Haitian Culture

OUR LONG AWAITED IN-PERSON SPRACHTREFF IS BACK!!! REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/SaKf2xbhsp2qAWg39 Join us for a fun and dynamic evening of language and culture exchange at Sprachtreff Meetup Group! Whether you are new in town, an expat, or just looking to improve your communication skills, this event is perfect for all language enthusiasts. Practice English or German, meet international friends, and immerse yourself in German culture while dining out in Berlin. Our Language & Culture Exchange Night promises engaging conversations, networking opportunities, and a chance to learn and grow together. Don't miss out on this fantastic way to sharpen your language skills and expand your cultural horizons. We meet at **[Seydelstraße 37, 10117 Berlin](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47a851d80703190b:0x386e7260232752db?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) at 7pm.** Please register via our online form so that we can book a table accordingly. https://forms.gle/SaKf2xbhsp2qAWg39 The meetup is free, but ***the restaurant expects every participant to consume & pay for at least one drink***. Join our Whatsapp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CLKV4NuQsSw2q3xFUVeoDz See you all there!

**Kurdish Dance - Queer Bridges** with ***Yada Barzan*** for **LGBTQIA+ Queer Migrants** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/queer-bridges-monday/w20-2026)** 🔵 Rooted in ancient traditions, Kurdish dance is a collective practice where dancers connect, support, and move as one. Present in joy, grief, and struggle, it carries cultural memory and layered meaning; embodying identity, history, and resistance. **Queer Bridges: Forging connections and providing resources for LGBTQIA+ people with experiences of migration and/or displacement.** Queer people with experiences of migration and/or displacement in Berlin often face unique challenges in their daily lives that can limit their access to supportive communities and inclusive environments. With the support of the **Deutsche Fernsehlotterie Stiftung**, we have developed the Queer Bridges program to overcome these barriers. We provide resources, networking and support in a welcoming environment for queer immigrants and refugees through our special program. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging to the local LGBTQIA+ community, enabling smooth integration and an improved quality of life for queer folks with experiences of migration and/or displacement. ✅ Our **Queer Bridges** program will continue to evolve and we are always happy to hear about your needs. If you are interested, you can send us an e-mail to stay informed about further updates. **General Information** **Participants**: This workshop is for all who identify as LGBTQ+ and have experienced migration and/or displacement. If you don’t share these experiences but are interested in joining please reach out to us first to see if space is available. We ask that all participants respect the program’s core focus and contribute to fostering an open respectful space. **Registration**: This event has limited spots available. Registration through our website is therefore required. **Language**: English **Cost:** The event is free of charge. 🔵 **Kurdischer Tanz- Queer Bridges** mit ***Yada Barzan*** fur **LGBTQIA+ Queere Migranten** ##### Kostenlos mit[ ](https://wearevillage.org/shop/queer-bridges-monday/w19-2026/)[Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/queer-bridges-monday/w20-2026/) Verwurzelt in alten Traditionen ist kurdischer Tanz eine kollektive Praxis des Verbindens und gemeinsamen Bewegens. Er begleitet Freude, Trauer und Widerstand und trägt kulturelles Gedächtnis; ein Ausdruck von Identität, Geschichte und gelebtem Widerstand. **Queer Bridges: Verbindungen schaffen und Ressourcen für LGBTQIA+ Menschen mit Migrationserfahrung bereitstellen.** Queere Menschen mit Migrationserfahrung in Berlin sehen sich in ihrem täglichen Leben oft mit besonderen Herausforderungen konfrontiert, die ihren Zugang zu unterstützenden Gemeinschaften und integrativen Umgebungen einschränken können. Mit Unterstützung der **Deutschen Fernsehlotterie Stiftung**, haben wir das Programm Queer Bridges entwickelt, um diese Hürden zu überwinden. Wir bieten Ressourcen, Vernetzung und Unterstützung in einem einladenden Umfeld für queere Migrant\*innen und Geflüchtete durch unser spezielles Programm. Unser Ziel ist es, ein Gefühl der Zugehörigkeit zur lokalen LGBTQIA+ Community zu fördern und damit eine reibungslose Integration sowie eine verbesserte Lebensqualität für queere Menschen mit Migrations- und/oder Fluchterfahrung zu ermöglichen. ✅ Unser **Queer Bridges** Programm wird sich stetig weiter entwickeln und wir freuen uns auch jederzeit von Euren Bedarfen zu hören. Bei Interesse könnt ihr uns eine E-Mail schicken, um über weitere Aktualisierungen informiert zu bleiben. **Hinweise** **Teilnehmende**: Dieser Workshop richtet sich an alle, die sich als LGBTQIA+ identifizieren und Migrations- und/oder Fluchterfahrung erlebt haben. Wenn ihr diese Erfahrungen nicht teilt, aber dennoch an einer Teilnahme interessiert seid, meldet euch bitte zuerst bei uns, um zu klären, ob ein Platz frei ist. Wir bitten alle Teilnehmenden, den Schwerpunkt des Programms zu respektieren und dazu beizutragen, einen offenen, respektvollen Raum zu schaffen. **Anmeldung**: Für dieses Event stehen begrenzte Plätze zur Verfügung. Eine Registrierung über unsere Website ist daher erforderlich. **Sprache**: Englisch **Kosten**: Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.

