Grassroots Progressives

Where are we now? Contemporary capitalism with its most extreme expression sometimes defined as "techno-feudalism" sees a concentration of power within massive digital platforms, resulting in extreme inequity and the erosion of democracy. What can we do about it? To counteract this extreme centralisation of wealth and power “Techno-Collectivism” is a governance model which integrates libertarian socialist principles with modern technology to manage digital infrastructure. It aims to counteract the systemic failures of neoliberal capitalism while avoiding the authoritarian pitfalls associated with historical socialist regimes. See article… [Link](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/395850712_Techno-Collectivism_Scaling_Libertarian_Socialist_Governance_of_Digital_Infrastructure) Historical and Political Context… This article clarifies the distinctions between socialism, capitalism, and libertarianism, noting how "libertarianism" has been ideologically captured by right-wing market interests. It advocates returning to the original egalitarian, anti-capitalist, and anti-authoritarian roots of libertarian socialism. The framework is built upon three ethical principles: needs-based distributive justice, which prioritizes human care over profit; communal ownership, which grants control to those who use the resources; and citizen control, which ensures genuine and meaningful participation. How? Technological Implementation Tools To scale up these principles, open-source AI could be used for transparent resource planning as well as decentralized ownership and decision-making, decentralized social media platforms to facilitate federated, autonomous communities. Universities as Experimental Testbeds The authors propose universities as the ideal environments to pilot these sociotechnical experiments. By utilizing their existing intellectual capital and relative autonomy, academic institutions can lead the shift toward post-capitalist, anti-authoritarian governance models.

**Level up your street portraits** Our street photography skills development series continues, this time journeying to the vibrant backdrop of **Brick Lane**. In our previous sessions, we worked on our timing, framing, managing multiple subjects and layering, creating a project, and graphical street shots. Now, it’s time to turn our focus toward **Street Portraiture.** In this session, we are shifting from capturing the scene to capturing the main character. Brick Lane provides the perfect location, with its mix of locals and visitors offering many opportunities to find a subject to photography. We will explore how to balance of environment and subject, learning how to use the area’s textures and street art to complement, rather than distract from, the person in your frame. We will concentrate on the posed portrait, the interaction, and taking the best shot you can of your subject to make the most of the time they are gifting you. This workshop will help you build the confidence and technical skill to create compelling portraits on the fly. **What to expect** * **Human Connection:** Learn techniques for approaching subjects or capturing authentic, unposed moments. * **Environmental Context:** Use Brick Lane’s unique urban landscape to complement your subject. * **Lighting:** Utilise the available light in the street to master lighting in a portrait context. * **Community:** Share the afternoon with fellow enthusiasts and take another step forward in your journey towards mastering street photography. **The gear** * **Gear:** A camera or a smartphone (and plenty of memory card space!). * **Comfort:** A pair of reliable walking shoes. * **Mindset:** A determination to have a great time and a curiosity for the people you meet. **The extras** After the workshop, the learning doesn't stop. You’ll be invited to join the **Tap on the Shoulder** WhatsApp group to share your best shots and receive constructive feedback from the group. Afterwards, we will head to a local pub for refreshments and banter, where we can get to know each other a bit better. **Join us** **Bring the family!** Children are welcome to participate, and attendance is **free for those under 15** (use discount code **UNDER15**). > **Note: Please arrive 5-10 minutes early. To respect everyone’s time, I will wait only 5 minutes for late arrivals before we begin our journey through the streets.** **What are you waiting for? Book your place now to learn the art of the street portrait!**

**Geekstraveganza** is a fun, friendly afternoon of good company, tasty vegan food, and board/card games! We’ll have plenty to play, but feel free to bring your own. 🎟️ **Free entry**, just RSVP! 🗓 **Saturday** 2 May 2026 🕧 13:30 – 19:00 📍 [Community Cafe](https://share.google/Q1H9zTfCv67AY3q5R) - [Camden council building, 5 Pancras Sq, N1C 4AG](https://maps.app.goo.gl/B7TLW18ESBeeZyYz5) *💬 [Group chat](https://londonvegannetwork.netlify.app/Geekstraveganza) in the **London Vegan Network** community on WhatsApp* 🤓 Everyone’s welcome! Regulars are happy to teach, and hosts can introduce you or suggest games. **Drop in anytime**; new games start as people arrive. 🤤 Food and drinks will be on offer until 17:30 from the **fully vegan** [Community Cafe](https://share.google/Q1H9zTfCv67AY3q5R) (also see reviews [here](https://www.happycow.net/reviews/community-cafe-north-london-472030)) run by [Lifeafterhummus](https://www.lifeafterhummus.com). But you're also welcome to bring your own food, just leave the space clean and tidy! 🚉 Closest station: **King's Cross - St Pancras** ➡️ We'll be on the ground floor of Camden council's main building, next to the Children's Library. 🐕‍🦺 This venue **only allows assistance dogs**, so no other furry friends this time, please.

