Human Rights

International Day of Protest Against Shock Treatment Educational Open House Join us for an educational Open House in observance of the International Day of Protest Against Shock Treatment, an internationally recognized day focused on awareness, ethics, and human rights in mental health care. This event is designed to inform the public about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)—its history, current use, reported risks, and the importance of informed consent, transparency, and patient rights. Through educational displays and guided discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to review documented information and see an excerpt of the documentary, *Therapy or Torture*. The Open House emphasizes the importance of ethical standards in mental health treatment and the need for safeguards that protect individuals from harm, coercion, or misuse of authority. What to expect: Educational exhibits and informational materials Historical and contemporary context on shock treatment Discussion on informed consent and patient rights A respectful, non-political learning environment This event is open to the public and intended for community members, students, professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in human rights and ethical mental health care. Quiet reflection, questions, and thoughtful conversation are welcome.

**Mark your calendar for every third Friday of the month!** Come hang out with fellow freedom-lovers, get the inside scoop on the Liberty Movement in Northern Virginia, and hear what’s brewing with local festivals and upcoming election support. Whether you’ve been part of the cause for years or are just curious about Libertarian ideas, you’re welcome to drop by for food, fun, and lively conversations that keep the spirit of liberty alive!

To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639) – The Majesty of Nairobi – The Beauty of Chyulu Hills – The Wonder of The Mars Tonight, step on foreign soil for a special evening of native authentic Kenyan food, drinks, music, art, diplomats, film, and more! Featuring: A) **Kenyan Food:** Prepared by a native Kenyan chef. B) **Kenyan Beer and other African Beverages:** Sample the best and most unique Kenyan beers as well as other African treasures. C) **Special Kenyan Cultural Presentation:** **D) Diplomatic Greeting:** Hear from the leading Kenyan Diplomats and feel free to schmooze and network with the diplomatic staff, all of whom will be invited to this special evening, and many of whom are expected to attend. **E) Kenyan Art:** Throughout the embassy, the staff has arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen to most Americans’ eyes. They will be on hand to personally discuss the art’s origins and meaning with you. **F) Kenya Cultural Film:** At your leisure, you are invited to watch recurring films showcasing Kenya’s cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals, safari tours, everyday culture and much much more. Note: The *event is presented as a cultural event organized by us at the Embassy of Kenya, Your registration fee is used by Things to do DC solely to present diverse cultural events to our membership. No part of the admission fee is related in any way to the Embassy of Kenya or staff at the Embassy of Kenya. We appreciate your support of our event* ## Suggested Attire Smart Casual. Jeans, shorts or sneakers, or plain/design tee shirts are not acceptable. To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639)

What becomes possible when different generations come together—not just to share perspectives, but to truly collaborate? This meetup invites participants of all ages to explore how intergenerational connection can strengthen communities, spark innovation, and create more sustainable solutions for today’s challenges. Each generation brings unique experiences, insights, and strengths—and when combined, they can become a powerful force for positive change. Through guided discussion and reflection, we’ll explore: * How generational perspectives shape the way we see the world * Where misunderstandings arise—and how to move beyond them * Practical ways to collaborate across age groups in our communities and work Whether you’re early in your journey or bring decades of experience, your voice matters in this conversation. All thoughtful voices are welcome.

The experience of loss is universal. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or the passing of a chapter in our lives, grief naturally arises. Yet we don’t have to remain stuck in sorrow or feel that happiness is beyond our reach. Through Buddha’s timeless wisdom, we can learn to navigate grief with clarity and compassion. These teachings help us heal our hearts, transform our pain into wisdom, and discover a renewed sense of purpose and peace. Join us for this special talk to explore practical methods for working with loss, letting go, and opening to a happier, more meaningful life. Includes a talk, guided meditation, and Q&A. You can register at the door or: [https://meditation-dc.org/event/overcoming-grief-finding-peace-and-meaning-after-loss/](https://meditation-dc.org/event/overcoming-grief-finding-peace-and-meaning-after-loss/) Cost: $12 / $6 Hardship Members Free https://meditation-dc.org/membership/ Event Schedule Friday May 15: 7-8:15pm

**This exciting event is listed on Go Gay DC as a community courtesy by an allied-group and is not run by Go Gay DC; just go and have a blast anyway!** Please join us for our exclusive DC Lesbian Happy Hour (the original home of the color-coded stoplight name tags) at The Ven at Embassy Row Hotel in Dupont Circle! **It looks like the free format is here to stay for the time being!** Please note that while our name is "Lesbian Happy Hours", we welcome all female-identifying women who love women... and our allies. We will likely be at the main lobby bar for this one; I will update if that changes. Address: the Ven at Embassy Row Hotel in Dupont Circle, 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 What to expect: * Community and connection! * Stoplight name tags; red means you are unavailable, yellow means it's complicated, green means you are single... and presumably ready to mingle Valet Parking is available (limited when the hotel is at full occupancy) at about half-price ($16 vs $30 as of the time I'm writing this). Please call the hotel if you are interested in the cost of parking. Street parking is also available and of course the Metro is nearby. 21+ Only. Dress: Casual, jeans, after work wear, dressy. See you then! Melinda