**Touch and Move: Improvising Contact, creating Community** with ***Jochen Kleres and/or Zahiro Ji*** for **GBTQ men\*** **[BOOK A TICKET!](https://wearevillage.org/shop/touch-and-move/w20-2026)** **Member: 10 €** **Non Member: 15 €** This is a class for GBTQ men\* with all levels of experience, from total newbies to advanced. We meet and begin by checking in with each other, followed by a guided exploration moving from somatic practice to contact dance improvisation. This all culminates in opening the space for the free flow of dancing and explorations in duos, trios and as a group. Bodywork will help us to warm down at the end and integrate what we experienced. Dance is our way to create a space for exploration: what happens when queer men’s bodies meet and get in touch without any expectations and intentions? In Contact Improvisation, touch is the source of finding dance movements. It helps you to be open to the here and now, to surprises, to letting go of performing roles, meeting expectations, and following scripts. Any movement can be part of this dance, no matter how simple – we literally move any way we feel. This creates a conversation without words, simply through our moving bodies. Feeling ourselves by sensing others can create nourishing bonds of community as much as it liberates us. We emphasise consensus, respect, diversity of people and energies, listening, and a non-judgmental space. **General Information** • Wear comfortable clothes. • We’ll speak English and/or German, depending on the needs of the group. • This event is one of two free events included each month in the membership programme. 🔵 Dies ist ein Kurs für GBTQ Männer\* mit allen Erfahrungsstufen, von absoluten Neulingen bis zu Fortgeschrittenen. Wir treffen uns und beginnen mit einem gegenseitigen Kennenlernen, gefolgt von einer angeleiteten Erkundung, die von somatischer Praxis zu Kontakttanzimprovisationen führt. Von hier aus öffnen wir den Raum für den freien Fluss des Tanzes und der Erkundungen in Duos, Trios und als Gruppe. Mit Hilfe von Bodywork wärmen wir uns zum Schluss auf und integrieren das Erlebte. Tanz ist unsere Art, einen Raum für Erkundungen zu schaffen: Was passiert, wenn sich die Körper queerer Männer treffen und ohne Erwartungen und Absichten in Berührung kommen? In der Contact Improvisation ist die Berührung der Ursprung, um Tanzbewegungen zu entdecken. Sie hilft dir, offen zu sein für das Hier und Jetzt, für Überraschungen, für das Loslassen von Rollen, Erwartungen und Vorschriften. Jede Bewegung kann Teil dieses Tanzes sein, egal wie einfach – wir bewegen uns so, wie wir uns tatsächlich fühlen. So entsteht eine Konversation ohne Worte, einfach durch unsere bewegten Körper. Uns selbst zu spüren, indem wir andere spüren, kann ein ebenso wertvolles Gemeinschaftsgefühl, wie ein Gefühl von Befreiung schaffen. Wir legen Wert auf Konsens, Respekt, die Vielfalt der Menschen und Energien, das Zuhören und einen urteilsfreien Raum. **Hinweise** • Trage bequeme Kleidungen • Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe werden wir Deutsch und/oder Englisch sprechen. • Diese Veranstaltung zählt zu den zwei kostenfreien Veranstaltungen pro Monat für Mitglieder.

