Haitian Culture

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

Hey fellow Dragons! ++++++++ Interested in Chinese/German? ++++++++ Learning Chinese/German and need to practice or find language-tandem partners? Interested in cultural exchange? Want to meet awesome internationals? …Or just want to get tips on where to find good Chinese food in Berlin? Whatever the reason, come join us! The more the merrier: such is the Chinese way! ++++++++++++++++ New Website ++++++++++++++++ We have our own community website now. It's hosted in Germany with better privacy guidelines and allows us to have more features than we currently have here. https://www.dragon-descendants.de/ Please think about registering there too and if you are awesome, use the RSVP function there too. In the long run we do plan to migrate permanently to the new site. ++++++++++++++++ Our meetup structure ++++++++++++++++ Our meetup is relatively unstructured. Groups often form organically and evolve and move throughout the evening consisting of members learning Chinese/German, members who are fluent/native, and the rest who are here to socialize in whatever language they're comfortable with and jumping into whichever conversation they find themselves in. We try our best to fulfil everyone's expectations so we can all benefit from the meetup and have a good time; if you have any suggestions or ideas (such as outings!) please don't hesitate to let us know! :) +++ No time on Thursday's? +++ We meet every second Thursday, but we sometimes have other events, which are not regular and occur on different days/at different locations. Stay tuned for announcements! Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones :) Cheers & 回头见 Yimu & Xuedi

Everything in the universe vibrates: from the whisper of a leaf to the pulse of the stars. Sound is the primordial heartbeat of creation, and music, its universal language. For humans, singing is not just a creative expression; it is a path to transcendence, a bridge between the mundane and the divine. The Voice, our most intimate and sacred instrument, resonates with ancestral echoes. Since time immemorial, it has been used in healing rituals, as a channel for spiritual connection, and a key to higher states of consciousness. When we sing with sacred intention, breath, mind, and heart merge into a harmonious flow that transports us to deep peace and a precious state of contemplation. Sacred singing opens an inner space of living silence, where vibration becomes a healing dance that harmonises our being. Schedule (draft) 6 pm Doors open. 6:15 Start. Doors close. Satsang. 6:40 Brief pause, doors open briefly. 6:45 **Singing together** 7:30 Pause. 7:35 **Singing together** 8:40 Sharing food & connection. Rearranging the room. 9 pm End Times within the event are approximate. **DONATION** Standard at 20€ (both: 30€) Supporter 25-50€ / Supported 5-15€ or write to [yaya.yala.amor@gmail.com](mailto:yaya.yala.amor@gmail.com) Looking forward to seeing you there! :)

Thursday Game Night in Friedrichshain at RuDi´s. The biggest, oldest and longest running Berlin Board gaming weekly meetup. Please join us for an evening of gaming. Everyone is welcome and everyone can find a table for themselves. There is plenty of tables for core gamers, and as many tables with welcoming games. And also tables with party games and social deduction. *** **🎲 Games & Food 🍪** We'll have around 50ish games ([Check out our collection!](https://boardgamegeek.com/collection/user/RuDi_Library?objecttype=thing&ff=1&subtype=boardgame&own=1)), but please feel free to bring your favorite games with you. We have some snacks and beverages, but you can also bring your own food & drinks. **💰 Entrance is 2 € 💰** Please pay the entrance fee in the kitchen on the ground floor. You can pay when you arrive or before you leave, but don't forget! **📍 How to get there 📍** We're located right between S/U-Bahn station Warschauer Straße and S-Bahn station Ostkreuz. Consult [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xQn6hnKu3Tpy9gG48) or [Open Street Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/directions?from=&to=52.502457%2C13.457166) to find the exact way from your place to the meetup. If you get lost, call us (see "how to contact us?" in this event description below). **👥 Discord server 👥** Try our Berlin Board Gamers Discord server to chat and find other players. You can use it to prearrange games for the Thursday meetup, find players for gaming sessions you want to host at home on other days, and even buy and sell used board games. Join us now: [https://discord.gg/6Wsncta](https://discord.gg/6Wsncta) **🤗 How should I behave? 🌈** We value diversity, inclusion, and respect in our community. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable at our events, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other aspect of their identity. To ensure a positive and safe environment for everyone, we ask all participants to **follow our [Code of Conduct](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pn_TLJyPx4HDjrQPbwjQkoF7EbLmqVNRY2CT_zq2qEk/edit?usp=sharing)**. **❓ FAQ ❓** "Is it a problem if I only speak English?" * No problem, all games are played in English. "Is it okay if I come later?" * Sure, you might have to wait a little until a new game is started though. "It's my first time and I'm unsure what to do / everyone seems to be playing already..." * Seek us out (ask somebody to help you find an organizer or ask by name for Andi, Hannes, Elli, Angelika, Sanja, Malte, Aaron, or Will and we'll give you a little introductory tour. :) "Is it okay if i bring my dog?" * No, the community center won't allow it. "I'm using a wheelchair. Can I attend the meetup?" * Yes! The venue has a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a wheelchair lift in the back of the building. It would be great if you could contact us beforehand, so we can make sure that the lift will be operational on the specific day. "Can I donate a game to the meetup?" * It depends. We have limited storage space and can only accept donations of popular games that will be played often. Please contact us for more details. **📞 How to contact us? ✉️** * In case of an **emergency** or a time-sensitive question (e.g. you got lost on your way to the meetup), call: 0179 9309 418 * For all other matters, write in the #rudi-friedrichshain channel on our Discord server (you'll find a join link in this event description) or leave a comment here on meetup.com * For sensitive matters, write a DM to Angelika Cathor on Discord or here on meetup.com

