An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging.
* Said they would return again.
We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself.
### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based**
Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission!
Every contribution helps us:
* **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization.
* **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year.
By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic.
## **Come Join Us!**
We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection.
🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside
🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application
🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind
Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831
IxDA Chat ‘n Pancakes
It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.






