Berlin City Walk - [urbanjoy.de/walk](https://urbanjoy.de/walk) \>\>\> CONFIRMATION OF PARTICIPATION Participation **ONLY** after prior message to yes@urbanjoy.de or t.me/joejung After our wonderful city walk experiences in the past, we're treating ourselves to another round. From Paul-Lincke-Ufer 40, meeting point urbanjoy.de/walk we walk through Xberg-Neukölln in Berlins inner city and back. We leave on time. German style! You also have the opportunity to participiate the special variation "Blind Walk Moments" - It's a 3 people playful experience where 2 people guide and steer 1 person in between them that has their eyes closed. Imagine having an adventurous conversation amongst 3 people in are dark but protected state. Try it out, if you dare. We look forward to a wonderful time in Berlin's urban landscape with old and new friends. Come solo, in duos, trios or in large numbers and let's enjoy the fresh Berlin air. The event is free of charge. Donations to support the organization are welcome here > [Donations](https://paypal.me/unitydomeberlin) Best wishes, Your Berlin City Walks Team Any questions?! yes@urbanjoy.de t.me/joejung \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ english above \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ deutsche Bescheibung \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ \~ **Berliner StadtSpaziergang** \>\>\> NUR MIT TEILNAHMEBESTÄTIGUNG Teilnahme nur nach vorheriger Nachricht an yes@urbanjoy.de oder t.me/joejung Nach unseren wundervollen Spaziergängen der Vergangenheit gönnen wir uns einen weiteren City Walk Vom Paul-Lincke-Ufer 40, direkt am Landwehrkanal startrn wir unseren KiezSpaziergang durch Kreuz-Kölln (Kreuzberg & Neukölln) und kehren am Ende des Spaziergangs auch hierhin zurück! Wir starten pünktlich - typisch deutsch ;) Mehr/regelmäßige Infos findest Du auch hier: [urbanjoy.de/walk](https://urbanjoy.de/walk) oder in unserem Newsletter [urbanjoy.de](https://www.urbanjoy.de/) Klick die Links für weiteren Optionen. Es gibt auch dieses Mal wieder die Möglichkeit die besondere "Blind Walk" Variante auszuprobieren = 3 Menschen spazieren gemeinsam mit viel Raum für Gespräche und Austausch. 1 Person in der Mitte wird geführt und kann bei vollem Vertrauen, die Augen schließen. Die beiden äußeren Personen führen und geleiten die innere mit Achtsamkeit und Feingefühl und übernehmen während dieser Zeit die Verantwortung für die Sicherheit des blinden Spazierenden. Wir freuen uns auf eine schöne gemeinsame Runde in der Berliner Stadtlandschaft mit alten und neuen Freunden. Kommt solo oder zu mehrt und lasst uns die frische Berliner Luft genießen. Der Event ist kostenfrei. Spenden, um die Orga zu unterstützen sind herzlich willkommen > [Spende/t bitte hier](https://paypal-me/unitydomeberlin) Liebe Grüße Euer Berlin City Walks Team Noch Fragen?! Schreib einfach eine Nachricht hier: yes@urbanjoy.de t.me/joejung