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

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet outside St Giles Cripplegate. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, 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). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... 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 and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

Join me for..... A Twisted Tour of Bloomsbury & Holborn History 🌷 We'll gather 11.30am to 11.45ish, outside Coram's Fields (tube; Russell Square) We will explore the hidden history of the back streets of the area, including lovely architecture, artwork, where historical figures lived, lost & converted places, strange & unusual tales, & more.... Just £5 or whatever you can afford; See you soon 😊🌷👣

PUT AN END TO AUTO! Would you like to learn to use your camera properly and get the shots you want by choice and not by accident? Attending this small group workshop will give you a strong understanding of the essentials needed to get the results you're looking for. This session will include theory and practical exercises to apply what you have learned. By the end of this session you forget about only getting great results by accident, and feel confident that you understand how to get your camera to do what you want! This is the end of Auto! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: * The important dials and buttons on your camera * Exposure triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO * Focusing * Histogram * Depth of Field * Metering * White balance * And much more... **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £30 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Text Alex on 07956264049 and we will add you to the event attendee list. EXPERIENCE Beginners / Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 **TRAVEL WEEKEND - VENICE WEEKEND - Oct 2026** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) **MONTHLY EVENTS** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar)

Routes & Roots is a weekly social for all Black and POC Climbers! 💪🏾 Expect great music, vibes, and an evening of climbing and community! ⏱️Sundays at 6pm! (Launch Party on the 15th of February!) 📍Stratford City Bouldering Entry: £9.50 including shoes! Members - Free! Make sure to book on in advance: https://www.citybouldering.co.uk/booking/routes-roots

Join OutdoorLads weekly Saturday bouldering morning event at Vauxwall West - please check our main event page on our website (link in the comments below). We welcome all members of the LGBTQ+ community, and you will be socialising with a supportive group boulderers who are always happy to introduce complete beginners to the sport or solve difficult bouldering problems together. This event is for members of all levels of experience and all are welcome to come along to any of the sessions. Bouldering is unique. There are few sports out there that offer a mental and physical challenge no matter what skill level you are at. Each route consists of several holds that the climber uses, focusing on problem-solving and technical movements to help them reach the top. No two routes are ever the same, and the colour-coded system indicates the difficulty level, so there's a climb for everyone to enjoy! If you have never tried bouldering before, please ensure that you have gone through the centre's safety and induction video beforehand (https://londonclimbingcentres.co.uk/pre-register/) as you will be required to answer a few safety questions when registering at the centre.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-plumbing-duplicate/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-plumbing-duplicate/) ⋆⋆⋆ Learn how to tackle some basic plumbing tasks around the home in this practical, hands-on workshop. During this one-day weekend workshop, our experienced tutor will walk you through some ‘dry’ exercises to top up your skills in the ‘wet arts’ of your home. Plumbing = Water in and water out. There will be plenty of time to learn how to isolate the water supply, fix a leaky tap, rescue something from a U bend and unclog a blocked sink. All the basic essentials that you need to be able to do yourself without the expense of calling someone in. Learn the principles of replacing a tap, if the replacement washer didn’t do the trick, or if you are just a fashionista that wants the latest design. Get the know-how of how to fit a washing machine and a dishwasher to the ‘loo’, where you will learn how to replace any non-working part in your cistern. Warm up your knowledge of your heating system – how it works and how and when to bleed a radiator or adjust the pressure on your boiler. You will also practice how to remove and replace silicone sealant around the bath and shower. So you can go home and give your bathroom a mini-makeover, without spending a fortune. All of our courses take place in a safe environment. There is no use of blow torch or welding equipment and no running water systems. Every exercise is done on dry disconnected examples but with enough detail to add confidence to any learner. This course is created to add to any homeowner’s proficiency and sense of self-sufficiency. It will also benefit housing landlords who want to take on minor repairs in their properties. Leave with the confidence to tackle some basic plumbing jobs around the house and gain some independence. All personal protection, tools and materials are included. Beginners welcome.

**CLH Humanist Science Fiction Group: Astronomy Photography Exhibition** **Sunday 3rd May 2026 - 10:45am to 12.45pm GMT** Hello fellow Humanist Sci-Fi fans! We will be meeting up in **Greenwich** at the **National Maritime Museum** to go and look at the Astronomy Photography Exhibition at **11am**. We can then grab a drink and / or snack in the Museum's cafe or a local pub / cafe and discuss Sci-Fi and Astronomy. We've deliberately gone for 3rd May as it is the nearest weekend date to May the 4th - Star Wars Day! Looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of you so we can continue to boldly do lots together! **Have Your Say** * As always, if you have anything you would like to share or discuss let us know too by posting in the CLH sci-fi WhatsApp group or leaving a message on this page. * As usual, we will also be keen to hear all suggestions for ideas that would be interesting to cover and future events to add to the calendar both online and in person. * Looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of you so we can boldly do lots together! ……………… **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed at events do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large. ……………… Central London Humanists is a volunteer-run community group. We aim to provide a safe space for the humanist community in London to come together for fellowship, learning and fun. We receive no financial support and are entirely funded by donations from our membership and event attendees. ……………… **Stay Connected with Central London Humanists** * Subscribe to our **[mailing List](https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup)** * For more events **[follow us on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Humanists/)** * Chat with fellow members in our **[WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/ChBmK8gZWQKB8jdthwAJ2h)** * Follow us on **[Twitter](https://twitter.com/londonhumanists/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonhumanists/) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centrallondonhumanists) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/LondonHumanistGroup)** * Listen to the **[Humanism Now Podcast](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246305/share)** For any questions email us at [info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk](http://mailto:info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/)