**Playfight Queerfight** with **Lovedragon** for **GBTQ men\*** **[Book a Ticket](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/playfight-ritual/w24-2026)** **Member: 15 €** **Non Member: 25 €** Das Playfight-Ritual bietet einen sicheren Raum für queere Menschen, um sich in einer Gemeinschaft körperlich zu begegnen. Es findet in Form von Einzelbegegnungen statt, bei denen sich die Kommunikation hauptsächlich auf die Körpersprache und weniger auf den verbalen Ausdruck stützt. Das Ritual kann von einem Tanz mit minimalem Körperkontakt über gemütliches Kuscheln und spielerisches Herumrollen bis hin zu energiegeladenen Kämpfen reichen, bei denen Kraft und Beweglichkeit erprobt werden. Jeder Playfight wird von den beiden beteiligten Personen bestimmt und kann jederzeit beendet werden durch ein Wort oder durch einen Doppelklopfer. Bevor das eigentliche Ritual beginnt, gibt es eine Aufwärmphase und eine Erklärung der Regeln. **Hinweise** Trage bequeme Kleidung, in der du dich frei bewegen kannst. Lange Hosen sind ratsam, um Verletzungen an den Knien zu vermeiden. Auf Schmuck sollte verzichtet werden. **Sprache**: Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe werden wir Deutsch und/oder Englisch sprechen. **Kosten**: Diese Veranstaltung zählt zu den zwei kostenfreien Veranstaltungen pro Monat für Mitglieder. **Member werden**: Als Mitglied unterstützt du nicht nur unser Projekt, sondern du erhältst gleichzeitig monatlich Zugang zu zwei kostenfreien Veranstaltungen. Mehr Infos **[hier](https://wearevillage.org/mitgliedschaft/).** The Playfight Ritual is a gathering that provides a safe space for queer individuals to connect physically within a supportive community. It takes the form of one-on-one encounters, where communication relies mainly on body language rather than verbal expression. The ritual can range from a dance with minimal physical contact to cozy cuddling and playful rolling around, or even energetic fights that explore strength and agility. Each playfight ‘belongs’ to the two individuals engaging in it and can be ended at any time by a word or by double-tapping your partner or the floor. There will be a warm-up phase and an explanation of the rules before the actual ritual starts. **General information** Wear comfortable clothes in which you can move freely. Long trousers are advised to avoid mattress burns on your knees. Jewellery is not recommended. **Language**: We’ll speak English and/or German, depending on the needs of the group. **Cost**: This event is one of two free events included each month in the membership programme. **Become a member**: As a member, you not only support our project, but you also get access to two free events every month. More information here. More information **[here](https://wearevillage.org/en/become-a-member/)**.