🕢 Doors open at 18:30 and sessions start at 19:00. Freestyle vocal workout at and play session. €8-20 😌 Flow is a state of being… an experience when you allow yourself to be 100% fully engaged in the present moment in a feedback loop between clarity and satisfaction. It is an undeniable sensation where things seem to be more effortless, pleasurable, in sync, and you can easily sense a connection with something greater than yourself; this is what we will create…: • a connected and mindful meditation where it is possible to blissfully surf the cutting edge of the present moment together… • a game where it’s possible to feel excited and calm in the same moment, and everyone can win as much as they like… Scott Bolden, founder of Das Baumhaus Berlin will share some very easy, practical and effective methods developed during the last 12 years of facilitating the “Improvisational Groove Orchestra” (I.G.O.) improv vocal jam sessions. Within 20 minutes participants learn to use the common sound space to create resonance in the form of improvisational music where it is quite common to experience some real flow moments… It is very easy to participate, no musical talent or training is required so anyone is welcome to join. All of the session is done with eyes closed to avoid visual distractions and keep focus on the co-created sound space. During these sessions we will also have short breaks for feedback and refreshment. Important – Please be on time. It is very important to understand the methodology and warm up in the group before joining in! 🎤 @21:00 - Freestyle vocal workshop and practice session. €8-15 Have you ever wanted to learn how to do freestyle vocalizations? Maybe you are on your way and would like to just have a fun workout session with other vocal freestyle enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Links to sound samples - https://www.baumhausberlin.de/events/flow-a-guided-vocal-sound-bath-meditation/

## **DNA. presents "ARTISTS MEET UP & JAM SESSION"** ##### **‍**\- a Free & Creative Space for Artists of all kinds to Connect\, Share & Grow\. Together\. ‍ In this space, it's all about community, creativity & collaboration. Whether You're a storyteller, musician, poet, dancer, or visual artist, this space welcomes every form of expression. ‍ > Every respectful person is invited to join. ‍ We talk, we drink, we laugh, we get to know each other & we share our Stories. ‍ \*\*WHEN:\*\*‍ Every Monday 7 - 11 pm ‍ **LINE UP:** DOORS & MEET UP: 7 pm MEET & GREET: 7 - 8 pm JAM SESSION: 8 - 11 pm ATELIER FLOOR (HOUSE MUSIC): 9 - 11 pm + ‍ **SET UP:** for the Jam Session... there is a full band set up available ‍ **WHERE:** [DNA. ART HOUSE](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4XrC8gTPtdDGb3oB6) Wrangelstraße 25 10997 Berlin ‍ ##### **TICKETS:** Box Office: Free for DNA. Members\* / 5e regular (Daily Membership\*\*) **+ FREE ENTRY & FREE DRINK** for Every Artist joining the Jam Session ‍ **SIGN UP:** No signup needed – just come over & be part of our Creative Community. For more info see: [www.dna-artclub.com](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://www.dna-artclub.com%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1726165890491369%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0tJ9La9WXHWzLDW3XsmuEZ&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1726165890529967&usg=AOvVaw2auoUIdwYdu4PnO3_kfvNh) / follow us on IG: [@nightart.club](https://www.instagram.com/nightart.club) :) ...for more info check out www.dna-artclub.com / follow us on IG: @nightart.club See You soon :) Love. DNA. ______ \*Members of Dair Night Art e.V. and Subscribers of DNA. Art GbR. \*\*By entering the DNA. ART HOUSE, You agree to comply with the Hausordnung of Dair Night Art e.V. and Geschäftsordnung of Dair Night Art e.V. Please ensure You review these documents thoroughly in advance.

\*This is a free event, but please [donate through Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/read-editing-monthly-writers-meetup-tickets-1981513291596?aff=oddtdtcreator) to support our collective if you are able! Please join us on the 2nd Monday of every month for this event, built for all of your “in between works“ by the [Read Wedding](https://www.instagram.com/readwedding/) collective. Most events for writers are focused around ***creation or performance***. Much comes between this, yet we do not always hold each other through that phase. It is perhaps expected that all of those self-questioning, unsure, multi-path moments between lightbulb idea and snap-inducing performances are to be personal and private -- but they do not always have to be. We therefore offer you a space for everything unfinished. Needing bouncing around. Ready for a test run. We will meet in a more traditional meetup format than our open mic -- without any set format of facilitation. We will determine the approach to each session based on who's arrived and what their goals are. You may expect some combination of solitary writing time, sharing and feedback, and guided exercises. We'd love for you to show up however you are, and with some writing materials (including your phone, if you prefer). However you arrive, so long as you are feeling curious and open, we will have something for you and your work. See you there! Brooks, Bubamarrë, Maggie & Johanna Re(a)d VVedding Kollektiv \-\-\- **NOTE: Excluding select, small workshops, Read Wedding has hosted entirely free events since we started. If you have the means and would like to support us, it goes a long way. Please consider [donating through Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/read-editing-monthly-writers-meetup-tickets-1981513291596?aff=oddtdtcreator).**