# ECSTATIC RAVE with Ecstatic Dance London No booze, No Shoes, No Chit Chat, Move However You Wish!! Please note: an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place, please book via eventbrite, thank you x **For booking and more info:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/120615336719](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/120615336719?aff=oddtdtcreator) ### If you would like to receive 15% discounted tickets, please sign up to our mailing list! **Mailing list sign up:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) **Saturday night ecstatic dance with awesome sound system, mesmerising visuals, raw vegan cacao, positive intention setting ceremony 7PM-9:45PM & complimentary fruit social 9:45PM-10:15PM** Best Saturday night out and no hangover! The Sober ReLOVEution! We are super excited to be offering Ecstatic Dances with Live Percussion & Cacao Ceremonies on Saturday nights! ***Ecstatic Dance London - Pioneers of Ecstatic Dance in the UK since 2009*** You are invited to join us for these freestyle, expressive dance & moving meditation sessions. An Evening of Ecstatic Dance with No Alcohol, No Drugs - Just Music, Amazing Rhythms and Cacao! This is a unique sober Saturday night dance in London! ### **WHAT TO EXPECT:** \- Next\-level\, conscious\, inspiring and diverse dance music journey with live percussion\! \- A unique conscious clubbing experience\! \- A beautiful\, sacred\, heartfelt\, fun & safe space for you to dance freely in\. \- Yummy\, velvety tasting raw vegan cacao drink and intention setting ritual\. \- Superb sound system\! \- Vibrant people who love to dance and love music\! \- Optional fruit social to nourish you after the dance\. Best Saturday night out and no hangover! No prior experience of dance necessary. All welcome. We also offer limited free crew space, scroll down to find more info and crew sign up form. ### 💜 **ALL UPCOMING WELLBEING EVENTS, MAILING LIST & CREWING.** **Website: [https://ecstaticdancelondon.com/events/](https://ecstaticdancelondon.com/events/)** **Linktree:** [https://linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon](https://linktr.ee/ecstaticdancelondon) **Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london) **💛FREE CREW SPACES:** We'd be very happy to hear from you if you'd like to help us in exchange for a free ticket! Requirement - you need to have attended at least two indoor events before you can join the crew. [Please complete the sign up form ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs "https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs")and we'll be in touch: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs/edit](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S2I2tnQA0YOv_RmSbRYcLHW8fEUkTmUtQibWk8XX6zs/edit) **If you have any questions, please send us an email to: [info@ecstaticdancelondon.com](mailto:info@ecstaticdancelondon.com "mailto:info@ecstaticdancelondon.com")**

Join me for a small, mindful photography walk in nature. (**NOTE Time is 9:00 AM EST(Meetup is having technical Issue))** This is a slow, intentional gathering — not focused on fitness or perfect photography — but on simply pausing, observing, and being present. We’ll walk at a gentle pace, with moments of quiet, and a few light prompts to help you notice details you might normally miss. 📷 You don’t need any photography experience — a phone camera is enough. This is also not a business networking event. It’s a calm space to connect with nature and, if it feels natural, with like-minded people. 🌿 What to expect: • A slow-paced, relaxed walk • Moments of silence and observation • Simple reflection prompts 📍 Location: [ Red Trabue Nature Preserve] ⏱ Duration: \~60 minutes This is a small, initial gathering as I begin creating this space through WellGratiVibes — a blend of mindfulness, nature, and quiet connection. If this resonates with you, you’re welcome to join.

It's official, submissions for "Resistance, Resilience, Utopia" are are on their way from being independent pieces to becoming the second volume of gINKgo. This year we are going to have a launch party at Birdie Books on May 15th from 6-8pm open to the whole community! Come on over and help us support the creators with food, drinks, art, writing, open mic, music, community activities and more.

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. **New to electronics or curious about tinkering?** You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building. While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

Annual plant sale to support the Inniswood Volunteers Inc., giving back to the gardens. Offering mostly perennials, herbs and a few shrubs. Day 1: Saturday May 2, 2026 8am-4pm Day 2: Sunday May 3, 2026: 11a-3pm rain or shine. Bring a wagon if you have one!

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

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