🍸 PISCO NIGHTS IN BERGMANNKIEZ 🍸 14 & 15 MAY — Kreuzberg, Berlin -> RedRum Art Bar - Suspiria Bar For two intoxicating nights, the spirit of Chile arrives in the hidden bars and candlelit corners of Bergmannkiez. Join us for a special celebration dedicated to discovering — and rediscovering — Pisco: the legendary South American spirit with a history as rich, mysterious, and seductive as Berlin nightlife itself. Taking place across the atmospheric venues RedRum Art Bar and Suspiria Bar, this two-day event invites cocktail lovers, curious explorers, night creatures, artists, and bon vivants to dive into a world of extraordinary flavors, music, culture, and late-night encounters. Created in collaboration with the Chilean Embassy, the event showcases specially crafted Pisco cocktails inspired by both classic South American traditions and Berlin’s underground cocktail culture. ✨ Expect: * Special signature Pisco cocktails * Reduced cocktail prices throughout the event * Hidden bar atmospheres & immersive interiors * Art, music, mysticism & Kreuzberg nightlife energy * A journey through one of South America’s most iconic spirits At RedRum Art Bar, discover an intimate artistic hideaway known for live music, exhibitions, and creative gatherings. Descend into Suspiria Bar for a darker and cinematic experience — a witchy underground cocktail sanctuary inspired by occult aesthetics, cult cinema, tarot, and Berlin’s nocturnal rituals. Whether you already love Pisco or have never tasted it before, these nights are designed as an invitation to explore something unexpected: herbal, velvety, bright, dangerous, and unforgettable... Come bar-hop through Bergmannkiez. Meet fellow cocktail lovers. Sip rare creations. Lose yourself between candlelight, mirrors, music, and Chilean spirits. 🌙 15 & 16 May 📍 Kreuzberg, Berlin 🍸 Reduced-price Pisco specials all night In collaboration with the Chilean Embassy Dress dramatic if you wish. The night appreciates ceremony.

Offene Bühne ! Jeden 2. donnerstag im Monat. Alle Arten von Darbietungen sind willkommen. Es gibt 2 Mikrofone, eine Sound-Anlage, ein Klavier und verschiedene kleine Percussion-Instrumente. Der Eintritt ist frei, Spenden sind gern gesehen. Auch Getränke gibt es auf Spendenbasis! Wir freuen uns auf euch Künstler und Publikum !

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/

### The Body: Power, Shame, and Freedom The body is one of the most personal and universal aspects of human existence. It is how we experience the world, express identity, form relationships, and navigate society. Yet the body is never purely biological. Across history and cultures, bodies have been shaped by social norms, political systems, religious beliefs, economic structures, and ideas about morality, beauty, gender, and control. The human body is deeply connected to power. Societies regulate bodies through laws, institutions, medicine, fashion, labor, media, and cultural expectations. Certain bodies are privileged, protected, and celebrated, while others are marginalized, disciplined, or excluded. Standards surrounding beauty, health, sexuality, gender, and physical ability influence how people are perceived—and how they perceive themselves. At the same time, the body is closely tied to shame. Shame can emerge from social judgment, religious expectations, family dynamics, cultural ideals, or comparison with others. People may experience shame related to appearance, aging, sexuality, vulnerability, illness, disability, race, gender expression, or bodily imperfection. In this sense, shame is not only personal but also social and political, shaped by broader structures of power and belonging. Yet the body is also a site of freedom, resistance, and self-expression. Throughout history, individuals and movements have challenged norms surrounding bodies, identity, sexuality, dress, and physical autonomy. The struggle for bodily freedom includes questions of consent, self-determination, health, gender equality, reproductive rights, disability rights, and freedom from violence and discrimination. In contemporary society, the body is increasingly shaped by technology, digital culture, and consumer capitalism. Social media intensifies visibility, comparison, and self-presentation, while medical and technological developments transform how bodies are modified, monitored, and understood. New possibilities for self-expression coexist with new pressures surrounding perfection, productivity, and control. Looking ahead, emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, genetic engineering, and virtual reality—may fundamentally reshape how humans experience embodiment, identity, and physical existence. This raises important questions: What does bodily freedom truly mean? How much control should individuals or societies have over bodies? And how can dignity and autonomy be preserved in a world of increasing surveillance, optimization, and technological intervention? This discussion invites a critical exploration of the body as a biological, psychological, social, and political reality—one deeply connected to identity, power, vulnerability, and human freedom. *** 📅 Event Details 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026 ⏰ Time: 14:30 📍 Location: Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 WhatsApp: For prep materials and directions (Group Chat) [Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)

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!