EN Special Screening: "Haytarma" & Q&A with Director Akhtem Seitablaiev Join us for a unique screening of "Haytarma", a powerful story about the 1944 Genocide of Crimean Tatars. For the first time on a large screen in Berlin! When: May 16 • 13:30 – Doors open & Art performance by Ayder Khatip. • 14:30 – Film screening: "Haytarma" (Original version with English subtitles). • Afterwards – In-person Q&A with director and lead actor Akhtem Seitablaiev. Where: CineMotion Berlin, Wartenberger Str. 174, 13053 Berlin Languages: Event held in English, German and Ukrainian. Tickets: https://berlin.cinemotion-kino.de/ukrajina-cinema/ DE Sonderaufführung: "Haytarma" & Q&A mit Regisseur Akhtem Seitablaiev Erleben Sie den preisgekrönten Film erstmals in Berlin auf der großen Leinwand. Eine Geschichte über Mut und das Schicksal des Völkermords a den Krimtataren 1944. Wann: 16. Mai • 13:30 Uhr – Einlass & Kunst-Performance von Ayder Khatip. • 14:30 Uhr – Filmvorführung: „Haytarma“ (Original mit englischen Untertiteln). • Anschließend – Persönliches Gespräch mit dem Regisseur Akhtem Seitablaiev. Wo: CineMotion Berlin, Wartenberger Str. 174, 13053 Berlin Sprachen: Moderation auf Deutsch und Ukrainisch. Tickets: https://berlin.cinemotion-kino.de/ukrajina-cinema/ UA Показ фільму «Хайтарма» та зустріч із Ахтемом Сеітаблаєвим Вперше на великому екрані в Берліні! Знакова подія, присвячена трагічному геноциду кримських татар 1944 року. • Коли: 16 травня • 13:30 – Вхід та художній перформанс Айдера Хатіпа. • 14:30 – Показ фільму «Хайтарма» (мовою оригіналу з англійськими субтитрами). • Після фільму – Особиста зустріч та спілкування з режисером Ахтемом Сеітаблаєвим. Де: CineMotion Berlin, Wartenberger Str. 174, 13053 Berlin Мови: Подія — UA/DE, фільм — з англійськими субтитрами. Квитки: https://berlin.cinemotion-kino.de/ukrajina-cinema/

Bienvenue :) Rejoignez-nous si vous parlez français couramment et aimez rencontrer des gens francophones pour bavarder. A bientôt!

Salut à tous et à toutes ! **Les objectifs des rencontres "Speak French" sont :** \- parler français \!\, \- rencontrer de nouvelles personnes\. **Le principe :** \- conversation libre sur des sujets d'actualités\, culturels\, la vie de tous les jours\,… \- je vous corrige de temps en temps\, sans interrompre la conversation\. \- la conversation est fluide\. Chacun\.e intervient quand il / elle le veut\. \- groupe de 8 personnes maximum ou 2 personnes minimum \(\+ moi\)\. ☝️ATTENTION !! **Vous devez avoir au moins un niveau B2 pour participer, c'est à dire être capable d'avoir une conversation assez fluide.** Si vous faites des erreurs peu importe, l'important c'est que vous ayez suffisamment de vocabulaire pour **être capable d'exprimer vos idées sans hésiter**. À bientôt ! Clémence 🕊 **[parlezvsfr.com](https://parlezvsfr.com/)Mar**