**Creating Communities of Hope (Free Event)** *** In a world often marked by division, uncertainty, and conflict, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless. But what if, instead of despair, we saw these challenges as an invitation to create spiritually vibrant communities where unity, trust, and hope are not just utopian ideals, but actually shape our lived reality? Amidst the chaos around us, the increasing fractures apparent in our society, many of us find ourselves asking: *What can I do to make a difference, to contribute something better?* But the answers so often presented to us don’t seem to be enough. Perhaps what is needed is a new, positive vision of humanity’s future, one centered around and reflecting the spiritual reality of humanity’s oneness – and filled with people working together to bring that vision to fruition. What would this world look like? How can we create communities where every individual feels they have a role to play in the betterment of society? How can we work together to build a society defined not merely by shared geography or common interests, but by a shared commitment to principles such as unity, justice, mutual support, and spiritual growth? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on how we can each contribute to creating communities of hope. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we as individuals and as neighbors can come together to create a more just, compassionate, and spiritually vibrant society where everyone can thrive not just materially, but spiritually as well. **“*...the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony.”* – Bahá’í Teachings** \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

**MLK Library - Room 401F** In a world often marked by division, uncertainty, and conflict, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless. But what if, instead of despair, we saw these challenges as an invitation to create spiritually vibrant communities where unity, trust, and hope are not just utopian ideals, but actually shape our lived reality? Amidst the chaos around us, the increasing fractures apparent in our society, many of us find ourselves asking: What can I do to make a difference, to contribute something better? But the answers so often presented to us don’t seem to be enough. Perhaps what is needed is a new, positive vision of humanity’s future, one centered around and reflecting the spiritual reality of humanity’s oneness – and filled with people working together to bring that vision to fruition. What would this world look like? How can we create communities where every individual feels they have a role to play in the betterment of society? How can we work together to build a society defined not merely by shared geography or common interests, but by a shared commitment to principles such as unity, justice, mutual support, and spiritual growth? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on how we can each contribute to creating communities of hope. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we as individuals and as neighbors can come together to create a more just, compassionate, and spiritually vibrant society where everyone can thrive not just materially, but spiritually as well. *“...the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony.” – Bahá’í Teachings* **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families. Come meet them at [Pet supplies Plus](https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/store/va/sterling/4487-sterling/4487) in Sterling from Noon to 2pm on Saturday, May 17th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the [Humane Society of Loudoun County website](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/)! If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, [complete a no-obligation application today](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/adoption-process/) to expedite the application process.

Washington D.C.’s **Malcolm X Day** began in May 1972 and was held in Anacostia Park for 23 years. it was a prominent community-focused celebration of Malcolm X’s legacy. The day served as a unifying force, rooted in community organizing an focused on the concrete conditions shaping the lives of local residents. It was a major, grassroots “Unity in the Community” festival featuring African-centric vendors, speakers, local musicians, and performers to inspire Black residents before disbanding in 1995. [Pan-African Community Action (PACA)](https://pacapower.org/) is proud to announce that we, in collaboration with several local organizations, will be bringing **Malcolm X Day** back to Anacostia Park on May 17th from noon to 5pm. We will be celebrating the life of Malcolm X and his ideology of Black, working class unity with performances, speakers, food, and informative activities. Co-convening organizations: [Malcolm X Grassroots Movement-DC Chapter](https://freethelandmxgm.org/washingtondc-chapter/), [Black Alliance for Peace–DC](https://www.facebook.com/bapwashingtondc/), [All-African People’s Revolutionary Party (A-APRP)](https://aaprp-intl.org/), [Black Men Build](https://www.blackmen.build/), [African National Women’s Organization (ANWO)](https://anwouhuru.org/), [African People’s Socialist Party (APSP)](https://apspuhuru.org/), [Ujima People’s Progress Party](https://www.instagram.com/uppmaryland/), [Black United Front of Montgomery County](https://www.instagram.com/bufmoco), and [Mosaic Cooperative](https://www.mosaic-cooperative.org/). Add to calendar

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

Join our ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt! All ASL users and learners are welcome. Brunches are alternately held at two restaurants in Greenbelt, both in the same town plaza. ODD WEEKS: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we meet at Cedars of Lebanon, 103 Centerway. EVEN WEEKS: 2nd and 4th Sundays, we meet at New Deal Café,113 Centerway. We are the Greenbelt ASL Community, a group of both Deaf and hearing people who hang out, chat about everyday goings on, trade stories, get to know each other better, and of course, enjoy food together. Many members use ASL as their primary language, several are interpreters or other fluent ASL users, while others are ASL learners who wish to improve their skills while making new friends. Before or after brunch, you can visit the farmer's market and small coop grocery store in the plaza. Please RSVP so we can contact you via email if needed. Our group is on Facebook as Greenbelt ASL Community. Some longtime Brunch attendees don't mark their attendance here, so feel free to stop by even if you don't see others who have RSVP'd on Meet-up.

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

**You're invited to join local Columbus animal advocates as we watch PETA's workshop together on cage-free campaigns. Free vegan pizza will be provided! After the workshop Q&A, we'll have a group discussion and brainstorm on future activism plans. Hope to see you there!** **Here are the details:** **WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6pm EST** **WHERE: KTC Columbus** **If you cannot attend in person, you can still view the workshop virtually at https://www.facebook.com/events/1567122777711333** **Here's some background on the workshop:** **Please join us for an eye-opening online PETA Playbook discussion with PETA’s Associate Director of Vegan Campaigns, Amber Canavan, where we’ll ask the hard-hitting questions about the cage-free campaigns and their impact on both hens and vegan efforts.** **Whether you’re looking to strengthen your outreach or sharpen your messaging around the egg industry’s humane-washing tactics, this workshop will give you practical tools to help others understand what “cage-free” really means for hens and why the label is misleading.** **We’ll explore how to keep conversations respectful, fact-based, and focused on the animals’ reality while encouraging others to take effective action.** **Please join us for this important workshop to learn how you can cut through cage-free marketing and help animals.** **Come ready to learn, ask questions, and ignite your activism for animals!**

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) 15 for One Class 20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space. Viva Dance Columbus 2809 Festival Lane Dublin OH 43017

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

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.