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\, 2 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**. ———————————————— ou réserve une session 1:1 👉 **[Première session Découverte](https://calendly.com/speak-french/free-test-session-first-clone)** À bientôt ! Clémence 🕊

Join us for a curated afternoon walk through some of Berlin’s most exciting gallery spaces in the heart of Mitte — followed by coffee and conversation at a cosy spot nearby. We’ll visit a carefully selected route of 4 galleries, each offering a different perspective on contemporary art. I’ll be there to guide the experience, share context and stories, and make sure we leave with a lot to talk about over coffee. The full gallery route will be shared with everyone on the day when we meet. The café will be announced to all participants one day before the event — a little something to look forward to! ☕ 📋 Agenda 🖼️ Gallery walk through 4 curated spaces in Mitte ☕ Café to finish — share impressions, connect, unwind 📅 Date & Time: Saturday, 16.05 · 12:00 📍 Meeting Point: Sprüth Magers, Oranienburger Str. 18, Berlin Mitte 💶 Participation Fee: 10 EUR 📌 RSVP required — intimate group, spots are limited ✅ Event Info & FAQ 🕐 How long will it last? The full experience runs approximately 3-4 hours including the café. 💶 Payment — How do I pay? Payment is made on the day — cash or PayPal. Please bring 10 EUR. If your plans change, please update your status to “Not Going” so someone on the waiting list can take your spot. 🙏 🥐 Can I join only for the café or only for the galleries? No — it’s one full shared experience. ❗ What if I show up without signing up? Unfortunately a spot can’t be guaranteed. Only confirmed RSVPs are accepted. ✨ The walk is curated and guided by Yuliya, founder of Berlin Ladies Art Culture — a growing community of over 2,000 women passionate about art, culture, and meaningful connection. With a background bridging hospitality, real estate, and creative studies, Yuliya has lived in Ukraine, France, China, and now Berlin — and most recently completed studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. She curates experiences that blend art history, conversation, and exploration — always with the goal of making culture feel alive, shared, and inspiring.

**Luxury & Empowerment: Refining capacities to receive and to give** with ***Jorge De Hoyos*** for **GBTQ+ men\*** **[Book a ticket](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/sensual-touch/w20-2026)** Member: **15€** Non-member: **30€** Ready to rewrite your scripts on intimacy? Join us for an exploration of the delicate dance between giving and receiving. By tuning into your body’s unique signals of “yes” and “no,” you’ll learn to transform old habits into playful new roles. Whether you’re seeking the “luxury vacation” of a perfect touch or the thrill of radical generosity, this workshop offers a safe, consent-based space to expand your capacity for pleasure. What are your patterns in getting what you want? Is it vulnerable to ask for what you truly desire? And if something is requested of you, are you confident to give appropriately and enough? The relational work of cultivating pleasure through consent requires listening to where your body registers expanded channels and resistances & blocks to the flows of intention and energy. Which habits then would you like to transform? What new and fresh roles might you try on? What touch would be a luxury vacation, and how adventurous can you be in your generosity? All capacity levels welcome! \*Nudity and gential touch is possible, but no where near expected or required. 🔵 **Luxus & Empowerment: Die Kunst des Empfangens und Gebens verfeinern** Sensual Touch Lab Series mit ***Jorge de Hoyos*** Bist du bereit, deine Skripte über Intimität neu zu schreiben? Begib dich mit uns auf eine Entdeckungsreise durch den feinen Tanz zwischen Geben und Nehmen. Indem du lernst, auf die ganz eigenen Signale deines Körpers für „Ja“ und „Nein“ zu hören, transformierst du alte Gewohnheiten in spielerische neue Rollen. Egal, ob du den „Luxusurlaub“ einer perfekten Berührung suchst oder den Nervenkitzel radikaler Großzügigkeit – dieser Workshop bietet dir einen sicheren, konsensbasierten Raum, um deine Fähigkeit für Genuss zu erweitern. Welche Muster zeigst du, wenn es darum geht, das zu bekommen, was du willst? Fühlst du dich verletzlich, wenn du nach deinen wahren Wünschen fragst? Und wenn etwas von dir erbeten wird: Hast du das Selbstvertrauen, angemessen und aus vollem Herzen zu geben? Die Beziehungsarbeit, Lust durch Konsens zu kultivieren, erfordert ein tiefes Hineinhören: Wo spürt dein Körper offene Kanäle und wo zeigen sich Widerstände oder Blockaden im Fluss von Absicht und Energie? Welche Gewohnheiten möchtest du transformieren? In welche neuen, frischen Rollen würdest du gerne schlüpfen? Welche Berührung wäre für dich wie ein Luxusurlaub, und wie abenteuerlustig kannst du in deiner Großzügigkeit sein? Alle Erfahrungsstufen sind willkommen! \*Nacktheit und genitale Berührungen sind möglich, werden aber keinesfalls erwartet oder vorausgesetzt.

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.

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 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

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.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * There's a restroom along the route at [Tuttle Park Community Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTZJgLE1CrrbRNmJ7), which is about two‑thirds of the way from [Clinton-Como Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/z8Cx8evwLiWundMe8) to our [turnback point](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXk7qUVszLQ8EJxHA). * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).