Ciao a tutti! For our event we would like to meet you at 17:00 and have a beer all together, or other drinks. The goal of our first meeting is to get to know eachother and practice Italian and German. Please don’t be afraid that your language skills might not be sufficiently good or that you are a beginner. We understand that learning languages is a difficult and long journey. We don’t tolerate discrimination. We don't tolerate any aggressive or weird attitude. This has to be a Place of Comfort zone for everyone :) Please be respectful and kind with the others! PS: you can find us on the pool table area usually, if not just ask to the bar area for the reservation on the name "Claudio" A presto, bis bald Claudio Ich hoffe dass wir bald uns sehen!

**Coût de l’événement : € 0,50** On se rencontre mardi prochain pour discuter en français dans une ambiance amicale chez le café / resto Spreegold en Prenzlauer Berg, ou on a réservé une table (il faut demander du French Meetup). Le restaurant n'accepte pas les paiements en espèces. Merci et à bientôt! PS: Le coût de **€ 0,50** s'explique par le fait que par le passé, certains participants ont oublié de payer leurs consommations, laissant l'addition aux autres.

Hello fellow Symfonians, we are thrilled to announce the next user group meeting of the year, featuring two insightful talks that you **won't want to miss**! This time we are hosted by Turbine Kreuzberg (Prinzessinnenstr. 19/20 10969 Berlin). Come by and enjoy an evening of learning, networking, and socializing with fellow Symfony and PHP developers. **Agenda:** 18:30: Doors open 19:00: Welcome and Introduction 19:20: **Talk: "Nothing Shared, Everything Gained" by Kore Nordmann** 20:10: Snack & Socializing **Talk Details: "Nothing Shared, Everything Gained" by Kore Nordmann** A team shipped nothing for six months. Controllers with 2000-line methods, static calls everywhere, developers afraid to touch the code. It took 25 days to fix. The pattern repeated across 100+ teams over seven years of consulting: side effects were always the root cause. The solution: Data Objects carry state, stateless Services contain logic, Gateways push side effects to the edges. At Frontastic, these patterns survived 8 years, multiple pivots, 70 engineers, and 25x Black Friday traffic — without a single rewrite. [https://codethatships.com/](https://codethatships.com/) Don't miss these insightful talks, engaging discussions, and networking opportunities. We can't wait to see you at the **May Symfony User Group**!" If you have any questions or accessibility requirements, please reach out to us. Also, if your company wants to be the next host for the User Group, just let us know!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

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

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (Tremont Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of inspiration, energy, and soul-stirring performance with international speakers and artists Armand and Angelina. This is more than an event—it’s a live concert-style experience of music, message, and mirth that will uplift your spirit and move your heart. From the moment the evening begins, you’ll be immersed in a powerful atmosphere of love, laughter, and transformational sound. Featuring the angelic, heart-opening voice of Angelina—singing across multiple languages—and the dynamic presence of Armand, whose inspiring talks, original compositions, and powerful vocals ignite a passion for life, this is a performance you don’t want to miss. Come out and feel the energy, connect with the message, and experience a night that celebrates love, transformation, and the power of music to move us all. $20 Suggested Love Offering (None shall be turned away) **Bonus Morning Experience** Native Flute Playshop with A & A Thursday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. Come back in the morning for a deeper, hands-on musical experience.

Come join our welcoming, low-pressure environment where you can practice performing, build confidence, stay motivated, and connect with others who play piano. Each session is intentionally structured and hosted to ensure everyone has time to play (if they choose), feel supported, socialize, and enjoy the experience. It’s not a class, but a thoughtfully guided space to help you stay consistent and make meaningful progress. **Details:** * Gatherings take place in a private home setting in the Northwest Columbus area (location to be shared after RSVPing) * Small group (max 7–8 participants) to keep the sessions personal and ensure everyone has time to play * Light snacks and refreshments provided * Small fee to support hosting and keep the group high quality and motivated

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.